The Legend of Zelda is a video game series created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka. Nintendo, the company that makes and sells these games, has developed and published most of the series. The games take place in a fantasy world similar to medieval Europe, with many recurring places, races, and creatures. This world was partly inspired by Kyoto, the hometown of Miyamoto and designer Hidemaro Fujibayashi. The most common race in the series is the Hylians, who are human-like beings with elf-like features, such as long, pointed ears. The series includes a creation story, fictional writing systems like the Hylian alphabet, and a type of money called the rupee. The games usually follow Link and Princess Zelda as they fight monsters to save their world from Ganon, the main villain. In 2024’s Echoes of Wisdom, players mainly control Zelda instead of Link. Nintendo has organized the series’ stories into a timeline that covers thousands of years.

Hyrule was first introduced in the 1986 game The Legend of Zelda and has remained the main setting in later games. Inspired by dungeon adventure games, Miyamoto and Tezuka created a fantasy world with a 2D map filled with monsters, puzzles, and dungeons. In 1998, the game Ocarina of Time changed Hyrule into a 3D environment. For Breath of the Wild, released in 2017 on the Wii U and Nintendo Switch, Nintendo made Hyrule a large, open world with no clear boundaries. Since its first release, the series has been very successful and has introduced important new ideas in game design that have influenced many other video games.

Overview

The Legend of Zelda series takes place in a fantasy world first introduced in the original game, developed and published by Nintendo. This game established Hyrule as the main setting for the series, along with the main characters Link and Princess Zelda, and the main villain, Ganon. Link has been the main character players control since the series began. However, in the game Echoes of Wisdom, he is only playable during the prologue. Each game in the series has a different storyline, but they all follow a similar main plot. In these stories, Link, a young Hylian man, travels through Hyrule or other lands to save the world from evil, usually Ganon. Zelda, a young Hylian woman from Hyrule's royal family, often helps Link in these stories. She appears in every game except Link's Awakening and Tri Force Heroes, and she is the main character in Echoes of Wisdom. A common story element in the games is Ganon's efforts to obtain the Triforce, a magical object introduced in the first game that gives him great power. While Link and Zelda look similar in each game, different characters with those names appear throughout the series whenever evil threatens the world. Skyward Sword is considered the starting point of the series' history. It describes how the villain Demise cursed the first versions of Link and Zelda, causing them to be reborn repeatedly to protect Hyrule from evil.

Hyrule

I went hiking and found a lake. It was surprising to find it by chance. While traveling without a map, I discovered interesting things along the way and felt what it was like to have an adventure.

Japanese video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto created the land of Hyrule for the original The Legend of Zelda (1986). He described it as "a miniature garden that you can put into a drawer and revisit anytime you like." Miyamoto got ideas from the countryside of Kyoto, where he grew up, and wanted to recreate the feeling of adventure and discovery. With writer Takashi Tezuka, Miyamoto made a fantasy world inspired by authors like Tolkien. This world was viewed from above, and it included colorful characters, monsters, and dungeons for players to explore.

Miyamoto and Tezuka began working on The Legend of Zelda while developing Super Mario Bros. (1985). At first, the game did not have an overworld. In Hyrule Historia, Miyamoto said Nintendo aimed to create a game for the Famicom Disk System. An early version of the game used the Disk System’s ability to rewrite data, allowing players to create and explore dungeons made by others. Miyamoto explained: "We made a one-player game with dungeons under mountains around Death Mountain, but we wanted to explore above ground too. So, we added forests, lakes, and eventually Hyrule Field."

The first plans for the game were written on a whiteboard by Miyamoto and copied onto a document on February 1, 1985. The document included early ideas for items and enemies, such as a compass, bows and arrows, a boomerang, and an early name for Ganon called "Hakkai." These ideas were turned into rough sketches over the next two weeks. The game had no title yet, so it was called "Adventure." A long sheet of paper was used to draw the first map of Hyrule, created by Miyamoto and Tezuka working together. Miyamoto said the name "Hyrule" seemed perfect for a fantasy region. In Japan, the game was released as The Hyrule Fantasy, but this name was later changed to The Legend of Zelda. Miyamoto said this might have been because "Hyrule" sounded too similar to Final Fantasy, which was released in 1987.

