Top 5 best Zelda games on Switch

Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom top the rankings of the best Zelda games on Switch, but the right choice really depends on your playstyle. Whether it's a massive open world, classic 2D exploration, or nonstop action, there's something for everyone, and they're all compatible Switch 2.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Why this game?

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a huge adventure game for the Switch, and for many, the best Zelda available on the console. You play as Link, who wakes up after a long sleep and must recover his memories in order to defeat Ganon.

What sets this apart from the previous installments is the total freedom. You can climb any wall, glide, cook, and defuse fights however you like. You’re not required to follow a specific order in Hyrule.

Approximately 35 hours to complete the main storyline—and much more if you explore the world’s many shrines and divine creatures. This is the game that redefined the open-world genre in Nintendowith a score of 97/100 on Metacritic up for grabs.

For whom?

This game is for you if you love exploring without checkpoints and wide-open spaces where you can roam freely.

It is also the best place to start the series : You don't need to have played the previous installments of The Legend of Zelda so you can dive right in.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Why this game?

Tears of the Kingdom is here direct continuation of Breath of the Wild. It uses the same map from’Hyrule, but expands it toward the sky and the game's underground depths, which gives you three levels of the world to explore instead of just one.

The big news is the new powers of Link. With the’Right of Way, you put together boards, wheels, and fans to build vehicles or bridges. The’Amalgam lets you fuse your weapons with items to create unique combinations.

In practical terms, each puzzle can be solved by ten different ways depending on your creativity. That's what made this work The Legend of Zelda a 96/100 on Metacritic, one of the highest scores in the entire series.

For whom?

This is the perfect choice if you loved Breath of the Wild and you want even more. Play Breath of the Wild First: the story of Tears of the Kingdom follows directly from that.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Why this game?

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is a remake of a cult classic episode that originally aired on Game Boy in 1993, and then in the version Link’s Awakening DX on Game Boy Color. This version Switch presents the story with a really cute visual style, reminiscent of miniature toys.

You play the role of Link, stranded on the island of Cocolint after a shipwreck. To set out again, you must wake up the Dream Fish by exploring the island's dungeons. Each dungeon hides a clever puzzle and an item that unlocks the next part of the adventure.

It's a real Zelda old-fashioned, with its top view and its controlled progression. The duration is short (about 5 to 6 hours (for the main storyline), making it an ideal title to savor while nomadic mode.

For whom?

Link’s Awakening is perfect if you prefer Classic Zelda Games, far from the open worlds of Breath of the Wild.

You'll find the same spirit as in episodes like A Link to the Past : some puzzle games on Switch well-crafted, compact dungeons, and a more guided progression. It’s also a great introduction to the series The Legend of Zelda in short sessions.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Why this game?

Are you tired of playing? Link ? That works out well. With The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, you finally embody the Princess Zelda as the main character—a first for the series.

Your goal is to save Hyrule thanks to Scepter of the Tri, which lets you create echoes : copies of objects and creatures you encounter in the world. You stack beds to climb, summon a monster to fight for you, and place water to float. Each puzzle has multiple solutions depending on which echoes you’ve unlocked.

For whom?

It's the Zelda Give it a try if you like digging around, experimenting, and solving problems in creative ways. Its top view brings to mind classic episodes such as Link’s Awakening, but with a completely new gameplay mechanic.

The album focuses on the creative thinking rather than on pure action: if you're looking for fast-paced action, you might find it a little slow. It received a 85/100 on Metacritic.

5. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

Why this game?

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is the remastered version of the Zelda originally released on Wii in November 2011. This album is definitely Start of the timeline in the saga, and tells you about the origins of the Master Sword and the curse that haunts Link and Zelda.

You're off to save Zelda and face an ancient threat beneath the clouds of Célesbourg. The adventure is structured around areas to explore and of elaborately designed dungeons, in the tradition of the Zelda classics from the past Breath of the Wild.

The major contribution of this edition HD This applies to orders. You can choose between the gyroscopic controls inherited from the Wii and new ones Traditional joystick controls. This second mode directly addresses the main criticism leveled at the original version and makes the episode much more enjoyable in handheld mode.

For whom?

Skyward Sword HD is aimed at enthusiasts of Zelda narrative and story-centered. If you like puzzle dungeons and a well-structured, linear progression, this game is for you.

On the other hand, if you're looking for complete freedom to explore, you'll feel more at home on Breath of the Wild Where Tears of the Kingdom.

It is also one of the Best Single-Player Games on Switch For anyone looking for an immersive narrative adventure.

BONUS: The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition

Why this game?

Please note, this is not not a real one Zelda in the traditional sense. Forget about puzzles and slow exploration: Hyrule Warriors is a musou (beat 'em up), where you face off against waves of hundreds of enemies on vast battlefields.

The best part is the cast. You play Link, but also Zelda, Impa, Midona or Ganondorf. This Definitive Edition includes all the content from the versions Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, featuring numerous playable characters and all the DLC.

For whom?

This is the title to choose if you want spectacular outlet and lots of action—it's also perfect for playing with a friend on the couch. In fact, it's one of the Switch games for adults which works very well for duet sessions.

On the other hand, if you're looking for the true adventure formula of the saga The Legend of Zelda, start instead with Breath of the Wild Where Tears of the Kingdom.

Other Zelda Games You Should Know About

These six titles aren't the only installments in the series worth checking out. Several other titles have left their mark on the history of The Legend of Zelda.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and Majora’s Mask 3D are available at Nintendo 3DS : two must-play classics from the series, often cited as among the best games of all time. A Link Between Worlds, also on Nintendo 3DS, is a spiritual sequel to A Link to the Past which modernizes the classic formula.

Side Nintendo Switch, Hyrule Warriors: L’Ère du Fléau is a spin-off set before the events of Breath of the Wild. Cadence of Hyrule is a musical and rhythm-based spin-off developed by Brace Yourself Games, surprising and original.

And if you want to explore the origins of the saga, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (released on Game Boy Advance) remains a favorite among fans of the classic series.

Still on the fence? For a first-time Zelda on Switch, begins with Breath of the Wild. Once you're done, move on to Tears of the Kingdom, its direct sequel.

And if you know of another game that deserves a spot on this list, let us know in the comments.

For even more great games Switch :

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