7 times Link proved he is one of the coolest video game heroes ever

Most everyone can agree that Link is an amazing hero who is beloved across multiple generations. There have been many times when the hero of Hyrule proved that he is the coolest person ever by facing insurmountable odds with unwavering courage. He is never the most powerful hero around, but he knows how to protect those he loves and is unafraid to do so.

How can anyone possibly be cooler than that? While it is possible to reference all of the moments in The Legend of Zelda and its spin-offs that prove Link is beyond cool, this article will focus on seven unforgettable times when the legendary hero truly showed he is one of the coolest characters in gaming.

1. Helmaroc King fight — The Wind Waker

From the start of The Wind Waker, this monster of a bird has pestered Link and been a seemingly impossible hurdle to overcome. It is the beast that kidnapped his sister, threw him out to sea, and prompted Link’s whole quest. But after fighting through three dungeons and collecting the Master Sword, the hero was ready to face down this foe once and for all. Link remains unfazed as the bird crashes into the room, and keeps that same cool despite the chaotic fighting style of the Helmaroc King.

Calm, collected, and of course, cool, Link overcomes the impossible to save his sister and the world. The sheer confidence Link possesses in this fight makes The Hero of the Winds one of the coolest Links to ever dawn the cap.

2. Mario Kart 8 DLC Pack 1

One of the only times Link proved to be cool while barely even lifting the Master Sword is in Mario Kart 8. Sure, a hero facing down a giant monster is exciting, but being serious all the time is no fun. After all, the only thing cooler than an epic hero is an epic hero that can also let loose.

Seeing Link smile so much while racing around the Mushroom Kingdom is just so sweet and wholesome, it’s impossible to not fall in love with this chill hero. In this game Link is not the traditional definition of cool, but how could a hero so ready to have fun in Mario Kart not be.

3. Eldin Canyon memory — Breath of the Wild

This memory from Breath of the Wild shows two ways that Link is the coolest character ever. First, the backdrop presents a field of Lynels, Bokoblins, and Moblins that Link defeated. Fighting a large battle single-handedly is insanely cool by itself, but the fact he only walked away with a mere cut is utterly insane.

Second, Link is unafraid to show some vulnerability to Zelda in this memory, and that says a lot about who he is. The fact that Link is strong enough to fight waves of monsters, but also vulnerable enough to show weakness, makes him a brilliant and cool character.

4. Final Memory — Breath of the Wild

Though all versions of Link would be ready to do so, the Hero of the Wilds is one of the only in The Legend of Zelda series to make the ultimate sacrifice. Fighting until his very last breath to protect both Zelda and Hyrule, the Hero of the Wilds proves himself as one of the coolest heroes in the series.

This hero may not do over-the-top feats like the Hero of the Goddess, nor is he as good a swordsman as the Hero of Twilight, but his undying dedication is on a completely different level. He was badly injured, and the Master Sword was all but destroyed, yet the Hero of the Wilds stood up to protect those he was sworn to.

5. Diving into the sky — Skyward Sword

Skyward Sword‘s sky diving is such a simple game mechanic, but it makes the Hero of the Goddess seem simply incredible. Link fearlessly jumps off into a vast of nothingness, calls his Loftwing with a mere whistle, and then the great bird lets Link fly on its back. The confidence in the dive, the close bond and trust with the Loftwing, and the agility required for this maneuver are truly awe-inspiring. The Hero of the Sky could not be any cooler if he tried. Actually, scratch that, there is one time he was cooler.

6. Confronting Demise — Skyward Sword 

Imagine a hero so cool that he can look at a being, who is practically the god of evil, in the face and challenge him to a fight without even flinching or second-guessing himself? That hero exists and is the Hero the Goddess. The determination that dawns on Link’s face as he prepares to fight Demise and save Zelda is indescribable and undoubtedly fuels anyone who sees it with the confidence to fight a demon as well. As if diving into the sky was not cool enough, the Hero of the Goddess just had to take things to a whole other level.

7. Fight on the Bridge of Eldin — Twilight Princess

Fresh off of his trip to Ordon Village toward the start of Twilight Princess, Link returns to Kakariko Village to find it being attacked by King Bulblin, who has taken Colin captive. Without even a second thought, Link charges at the king to begin the fight of a lifetime.

After fighting past hordes of Bulblins Link finally faces their leader one-on-one in a joust to the death on The Bridge of Eldin. Both King Bulblin and Link charge at each other, neither one backing down until Link tosses the King off his horse to win. With Epona reared up, Link holds up his sword as a sign of victory as twilight sets behind them. This scene alone encompasses everything mentioned before now and shows how Link stands as one of the most awe-inspiring video game character ever.