10 Strongest Non-Boss Enemies In The Legend Of Zelda Franchise

The Zelda series is the ultimate hero’s tale. The majority of the games take an ordinary guy, often an outcast, often a kid, and sends them off on an incredible adventure, during which he’ll overcome incredible odds, battling with gods and monsters many times his size and strength and saving the day.

The bosses provide some of the most memorable moments and awesome fights, but the world of Hyrule and beyond poses many threats beyond the final battle waiting at the tail end of the dungeon.

Over the course of the franchise Link has encountered many creatures in the games’ open worlds which possess incredible power. Some of these creations can be defeated with deft tactics; others respond only to brute force, Some are better off avoided altogether (with your beatings to be avenged once you’re better armed).

The sheer imagination of each Zelda game never fails to impress, not least in the design of the run of the mill enemies. The games present a true adventure, and nothing gives you more of a feeling of progression than finally overcoming a powerful monster that has been troubling you - Link fulfilling his heroic destiny.

These sinister creations are ever present in Twilight Princess, to the point that you'll need to become a dab hand at fighting them. Enter a new area and you’re more than likely to be encountered by a familiar sight - the horrible, bipedal, be-masked creatures encircling Link in an inescapable battle arena.

In one on one combat, they’re not too tough to defeat, but the Shadow Beast travels in packs. They play the numbers game against Link, synchronising their attacks and darting around in an eerie, not quite human fashion.

Cut scenes demonstrate just how powerful these creatures can be, as the usurper king Zant mobilises his demonic army - for once, the numbers are against the Shadow Beast hordes, but all the same they manage to overrun the Hylian army. They’re Zant’s key weapon, and he deploys them liberally throughout the game.

Most annoying of all, leave one Beast alive and it’ll emit a horrific screech which resurrects its slain comrades, adding an element of task management to an already difficult battle. They can kill you with physical attacks, or just plain frustration.