One of the most prominent moments in Zelda games is stepping out into the overworld for the first time. The tutorial is at its end and the player has been ushered into the great adventure that lies before them. And, ever since the beginning of the legend in 1986, the music of the Zelda series has been pivotal to that experience.

Each overworld theme provides an immersive melody tailored to the tone and story of the game. The themes are also often accompanied by a triumphant beat, urging the player to continue on. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the original overworld theme from The Legend of Zelda, as the song truly stands through the test of time. Games like A Link to the Past and Link’s Awakening have even reworked that theme with added percussion and alternate melodies respectively, proving that the song only becomes more adaptable with age. Although later games like Ocarina of Time would see their own iconic melodies come to fruition, it has become more than tradition to nod towards that beginning melody.

For me, it’s a tough choice between The Wind Waker and Spirit Tracks, the sweeping melodies and pulsing sense of adventure always bringing me right back to sailing the waves or riding the rails. However, there is also Twilight Princess that does the same, encapsulating that thrilling sense of adventure and risk that is known and loved.

What do you think? What is your favorite overworld theme? Let us know in the comments below!

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