Daily Debate: How Would You Design Characters for the Next Generation of Zelda Games?
Posted on February 03 2025 by Kat Vadam

There is no shortage of iconic characters in the Zelda series. There’s Link, the ever-heroic and silent protagonist whose boots we don to trudge the world as we battle monsters and save the day. There’s Zelda, the silent princess, the scholar, the very essence of Wisdom and the Goddess Hylia. And then there’s Ganondorf, hatred, malice, and evil incarnate, son of the Gerudo born every 100 years.
Malon. Marin. Midna. Bolson. Impa. Groose. Tingle — yes, I said it; no, I don’t regret it. The list goes on and on and on. This. Game. Has. Characters. Love them or hate them, but never deny there are some we align ourselves with and hope to see in every game.
But…what if they were all retired? They deserve it. It’s hypothetically time. Every single one of them is sent to the annals of time, to live out their days in our hearts.
It’s time for a new generation to take the stage. And it’s up to YOU, the players, to design them, give them life, and send them on their journeys through Hyrule. From their backstory to their appearance, you create it all.
Who would they be? Who would you create to take each character’s place? Who would you design for a new generation of Zelda games? Let us know in the comments below!

Kat Vadam is a mother of one, proud cat mom, and wife to someone far nerdier than she could ever hope to be. She also works by day as an analyst, writer, and editor. Here at Zelda Dungeon, she has worn many hats, but her heart has always been in the writing. Someday, she plans on giving up all her worldly possessions to move to the forest and become best friends with a korok. Were it so easy.