Daily Debate: What is Link’s Best Alternative Outfit?

While the titular princess of The Legend of Zelda has seen a plethora of design alterations over the years, Link has been garbed in a remarkably consistent manner. It makes sense for the sole playable protagonist of such a long-running franchise to be instantly recognizable, and clothing can be a key aspect of that visual influence. While occasionally named differently, Link’s green tunic, leather boots, and flowing cap are as iconic as Mario’s overalls. This is by far Link’s most commonly worn outfit, but there have been many instances throughout the series where a wardrobe change has been prudent, whether for progression or aesthetics. Zelda fans don’t quite have their own version of “Fashion Souls“, but there have been some unique alternative outfits to choose from. Which is your favorite?

In the early days of The Legend of Zelda and A Link to the Past (and reprised in A Link Between Worlds), rings and mail armor were the only ways of changing Link’s appearance. These provided defensive boosts and could not be changed once acquired. Link’s Awakening introduced a choice between Red and Blue Tunics when completing the optional Color Dungeon, which increase attack and defense respectively. While Link could swap between the two by returning to the dungeon’s deepest chamber, the green tunic was, originally, lost forever. Thankfully, this was rectified in the 2019 remake. Ocarina of Time also contains the red Goron Tunic and the blue Zora Tunic. The former allows Link to traverse extremely hot areas while the latter grants the ability to breathe underwater. These outfits can be swapped at any time from the inventory to reap their situational benefits. Personally, I always switch back to the green Kokiri Tunic to preserve Link’s iconic look.

Some alternative outfits are secrets or unlockables, and none is more popular than Link’s crayfish pajamas from The Wind Waker. Besides a brief stint in the crustaceous clothing at the game’s outset…Outset Island, this garment can be worn when starting a second quest on a completed save file. Technically, the real outfit is an invisible version of the Hero’s Clothes. Pedantry aside, it’s great that there’s some changed dialogue acknowledging Link’s sillier attire, and this only adds to the game’s whimsical charm. In Twilight Princess, after completing the lengthy Malo Mart side quest, Link can purchase the Magic Armor. While donning this regalia, he is protected from all damage, but at the cost of Rupees, or a severe movement penalty if his funds run dry. Twilight Princess also has Zora Armor for underwater breathing, but the addition of flippers and scales make it look extremely goofy.

As with many Zelda topics, Breath of the Wild blows the conversation’s doors wide open. There is a much larger collection of different clothing and armor sets with various effects and defensive values. The Hylian Set could arguably be considered the game’s “standard” set, but changing outfits is frequently incentivized based on the temperature, objective, or combat scenario. Breath of the Wild’s commitment to player freedom essentially renders wearing clothing entirely optional. Link is more than capable of defeating Calamity Ganon in his ancient Sheikah boxer briefs. Despite the level of flexibility, my go-to garb has always been the Climbing Set. The benefits it confers are constantly useful, and Link pulls off the bandana surprisingly well.

A few outfits have gone unmentioned, namely starting outfits that are promptly replaced, such as the Ordonian Outfit and Engineer’s Clothes. While these do look pretty interesting, they aren’t present enough to make much of an impact. Which alternative outfit is your favorite? Do you tend to wear optional clothing or stick with Link’s iconic tunic? Let us know in the comments below!

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Sorted Under: A Link Between Worlds, A Link to the Past, Breath of the Wild, Daily Debate, Games, Link's Awakening, Oracle of Ages, Original Content, The Wind Waker, Twilight Princess
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