Most Comforting Legend Of Zelda Games

Many have argued that when it comes to making comforting and cozy kinds of games, no one can pull it off quite as well as Nintendo. Of course, there are plenty of easy and straightforward Mario and Kirby games for example that can be a joy to jump into and play, but there have also been a few Zelda titles that could be considered comforting aswell, despite how many times the series has drastically switched genres over the years.

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The Legend of Zelda series has proven time and time again that it isn't afraid to dip into some more serious stories and topics, but this hasn't been the case for every entry in this beloved franchise. There have been several titles which are a lot more lighthearted, jovial, and don't require quite as much skill or determination to complete. Here are the Zelda games that fans consider to be the most comforting thanks to their gameplay, visual style, and stories.

6 The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

Tears Of The Kingdom's Mechanics Grant A Tremendous Amount Of Player Freedom

Truthfully, Breath of the Wild could also easily fit this spot, but Tears of the Kingdom gets a few extra bonus points for the staggering amount of creative freedom it grants to the player. The new Fuse mechanic introduced in the game allows players to conjure up an endless number of constructions, whether they be in the form of weapons, buildings, or even custom-made vehicles.

As a result, players can simply spend a play session messing around with Link's new gadgets while exploring the gigantic map, without ever feeling pressured to get on with the story. Sure, the actual plot of the game is still amazing, but in terms of gameplay, the replay value provided by the game's mechanics makes it a blast to jump into and experiment with, while also admiring the gorgeous visuals on display.

5 The Legend Of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Link's Awakening Feels Like The Zelda Equivalent Of Animal Crossing

Because Link's Awakening is a faithful remake of the first game in the series, it doesn't go overboard with unique gameplay systems or features that can end up being too overwhelming. Instead, it's a short and straightforward adventure which is packed full of lovable characters and a handful of exciting dungeons to explore. This breezy gameplay already makes the game very easy-going and laid-back, but what really adds to the comfort is the art style.

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Link's Awakening's chibi-style allows the game to run wild with its colors since it isn't trying to be grounded or realistic, like say Twilight Princess for example. Pair this with the top-down camera, and it almost feels like playing an Animal Crossing game at times, and it's fair to say, it's just as cozy to play.

4 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

Ocarina Of Time Becomes A Delicious Comfort Food On Subsequent Playthroughs

Ocarina of Time was the first Zelda game for a lot of people, and though it's far from a cakewalk on that first playthrough, it's on subsequent playthroughs where the game suddenly becomes so comforting due to its familiarity. The game isn't very long, clocking in at roughly 10 hours on average on a quick playthrough, meaning so long as players know exactly what NPCs to speak to and roughly where to go for each objective, they can run through the entire story quite easily.

It turns Ocarina of Time into a kind of comfort food that can be enjoyed in the meantime, without having to put too much focus on the gameplay itself. Though this can also apply to Majora's Mask, the darker and more serious tone of that game, paired with the time mechanic, does make it a lot more anxiety-inducing than this beloved entry.

3 The Legend Of Zelda: The Minish Cap

The Minish Cap Combines Charming Visuals With Easygoing Gameplay

Similarly to Link's Awakening, The Minish Cap doesn't bombard players with difficult mechanics or systems to keep track of, but one unique tool which Link does carry around with him is the Minish Cap itself. By triggering the hat, Link can minimize himself so he can access certain areas and portals that he otherwise couldn't. The truth is though, the game never gets too complicated as it's usually fairly obvious where players will be able to trigger the hat, resulting in an average playthrough being pretty easygoing.

What really makes The Minish Cap such a comfy game to play though is just how charming it is. Hyrule Town for example is packed full of characters who are all lovable in their own special ways, and will have vastly different things to say to Link when he approaches them, which makes it a lot of fun to explore the area without even focusing on the story. The overall tone of Minish Cap is also a little less serious than many of the other titles.

2 The Legend Of Zelda: Oracle Of Ages

Oracle Of Ages Provides Plenty Of Fun Brain-Teaser Puzzles

Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages are two Zelda titles which released for the GameBoy Color in 2001, but while the former is more centered around action, the latter places a much bigger emphasis on puzzle solving. Many of the puzzles involve using the brand-new Harp of Ages which allows Link to travel between the past and present, presenting some pretty memorable gameplay sequences.

As a result, the slower and more methodical pace of Oracle of Ages makes it an easy game to sink hours of a day into, without needing to worry about rushing around the map to find items or to get on with the story. It's comforting in the same way Professor Layton or even Brain Training games can be, in the sense that while they do require a bit of thinking, they still allow players to work through them at their own pace while enjoying the adventure in the process.

1 The Legend Of Zelda: Wind Waker

Players Are Free To Explore The Wide-Open Seas At Their Leisure In Wind Waker

Ironically, The Wind Waker was met with mixed reviews when it first launched in 2003. This was a time when gory and more mature games started taking over the industry, and as a result, the vibrant and almost cartoon-like aesthetic of Wind Waker was seen as "childish" to some. How the tables have turned though, as nowadays, the game is a highly valued entry in the series and an effortlessly comforting experience thanks to its presentation and gameplay.

As soon as players jump onto the Red Lions boat, they'll be free to explore the vast open seas at their leisure, rather than the game funneling them down a specific direction. There's something so peaceful and relaxing about sailing across the bright blue ocean and taking in all the jaw-dropping environments scattered across the map. The wonderful visual style of Wind Waker also adds a lot to its charm and helps make it a game that's easy to come back to because of how accessible and cozy it is to play.

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