10 most underused items and weapons in The Legend of Zelda

There have been countless items and weapons that Link has used to save the day throughout The Legend of Zelda series. While some have been wielded time and time again, others didn’t stick around for very long. These items, although interesting in their own right, are often overshadowed by more versatile or essential items in The Legend of Zelda. Hopefully, we get to see these items again in the future, whether functioning the same way or being used in a brand new way.

10. Tingle Tuner (The Wind Waker)

Acting as a communication device with the eccentric character Tingle, the Tingle Tuner offers assistance and hints to players during their adventures. Despite its potential for guidance and interaction, its reliance on the Game Boy Advance link cable and limited in-game benefits lead many players to overlook its usage, resulting in its status as an underused item in The Wind Waker. With the 3DS no longer being supported, utilizing the Nintendo Switch app as a guide or hint system might be the answer to bringing back the Tingle Tuner.

9. Spinner (Twilight Princess)

Designed for navigating certain dungeons and traversing magnetic tracks, the Spinner offers a novel approach to puzzle-solving and exploration. Its combat use in Hyrule Warriors proves that it has potential! Who doesn’t want to ride on a giant Beyblade more?

8. Ball and Chain (Twilight Princess)

As a heavy weapon capable of dealing massive damage, the Ball and Chain offers a formidable option for combat encounters. However, its slow swing speed and cumbersome nature make it less practical than other weapons like the sword. Also in Hyrule Warriors, the combat potential hits harder than the Ball itself. Being a favorite among fans, I’m sure we’re all itching to cause massive destruction with it again in the future.

7. Switch Hook (Oracle series)

With the ability to swap positions with certain objects or enemies, the Switch Hook presents unique opportunities for navigating dungeons and overcoming obstacles. If implemented in a 3-D game, it can be used as a bonus effect of the Hookshot. Switching places with enemies and other creatures that may block Link’s path.

6. Sand Rod (A Link Between Worlds)

The Sand Rod allows Link to create temporary sand platforms and walls, offering new avenues for exploration and puzzle-solving. However, its situational use and lack of widespread applicability result in its under use by players, who often prioritize other items with more versatile functions throughout the game. If only there were more versatile ways of using the Sand Rod, like conjuring up a cloud of sand to distract or get away from enemies.

5. Beetle (Skyward Sword)

As a remote-controlled flying device, the Beetle offers a unique perspective for scouting and interacting with the environment. Despite its innovative design, its restricted range and limited combat capabilities lead players to rely more heavily on traditional items like the Clawshots or Bow for traversal and combat, relegating the Beetle to a secondary role in Link’s adventures.

4. Whirlwind (Spirit Tracks)

Functioning as a gust of wind that can be directed by the player, the Whirlwind has niche applications in puzzle-solving and combat. However, its limited range and situational use make it less essential than other items in the game, resulting in its underutilization by players throughout their journeys.

3. Dominion Rod (Twilight Princess)

The Dominion Rod empowers Link to control ancient statues and manipulate the environment in certain dungeons. Despite its unique mechanic, its usage is limited to specific puzzles and lacks the versatility needed to make it a staple in Link’s inventory. Other than controlling the statues in Twilight Princess and Hyrule Warriors, imagine the ability to control Guardians or Constructs remotely, or even control enemies like Stalfos and other Armos variants!

2. Mole Mitts (The Minish Cap)

With the ability to dig through soft soil and uncover hidden passages, the Mole Mitts add an element of exploration to Link’s arsenal. However, their utility is largely restricted to specific areas and puzzles, leading them to be overshadowed by more frequently used items throughout the game. With the addition of cave systems in Tears of the Kingdom, Nintendo can give us more ways to spelunk throughout Hyrule. We got a taste of it in Skyward Sword, but again, the item has major restrictions to specific areas and puzzles (and you got to love the sound effects when using them! Very crunchy!)

1. Magic Cape (A Link to the Past)

The Magic Cape grants Link temporary invisibility, allowing him to bypass enemies and hazards without detection. Despite its potential for stealth and evasion, players often overlook its usage due to its limited availability and overshadowing by more versatile items like the Hookshot and Magic Mirror. Imagine the possibilities this item can give Link in a 3D game if incorporated correctly, it can really pave the way for more stealth sections in the series.