The Zelda series has almost always focused on Link as the hero and protagonist, but after The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, it feels like Zelda deserves another turn. While no sequel has been confirmed, there is hope that the next game will make her a playable character, just like in Echoes of Wisdom. She had a strong character arc in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, yet she was mostly absent outside of cutscenes. After everything she has been through, it would be exciting to see her take a more active role.

Zelda has been playable in spin-offs like the Hyrule Warriors games, proving she can hold her own. Letting players experience Hyrule through her perspective would bring new gameplay and storytelling. With her intelligence, magic, and unique abilities, she could offer something entirely new to the series. Besides that, there are several reasons why she deserves a chance to shine.

10 It’s Called The Legend Of Zelda, Not The Legend Of Link

It's Time To Give Zelda A Chance To Really Shine

For years, the Legend of Zelda series has focused on Link, but it’s time for Zelda, the title character, to take the lead. As the queen of Hyrule, she holds an important role in the kingdom’s history and deserves more attention. A Tears of the Kingdom sequel could give her the spotlight, showing her strength, wisdom, and leadership beyond a ing role.

Having Zelda as the main character would also break the classic damsel-in-distress trope. While she’s been given more depth in recent titles, she still often ends up needing to be rescued. Allowing players to control Zelda would not only provide a new experience but also move the story forward, showing her as a powerful and independent character.

After so many years of playing as Link, it would be exciting to see more stories from Zelda’s perspective. With her abilities and role in the world, having her as the playable character would offer something new and refreshing, making her the hero of her own legend. It’s a change that feels both exciting and long overdue, even after Echoes of Wisdom.

9 Playing As Zelda Could Help Deepen Link’s Story

Zelda Could Help Explore Link's Story From A Different Angle

Playing as Zelda could also give us a chance to make Link’s story more interesting. In most games, Link is the one doing the rescuing, and Zelda is often in need of saving. Having Zelda rescue Link would be a fun twist, changing the usual roles and showing that both characters have their own strengths. The recent Echoes of Wisdom gave players a glimpse into what this would look like, but it could work even better in a larger game following TOTK.

In various Legend of Zelda games, she has distinctive roles and alter egos, like Sheik in Ocarina of Time and Tetra in The Wind Waker.

Having Zelda as a playable character would let us see Link’s journey from a different angle. As Zelda faces the same challenges, we could better understand Link’s struggles and why he acts the way he does. Seeing their paths cross would help explain Link’s journey in ways we can’t from his perspective alone. Zelda’s involvement would also make her a more important part of the story and show how connected her and Link’s missions really are.

8 Fans Have Wanted To Play As Zelda For Years

This Has Been Highly Requested For Years

For years, fans have been asking to play as Zelda, and with each new Legend of Zelda game, the demand only gets stronger. People want the chance to step into Zelda’s shoes and experience her story. She’s one of the most iconic characters for Nintendo, and it’s time she got more attention as a playable character. Echoes of Wisdom gave us playtime as Zelda, but it wasn’t enough. We deserve more of that, and it’s been long overdue.

Letting players control Zelda would bring a fresh experience, especially for longtime fans. After playing as Link for the last 38 years, playing as Zelda would make the game feel exciting again. Seeing things through Zelda’s eyes would change how players approach puzzles and battles. It would make the gameplay feel new and interesting.

Nintendo has always been known for its creativity, but it has often missed opportunities to offer more playable female characters. Zelda is the perfect character to lead this change. Giving her a bigger role would send a positive message about women in gaming. It’s time for Nintendo to give fans what they’ve been asking for: the chance to play as Zelda, a strong and important character in the series.

7 A Brand New And Unique Playstyle, Different From Link’s

Magic Could Breathe New Life Into TLOZ's Combat

Playing as Zelda would give players a brand-new playstyle, different from Link’s. Zelda’s connection to the Triforce of Wisdom and her magical powers haven’t been fully used in previous games. Instead of being a ive character, Zelda could use her powers to cast powerful magic. This would give players a new experience, moving away from the typical sword and shield combat. With her powers, Zelda could attack from a distance, create barriers, or use offensive magic.

Zelda’s divine abilities would make her gameplay unique. While Link fights up close with physical weapons, Zelda could focus on long-range combat and magic. This would introduce a new level of strategy to battles, enabling different approaches to combat. Instead of relying on swords, shields, and bows, Zelda could use a variety of magical weapons and items, making her combat style more diverse and exciting.

6 TOTK Set Her Up For More

Zelda's Story And Development In TOTK Deserves More Depth

In Tears of the Kingdom, Zelda shows just how powerful she can be. She made an incredible sacrifice by turning into the Light Dragon to bring the Master Sword to Link. This shows that she’s capable of doing more than just waiting around for Link to save her. With all her abilities, it would be a missed opportunity for her to go back to being ive. Her transformation proves that she can handle big challenges on her own, and it makes sense for her to play a more active role in the sequel.