The original Hyrule map was designed to encourage exploration. It took several hours to navigate and was not in a straight path, allowing players to choose from many unmarked paths. Some areas were not accessible at first. Miyamoto was influenced by games like The Black Onyx (1984) and Ultima (1981), which focused on exploring fantasy dungeons. The Zelda world was full of mazes, hidden rooms, and treasures. The game’s nine dungeons were hard to find, requiring players to solve map puzzles with little help. The map also included a large overworld made of a grid structure larger than what could fit on a single screen. It was 16 blocks wide and 8 blocks high, covering 128 areas. Miyamoto said maps in North America included hints, but he believed it was more fun to play without them. Players started their adventure in the center of Hyrule and had to find an old man in a cave who gave Link a sword and said, "It’s dangerous to go alone!" As players moved through Hyrule’s overworld and faced enemies, they had to find dungeons that each had unique challenges, items, and bosses.

In the 1980s, role-playing games were new to players. The gameplay was different from fast-paced arcade or home console games like Super Mario Bros.. It offered an open world to explore, puzzles to solve, and a fantasy story about a hero saving a princess and bringing peace to Hyrule. Nintendo’s management was worried about the game’s new concept. In 2003, Miyamoto said in an interview: "We were nervous because The Legend of Zelda was our first game that made players think about what to do next. We feared players might get bored or stressed." During testing, players complained about getting lost in dungeons. Instead of making the game simpler, Miyamoto made it harder by removing Link’s sword at the start and forcing players to find it. He wanted to encourage players to share ideas while solving puzzles.

Link to the Past (1991) introduced a dark version of Hyrule, often caused by Ganon, who was called "the Dark World" in its first version. The game and later versions allowed Link to travel between two similar versions of Hyrule—one without evil and one with—to reuse game assets and save space on game cartridges.

The characters and world of Hyrule were partly inspired by the American TV show Twin Peaks (1990–2017). In an interview, Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma and SRD president Toshihiko Nakago said Link’s Awakening (1993) was the first game in the series to have a clear story. Tezuka suggested making characters in Link’s Awakening "suspicious types" like those in Twin Peaks. Aonuma and former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata believed this idea opened new possibilities for characters and stories in later Zelda games.

Hyrule changed over time with new games. The shift from 2D to 3D happened with Ocarina of Time (1998), made possible by the Nintendo 64. This allowed players to experience a more realistic game world. The 3D version also expanded the fictional story of Hyrule, creating a timeline for future games. Each dungeon in Ocarina of Time was unique and connected to a specific part of Hyrule and its people. Races like the Gorons, Zora, and Gerudo were introduced with their own histories and cultures. Hyrule Field, a large open grassy area, was placed in the center of Hyrule to connect other areas and give the illusion of a vast world.

Because of the Nintendo 64’s limitations, Miyamoto first planned Ocarina of Time to take place in a central hub near Ganon’s Castle, similar to Peach’s Castle in Super Mario 64 (1996). He called Ocarina of Time a "huge project" because it used 3D polygons to create a large game world, bigger than anything he had worked on before. Miyamoto focused first on the types of characters to include rather than the story or game functions. Ocarina of Time had many innovations to help players navigate the 3D world.

Objects

The Triforce, also known as the "Power of the Gods" and the "Golden Triangle," is a triangular sacred relic left behind by the three Golden Goddesses after they created Hyrule. It consists of three smaller triangles: the Triforce of Power, the Triforce of Wisdom, and the Triforce of Courage. These represent the qualities of the goddesses and show a struggle between good and evil among the characters Ganon, Zelda, and Link. The Triforce first appeared in the original game as an important part of the story. In this story, Ganon steals the Triforce of Power, and Link searches for the scattered pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom to stop him and protect Hyrule from evil. The Triforce of Courage was introduced later in The Adventure of Link as the third piece. When all three pieces are united, the person who touches the Triforce can make a wish that usually lasts until they die or the wish is completed. If the person who finds the Triforce does not have a balance of the three qualities it represents, the pieces will separate, leaving the finder with only the piece that matches their most valued trait.

