Which of The Legend of Zelda’s Links would be the best hangs?

In the pantheon of video game characters, few are as recognizable as Link. His green tunic has become iconic, as has the Master Sword, which he uses to destroy evil in countless virtual lands. He’s popular enough to have moved on to a number of other games, from Super Smash Bros. Unpleasant Super Mario Maker Unpleasant soulcalibur. He’s not just any person either.

Most games in the Zelda franchise introduce a new Link. While many of the details remain largely the same (heroic nature, usually some form of green tunic, silent protagonist), each is its own discrete iteration with unique traits and personality traits. (It gets complicated, but that’s the general gist of it.)

With so many variations on this beloved character, the Links lend themselves to ranking, and there’s one pressing question left unanswered when it comes to our hero: which ones would hang well? We don’t care how powerful each Link is, or which one is the most heroic – we just want to find out what the vibes are like with each of them. Using a highly scientific method of analyzing each Link’s in-game mannerisms, personal history and overall vibe, we detail both the best and worst versions of Link to spend time with.

The five best links to deal with

5. Four Swords Adventures Clutch

Splitting into four separate doubles is the main mechanical conceit Four Swords Adventures, and it’s also key to this Link’s vibes. It could get pretty hectic with so many people from one person, and it’s hard not to accuse them of being “introverted” with the whole choreographed formations deal. But it also means you have a full team for any kind of group event, and you never have to hire a moving company again (just pay some Lon Lon Milk for them all). It’s a bit transactional, but this Link is a good hang.

4. twilight princess Clutch

Image: Nintendo

twilight princess Link contains masses. He is a farmhand with salt of the earth, which could be good for a bonfire night or simple country life. But as we know, he also has a wild side that can manifest in unexpected ways. He turns into a literal wolf. You never quite know what you’re going to get with this Link, and that unpredictability can be a deal breaker for some. But the range of social functions this Link can be comfortable in? He is a chameleon worth taking along.

3. Oracle of Seasons/Ages Clutch

As the only iteration of Link to have appeared in the most games (Capcom’s Oracle games, Link’s awakeningAnd Link to the past), you get a worldly explorer here. That means you’ll get good stories, even if he could transition into that person who thinks they know the answers to every problem the world faces because they’ve traveled. The big draw here is the powers gained in the Oracle games. Hate winter? Link can make it summer. Did something embarrassing at the bar last night? Link can rewind that for you. The vibes are good on this Link, but make sure not all the power goes to his head.

2. Heavenward sword Clutch

The first chronological Link benefits from his setting. Everyone on Skyloft seems pretty calm for the most part, and it would be incredible to have a friend with a giant bird that you can ride. He’s incredibly loyal to his friend Zelda, so he’ll probably be a loyal friend to you too. He does help set up a monarchy system in Hyrule at the end of the game, which doesn’t look great. But its friendly and laid-back vibe still elevate it to good hangout territory.

1. Wind Waker/Phantom Hourglass Clutch

Image: Nintendo

No exception, this is the Link that sticks the best. In addition to a very strong sense of adventure that will always lead to a good story, this Link has grit. He’s the boldest of all the Links, and you just know he’s got something funny to say (through facial expressions and expressive body language, of course) about any situation. His crew also consists of a bunch of fun-loving pirates, so dealing with this Link means dealing with people just as fun as he is. He is also a boatman and has been watching for years Below deck confirms that means he wants to party no matter what.

The five worst links to deal with

5. Mini Cap Clutch

This link could be a good hang. He really could. He has a whimsical feel about him and a clear appreciation for the beauty and sanctity of nature. But sometimes someone’s vibes get ruined by the company they have. In this case, we have to talk about the titular Minish Cap, Ezlo. He is a screamer and has a nasty habit of interrupting the peaceful moments you could be sharing with Link in nature. It’s not really his fault, but his friends are ruining this Link’s appeal.

4. Spiritual traces Clutch

Spiritual traces Link is something of a mixed bag. He has charm and is quite expressive, so you will get a good reaction to your jokes and stories. He’s also an engineer, which could really go either way: a laid-back dude who knows how to fix things, or a hobbyist who loves his hobby a little too much and it’s all they ever want to do. Since this Link is also a certified Train Guy, the second option seems more likely. That’s why he’s a bad hang.

3. The Legend of Zelda Clutch

Image: Nintendo

This Link is the original, so maybe we should show him some respect. But do you really want to spend time with someone who spends so much time in caves? (Unless you’re into caving – then go wild.) It’s also hard to trust someone who takes weapons from ancient men in said caves.

2. Breath of the Wild Clutch

Yes, Breath of the Wild is one of the best games ever made. But this Link doesn’t have the best vibes. He’s been on the ice for 100 years, so it would be like hanging out with someone from 1923: new in theory, but extremely clumsy in practice. And while it’s nice to be able to support himself off the land, it feels like he’s exuding doomsday prepper and rock-climbing bro vibes. You also just know that this man stinks horrible.

1. Ocarina of Time/Majora’s mask Clutch

Image: Nintendo

This is perhaps the most iconic version of Link, responsible for catapulting The Legend of Zelda’s popularity to what it is today with the series’ move into 3D space. He would also hang disastrously badly. This Link grew up in a tree raised by forest dwellers who never stop being kids, so social skills are out the window. There’s also no chance for him to learn as he’s then frozen in time for seven years, which screams man-child vibes. And no matter where he goes, he has an annoying babysitter who keeps pestering you. Hard pass.

Worst non-canon garbage dump

1. CD-i coupler

Getting ridden by the Master Sword would be a better time than spending a second with this dweeb.