16 Best Games Like Zelda That You Should Know Update 04/2024

Games Like Zelda

When it comes to compliments, it’s safe to say that The Legend of Zelda is getting a little tired of being copied. This series has had an enormous impact on the gaming industry, and can be found in dozens of other games with familiar gameplay mechanics based on exploration, clever secrets and the acquisition of a magical arsenal of weapons to move forward.

You should try these Zelda-likes from other studios even if you’ve already spent 100 hours in Breath of the Wild or kept a Wii U around just to play the best Wind Waker version.

1. A Short Hike

A Short Hike

It’s not just the world around Link that keeps you gripped in Zelda games, but also what you can accomplish as you take on the role of the legendary hero. A Short Hike brilliantly captures that idea by simplifying it to a simple task of climbing a mountain to get a good phone signal and avoiding any distractions on the way up. Deceptively simple, but as you progress through the game, it becomes more and more difficult to keep up with the ever-expanding puzzles. This wonderful interactive metaphor about conquering your own personal mountain is enhanced by low-poly visuals and endearing character interactions.

2. Anodyne

In spite of its antiquated appearance, Anodyne is a video game that examines the psychology of gamers and the ways in which video games can separate us from the real world. With ingenious puzzles, substantial combat, and hard boss fights, two people created Anodyne to provide a fascinating investigation of gaming through meta-commentary. The result is a challenging and rewarding experience.

3. Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King

Blossom Tales, another entry in the growing pile of old Zelda-inspired games, has the look and feel of a game that could have come straight from the SNES. Playing Blossom Tales is like playing Zelda: A Link to the Past, but with a more modern look and a lot more gameplay. When it comes to gameplay, the fresh interpretations on well-known puzzles and boss battles are what really make this game stand out.

4. Chicory: A Colorful Tale

Chicory A Colorful Tale

Chicory: A Colorful Tale is an exception to the trend when it comes to Zelda-like games incorporating a sense of pressure. Chicory is a slow-paced trip through monochromatic countries that can only be redeemed by the power of art. Chicory places less emphasis on action and more emphasis on puzzle solving. There are some hard lessons about life and meeting heroes in this forgiving game, but Chicory’s charming world, heartfelt plot, and endearing characters make it an unforgettable journey.

5. Darksiders series

If you combine stunningly detailed post-apocalyptic settings with some of the best game art direction around with frantic action, you’ll have a formula that’s a stylish take on The Legend of Zelda formula. Even while the Darksiders trilogy is a beautiful homage to the traditional Zelda games, it stands out because of its greater emphasis on action and adventure. Combat, puzzles and mysteries abound in each of the three core games, which are a dungeon-crawling, monster slaughtering blast of adrenaline pumping adventure.

We’ve got reviews of the first two films in the Darksiders series, plus the third, Darksiders 3.

6. Death’s Door

Death's Door

With a strong nod to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Death’s Door is one of the finest games of the year for 2021. The game features some fantastic dungeons that are a joy to explore and immerse yourself in. For fans of the Legend of Zelda series, this is a must-have purchase because of the game’s superb production values, which make it both visually and aurally pleasing.

7. Eastward

When it comes to exploring the aftermath of the end of the world through the eyes of two grungy people, Eastward stands out because of its emphasis on low-fi storytelling. To say the least, the duo is a formidable force on their voyage to the east, especially with John’s impressive fist-throwing skills and Sam’s burgeoning psychic abilities. It’s a lovely walk at the end of the planet, and the combat and riddles aren’t too difficult.

8. Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact was first attacked for looking like a Breath of the Wild clone, but more than a year after its release, the game has proven to be a totally different experience. However, Genshin Impact brings enough innovation to the mix with its gacha mechanics and a roster of distinct characters to explore its world with, making it a worthwhile alternative to the Zelda series. You don’t even have to pay a penny to give it a go.