The Master Sword, also called "The Blade of Evil's Bane," "The Sword of Resurrection," or "the sword that seals the darkness," is a magical sword and Link's main weapon. It is one of the few weapons that can harm Ganon and serves as a key to the Sacred Realm. It was first introduced in A Link to the Past and has the ability to "repel evil," allowing it to defeat powerful dark magic and destroy creatures that cannot be harmed by regular weapons. Skyward Sword reveals that the Master Sword was originally called the Goddess Sword and was home to a spirit named Fi, who could think and feel. Near the end of the game, the Goddess Sword becomes the Master Sword after being infused with the Three Sacred Flames. After this transformation, Fi's spirit disappears as the Master Sword absorbs the remains of Demise. The sword is traditionally placed in a stone pedestal hidden in important places in Hyrule, such as the Temple of Time or the Lost Woods. Like the Sword in the Stone, the Master Sword can only be removed by someone who is worthy of using it.

Other lands and worlds

Hyrule is the main place where many games in The Legend of Zelda series take place. However, some games are set in other lands, realms, or parallel worlds. The exact relationship between Hyrule and these other worlds is not clearly explained.

• The Dark World is a parallel world to Hyrule that appears in A Link to the Past. It is a darker version of Hyrule, which is called the Light World.
• The Depths is the underworld in Tears of the Kingdom. It is filled with ruins and mirrors the surface of Hyrule. It is connected to the surface through deep chasms in Hyrule and is very dark until Link activates Lightroots to bring light.
• The Great Sea is the setting of The Wind Waker. It was created when a flood covered Hyrule. Only a few mountain peaks remain above the water, forming islands and archipelagos. Because the islands are small and far apart, players must use maps to navigate the large ocean spaces between them.
• Holodrum is a land in Oracle of Seasons where Link travels. Din finds him there, but he is captured by Onox, the General of Darkness, causing the seasons in Holodrum to become chaotic. A large tree called a Maku Tree protects Holodrum. Link restores order by using a Huge Maku Seed.
• Hytopia is the main setting of Tri Force Heroes. It is ruled by Princess Styla, who wears a plain jumpsuit due to a curse.
• Koholint Island is the setting of Link's Awakening. Link arrives there after a storm and finds a giant egg on the island’s highest peak. To leave, he must awaken the Wind Fish, which causes the island to disappear.
• Labrynna is a land in Oracle of Ages. It becomes chaotic when Nayru is controlled by the sorceress Veran, disrupting the flow of time.
• Lorule is a parallel world to Hyrule in A Link Between Worlds. It is similar to Hyrule in geography and is ruled by Princess Hilda, Zelda’s counterpart. Lorule once had its own Triforce, which caused conflicts. The royal family destroyed the Triforce to end fighting, but this action caused disaster.
• New Hyrule is a kingdom built by Link and Tetra after Phantom Hourglass. It is home to Spirit Tracks, magical train routes created by guardian spirits. These tracks connect different parts of the continent.
• Skyloft is a group of floating islands in Skyward Sword. They were created when the Goddess Hylia used her remaining power to lift surviving Hylians and land above the clouds during the Great War with Demise. Below the clouds is "the Surface."
• The Still World is a place in Echoes of Wisdom connected to Hyrule through rifts. Anything transported there is frozen in time.
• Termina is a parallel world to Hyrule in Majora's Mask. It is divided into four regions: Woodfall (a swampy area), Snowhead (icy mountains), Great Bay (a coastal region), and Ikana Canyon (a wasteland). Its capital, Clock Town, is in the center.
• The Twilight Realm is a parallel world to Hyrule in Twilight Princess. It is home to the Twili, a people ruled by Midna. Midna was overthrown by Zant, who turned the Twili into Shadow Beasts. Link and Midna work together to defeat Zant and restore Hyrule.
• The World of the Ocean King is the setting of Phantom Hourglass. It is similar to the Great Sea but is a parallel world reached through a ghost ship.

