10 Best Dungeons In The Legend Of Zelda Franchise
The finest levels in Hyrule and beyond.
Few franchises can boast as many classic levels as The Legend Of Zelda. The series is perhaps best known for its sprawling overworlds packed with side quests and weird characters, but the nitty gritty of most Zelda games is the exploration of perilous, labyrinthine dungeons.
While some instalments focus more than others on dungeon design, few Zelda titles have passed without at least one top tier level. The variety is extraordinary; while Zelda is at its heart a fantasy adventure series, there are dungeons which encompass elements of sci fi and horror in their structure and aesthetic.
Zelda dungeons follow a tried and tested formula - you puzzle your way to a miniboss, best them to gain an item, then use that item to defeat the real boss - but they rarely feel repetitive. The levels are just so lovingly designed, so playable.
Narrowing down the finest Zelda dungeons is no easy feat given the wealth of material, but there are some that manage to wow that little bit more than others. These are the best the games have to offer - the series’ true treasures.
10. Spirit Temple
Has any intellectual property handled time travel as well as Ocarina Of Time? Unlikely. The 1998 game uses the titular instrument and its time bending capabilities to terrific storytelling purpose, as Link jumps between child and adult versions of himself in order to rid Hyrule of evil.
The Spirit Temple requires the player to delve into Link’s past - you start the dungeon off as child Link, where you meet Nabooru, later to become the spirit sage. By setting off a chain of events that then allow you to venture into the depths of the dungeon, the game makes its time travelling hook far more than just a gimmick.
The temple itself is one of the most varied in the game, boasting tricky combat against Iron Knuckles, the usual great puzzles, and a cool main item, the mirror shield, that then adds a further dimension with its light-based tasks.
The boss fight, Twinrova, is also among the game’s best. Blasting the witches with their elemental spells remains one of the most satisfying ways to take down a foe. It’s a brilliantly balanced final temple, setting you up for your clash with Ganondorf.