9. Hob

Hob is a stunning Zelda-style puzzler with a bit of a combat edge, but the real delight of the game is exploring the universe. Hob’s journey through a realm of hidden danger plays like Zelda’s Game Boy Advance adventures blended with indie sensation Journey, whether you stay on the golden path or meander off. That charming atmosphere will keep you coming back to Hob over and over again, even if the game only lasts about 10 hours to complete..

10. Hyper Light Drifter

Hyper Light Drifter

You’ll fall in love with Hyper Light Drifter’s world as soon as you begin exploring it. What makes this game so enjoyable is not only the stunning aesthetics and audio but the well-balanced difficulty of combating intelligent foes who’ll send you flying when you’re not ready. There are precious moments of reprieve, of awful beauty in a world ravaged by technology, in this captivating title inspired by classic Zelda’s 2D glory days that are well worth experiencing.

11. Immortals Fenyx Rising

Despite clearly being influenced by Breath of the Wild, Ubisoft’s Immortals Fenyx Rising manages to find its own voice in a familiar sandbox of mythological creatures and ancient gods run mad. Immortals is a significantly more enjoyable experience than Assassin’s Creed, which takes place in a colorful world full with dungeons, traps, and items to collect. Even though it’s a Ubisoft-tweaked version of The Legend of Zelda, it’s still a well-executed game that runs like a dream and is frequently available for as little as few drachmas during various deals.

For the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, you can play Immortals Fenyx Rising.

12. Nobody Saves the World

Nobody Saves the World is a furious, quirky, and humorous action-RPG that is played from a to-down viewpoint by the team behind the Guacamelee series. There are echoes of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening in the weird world saved by a character dubbed Nobody. There are wacky personalities and wacky storylines in this dreamlike realm.

You don’t obtain new weapons or armor like in Zelda, but rather new forms. People are not shapeshifters who can transform into dragons and rats and more. To solve puzzles and destroy adversaries, you’ll have to switch between each form’s combat style and skills. When it comes to character advancement, Nobody Saves the World has more in common with the Zelda series, but the wonder of discovery is extremely comparable. The battle in Nobody Saves the World is fast-paced and demanding, making it a terrific choice for gamers who want action-packed Zelda games.

13. Okami HD

Okami HD

Okami is one of the few games in the rove-like genre to have a style so complex and essential to the game’s core that few other games can claim. Japanese mythology and tradition are brought to life in this living and breathing artwork, which was originally released in 2006 and re-released in 2012 as Okami HD. A decade after its release, Okami continues to be a vividly colored and graphically appealing adventure that borrows heavily from the Zelda series.

14. Sable

Games that take a cue or two from The Legend of Zelda tend to have large, open worlds with a significant deal of peril that must be overcome. Sable is unique in that it removes violence from its sandbox and depends solely on the power of its aesthetics to create a story of exploration. Because of the game’s architecture, the trip through a hauntingly beautiful universe is engrossing and offers an incredible lot of options to complete it. A journey through Midden’s awe-inspiring majesty and serene contemplation is a fascinating and intimate experience in Sable.

Sable is a video game that can be played on both the Xbox One and the PC.

15. The Swords of Ditto: Mormo’s Curse

Swords of Ditto puts you in the role of a legendary hero tasked with preparing for the return of a powerful witch who threatens to wipe out the entire human race unless you can vanquish her with your swords. The only issue here is… The clock is ticking, and you’ve only got four days to master the blade. Swords of Ditto is a direct homage to The Legend of Zelda, complete with recognizable dungeons and collectible weapons. When it comes to rescuing the day there is a catch, however. Mormo’s evil witch Mormo rises from the ashes once every century, and every failure has a direct effect on those around you.

This experience is one you’ll want to repeat over and over again as the world changes and adapts to your greatest wins and saddest defeats. It’s a good thing that the unending cycle is so captivating.

PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, and mobile devices can all play Swords of Ditto.

16. Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion

Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion

It’s best to pay your taxes, but in Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion, you can enjoy a life of financial freedom. Turnip Boy’s large debt is the driving force behind this adorable action-RPG, which is reminiscent of the classic Legend of Zelda but with more IRS-threatening aspects.