Characters

The Legend of Zelda series often includes characters that return in different games, even though many games take place hundreds of years apart. The silent hero, Link, and Princess Zelda are reborn in most games. Ganon, the main villain and final boss in many games, is born from an ancient evil called Demise and returns in new forms. Other characters who appear again include Impa, Zelda’s caretaker, and Tingle, a man who loves fairies. In games like Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, and Twilight Princess, Link gains a horse named Epona. Epona can also be unlocked by scanning an Amiibo toy in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

In many games, Link is accompanied by a helper who guides him. For example, Navi in Ocarina of Time, Midna in Twilight Princess, and Fi in Skyward Sword help Link during the story. In Echoes of Wisdom, Zelda has a similar helper named Tri. Other popular characters in Breath of the Wild include Purah, Prince Sidon, and Urbosa.

Link is the main character in the series and is usually shown as a young Hylian wearing a green cap and tunic. He is often the hero who saves Princess Zelda and defeats Ganon. He uses the Master Sword to fight enemies. Each version of Link is brave and worthy of carrying the Triforce of Courage, one of three pieces that make up the Triforce. Link has appeared in other games, comics, and the Super Smash Bros. series. While he is silent in most games, he speaks in the Legend of Zelda cartoon and some CD-i games. He was named the second greatest video game character of all time by Guinness World Records in 2011.

Princess Zelda is Hyrule’s ruler and guardian of the Triforce of Wisdom. She was once shown as a princess needing rescue, but later games, like Breath of the Wild, portray her as a stronger character. Zelda is reborn as the goddess Hylia and can use magic, such as light magic, to help Link. She has used different names, like Sheik and Tetra, in some games. She has only been playable in a few main series games and some spin-offs, like Hyrule Warriors and Super Smash Bros.. She was named one of the most iconic female game characters by Digital Spy.

Ganon is the main villain and final boss in most games. He seeks the Triforce for power and often appears as a monstrous pig or a human Gerudo named Ganondorf. In Breath of the Wild, he fights as Calamity Ganon and Dark Beast Ganon. In Tears of the Kingdom, he is called the Demon King. Ganon is powerful and can only be defeated by Link and Zelda. He has appeared in games like Hyrule Warriors and Super Smash Bros.. He was named one of the greatest video game villains by Guinness World Records in 2013.

Impa first appeared in the original Legend of Zelda as an elderly Sheikah woman who protects Princess Zelda. She helps Link in many games, including Zelda II: The Adventure of Link and Ocarina of Time. In Skyward Sword, she appears in both young and old forms. In Breath of the Wild, she is an old Sheikah elder in Kakariko Village. She is playable in Hyrule Warriors and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. In Tears of the Kingdom, she is retired and investigates ancient symbols called Geoglyphs. Impa is known for her intelligence and strength.

Impa’s appearance has changed over time. She was first shown as an elderly woman in the original game. In Ocarina of Time, she was younger and had a ponytail. In Oracle of Seasons, she was heavier. In Skyward Sword, she appeared as both young and old versions of herself. In Breath of the Wild, she was very old and small. In Hyrule Warriors, she looked athletic, like she did in Ocarina of Time. In Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, her younger self resembled her future granddaughter, Paya. Her design was inspired by the character Naruto Uzumaki.

Impa is a member of the Sheikah tribe, which is known for having white hair and red eyes. She often wears the Sheikah symbol, an eye with three lines.

Races

Since the original game was released, the series has included many different races. Alongside the Hylian race, which helped create the land of Hyrule, other important races include the Gorons, Gerudo, Rito, and Zora.

• Ancient Robots are a type of old mechanical beings that appear in Skyward Sword. Link meets them in the Lanayru Desert. They were made by the Thunder Dragon Lanayru, but their land became a desert, and they rusted over time. They can be brought back to life using a Timeshift Stone, which changes the present to the past. Although the game designers worried about including advanced technology, they chose to use a softer design inspired by the Dogū, which fit better with fantasy themes.

