Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda is a classic fantasy action-adventure video game that helped define a generation of games from the late 80s and early 90s. It’s the first installment in a famous series. A boy named Link is the main character. The Japanese version of the game is called The Hyrule Fantasy: The Legend of Zelda (who is the beloved princess of Hyrule).
There are plenty of versions and games in the series, which we’ll discuss while showing you how to play Zelda.
How to play Zelda games
There’s a library of Zelda games you can enjoy, each with different storylines and themes. We’ll give you a short intro for each of them as well as some info on how to play them.
Zelda Classic
Zelda Classic is a modern tribute to The Legend of Zelda, still considered one of the best video games ever. Zelda Classic has been developed into a replica of the NES version. But Zelda Classic allows new quests that can use traditional or enhanced graphics and introduce new challenges and enemies.
Before you play Zelda Classic, why not play games in the original series so that you understand the background?
How to play the Legend of Zelda
Even though The Legend of Zelda came out decades ago, it’s a quality game that works on all the major modern web browsers today. It’s part of the Arcade, Adventure, Emulator, and NES gaming categories. It’s the way to enter the world of the Zelda series and meet the main character, Link.
To play, you must defeat many enemies while you search for the hidden pieces of the Triforce. When all eight pieces are reassembled, you will be able to enter the evil Gannon’s lair, defeat him, and in so doing, save Zelda.
Other games in the series
There are many other games in the series for you to play if you enjoy the first installment. They include The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. Other well-known series games include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, The Legend of Zelda: Mystery of Solarus, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.
Zelda Tips and Tricks
For more than 25 years, the Legend of Zelda has enchanted players of all ages with its delightful worlds, rich histories, and lovely music. There’s magic in all of them, from the earliest to the latest. But the earlier games can be challenging, so here are some ideas to make them a bit easier.
Open a dungeon door without a key
Just enter the first dungeon, exit, and then go back in. One of the northern doors will unlock.
The secret save screen
Usually in Zelda, you have to die before you can save your game. But you can use the up and “A” combo on the second controller to save whenever you please. This will save time and unnecessary deaths!
Influencing gossip stones
There are gossip stones in Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask that mostly tell the time. But if you have the Mask of Truth, each one will tell you something like a gameplay secret.
Skip to the second quest
Once you’ve conquered Ganon in the first Zelda, you’re allowed to start the Second Quest, But if you type Zelda as your name, you’ll go straight to the second quest. But be warned, it’s more difficult than the first.
Weaponize the sun’s song
If you play the Sun’s Song’s delightful melody to a lot of Gibdos or ReDeads, you’ll freeze them in place!
Make bomb arrows
In Link’s Awakening, you can combine your bow with your bombs to create bomb arrows to increase the power of your attacks.
Reduce the number of enemies
In the original Legend of Zelda, if you eliminate all the enemies except one on a screen, there will still only be one left the next time you go into that screen.
A fast travel trick
In A Link To The Past, you can go to Kakariko Village and play your flute in front of the weathercock, which will come to life and take you to eight places you want to visit.
A secret supply room
Behind a fake wall on the main floor in Ganon’s Castle (which you’ll need the Lens of Truth to see), there’s a chamber with fairies and business scrubs ready to help you replenish your strength.
Steal The Bow
You need an expensive bow to beat the game in Link’s Awakening. But instead of spending a fortune to buy it, just steal it from the shop! But then everyone will call you ‘thief’ for the rest of the game.
Become the legend
Games in the Legend of Zelda series are still great fun to get to know and play, even if they’ve been around for decades. Start with the first one and then play them in any order after that. You’ll love some of them, and others might not fascinate you as much, but they’re classic video games that are well worth a try.
For further reading, check out our article on “Legend of Zelda love interests, ranked from worst to best.”
