The Legend of Zeldaseems to alter its approach to game design with each new release. From the linearity thatLink’s Awakeningadopts on Koholint Island to the unstructured expanse ofBreath of the Wild, the franchise never seems to linger on one philosophy for too long. There are, however, plenty of recurring themes and items that ensure eachZeldagame feels like it belongs alongside the last. Rupees, Heart Containers, Link’s plucky personality, andthe majesty of Hyrule itselfare more often than not essential components of each new entry.
Another mainstay inThe Legend of Zeldais companions, often cropping up to assist Link’s quest to rid the land of evil and restore peace to Hyrule. Not all journeys have a companion, but enough are present to make it feel like an omission when Link must complete his task alone.Breath of the Wildfeels lonely, and while this is perhaps by design the solitude is evident from the game’s opening stages and never truly goes away. Link’s grappling of the wild is the most important element of the game, but his collaboration with other quirky personalities often makes for the series' best moments.
RELATED:Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Seems to Strip Link of Everything, Even the Master Cycle Zero
S-Tier
The King of Red Lions:Appearing inThe Wind Wakeras a critical character for the story and gameplay, The King of Red Lions comes to Link in his hour of need, and is as useful as he is charming. Not only does The King of Red Lions offer informative and entertaining dialogue, but his form as a boat makes getting around the Great Sea possible. His wisdom is evident from the get-go, so when it’s revealed that he is actually the King of Hyrule andTetra is the Princess Zelda, it makes complete sense.
Epona:Although not a traditional companion that offers hints and engaging story moments, Epona is Link’s trusted friend, and has become an expectation in anyZeldagame that takes place in a broad, explorable setting. She’s brave, loyal, and useful as she can make trips through the land much faster and easier. InBreath of the Wild,Epona is elusive but can be acquired, giving the otherwise unorthodox game more familiarity. Epona is as iconic and beloved asZeldacompanions can get.
Midna:Twilight Princessis often criticized for its drab color palette, frustrating motion controls, and unbalanced difficulty. It wasmore highly praised with its Wii U rereleasethat ironed out some of the kinks, but one of the things that has remained loved since the game’s 2006 release is Midna. The princess of the Twilight Realm, Midna is first introduced to Link when he’s in his wolf form and trapped in the aforementioned realm. At first, Midna comes across as playful, but rude and cold, yet over the course of the game, she’s given a backstory and character depth that makes her one of the most memorable components ofTwilight Princess.
A-Tier
Fi:As is common among Link’s companions, Fi can get really annoying at times. It’s a significant weakness to her character as it makes her feel too persistent and impatient, but Fi’s presence ensures thatSkyward Swordnever feels like a solo effort. She comes from the Goddess Sword that Link is led to on Skyloft, confirming him to be the hero who would restore peace to Hyrule. As such she’s wise in ways that Link is naive, and the balance between the two makesSkyward Swordfeel like a true collaborative feat. Fi is only featured in the 2011 game, butBreath of the Wild 2may be hinting at Fi’s return.
Princess Zelda:With her name on the cover of all games in the series,Princess Zelda is perhaps more synonymous with the franchisethan Link himself. Often she’s frustratingly reduced to a damsel in distress, but other times, she features heavily in the story being told likeSkyward SwordandThe Wind Waker, which are perhaps not surprisingly some of the best narratives in the series. Her appearance isSpirit Tracksis substantial, as she accompanies Link throughout and is always one of the best parts of the often-forgotten game. She’s inherited some of Tetra’s personality, and in many ways is the main character rather than Link this time.
Loftwing: Link’s Loftwing inSkyward Swordis a companion that can’t be forgotten. It serves its role in the game dutifully, and it really connects to all aspects of the game’s lore. It may really only be relevant for a single entry, but it goes a long way in making that entry the best it can be.
Linebeck:An essential figure inPhantom Hourglass, Linebeck is the captain of the SS Linebeck and accompanies Link on his journey to find and save Tetra, but has his own goal of discovering treasure aboard the Ghost Ship. His character is remarkably different from Link, which makes their dynamic a pleasant one to witness. AlthoughLinebeck is a piratewhich comes with expectations of might and bravery, Linebeck is cowardly and selfish, and as such offers a fun and unexpected companion who is more often than not a total liability.
RELATED:How Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Can Improve Its Open-World Design
B-Tier
Tatl:Majora’s Maskis a direct sequel to 1998’sOcarina of Time, and some believe it to be the bestZeldagame to date. Appearing inThe Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, Tatl starts out as a companion to another. Tatl and Tael are fairy inhabitants of Termina, and when the former is separated from the latter, she relies on Link to help find her brother as well as stop Skull Kid from destroying the land they call home. She’s frosty at first, but warms to Link as a matter of reliance and, eventually, friendship. Far less annoying than another fairy companion, Tatl feels like she has more of a personality to show, and is undoubtedly less distracting.
Ezlo:The titular cap inThe Minish Capon Game Boy Advance, Ezlo is much like Cappy inMario Odysseyin that his form as an iconic character’s hat makes him integral to the game’s presentation as well as story. Ezlo started life as a Minish (or Picori), and was turned into a hat by Vaati. His inclusion in the game is mostly functional, though, as he helps Link with hints, can allow him to shrink to the size of a Picori, and opens up to be a parachute when needed.
C-Tier
Navi:Navi is notoriously frustrating and often intrudes on the otherwise pleasant experience ofOcarina of Time.Shigeru Miyamoto has even criticized Navias the game’s weak point, and while she doesn’t help herself sometimes, she does assist Link in ways that are expected of a companion. Giving hints throughout, she undoubtedly makes the Hero of Time’s journey far easier and assisted the franchise’s jump to 3D. When Navi leaves Link uponOcarina of Time’s conclusion, it’s a sad but relieving moment.
Ciela:Ciela is far from a badaddition toPhantom Hourglass, but is largely forgettable thanks to being isolated on a game that is one of the few in theZeldaproperty that isn’t particularly loved. She’s introduced to Link early on and has lost her memory, and quickly finds a place in the game’s narrative, but hits too many stereotypes to be a truly memorableZeldacompanion.
Ricky, Moosh, and Dmitri: The Animal companions oftheOracleduologyare adorable, but like Ciela, they are rather isolated. How they impact the world around them gets them some points, but not enough to rise above this tier.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2is set to release early 2023 for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Why The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is One of the Most Unique Entries in the Franchise
