Best Canon Legend of Zelda Outfits from 1986-2002

Coming up first are the games that started it all: Legend of Zelda (1986).  It’s one of the worst outfits I’ve ever seen, even though it focuses on the story, game mechanics, and how the game works, rather than prioritizing a decent outfit. Well, at least it is staying true to Link’s iconic green tunic, but the shield is what did it for me, as it looks like what someone who had never played Zelda before, but was asked to draw on what Link is supposed to look like.

Although I will have to give Nintendo the benefit of the doubt, as this is the very first Zelda game that Nintendo has ever produced. Still, Legend of Zelda is a timeless classic for young and old gamers alike who wish to look back on one of Nintendo’s oldest gaming franchises. 

2.) Zelda II: Link’s Awakening (1987)

Zelda II: The Adventures of Link comes up as the second-worst outfit in the Zelda mainline, as it’s basically the sequel to the original Legend of Zelda (1986). After coming out one year, Zelda II takes place several years after the first game, where a sixteen-year-old Link searches to find Impa, who tells him that Zelda is under a sleeping curse.

Zelda’s brother (who wasn’t mentioned after this game was released) forces Zelda to talk about their recently deceased father, the former King’s, knowledge of the Triforce. Again, Zelda’s game mostly focuses on plot and game mechanics rather than what Link is wearing, so I’ll give Zelda II a pass since it is the sequel to the very first Zelda game. 

3. Link’s Awakening (1993)

Link’s Awakening (1993)’s Outfit also looks as if Link was transported into Mario’s animated show from the 1990s. While it’s close to the iconic green tunic that Link always wears, it does have flaws, and it revolves around Link not wearing any type of leggings. I’ll just leave it at that. 

4. Four Swords (2001)

Four Swords (2001) is up next. (Now, to be fair, I’m not a huge fan of the toon varieties of Link, as I grew up with the original N64 Zelda, but that’s not all bad. I do like the variant color scheme that the four Links have and how each emotion (Anger, Calm, Cautious, and Normal) is showcased here, so it brings up a little bit of variety.

5. The Wind Waker (2002) 

I think you see where this is going. The Wind Waker (2002) is next, as once again I’m not a huge fan of the Toon portion of Link, but there are some good points. Link is sporting his iconic green tunic and his blue lobster tunic, but with a new addition to his arsenal: his iconic wind-waker wand. Along with his trusty talking boat called the King of Red Lions, Link goes full speed ahead with his appropriate attire to save his captain, Tetra, and his sister (who we never see outside form this game).

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my Zelda Outfit Tier List to see what’s the best outfit in the Zelda main game. Let me know in the comments what your favorite outfit in Zelda. As always: Work hard, sleep hard, game hard!