Best Zelda Games That Don't Feature Ganon

The Legend of Zelda series often revolves around the iconic struggle between the hero Link and the dark lord Ganon. However, the franchise boasts a diverse array of titles that deviate from this familiar narrative, presenting unique villains that push the boundaries of Hyrule's universe.

From time-traveling adventures and cooperative multiplayer quests to dark, atmospheric tales and whimsical journeys, these games demonstrate that the magic of the Zelda series extends far beyond its traditional villain.

Warning: Spoilers for The Legend of Zelda series

1 The Legend of Zelda: The Adventure Of Link

The Second Adventure

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link marks a bold departure from the original The Legend of Zelda with its side-scrolling action and RPG elements. Released in 1987, the game follows Link on a quest to awaken Princess Zelda from a magical slumber induced by a powerful spell.

Unlike other entries in the series, this game does not feature Ganon as the primary antagonist. Instead, Link faces an array of challenges, culminating in a climactic battle against Dark Link, a shadowy doppelgänger that tests the player's skills to the utmost.

2 The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

Facing The Nightmares

Originally released for the Game Boy in 1993 and later remade for the Nintendo Switch in 2019, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening takes place on Koholint Island, a mysterious land far from Hyrule.

While Ganon is absent, the game introduces the Nightmares, led by DethI, who appeared on Koholint with the goal of ruling over it. To achieve this, they must stop the Wind Fish from being awakened by playing the Instruments of the Sirens.

3 The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

The Darkest Game

Majora’s Mask stands out in the series for its unique time-based mechanics. Set in the parallel world of Termina, Link has only three days to prevent the moon from crashing into the land, repeating these days to solve puzzles and complete quests.

The game does not feature Ganon; instead, the antagonist is the eerie and enigmatic Skull Kid, who has stolen the powerful Majora’s Mask. Despite the lack of Ganondorf, this game is considered one of the darkest in the entire The Legend of Zelda series.

4 The Legend of Zelda: Oracle Of Seasons And Oracle Of Ages

The Game Boy Duo

Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages, two interconnected titles released for the Game Boy Color, offer unique adventures in the Zelda series without featuring Ganon as the primary antagonist. Developed by Capcom in collaboration with Nintendo, these games introduce players to the lands of Holodrum and Labrynna, respectively, where Link must thwart the schemes of different villains to save the worlds from chaos.

In Oracle of Seasons, Link battles Onox, the General of Darkness, who captures Din, the Oracle of Seasons. Meanwhile, in Oracle of Ages, Link faces Veran, the Sorceress of Shadows, who possesses Nayru, the Oracle of Ages.

5 The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords

One Is Good, Four Is Perfect

Four Swords is a distinctive entry in the series, known for its multiplayer gameplay and cooperative mechanics. Released as an add-on to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past for the Game Boy Advance, the game introduced a new villain, Vaati.

As a recurring villain in the series, Vaati is said to have forgotten his days as a Minish and enters a state of rage, manipulating the wind. He was trapped inside the sword located in the sanctuary but escapes and captures Zelda, intending to reign again with her as his bride.

6 The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

Vaati Returns As The Antagonist

Released for the Game Boy Advance, The Minish Cap is another game in The Legend of Zelda series that does not feature Ganon as its main villain. Similar to Four Swords, its antagonist is Vaati, who this time transforms Princess Zelda into stone and once again threatens to dominate the world. The game sees Link team up with Ezlo, a talking hat imbued with the spirit of a Minish, to shrink down to microscopic size and navigate the world of the Minish.

7 The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

Continuation Of Wind Waker

Phantom Hourglass is the first game in the franchise for the Nintendo DS and, like the other titles on this list, does not feature Ganon as its main villain. This time, the game takes place shortly after the events of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, where Ganon is defeated by Link.

The new antagonist is Bellum, an entity that captures Tetra and threatens the world. Link must navigate the mysterious waters of the Ghost Ship and explore the Temple of the Ocean King to rescue Tetra and defeat Bellum.

8 The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

Trading Ships For Trains

Following the timeline set by Phantom Hourglass, where Ganon has already been defeated, the next game released for the Nintendo DS was The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. In this game, Link's companion, Princess Zelda, accompanies him in spirit form, assisting him by possessing Phantom Guardians and helping solve puzzles.

This installment introduces a new threat to the kingdom in the form of Chancellor Cole and his henchman, Byrne, who aim to resurrect the Demon King Malladus.

9 The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

The Origin Of Everything

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword takes players on a journey to discover the origins of Hyrule. Set in a world above the clouds, Link embarks on a quest to rescue his childhood friend Zelda, who is abducted to the surface by a mysterious force.

The game introduces Ghirahim as a prominent antagonist, a powerful and enigmatic figure who serves the greater evil, Demise. Instead of depicting a new battle between Zelda and Link against Ganon, Skyward Sword explores the origin of this conflict before the emergence of Ganondorf, stemming from the demise of the villain called Demise.

10 The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes

The Three Heroes Of The Triforce

Tri Force Heroes stands out in the Zelda series for its cooperative multiplayer gameplay, where three players work together to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Released for the Nintendo 3DS, the game takes place in the fashion-obsessed kingdom of Hytopia.

The primary antagonist is The Lady, an evil witch who curses Princess Styla, causing her to wear an ugly jumpsuit that she cannot remove. Players control three differently colored Links - red, blue, and green - who must collaborate to overcome various challenges, following the same incarnation of Link from A Link Between Worlds.

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By  Evangeline Bryce