The Legend of Zelda’s coolest and decidedly uncool variations of Hyperlink

Within the pantheon of online game characters, few are extra recognizable than Hyperlink. His inexperienced tunic has change into iconic, as has the Grasp Sword, which he makes use of to destroy evil all through quite a few digital lands. He’s in style sufficient to have crossed over into a variety of different video games, from Tremendous Smash Bros. to Tremendous Mario Maker to Soulcalibur. He’s additionally not only one individual.

In 2023, Polygon is embarking on a Zeldathon. Be a part of us on our journey by way of The Legend of Zelda sequence, from the unique 1986 sport to the discharge of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and past.

Most video games within the Zelda franchise introduce a brand new Hyperlink. Whereas lots of the particulars keep largely the identical (heroic nature, normally some type of inexperienced tunic, silent protagonist), every is their very own discrete iteration with distinctive traits and character quirks. (It will get sophisticated, however that’s the overall gist of it.)

With so many variations of this beloved character, the Hyperlinks lend themselves to rating, and there’s a urgent query that has not been addressed in terms of our hero: Which of them can be a superb cling? We’re not involved about how highly effective every Hyperlink is, or which is most heroic — we simply wish to work out what the vibes are like with every of them. Utilizing a particularly scientific methodology to parse by way of every Hyperlink’s in-game mannerisms, private histories, and basic vibes, we’re detailing each one of the best and worst variations of Hyperlink to spend time with.

The 5 greatest Hyperlinks to hold with

5. 4 Swords Adventures Hyperlink

Splitting into 4 separate doppelgängers is the primary mechanical conceit in 4 Swords Adventures, and it’s additionally key to this Hyperlink’s vibes. It might get fairly hectic rolling with that many of 1 individual, and it’s arduous to not accuse them of being “self-absorbed” with the entire choreographed formations deal. Nevertheless it additionally means you’ve a full crew for any kind of group occasion, and you’ll by no means want to rent a transferring firm ever once more (you simply must pay for some Lon Lon Milk for all of them). It’s somewhat transactional, however this Hyperlink is an effective cling.

4. Twilight Princess Hyperlink

Picture: Nintendo

Twilight Princess Hyperlink incorporates multitudes. He’s a salt-of-the-earth ranch hand, which could possibly be good for a bonfire night time or easy nation residing. However as we all know, he’s additionally acquired a wild facet to him that may manifest in surprising methods. Specifically, he turns right into a literal wolf. You by no means fairly know what you’re going to get with this Hyperlink, and that unpredictability could possibly be a deal breaker for some. However the vary of social features by which this Hyperlink might be comfy? He’s a chameleon value taking alongside.

3. Oracle of Seasons/Ages Hyperlink

As the only iteration of Hyperlink who has appeared in essentially the most video games (Capcom’s Oracle video games, Hyperlink’s Awakening, and Hyperlink to the Previous), you’ll be getting a cosmopolitan explorer right here. Meaning you’re going to get good tales, even when he might devolve into that one who thinks they know the solutions to each downside going through the world as a result of they’ve traveled. The large draw right here is the powers gained within the Oracle video games. Hate winter? Hyperlink can flip it to summer season. Did one thing embarrassing on the bar final night time? Hyperlink can rewind that for you. The vibes are good on this Hyperlink, however make it possible for all the facility doesn’t go to his head.

2. Skyward Sword Hyperlink

The primary chronological Hyperlink advantages from his setting. Everybody on Skyloft appears fairly mellow, for essentially the most half, and having a pal with a large chook which you can trip can be unimaginable. He’s extremely loyal to his pal Zelda, so he’s most likely going to be a loyal pal to you, too. He does assist set up a monarchy system in Hyrule on the finish of the sport, which isn’t an ideal look. However his pleasant and laid-back vibes nonetheless elevate him into good-hang territory.

1. Wind Waker/Phantom Hourglass Hyperlink

Picture: Nintendo

Bar none, that is the Hyperlink that’s one of the best cling. Apart from possessing a very robust sense of journey that can at all times result in a superb story, this Hyperlink has pizazz. He’s the sassiest of all Hyperlinks, and also you simply know he’ll have one thing humorous to say (by way of facial expressions and expressive physique language, in fact) about any state of affairs. His crew can also be a bunch of jolly pirates, so hanging with this Hyperlink means hanging with people who find themselves simply as enjoyable as he’s. He’s additionally a ship man, and years of watching Under Deck confirms that this implies he’s all the way down to social gathering it doesn’t matter what.

The 5 worst Hyperlinks to hold with

5. Minish Cap Hyperlink

This Hyperlink could possibly be a superb cling. He actually might. He’s acquired a whimsical sense about him, and a transparent appreciation for the wonder and sanctity of nature. However generally an individual’s vibes are ruined by the corporate they hold. On this case, we have to discuss concerning the titular Minish Cap, Ezlo. He’s a loudmouth and has the nasty behavior of interrupting the peaceable moments you would be sharing with Hyperlink in nature. It’s probably not his fault, however his buddies break this Hyperlink’s enchantment.

4. Spirit Tracks Hyperlink

Spirit Tracks Hyperlink is one thing of a blended bag. He’s acquired appeal and is fairly expressive, so that you’re going to get a superb response out of your jokes and tales. He’s additionally an engineer, which might actually go both method: a chill dude who is aware of how to sort things, or a hobbyist who’s somewhat too into their passion and it’s the one factor they ever wish to do. Since this Hyperlink can also be a licensed Prepare Man, the second possibility appears extra probably. Subsequently, he’s a foul cling.

3. The Legend of Zelda Hyperlink

Picture: Nintendo

This Hyperlink is the unique, so perhaps we do want to indicate him some respect. However do you actually wish to spend time with somebody who spends a lot time in caves? (Except you’re into spelunking — then go wild.) Additionally, it’s arduous to belief anybody who takes weapons from previous males inside mentioned caves.

2. Breath of the Wild Hyperlink

Sure, Breath of the Wild is likely one of the greatest video games ever made. However this Hyperlink doesn’t have one of the best vibes. He’s been on ice for 100 years, so it could be like hanging out with somebody from 1923: novel in idea, however supremely awkward in follow. And whereas being able to maintain himself off the land is sweet, it looks like he’d give off “doomsday prepper” and “rock-climbing bro” vibes. Additionally, you simply know that this man smells horrific.

1. Ocarina of Time/Majora’s Masks Hyperlink

Picture: Nintendo

That is maybe essentially the most iconic model of Hyperlink, accountable for catapulting The Legend of Zelda’s recognition into what it’s at this time with the sequence’ transfer into the 3D area. He would even be a disastrously unhealthy cling. This Hyperlink grew up in a tree raised by forest individuals who by no means cease being youngsters, so social expertise are out the window. There’s no likelihood for him to study both, as he’s then frozen in time for seven years, which screams man-child vibes. And irrespective of the place he goes, he’s acquired an annoying babysitter who gained’t cease bothering you. Onerous cross.

Worst non-canon rubbish cling

1. CD-i Hyperlink

Getting run by way of by the Grasp Sword can be a greater time than spending a second with this dweeb.