10 Legend of Zelda enemies we want to return in Tears of the Kingdom

With fearsome opponents like Guardians, Lynels, Taluses, and many more roaming Hyrule, Breath of the Wild had plenty of exciting battles waiting for players no matter where they traveled across the map. When its much anticipated sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, finally launches next year, we can surely expect all sorts of new enemies to challenge Link in his next great quest. The Legend of Zelda has a long list of foes and monsters from its many titles over the years, and these are the ten who we most want to see return in Tears of the Kingdom.

1. Peahats

With the Tears of the Kingdom heading up to the skies, and a leaked patent revealing that combat mechanics for flying are likely in the works, there’s never been a better time to bring Peahats back into the mix. Taking on a swarm of the UFO-like creatures would feel like the Legend of Zelda’s version of an aerial dogfight as you dodged around their spinning blades and returned fire. Whether Peahats attacked you in swarms of their smaller forms, or as one of their gigantic counterparts like from Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, battles with them in the skies above Hyrule would be a riot.

2. Deku Babas

When we say we want Deku Babas to return, we don’t strictly mean the stationary stalks that stand in one place and snap away at us — we want all Deku Baba types to be included. The vicious plant-like creatures are a versatile enemy, having featured a variety of different forms and subspecies throughout the years. Serpent Babas from Twilight Princess, which could slither after Link along the ground after being cut from their roots. The Bio Deku Babas of Majora’s Mask, which made their home in the water under lily pads. Then there’s the aptly named Big Babas, which dwarfed the largest anaconda you’ve ever seen. Between these and all others, Deku Babas offer a wide range of encounters as Legend of Zelda’s premier herbaceous foes.

3. ReDeads

Breath of the Wild had a few enemies that instilled fear into players hearts, like Guardian Stalkers or Lynels (especially early on), but every longtime Legend of Zelda fan knows that there is nothing more terrifying than a ReDead shambling toward you. Their ear splitting screech can chill even the steeliest gamer straight to their bones. If an eerie element will be at play in Tears of the Kingdom like what the debut trailer suggested, there is no better choice than ReDeads to help raise the bestiary’s creepy factor.

4. Aeralfos

Another foe right at home in the air, Aeralfos deserve a comeback to dive bomb after you and spew streams of fire from afar. We’re not sure what it would take for Nintendo to get sword fights to play out smoothly while in the air, but if the Zelda team could successfully implement those, duels against Aeralfos would be some of the most memorable encounters in a very long time. But even if that wasn’t in the cards, Aeralfos already proved in Twilight Princess and Hyrule Warriors that they can be formidable opponents while Link is stuck at ground level.

5. Skulltulas

Aside from very annoying rainfall, there wasn’t much in Breath of the Wild that threatened Link whenever he made a climb up a mountainside or other vertical surface. Skulltulas that clung to walls and scuttled after whoever came near would be the perfect hazard for Link to deal with during a long climb. Just the same, Skulltulas are fitting monsters to deal with on solid ground, as they try to bind Link in their silk or capture him in their fangs. No matter the setting, there is something simply satisfying about taking down a giant spider in video games.

6. Darknuts

One thing missing from Breath of the Wild was a proper sword fight between Link and one of his many enemies. Sure, certain foes like Bokoblins, Lizalfos, and Moblins could be known to occasionally wield a sword, but Tears of the Kingdom needs a true swordmaster for us to duel. The enormous, armored Darknuts are the best choice to fill this role, bringing a nasty blend of raw power and surprising speed into combat. Darknuts offered some of the most exciting battles in The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, and a reimagined take on them with Switch hardware could make for one of the single greatest foes in The Legend of Zelda to date.

7. Chilfos

Such a unique and memorable enemy deserves another appearance in a Legend of Zelda adventure. Since debuting all the way back in Twilight Princess 15 years ago, the only time that we got to take on Chilfos was in Link’s Crossbow Training. These towering, frozen warriors were among the most formidable enemies in Twilight Princess, using spears of pure ice to stab, slice, and hurl like javelins. A single Chilfos could prove a worthy foe for Link; when they came in groups, they were nothing short of deadly.

8. Dodongos

The Era of the Wilds is in serious need of some giant lizards for us to fight. Dodongos have come in all shapes and sizes over the years, serving as both grunt enemies, and as bosses. No matter how Tears of the Kingdom included them, these classic fire breathing brutes would be a terrifically monstrous addition to the game’s roster of baddies. The thought of battling a King Dodongo along the molten slopes of Death Mountain is an encounter that has “thrilling” written all over it.

9. Goriyas

More than 35 years later, it’s time that Goriyas finally made their debut in a 3D Legend of Zelda game. After Lynels made a triumphant and fearsome return in Breath of the Wild, Goriyas would serve as a perfect candidate to fill the “obscure, veteran enemy” category in the sequel. The crafty mammalian creatures would be a threat near and close with their arsenal of boomerangs, hurling them afar, and being able to use them in close quarters like swords as Breath of the Wild allowed Link to do so.

10. Gyorgs

Gyorgs should be the first aquatic enemy in line to make their return, especially if underwater exploration and combat happen to be included this time around. The shark-like beasts would bring instant tension any time Link encountered one out in open water. Being pursued by ravenous Gyorgs while submerged or while sailing on a dinky wooden raft would be far scarier than any number of Octoroks attacking you. If Nintendo wanted to do something really hair-raising, they could pit us against the Legend of Zelda’s version of a Megalodon and drop a Gyorg the size of a Molduga out in the ocean.