• Deku Scrubs are small creatures with bodies made of nuts and seeds. They were first introduced in Ocarina of Time. They have glowing red eyes and shoot seeds from their mouths to attack enemies. They use leaves on their heads to hide in nests. Some Deku Scrubs are enemies, but others are friendly and help Hylians. They live in homes and businesses across Hyrule and other lands. Some provide clues to help players progress in games. In Majora's Mask, they have their own kingdom and royal family in Termina. In Echoes of Wisdom, they live in a village called Scrubton. A more aggressive version called Mad Scrubs has red leaves and attacks more often.

• Dragons appear often in the series and are usually either kind protectors or powerful enemies. In Ocarina of Time, Link must defeat Volvagia, a dragon boss in the Fire Temple. In The Wind Waker, the Sky Spirit Valoo is a dragon-like guardian of the Rito tribe. In Twilight Princess, Link faces Argorok, a dragon boss in the City in the Sky. In Skyward Sword, Link is helped by three dragons—Faron, Eldin, and Lanayru—who protect the three regions of the Surface. In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, dragons named Dinraal, Naydra, and Farosh appear in Hyrule. Tears of the Kingdom introduces two new dragons: the Light Dragon, which is Zelda after she becomes a dragon to restore the Master Sword, and the Demon Dragon, which is Ganondorf after he becomes a dragon to fight Link.

• Fairies are small, magical creatures with wings that often hide in light. They are shy and can be found near fairy fountains or springs in Hyrule. In most games, catching a fairy heals Link, and he can store them in bottles to use later. If Link dies while holding a bottled fairy, it will revive him. Great fairies are powerful and can strengthen Link’s items. In Ocarina of Time, the Kokiri tribe has a close relationship with their guardian fairies, such as Navi, who helps Link learn about the world outside Kokiri Forest.

• The Gerudo are a race of human warrior-thieves from the Gerudo Desert. They have red hair, pointed noses, gold or green eyes, and bronzed skin. Like the Amazons, they are all women except for one man born every century, who becomes their king. Without a male king, female leaders rule instead. The main villain, Ganon, appears as a Gerudo king named Ganondorf. In Majora’s Mask, the Gerudo live in a fortress by the ocean. In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, they are traders. In Breath of the Wild, Link must dress as a woman to enter Gerudo Town, but in Tears of the Kingdom, he does not need to disguise himself because he helps the Gerudo fight enemies.

• The Gorons are a race of rock-like people who live in mountains. They first appeared in Ocarina of Time. They can roll on the ground and have strong, round bodies. Gorons value strength and brotherhood, calling others they respect "Brother" or "Big Brother." They enjoy competitions like wrestling and racing. They live in tribes led by a leader, such as Darunia in Ocarina of Time. They live in places like Death Mountain and can survive heat and lava. They eat rocks and minerals they mine from the earth.

• Hylians are a human-like race that mostly live in Hyrule. They are the main characters, such as Link and Zelda, and created an organized society similar to medieval Europe. They were made by the goddess Hylia and have magic-infused blood that gives them psychic powers. Their pointed ears help them hear messages from gods. In Skyward Sword, Hylians live on Skyloft, a floating island with bird-like creatures called Loftwings. They have many skin, hair, and eye colors. They have large armies to protect Hyrule from enemies like Ganon.

• The Kokiri are a small, fairy-like race that lives in Kokiri Forest. They separated from the Hylians to live a simpler life. They are protected by the Great Deku Tree, which stops them from aging once they grow up. They believe they will die if they leave the forest. Each Kokiri has a fairy as a lifelong friend, guardian, and teacher. Link was raised by the Kokiri in Ocarina of Time, though he was not born to them. His mother left him with the Great Deku Tree when he was a baby.

• The Koroks are small, plant-like beings that first appeared in The Wind Waker. They were once Kokiri before the Great Flood. They have wooden bodies and leaf masks, and use sprouts to move. They leave their home, "Forest Haven," to plant seeds from the Great Deku Tree around the world. They return yearly for a ceremony. In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Koroks are found in Hyrule, and their seeds can be traded with Hestu, a large Korok, to upgrade weapon slots. They are hard to find, even though there are many of them, and are best protected in Korok Forest, a hidden place in the Lost Woods.

• The Oocca are bird-like creatures with long necks and human-like faces. They appear in Twilight Princess and live in the City in the Sky, a floating city that is the seventh dungeon in the game. Link reaches the city by launching himself from a giant cannon.

