Summary
Many elements makeThe Legend of Zeldasuch an iconic franchise, notably its similar story structure across games. By innovating on itsvarying defining features, the collection of games has managed to maintain its relevance within the gaming world.
In fact, there is much more to the franchise than just Zelda, Link, and Hyrule, as each game comes with its own layers of extra content that make it unique. Besides some creative side missions, theZeldacollection is filled with entertaining, addicting, and infuriating mini-games that mark each title of the franchise.
As one of theearlierZeldaGames,A Link to the Paststill contains one of the most entertaining mini-games of the franchise. With the simple premise of digging holes to find treasure, this is an easy and enjoyable way to fill Link’s pockets.
The Treasure Field Digging’s popularity made sure that it was later refined in other installments. For instance, the Thrill Digger mini-game inSkyward Swordhas players digging rupees in a mine-sweeper template.
When visiting Salvatore’s Store inThe Wind Waker, players have the chance to engage in a mini-game similar to Battleship, as they have 24 shots to find 3 squids in a grid. Fitting right in with the game’s theme, this version of Battleship heightens the stakes of the classic game.
No matter the luck, fans have to play quite a few times to get all the rewards this game offers, making it an addicting addition to the installment.
Ocarina of Timeset so many trends amongZeldainstallments, and its mini-games are no different. The Horseback Archery mini-game has players riding their trusty steed, Epona, while aiming arrows.
Horses are one of the staples ofZeldagames, and nothing gets the blood pumping like target practice while riding a horse. Frustrating as it can be, this game gives an instant feeling of reward when hitting a hard target, withMajora’s MaskandBreath of the Wildalso featuring their own versions.
It doesn’t get any better than hitting a giant boulder to play macro-golf in the canyons. Even though part of this game is about brute force, the game also demands some finesse to make sure the ball or boulder goes toward the hole.
Highly addicting, this mini-game has the player wasting some great weapons to hit the boulder as far as possible. Who would have guessed that making a bigger ball and hole would make golf more fun?
5Mail Sorting – The Wind Waker
Intense Organization Game With No Cost And Rewarding Sound Effects
Although organization cozy games are more popular nowadays, the Mail Sorting mini-game was revolutionizing on its own by bringing a satisfying challenge to players. This addictive task has players sorting mail with fulfilling sound effects as an instant reward.
With an intense playthrough, easy concept, and fulfilling “ding” sound, this mini-game might just be one of the reasonsThe Wind Wakeris one of thehardestZeldagames to fully complete.
When young Romani asks Link for help, the hero has to get out of his comfort zone to stop a terrifying alien invasion, protecting Romani’s beloved cows from being abducted.
This game gets points for its original concept and scary premise, both matchingMajora’s Mask’stone as one of thedarkest Nintendo games. Even though the gameplay is basically a regular target practice, the stakes are higher as a wave of terrifying specters threatens to take the cows and the young Romani.
A huge part ofTears of the Kingdomis jumping off Sky Islands, yet this mini-game makes it a challenge. Diving at a high speed is not only thrilling but trying to go through the rings in the least amount of time possible can be addicting.
Constantly setting new aerial records, this free-falling trial improved on its predecessor, Dodo’s High Dive inSkyward Sword,with its beautiful views and great rewards.
Twilight Princesshas so many elements that make it stand out amongZeldagames, including its overall darker strokes. It also has some of the greatest mini-games in the series, including a race to catch all the glowing orbs (stars).
Using one of thebest items in allZeldagames, players have to deploy their clawshot to reach all the stars in time, making for a frustrating yet satisfying challenge. In case all orbs are attained within the time constraints, players also get a big quiver update.
9Fishing - Ocarina Of Time
A Tried And True Zelda Pastime
In real life, Fishing might not be for everyone, butOcarina of Timemakes it a worthwhile pastime, especially when it is so rewarding. Being able to go to different locations to get fish of diverse sizes, players can become quite hooked on this mini-game.
So much so, that this became a staple in manyZeldainstallments. In fact,Link’s Awakening,Twilight Princess,Phantom Hourglass, andMajora’s Maskall bring their own flair to the mini-game.
10Snowboarding – Twilight Princess
Snow Adventure Downhill With Yeti Friends
Even thoughTwilight Princesshas some of thebest dungeons in theZeldagames, its most engaging mini-game is set outdoors. Snowboarding or sled racing at Snowpeak is just more fun when doing it with Yeti friends.
After completing its quest, players can go back to enjoy themselves by racing their newfound snow monster friends. As the predecessor of shield surfing inBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom, snowboarding might just be one of the most satisfying moments in the franchise.
