The Master Sword chose BotW’s Link, who then lived his life protecting Princess Zelda as her Royal Knight. We follow him as he faces seemingly endless foes, cooks up some questionable meals, and meets many friends across Hyrule. But what else do we know about Breath of the Wild’s Link? As players journey through the vast open world of Hyrule, they uncover not just the thrilling tales of adventure but also the profound depth of Link's character.
After completing Breath of the Wild, many players are eager to dive into the sequel. To assist you on your new journey, we have compiled a comprehensive collection of guides, including Zelda TOTK maps, locations of all the Tears of the Kingdom Shrines, and tips for building vehicles in the game. Our review of Tears of the Kingdom also provides an overview of what to expect.
Exploring Link’s Rich Backstory
Link stands as a revered Knight of Hyrule and the central figure in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, along with appearances in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity and Tears of the Kingdom. While players encounter different Links throughout the series, each incarnation brings unique traits and narratives.
Interestingly, Link’s lineage traces back to a Knight of Hyrule, although his family did not belong to the nobility. Rumored to hail from Hateno Village, where he possesses a quaint riverside home, Link's humble origins often led to disdain from the upper-class nobles, especially after he was promoted to champion and became Princess Zelda's personal bodyguard.
During his lengthy healing sleep in the Shrine of Resurrection, Link experiences a significant loss of memory due to the Calamity. This amnesia means he forgets everyone and everything from his past, despite the fact that not much has changed during his century-long slumber.
Understanding Link’s Personality
Mipha describes Link as a curious and energetic boy, albeit a bit reckless. Over the years, he matures into a much quieter individual, appearing colder on the surface. Nonetheless, traces of his youthful self occasionally shine through.
In Breath of the Wild, Link's amnesia allows him to exhibit a personality reminiscent of his younger days, filled with more expression and a carefree spirit, as he is unburdened by his responsibilities in Hyrule. Players can catch glimpses of the ‘old Link’ in various cutscenes from Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, where he participates in humorous eating competitions with the Gorons.
It is also noted in diaries and through Zelda that Link has a strong love for food, showcasing his gluttonous tendencies—evident during the lighthearted eating contests involving Goron’s Rock Roast.
Link’s Unique Abilities in Breath of the Wild
Despite being a Hylian and not part of a mystical lineage, Link possesses an array of extraordinary powers, even before acquiring the Sheikah Slate's runes. His stealth capabilities rival that of the Yiga Clan, while his mastery over various weapons, especially bows and swords, makes him a formidable opponent in battle. Moreover, his strength is impressive; he can effortlessly push large boulders, aiding in the completion of Korok puzzles.
Once Link secures the Sheikah Slate, he unlocks additional skills that further enhance his capabilities:
- Magnesis: This power allows him to lift and move metal objects.
- Cryonis: With Cryonis, Link can create ice pillars on the water, providing a climbing aid.
- Stasis: This ability lets him temporarily stop time for objects.
- Remote Bombs: Link can throw bombs and detonate them remotely, an incredibly useful skill in various situations.
For those intrigued by the characters in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, an exploration of BotW’s Zelda could be the next exciting step. Discover which Zelda characters resonate as fan favorites!
