Tallest Versions Of Link In The Legend Of Zelda

Since 1986, The Legend of Zelda collection has remained relevant among the gaming community with over twenty games with multiple spin-offs, remakes, and special appearances in other Nintendo series. With some games longer than others, the franchise is able to keep itself relevant through a blend of repetition and innovation.

Even though most Zelda games follow a similar structure — with the same narrative bones, recognizable characters, and iconic locations — they each come with their share of uniqueness. Most of the time, these innovations are reflected through the protagonist, Link, who is a constant throughout the franchise. Even though Link is known for his short stature, the protagonist's height changes, making each version unique.

Updated August 18, 2024 by Ana Micaela Leite Scheidemantel: Since the announcement of the upcoming Zelda game that, for the first time, features Zelda as the protagonist instead of Link, there has been a lot of conversation surrounding the original protagonist. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will forever change the way Link is viewed. Therefore, to further celebrate the protagonist that has ruled the Zelda games for so long, this list will acknowledge other versions of Link that, despite not being definitive versions of the characters, are still part of the character's identity.

Known for his short stature, Link may not be a conventional hero, but he stands out among video game protagonists, having a plethora of versions in which his height depends on the context of the game. Before the spotlight is taken from the hero, there are plenty of tall and short types of Link that deserve to be acknowledged, even if they only appear for short moments or due to specific conditions.

16 Minish Link

Approximate Height: 19''

• Game(s): The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
• Standout Feature(s): Miniature size, lively hat, and similar to Toon Link with variations in color and art style

The name kind of gives it away, but the Link in The Minish Cap is definitely the shortest Link. Throughout the game, players use the protagonist's mini-size to explore dungeons and fight bosses. Although the whole game is made on a short scale, Link's achievements are not diminished by his literal size.

When the evil sorcerer Vaati threatens the Picori people, the tiny hero has to venture into a world filled with threats and treasures. More than in any other game in the franchise, Link's small stature just makes the adventure more enjoyable, solidifying The Minish Cap as one of the best GBA games out there.

15 Deku Link

Approximate Height 3'1''

• Game(s): The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
• Standout Feature(s): Link as a Deku Scrub; small and seed-like

Being transformed into a Deku Scrub might not be among Link's highlights, but it definitely had its perks despite giving the character an even smaller stature. Throughout the game, the protagonist slowly unlocks new abilities in this form, yet it remains one of the shortest versions of Link in the franchise.

Eventually, Deku Link uses the Deku pipes to turn the curse into a Deku Mask, which allows him to revisit the form throughout the game, using its short stature and other abilities when necessary.

14 The Hero Of Winds

Approximate Height: 3'3''

• Game(s): The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
• Standout Feature(s): Cartoon-like character with disproportionate elements and vibrant colors

Toon Link is one of the most recognizable Links in the franchise due to how much he stands out within the Zelda games. With perhaps the most vibrant and unique art style from the series, the characters' cartoon-like expressions bring light to a different side of Link and, consequently, the franchise.

The Hero of Winds makes an appearance in The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass, both of which offer great exploration and expressive graphics, allowing the short hero to make waves in what became New Hyrule.

13 The Hero Of New Hyrule

Approximate Height: 3'3''

• Game(s): The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
• Standout Feature(s): Toon Link with well-defined lines in New Hyrule

Even though this is considered a different version of Link, as he saves New Hyrule 100 years after the events in The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks also features a similar version of Toon Link.

The art style stays as vibrant as the Hero of Winds, and it continues to focus on the short hero as he ventures with Zelda's spirit in his train. Despite the time apart, these heroes are extremely similar, as seen through their heights.

12 The Hero Of Light And Four Swords

Approximate Height: 3'3''

• Game(s): The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords and The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
• Standout Feature(s): Link can be split into four versions, each with their own set of colors and clothes

These versions are linked together because, despite being different Links in different timelines, they have undeniable similarities, including matching heights. The Link in these games also share similarities with the Hero of Winds and Hero of New Hyrule.

In both Four Swords and Four Swords Adventures, their respective Link can be split into four different versions in a co-op adventure. Despite having different personalities, clothes, and quirks, these Links are all the same size.

11 Young Link

Approximate Height: 3'7''

• Game(s): The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
• Standout Feature(s): Child version of the Hero of Time

Although this is technically the same Link as the Hero of Time, there are two versions of the character in Ocarina of Time: his adult version and his younger, smaller self. The younger version is also seen in Majora's Mask, where the protagonist is stuck in a nightmarish time loop.

As one of the most iconic versions, Young Link has every element that makes this character so beloved. His short stature and shining animation bring light even to the darkest of games.

10 The Classic Hero

Approximate Height: 3'9''

• Game(s): The Legend of Zelda and The Legend of Zelda: Adventure Link
• Standout Feature(s): First-ever Link, depicted as a young boy with faded colors and highlighted weapons

Classic Link is the original incarnation of Link in terms of release, appearing in The Legend of Zelda, the first game of the franchise. Despite being a straightforward story with a classic overworld map, this version of Link deserves major credit for making the character so iconic in the gaming world.

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The protagonist was created to be a short and young hero, which is reflected in his small stature but enormous energy and potential. Classic Link is the initial iteration of the character who grew up figuratively and literally throughout the franchise's history.

9 The Legendary Hero

Approximate Height: 4'4''

• Game(s): The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages, and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
• Standout Feature(s): Similar to the Classic Hero but with more vibrant colors and sharper animation

The Legendary Hero appears in multiple games in the franchise, starting with 1992's A Link to the Past, followed by the Oracle duology (Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons), and wrapping up with Link's Awakening.

A Link to the Past also introduced the Master Sword to the franchise, positioning itself as an important point in Zelda's convoluted chronological order. As in all Zelda games, the Legendary Hero, Link, deals with an astounding number of threats, despite his short stature.

8 The Hero Of Two Worlds

Approximate Height: 4'5''

• Game(s): The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
• Standout Feature(s): Child-like, bright colors, with two versions; one 3D version and one 2D hand-drawn version

A Link Between Worlds brings back a similar look to the Legendary Hero in terms of outfit, height, and overall character outline. Despite being a sequel set long after the events of A Link to the Past, the installment comes with some fine-tuning, including the protagonist's ability to dimension hop.

In particular, the two versions in A Link Between Worlds vary in dimension and size, making this hero's height even harder to pinpoint, but the Hero of Two Worlds might just be slightly taller than his predecessor in A Link to the Past.

7 Hero Of Twilight

Approximate Height: 4'7''

• Game(s): The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
• Standout Feature(s): Faded colors, darker atmosphere, detailed elements, and more realistic 3D animation

With a darker atmosphere and a somewhat realistic 3D animation, Twilight Princess is a staple of the franchise with collectibles, side quests, and a top-tier storyline. The game's narrative stands out among the games, as it brings twists to the classic hero's tale, which is reflected through Link's appearance.

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As part of the Child's Timeline, Link is not fully grown, with his height being a bit harder to identify, notwithstanding his shorter height when compared to everyone else. Yet, the game also features Link as a wolf, being considerably smaller, and Hero's Shade, who is taller.