7 Memorable Zelda Dungeons: Ranked From Worst To Best

As much as I love the Stone Tower Temple, I could not in good conscience rank it above the Forest Temple.

The Forest Temple isn't just the most memorable Zelda dungeon; it is one of the most outstanding achievements in all of gaming. From the twisted hallways to the climactic confrontation with Phantom Ganon, this dungeon is full of unforgettable moments, and together they form an incredible experience.

What immediately strikes every player about the Forest Temple is its eerie atmosphere. The moody theme that echoes throughout the dungeon is one of composer Koji Kondo's finest works, as it perfectly sets the tone of this unsettling location. The design of this dungeon is also top notch, as the overgrown and decaying temple manages to be simultaneously unsettling and endearing.

Yet, the most admirable of the Forest Temple's many qualities is the story it tells. This temple is the first dungeon the player enters after Link has aged seven years. The care-free and inviting Hyrule that we once knew has now become a wasteland under Ganondorf's rule. The stakes are higher and the game's difficulty increases, and these changes are introduced to the player during this dungeon.

The Forest Temple's difficulty forces the player to mature quickly, which interestingly reflects the changes Link himself is going through. With the Forest Temple Nintendo managed to subtly convey an integral story moment through its gameplay.

By mirroring Link's personal growth through gameplay, the Forest Temple ends up strengthening the players' emotional connection to the game. This impressive form of storytelling, combined with the fascinating tone and design go the dungeon, causes the Forest Temple to be the most memorable dungeon in all of Zelda.

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