The Legend of Zelda franchise is captivating and has explored various game genres over the years, consistently pushing the boundaries to remain at the forefront of the gaming industry. Although a few entries have been unsuccessful or undergone notable changes, the majority of the new games generate significant excitement within the gaming community.
However, dedicated fans of The Legend of Zelda franchise have acknowledged that the games appear to become progressively easier over time, with many of the recent releases featuring less complex challenges compared to their predecessors. Interestingly, some of the easiest games in the entire franchise have managed to surprise fans.
7 Breath Of The Wild
Breath of the Wild, the latest addition to the Zelda franchise, has garnered immense praise as a remarkable RPG. Its success led to a highly anticipated sequel that has already become one of the biggest games of the year. The game's captivating storyline skillfully connects various eras of the Zelda world, while its open-world concept pushes boundaries like never before.
However, among devoted Legend of Zelda fans, Breath of the Wild is not renowned for its difficulty. While the initial areas may pose some challenges, the majority of the game does not compare to the level of difficulty found in previous Zelda games. In fact, skilled players can complete the game astonishingly fast, making it an ideal choice for speedy Zelda speed runs.
6 Skyward Sword
Unlike most Legend of Zelda games, Skyward Sword does not have any difficulty settings for players to adjust. Instead, the game was designed to be easier than other releases at the time. While it gained significant success, many players found the combat and puzzles to lack challenge.
The boss fights in Skyward Sword, however, provide a greater level of difficulty compared to the rest of the game. These fights require precise movements and strikes, demanding players to be highly skilled. While the majority of the game is relatively straightforward, some fans expressed frustration over the simplified dungeons. Nevertheless, the boss encounters stood out as intense and rewarding challenges.
5 Minish Cap
Minish Cap, a Legend of Zelda game, may have been overlooked, but it offers a great deal of enjoyment and is a must-play for any die-hard Zelda fan seeking to revisit the earlier titles in the franchise. However, it should be noted that this game is relatively easy compared to others in the series, with its dungeons and puzzles often considered among the simplest.
Nevertheless, Minish Cap does manage to increase the challenge in its final act, with the last three dungeons providing a significant level of difficulty that players must overcome. Apart from this, the majority of the game is straightforward, especially for a 2D Zelda game.
4 Phantom Hourglass
Set in the same world as The Wind Waker, this earlier 3D Zelda game offers an enjoyable and accessible adventure for both seasoned and younger gamers. It provides enough challenge to keep experienced players engaged, while also offering a more relaxed and approachable experience for newcomers. Phantom Hourglass, much like its predecessor, does not heavily penalize mistakes and remains a worthy Nintendo DS title that is worth revisiting. With its potential for a Switch remake, though it may not pose significant challenges for longtime fans, beginners to the genre may find some difficulty in navigating this game.
3 A Link Between Worlds
Compared to other Legend of Zelda games released around the same time as A Link Between Worlds, this entry did not offer as much of a challenge for gamers. However, it does provide more freedom compared to previous entries like A Link To The Past.
While the combat and puzzles in A Link Between Worlds are not as difficult as those in its predecessor, the main challenge comes from figuring out where to go without much guidance. For players who prefer a relaxed playthrough or enjoy exploring, this game does not offer any significant challenges. Nonetheless, it remains a fantastic handheld Zelda game.
2 The Wind Waker
The difficulty level in The Wind Waker has divided gamers, with most considering it to be an easy addition to the franchise that offers enjoyable gameplay but lacks a true challenge. This aligns with the delightfully cheerful and straightforward aesthetics of the art style.
Despite its darker tone compared to other entries in the franchise, Wind Waker doesn't present anything that gamers haven't already encountered numerous times in other games. While it boasts a visually pleasing style that stands out within the franchise, it doesn't deliver intriguing or challenging puzzles, nor does it feature a particularly difficult combat system.
1 Twilight Princess
Twilight Princess is undeniably the easiest game among all the Legend of Zelda installments. It lacks the challenge in both puzzle-solving and combat, making it a peculiar departure from the franchise's usual style. The gameplay has been simplified extensively, with a heavy reliance on button-mashing for combat and an abundance of laughably simple puzzles. Additionally, the constant presence of Midna, offering Link endless hints and guidance, further contributes to the game's lack of difficulty. As a result, Twilight Princess is an ideal choice for Zelda enthusiasts seeking a laid-back and stress-free gaming experience.