Enemies

The appearance of some creatures changes in different games of the series:

• Armos are animated statues that guard ancient ruins. They come to life and attack when disturbed. They have monstrous shapes and carry a sword and shield. If Link gets close, they chase him. They first appeared in The Legend of Zelda.
• Bokoblins are goblin-like creatures that first appeared in The Wind Waker. They come in many colors. In The Wind Waker, they often use boko sticks, machetes, and clubs. They always wear loincloths with a skull on them, even though their looks change in different games. In Twilight Princess, they are less common, and Bulblins take over as standard enemies. In Skyward Sword, Bokoblins serve the Demon Tribe, working for Demon Lord Ghirahim and Demon King Demise. This game also introduces Technoblins and Cursed Bokoblins, which are undead Bokoblins that can curse Link. In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Bokoblins are weak, funny-looking enemies that live in camps across Hyrule.
• Chuchus are jelly-like creatures with round, see-through bodies, stalk-like eyes, and a smiling mouth. They move by bouncing. They appear in many colors and have special abilities. When defeated, they drop jelly that Link can use as ingredients or to upgrade armor.
• Darknuts are large knights wearing armor and carrying swords and shields. They first appeared in The Legend of Zelda and appear again in Twilight Princess and other games.
• Floormasters and Wallmasters are ghostly hands that pull adventurers back to the entrance of a dungeon. Floormasters split into smaller versions when attacked. Wallmasters first appeared in The Legend of Zelda, while Floormasters first appeared in Ocarina of Time. Floormasters also appear in The Wind Waker and The Minish Cap.
• Gibdos are mummy-like undead creatures. They move slowly, like zombies. In some games, burning their bandages reveals a Stalfos or ReDead underneath. They first appeared in The Legend of Zelda.
• Gohma are boss monsters that look like giant bugs with one eye. The eye is their weak spot. The first Gohma appeared in The Legend of Zelda.
• Guardians are large, mechanical enemies that shoot powerful lasers from their single eye. They appear in Breath of the Wild. Guardian Stalkers move on legs, while Guardian Skywatchers use propellers to fly. Producer Eiji Aonuma explained that their design and size were inspired by Octoroks from the original game.
• Hinox are enemies and sub-bosses in the series. They look like one-eyed giants and are vulnerable at their eye. They appear in many games, including A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, and Breath of the Wild. In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Hinox can be red, blue, or black, depending on their strength. They are the largest enemies in Breath of the Wild and can pull trees to attack players. Stalnox are bony versions of Hinox that appear in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
• Keese are bat-like monsters that hide in dark places like caves. They dive at players to bite them. Some Keese can carry fire, ice, or electricity. They first appeared in The Legend of Zelda.
• Like Likes are yellow, round monsters that suck in large creatures and steal items. They dissolve into puddles when killed, leaving behind stolen items. They first appeared in The Legend of Zelda.
• Lizalfos are fast, lizard-like enemies that attack in pairs. They can dodge and block attacks. They first appeared in Ocarina of Time. In Breath of the Wild, they throw weapons and dash at players.
• Lynels are large, centaur-like creatures with lion heads and cow horns. They first appeared in The Legend of Zelda. They come in red, blue, white, and silver, with each color showing their strength. In Breath of the Wild, they are very strong and hard to defeat.
• Moblins are pig-faced enemies that work for Ganon. They use spears, swords, bows, or clubs. They are common enemies and are described as greedy and not very smart. They first appeared in The Legend of Zelda.
• Octoroks are octopus-like monsters that throw rocks from their mouths. They appear in every game except Twilight Princess. Some live on land, while others live in water.
• Poes are ghostly creatures that carry lanterns. They haunt graveyards and other spooky places. In some games, they can become invisible. In Tears of the Kingdom, they appear in the Depths as items used to trade with Bargainer Statues. They first appeared in A Link to the Past.
• ReDeads are zombie-like undead creatures with dark skin and flat faces. They can paralyze enemies with a scream and drain their health. They first appeared in Ocarina of Time.
• Skulltulas are giant spiders with human skulls on their bodies. They hang from ceilings in dark places, waiting to drop on players. They first appeared in Ocarina of Time.
• Stalfos are animated skeletons that were once warriors. They fight for evil powers like Ganon. In Ocarina of Time, they are created when humans get lost in the Lost Woods. They first appeared in The Legend of Zelda.
• Tektites are four-legged, insect-like creatures with one eye. They jump on enemies and can walk on water. They first appeared in The Legend of Zelda.
• Wizzrobes are wizard-like creatures that wear robes and use magic. They first appeared in The Legend of Zelda. In later games, Fire, Ice, and Electric Wizzrobes appear. Breath of the Wild also introduces stronger versions like Meteo Wizzrobes, Blizzrobes, and Thunder Wizzrobes.