Zelda has spent years training, learning about Hyrule, magic, and its people. Her role extends beyond the princess trope. She’s a scholar, strategist, and warrior. Her Sheikah training, shown in games like Ocarina of Time, gives her the skills to handle different situations, from stealth to combat. With all her knowledge and experience, Zelda could be an amazing playable character who makes a real impact on the story.

After all her growth, it would make no sense for Zelda to take a step back. She’s strong, capable, and knows how to act when necessary. The next game should let her fully embrace her potential and let her become the hero she’s always been meant to be. Tears of the Kingdom set her up for a bigger role, and it’s time to make that happen.

5 Zelda Would Have The Chance To Finally Be Free

It's Time To See Zelda Break Away From Her Destiny

Zelda has always been tied to destiny. As the princess of Hyrule, she's always had to put the kingdom first. A playable role would give Zelda the chance to break free from this responsibility and make her own choices.

Making Zelda playable would allow her to have a more personal, emotional story. We’ve seen her face challenges, but most of her growth has been focused on her duty. Zelda could have a deeper journey where she faces her own fears and deals with the effects of turning into a dragon. She could finally reclaim her humanity and explore what it means to be more than just a ruler.

Zelda could also take a hands-on role in rebuilding Hyrule. Instead of overseeing from a distance, she could travel to damaged regions and help heal both the land and its people. With her knowledge of Hyrule and divine powers, she could play an active part in restoring balance.

4 Zelda Could Use Her Diplomacy And Influence To Rally Allies

Zelda Is A Natural Born Leader And It's Time To Explore That

Zelda is more than a princess. She’s also a leader with the power to unite Hyrule. Unlike Link, who often works alone, Zelda has the skills to negotiate, build alliances, and rally people together. She could use diplomacy to gain , negotiate with other factions, and bring Hyrule’s citizens into the fight. Instead of just battling enemies, Zelda could use her leadership to strengthen Hyrule and prevent conflict.

Zelda has always understood her people and Hyrule’s needs, making her an ideal leader. In a game, she could travel across the land, meeting leaders and earning their trust, and form a coalition to take down threats. She could also use her wisdom to make important and unique decisions, guiding others to protect the kingdom. Her role could give us something else that the Legend of Zelda series needs, which is more choices that actually matter, opening the door to different possible endings.

3 Zelda Has Been Playable In Past Games

Echoes Of Wisdom Was Fun, But Zelda Deserves More

Zelda has been playable in a few Zelda games before, and those moments show that she can be more than just a character to rescue. In Spirit Tracks, Zelda is a ghost who helps Link solve puzzles and travel the world. This was a unique way to let players control Zelda, and it gave her a bigger role than usual.

In Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, Zelda got to fight and take on a more active role in the action. Though the game wasn’t focused on the traditional Zelda story, her magic-based combat made her fun to play, offering something new for players.

Most recently, Echoes of Wisdom let Zelda shine. She had to travel Hyrule, fight her own enemies, and save Link instead of the other way around. It was a nice break from the traditional Link-led roles.

Zelda has been a mainstay playable character in spin-off and crossover series, including Hyrule Warriors and Super Smash Bros.

Zelda’s past appearances as a playable character have been well-received, showing that she can stand on her own. Fans have been asking for more chances to play as her, and her intelligence, powers, and history make her a great choice for a bigger role, such as in a TOTK sequel.

2 It Could Lead To A Zelda-Only Spin-Off

A Zelda-Only Spin-Off Would Be Something New

Playing as Zelda in Echoes of Wisdom was a lot of fun and showed that Zelda can be just as exciting to play as Link. A Zelda-only spin-off could be a big success, especially with the amazing graphics and storytelling seen in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. A game where you explore Hyrule from Zelda’s point of view would be a great chance to dive into her personal journey. It could focus on her struggles with destiny, mastering her powers, and growing into her role. This would offer a more emotional and unique story compared to Link’s usual adventure.

Zelda’s magical abilities and royal background would make for an interesting and exciting experience. A game centered around her would not only appeal to long-time fans but could also attract new players interested in seeing the story from a different perspective. It’s the perfect time for Nintendo to give Zelda her own game, with a fresh storyline and new gameplay that shows her as a true hero.

1 Playing As Both Zelda And Link Would Be Amazing

Dual Protagonists Do Well In Video Games, Plus It Could Mean Co-Op

Playing as both Zelda and Link in a Tears of the Kingdom sequel could be an exciting and new idea. Having two protagonists would give players the chance to experience the story from both perspectives, with each character bringing their unique abilities to the table. While Link focuses on combat and exploration, Zelda could use her magical powers and diplomatic skills, offering a different way to interact with the world. This would keep the gameplay feeling new and interesting as players switch between the two.

This setup could also open up the possibility for co-op gameplay, allowing two players to control Zelda and Link as they work together to solve puzzles and overcome challenges. Games like A Way Out and It Takes Two have shown that having two protagonists can add a lot to the gameplay experience.

Zelda has grown a lot in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, and her story is unique and important. It would be a waste to keep her in the background. Giving her a bigger role in the sequel would let fans experience her growth and make her journey just as important.