The 10 best side quests in The Legend of Zelda series

The Legend of Zelda series is renowned for its engaging side quests that offer additional challenges and rewards beyond the main storyline. These optional tasks and missions lead to unique items, encourage you to explore all corners of Hyrule, introduce you to plenty of NPCs that you may otherwise never run into, and often tell compelling stories of every day life within the game world. Here are ten of the best side quests from The Legend of Zelda series.

10. The Cucco Quest (Various)

This recurring quest to wrangle loose Cuccos is among the most amusing (and potentially annoying) in the entire series. The quest requires players to catch and deliver Cuccos that have wandered far from their pens, adding a light-hearted and humorous element to the game. The quest rewards players with items and upgrades, making it a fun and rewarding diversion from the main quest. Just be sure not to hit them too many times, I still have nightmares from the last time I did!

9. The Fairy Fountain Quest (A Link to the Past)

Searching for the hidden Fairy Fountains in Legend of Zelda games is always a satisfying endeavor. The Fairy Fountains provide players with valuable healing items and upgrades, making them a valuable resource in the game. The hunt for these fantastical locations encourages players to explore the game world thoroughly and rewards their curiosity with useful rewards. As long as your honest, you’ll be greatly rewarded!

8. The Golden Skulltulas Quest (Ocarina of Time)

100 Golden Skulltulas litter Ocarina of Time’s Hyrule, waiting to be uncovered by players. Each Golden Skulltula is hidden in a specific location, often requiring players to solve puzzles, searching every nook and cranny in Hyrule, or use items to reveal them. The quest rewards players with various prizes, including upgrades to their wallet, Bomb Bag, and quiver, a Heart Piece, and Gold Rupees for collecting all of the Golden Skulltulas. The hunt for these metallic arachnids demands thoroughness, as players must scour every corner of Hyrule to complete it. If only the reward at the end of this quest can let Link crawl on walls and sling webs!

7. The Frog Choir Quest (Ocarina of Time)

Zora’s River is home to a group of peculiar frogs known as Fabulous Five Froggish Tenors, who are eager to listen to a catchy melody or two. The quest requires players to use their ocarina skills to teach the frogs different songs, who subsequently grow as they join Link in the musical escapade. The frogs will eventually give a Heart Piece in return, making it a worthwhile diversion for those looking to enhance their health meter (and they are so darn cute! Ribbit!).

6. The Poe Souls Quest (Twilight Princess)

This quest involves collecting the souls of Poes scattered throughout Hyrule, offering a spooky and engaging side quest. The Poes can be found from the farthest reaches of the overworld to the depths of dungeons, so you never know where you might encounter one. Many can only be found at night, making it tricky to complete this gathering quest. Acquiring Poe Souls yields valuable items and upgrades, making it a worthwhile endeavor for those who enjoy exploring all corners of the game world. Ghost bustin’ sure feels good!

5. The Bottle Quest (Various)

As we all know, bottles have been one of the most valuable items in the entire series. The Bottle Quest is a recurring quest in many Zelda games, where players search the game world for empty bottles to store various items. These bottles are essential for capturing and carrying helpful creatures like fairies, which can revive Link when he falls in battle. Additionally, bottles can hold potions, allowing players to replenish their health or gain temporary enhancements during their adventures. Finding and collecting all the bottles adds an element of exploration and strategy to the game, as players must decide which items to prioritize for storage in their limited number of bottles. Remember to recycle!

4. The Kinstone Quest (The Minish Cap)

The quest to find and fuse the many Kinstone pieces is runs all throughout The Minish Cap. Each fusion creates a special event or unlocks a hidden treasure, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny of the game world. The rewards for fusing can range from opening up new areas to revealing secret passageways or triggering special interactions with NPCs, adding depth and intrigue to the Minish Cap’s unique version of Hyrule. The quest’s interconnected nature makes each fusion feel like a meaningful discovery and connection with everyone you meet, creating a sense of accomplishment and curiosity as players uncover all of the unique Kinstone fusions and their rewards.

3. The Biggoron’s Sword Quest (Ocarina of Time)

To obtain the powerful Biggoron’s Sword, Link embarks on an extensive trading sequence with various characters across Hyrule. This quest spans multiple in-game days and requires careful planning and patience, culminating in the forging of a mighty weapon that significantly enhances Link’s combat abilities. The quest itself is a satisfying challenge and rewards players with a weapon that is a testament to their perseverance and skill. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love a cool sword?

2. The Quest for Epona (Ocarina of Time)

In this iconic quest, Link journeys to Lon Lon Ranch to rescue Epona, the legendary horse. The quest spans between childhood, where Link first learns Epona’s Song, and adulthood. After witnessing her mistreatment by Ingo, the ranch’s new owner, Link engages in a series of races against him, then ultimately jumps over the fence after he attempts to lock them in. Upon escaping, Link earns Epona’s trust and loyalty, allowing him to ride her across Hyrule’s vast landscapes. Epona becomes an indispensable companion throughout Link’s journey, aiding him in battles, traversal, and exploration.

1. The Anju and Kafei Quest (Majora’s Mask)

In Majora’s Mask, the Anju and Kafei Quest is a poignant and intricate storyline that revolves around reuniting a troubled couple, Anju and Kafei, amidst the looming apocalypse caused by the falling moon. Players must carefully manage their time and interactions with characters to progress through the quest, as certain events can only be triggered at specific times. The quest delves deep into themes of love, sacrifice, and determination, as players witness the couple’s unwavering devotion to each other in the face of impending doom. Through the quest, players experience the human side of the game’s world, adding layers of emotional depth and narrative complexity to the overall story.