Daily Debate: Which Incarnation of Link Looks the Best?

Despite the iconic green tunic (that is until 2017’s Breath of the Wild), Link has sported many different looks throughout the years in The Legend of Zelda. He might always have the same overall pointy ears and shaggy hair, but his facial features, overall physique, and renditions of his tunic have undergone many different styles. Which brings us to the controversial question: Which one looks the best? Which incarnation of Link is your favorite?

Honestly, for me, it’s hard to choose! We have Twilight Princess Link who is probably the most beefed up, muscular, and epic Link we’ve seen to date. Then there’s Skyward Sword Link with his soft features, charming smile, and bold eyeliner (yes, I know its really his eyelashes, but still). Toon Link from The Wind Waker was a nice change-up from the ordinary realistic style of the games and is small but mighty. And of course we have to remember pink-haired Link from A Link to the Past who gave us some extra pizazz. There’s Link who is man enough to rock the short shorts in the original The Legend of Zelda. And we can’t forget Breath of the Wild Link who may be on the short side, but looks handsome with his low ponytail, brilliant blue eyes and tunic, and, as our friend, Paya describes in her diary, “blond sideburns [that] flow like a golden waterfall over his dignified, pointy ears.” It seems everyone in the Breath of the Wild era has a thing for this pretty Link, and let’s not forget that now he has let his long flowing hair down from the look of the sequel (*ahem* I may or may not have a crush on him too.)

I do love every version of Link because they all bring something different and distinct to the table. Though I do have to admit that the look of Ocarina of Time’s adult Link still has my heart a bit more than the others–mostly because his design seems to have inspired the more modern Link designs we see these days (after all, he was the first one to rock the hoop earrings, and most every Link after him has had them too!) From his classic green tunic, to his red gauntlets and leggings–he just looks dang good.

But they all look good, don’t they?

What Link do you think looks the best? Let me know in the comments!

Chakell Herbert

Chakell (pronounced shuh-kell) is an associate editor for Zelda Dungeon! She has loved The Legend of Zelda series since she was a little girl because of its equal mix of princesses, besting bad guys, and heartfelt stories. Chakell lives in the overall tame state of Utah, but holds onto her childhood hopes to find an adventure in her backyard one day. She has a degree in English and is a full-time editor for a magazine. You can usually find her gaming (obviously), laughing with her husband, taking a long time to tell stories because she keeps getting distracted; getting sucked into books and podcasts; or snuggling her cute Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.