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 grow to be iconic, as has the Grasp Sword, which he makes use of to destroy evil all through quite a few digital lands. He’s widespread 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 particular person.

In 2023, Polygon is embarking on a Zeldathon. Be a part of us on our journey by way of The Legend of Zelda collection, 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 most 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 difficult, however that’s the final 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 the case of our hero: Which of them could be a superb cling? We’re not involved about how highly effective every Hyperlink is, or which is most heroic — we simply wish to determine what the vibes are like with every of them. Utilizing an especially scientific technique 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 particular person, and it’s exhausting to not accuse them of being “self-absorbed” with the entire choreographed formations deal. However it additionally means you have got a full crew for any type 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 slightly transactional, however this Hyperlink is an efficient cling.

4. Twilight Princess Hyperlink

Picture: Nintendo

Twilight Princess Hyperlink incorporates multitudes. He’s a salt-of-the-earth ranch hand, which may very well be good for a bonfire evening or easy nation dwelling. However as we all know, he’s additionally obtained a wild aspect to him that may manifest in sudden methods. Particularly, 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 may very well be a deal breaker for some. However the vary of social capabilities wherein this Hyperlink may be comfy? He’s a chameleon price 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 sophisticated explorer right here. Meaning you’re going to get good tales, even when he might devolve into that one that 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 evening? Hyperlink can rewind that for you. The vibes are good on this Hyperlink, however guarantee that 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 buddy with an enormous hen you could trip could be unimaginable. He’s extremely loyal to his buddy Zelda, so he’s most likely going to be a loyal buddy 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. Moreover possessing a very sturdy sense of journey that can all the time 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, after all) about any state of affairs. His crew can 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 occasion it doesn’t matter what.

The 5 worst Hyperlinks to hold with

5. Minish Cap Hyperlink

This Hyperlink may very well be a superb cling. He actually might. He’s obtained a whimsical sense about him, and a transparent appreciation for the sweetness and sanctity of nature. However generally an individual’s vibes are ruined by the corporate they maintain. On this case, we have to speak in regards to the titular Minish Cap, Ezlo. He’s a loudmouth and has the nasty behavior of interrupting the peaceable moments you may be sharing with Hyperlink in nature. It’s probably not his fault, however his mates destroy this Hyperlink’s attraction.

4. Spirit Tracks Hyperlink

Spirit Tracks Hyperlink is one thing of a combined bag. He’s obtained allure 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 may actually go both method: a chill dude who is aware of how to make things better, or a hobbyist who’s slightly too into their interest and it’s the one factor they ever wish to do. Since this Hyperlink can be a licensed Practice Man, the second choice appears extra seemingly. Due to this fact, 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 exhausting to belief anybody who takes weapons from previous males inside stated caves.

2. Breath of the Wild Hyperlink

Sure, Breath of the Wild is among 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 will be like hanging out with somebody from 1923: novel in principle, however supremely awkward in apply. 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, chargeable for catapulting The Legend of Zelda’s reputation into what it’s right now with the collection’ transfer into the 3D house. 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 obtained an annoying babysitter who received’t cease bothering you. Arduous move.

Worst non-canon rubbish cling

1. CD-i Hyperlink

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