Posted: 2 years ago, last updated 4 months ago.
Author: @GeekDadGamer, Jo Robertson and Ben Kendall.
Overview
The Wind Waker differs from other Zelda games in it’s cartoon graphics (although this was also used in The Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks) as well as the seafaring aspect of the adventure. You can aid your sailing by the ability to control the wind with a magic conductor's baton called the Wind Waker. With its help you sail the ocean, explores islands, and solve dungeon puzzles to acquire new weapons and equipment and finally defeat Ganon.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was released on Gamecube and later had an HD version on the Wii U. This version offers a harder Hero mode of the game.
There are many games in the Zelda series, each received long and focused development from Nintendo:
- The Legend of Zelda (1986) on NES
- The Adventure of Link (1987) on NES
- A Link to the Past (1991) on Super NES and Gameboy Advance, then ported to Wii, Wii U and Switch (as part of Nintendo Online).
- Link's Awakening (1993) on Gameboy then updated for Switch
- Ocarina of Time (1998) on Nintendo 64 then updated for 3D on Nintendo 3DS
- Link’s Awakening DX (1998) on Gameboy Colour
- Majora's Mask (2000) on Nitendo 64 then updated to 3D on Nintendo 3DS
- Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages (2001) on Gameboy Colour
- Four Swords (2002) on Gamecube
- The Wind Waker (2002) on Gamecube then updated in HD on Wii U
- Four Swords Adventures (2004) on Gamecube
- The Minish Cap (2004) on Gameboy Advance
- Twilight Princess (2006) on Wii then in HD on Wii U
- Phantom Hourglass (2007) on Nintendo DS
- Spirit Tracks (2009) on Nintendo DS
- Skyward Sword (2011) on Wii
- A Link Between Worlds (2013) on Nintendo 3DS
- Tri Force Heroes (2015) on Nintendo 3DS
- Breath of the Wild (2017) on Switch
- Breath of the Wild Sequel (TBA) on Switch
Game Details
Lists
View our choice of games like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. This game is good if you want to:
Duration
Play Style
You can play this game in the following styles:
Benefits
Age Ratings
In the US, ESRB state: Players use swords, boomerangs, and bows to solve puzzles and defeat “cartoony” enemy creatures (e.g., skeletons, goblins, slime). Battles are somewhat frenetic and are accompanied by sword slashing, battle cries, and colorful light effects; enemies disappear amid clouds of smoke when defeated. During one boss battle, players stab an evil creature's forehead with a sword, turning him to stone. Some worm-like creatures emit splashes of green liquid when slashed.
Skill Rating
9+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Younger players need to be able to navigate the 3D world, look for secrets and deal with reaction-based combat. Good navigation and memory are a help, particularly as the game ramps up in layers and complexity.
Our Game Pathways reveal how 29-year-olds play this game:
- 29-year-old: Can't Get You Into My Head
Accessibility
Diversity and Inclusion

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