Daily Debate: Which Game In The Zelda Series Has The Best Dungeon Maps?

We’ve all heard that familiar jingle when Link plunders a chest in a dungeon. Ready? Da-na-na-naaaaa! Of the three items: compass, map and boss key, most are hoping to find the map first — and quickly. For our daily debate today, I’d like you to consider which game in the Legend of Zelda series has the best dungeon maps? For the purpose of this debate, let’s also assume you have found the compass as well.

Not having the best sense of direction, I find navigating maps a necessary evil. I’m the type of player that likes to wander freely collecting keys, killing enemies and stumbling into mini boss fights by accident. Other players I know are far more organized, they study the map for clues and regularly check back as they progress through the dungeon. These are the ones that have a pretty good idea about where to go next, or at least rooms they have a hunch about.

I found the dungeon maps for Link’s Awakening on my Game Boy Color were sufficient to get by. It’s surprising what you can achieve with basic squares, symbols and good level design. But the Zelda maps that I remember most vividly are the Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask maps. They were big and bright, and rather than just being squares, actually contained the general outline shape of the room you were in. You could have the map on screen in the corner whilst you played, and a yellow pointer to show your location as you moved around. These are small things, but having them made navigating dungeons that little bit easier for me. Breath of the Wild’s three dimensional efforts look impressive, but are they clearer? From personal experience, I can zoom in and out as much I want, but I miss the 2D versions!

So, what are your thoughts on this? Which Zelda game do you think has the best dungeon maps? Do you prefer a 3D Vah Rudania map or a 2D version of Deepwood Shrine in The Minish Cap? Let us know in the comments below!