The 10 best Princess Zeldas from the ‘Legend of Zelda’ franchise

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Link is the hero of The Legend of Zelda, but the franchise’s heart lies in the titular character, Princess Zelda. It’s been 36 years since the first game dazzled NES owners, setting a rock-solid action/puzzle adventure template that’s been endlessly iterated on over multiple generations. Just as the games have evolved, so has Princess Zelda. The damsel-in-distress stereotype is subverted more often than not, with each game presenting a distinct yet familiar take on the wielder of the Triforce of Wisdom.

So, with Tears of the Kingdom set to dazzle gamers with its impending release and Zelda herself set to play a huge role in its story, let’s look back at the past incarnations of Zelda and pick out the best of the bunch.

2019’s rhythm-based spin-off from Crypt of the NecroDancer developer Brace Yourself Games is a charming and unique take on the Zelda formula. Though light on story compared to the full-fat official entries, the game is notable as one of the rare instances where you can play as Zelda herself, which earns it a spot on this list.

She’s one of three playable characters, with your other options Link and Crypt of the NecroDancer heroine Cadence, though it’s refreshing to pick Zelda and see her take the fight to Ganon in person for once as she takes down the three musical champions and saves Hyrule.

Capcom’s Game Boy Advance Zelda is one of the most underrated titles in the franchise, delivering beautifully detailed graphics and a fun shrinking mechanic. In this world, Zelda and Link have been close friends since childhood, and she’s a nicely mischievous Princess bridling against the restrictions of her role. Unfortunately, she spends much of the story as a statue, with Link trying to find a way to unpetrify her,