What Games is Zelda Playable In? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether Princess Zelda is a playable character in the Legend of Zelda series is a common one among both long-time fans and newcomers. While she’s the titular character of the franchise, her role is often that of a damsel in distress or a guiding figure. So, where can you actually take control of Zelda? While she isn’t a frequent playable character in the main line Legend of Zelda titles, she does appear in other contexts.
Zelda is a playable character in several spin-off games and other game series within the Legend of Zelda universe. Specifically, she is playable in:
- Hyrule Warriors: This action-packed spin-off, developed by Koei Tecmo, lets players take control of a wide array of Legend of Zelda characters, including Princess Zelda. Her combat style often involves using her magical abilities and the Bow of Light.
- Cadence of Hyrule: A rhythm-based action-adventure game where players can play as either Link or Zelda. This unique game combines the world of The Legend of Zelda with the gameplay of Crypt of the NecroDancer. Zelda’s abilities align with the game’s mechanics, emphasizing rhythmic combat and puzzle-solving.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity: This prequel to Breath of the Wild features Zelda as a playable character throughout the narrative. Players get to experience the events leading up to the Great Calamity while controlling Zelda in battle, showcasing her growth and power.
It’s important to note that Zelda is generally not playable in the core Legend of Zelda franchise games. Her role in these main titles usually revolves around the story, often as a wise and powerful princess, rather than a direct combatant. This distinction is key to understanding her presence in the series. In the main games, the player almost always controls Link, the hero of Hyrule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide more insight about Zelda as a playable character and her role in the Legend of Zelda franchise:
Is Zelda Playable in Tears of the Kingdom?
Unfortunately, Zelda is not playable in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. While this may disappoint some fans, her absence as a playable character is integral to the game’s narrative, where she is located in the distant past and the player is interacting with Hyrule in the present.
Why isn’t Zelda Playable in Tears of the Kingdom?
The primary reason Zelda is not playable in Tears of the Kingdom is because she is in the past. The game focuses on Link’s present-day adventure, and Zelda’s role is primarily as a key figure in the unfolding story. This narrative choice prevents direct control of her character.
Will Zelda be Playable in any Tears of the Kingdom DLC?
Given the nature of the story, it’s highly unlikely that Zelda will become playable through any potential DLC for Tears of the Kingdom. Her role is tightly woven into the narrative, and her location in the past is a core element of the game’s design.
Is Zelda in Every Legend of Zelda Game?
While Zelda is the namesake of the series and appears in most Legend of Zelda games, she is absent in some. Notably, she does not make a direct appearance in games such as Link’s Awakening, Majora’s Mask (only appearing in a flashback), and Tri Force Heroes.
What Game Systems Can You Play Zelda On?
You can play the Legend of Zelda games on a variety of Nintendo platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, and older consoles like the Nintendo 64, GameCube, and Super Nintendo. The original Legend of Zelda is even playable through browsers like MiniPlay.
Is Zelda in Love with Link?
The relationship between Link and Zelda is often interpreted as loving and caring, with a strong bond of mutual trust and support. However, their relationship is not explicitly stated as a romantic one in the core series.
Why is the series called The Legend of Zelda and not The Legend of Link?
The series is named after Princess Zelda because series creator Shigeru Miyamoto was inspired by the name of American novelist Zelda Fitzgerald, finding it “pleasant and significant.” Link and the fairy were inspired by Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.
Can you Play Zelda on a PS5 or PS4?
Unfortunately, you cannot play Legend of Zelda games on PlayStation consoles like the PS5 or PS4. The Legend of Zelda series is exclusive to Nintendo platforms.
Where Can You Play Zelda for Free?
The original Legend of Zelda can be played for free through web browsers like MiniPlay. However, most other titles require purchase on Nintendo platforms or other means depending on the game.
Which Zelda Games are not on Switch?
Several Legend of Zelda games are not currently available on the Nintendo Switch, including Twilight Princess, Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks, A Link Between Worlds, Four Swords, Four Swords Adventures, Tri Force Heroes, and remakes that were on the 3DS platform.
Will Tears of the Kingdom Be the Last Zelda Game?
It is highly unlikely that Tears of the Kingdom will be the final entry in the Legend of Zelda series. The franchise has a long history of evolving with new entries, meaning that the story will continue in the future.
Should I play Hyrule Warriors before Tears of the Kingdom?
While playing Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity isn’t strictly necessary to understand the story of Tears of the Kingdom , it is an interesting experience for any Zelda fan, and will provide an in-depth look into the events leading up to Breath of the Wild.
Why Does Zelda have Short Hair in Tears of the Kingdom?
Zelda’s short hair in Tears of the Kingdom is likely an aesthetic choice that complements the game’s cartoonish, cel-shaded art style. This design also makes her animations appear more fluid and expressive.
Will Tears of the Kingdom be Connected to Skyward Sword?
It seems that The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom could be considered a bookend to The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and is set at the very end of the Zelda timeline, where the cycle of the series is considered to have started.
Which Zelda Game is the Hardest?
Many fans consider Zelda II: The Adventure of Link and The Legend of Zelda as some of the most challenging games in the series. Other difficult titles include The CD-I Trilogy, A Link to the Past, Majora’s Mask, Oracle of Ages, and Ocarina of Time.
What is the Longest Zelda Game?
Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild stand out as the longest entries in the series, with gameplay time averaging 55 and 50 hours respectively. Other lengthy titles include Skyward Sword, Twilight Princess, and The Wind Waker.
Do You Need to Play Zelda Games in Order?
The stories in the Legend of Zelda games are generally standalone, with unique narratives and characters. As such, you do not need to play the games in any particular order. You can start with any entry that appeals to you and enjoy a unique adventure.
In conclusion, while Princess Zelda isn’t always playable, her appearances in spin-off titles like Hyrule Warriors and Cadence of Hyrule offer a refreshing change of pace, allowing fans to experience the world of Zelda from her perspective. Despite not being playable in every game, she remains a central and beloved figure in the Legend of Zelda franchise.