Reception

In their January 2010 issue, Nintendo Power included Hyrule, along with the Mushroom Kingdom from Super Mario, Planet Zebes from Metroid, the player’s town from Animal Crossing, and Metro City from Final Fight, as five of their 50 "reasons to love Nintendo." Steve Watts of GameSpot praised the original game world, saying that even though it is simple, it makes players feel like they are on a big adventure in the wild. He also noted that the lack of direct guidance in later Zelda games made the world seem larger and more mysterious. In 2014, Yannick LeJacq of Kotaku said that Hyrule is one of the most famous settings in video game history. Players of The Legend of Zelda have studied it in some way for nearly 30 years.

Critics praised the impact of the game world in Ocarina of Time on both gamers and the design of later 3D game worlds. The open world of Hyrule in Breath of the Wild has also been praised for its design. In 2021, Noelle Warner of Destructoid said the game world felt cozy and comforting during the time after the pandemic. She said she would enjoy living in seven of the nine towns she ranked for comfort. She gave the highest praise to Tarrey Town, which was surrounded by a lake, had homes arranged in a circle, and offered views of autumn trees. She also appreciated the beauty and visuals of other towns. Other critics highlighted the size of the open world, its appearance, and how it was designed to help players move through it easily.

In 2020, senior editor Caty McCarthy of USgamer ranked the in-game map of A Link to the Past as the best video game map. IGN ranked Hyrule as the sixth greatest game world. In 2021, Evan Narcisse of Kotaku listed Hyrule as one of the most detailed and richly developed fantasy worlds in video games.

Influence and legacy

Since the first The Legend of Zelda game was released, experts have discussed how the game and its universe have shaped the video game industry. They noted that the original game influenced games like World of Warcraft, Grand Theft Auto (1997–present), The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011), Dark Souls (2011–2016), and many other action role-playing games. The original Zelda game was very successful for Nintendo, selling over 6.5 million copies. Many experts have called it one of the greatest video games ever made.

Experts said that Ocarina of Time helped shape how 3D adventure games are designed, especially because of features like the "Z-targeting" system. Keza MacDonald from The Guardian pointed out that a similar system from the 1998 game was used in Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018). The way the game’s controls were arranged also influenced other games, such as Halo (2001–present), Call of Duty (2003–present), and Gears of War (2006–2019), according to Tom Power from GamesRadar+. The feeling of excitement a player experiences when first entering Hyrule Field in Ocarina of Time has inspired similar moments in games like Grand Theft Auto III (2001), Red Dead Redemption 2, Crackdown (2007), and Fallout 3 (2008).

After Breath of the Wild was released in 2017, many game developers said it inspired their work. Alx Preston, who created Hyper Light Drifter, said the game’s freedom to explore and experiment was very inspiring. Adam Saltsman, who made Canabalt, noted how consistent the game world was and how players could try new things. Rami Ismail from Vlambeer said no game had shown vertical movement as well as Breath of the Wild. Experts and developers said Breath of the Wild influenced games like Genshin Impact (2020), Immortals Fenyx Rising (2020), Horizon Forbidden West (2022), Death Stranding (2019), and Elden Ring (2022). It also inspired the storytelling in the game Telling Lies (2019). When it was released, Breath of the Wild received high praise and became the most successful game in the Zelda series. It sold 29 million copies on the Nintendo Switch by December 2022 and over 1.6 million copies on the Wii U by July 2022.