THE LEGEND OF ZELDA — NES — 1986
The adventure that started the legend. Enter Hyrule, take up the sword and begin the quest for the Triforce of Wisdom.
The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda is where the legendary journey began. Explore the mysterious kingdom of Hyrule, discover hidden secrets, enter dangerous dungeons and recover the eight pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom.
Guide Link through his first great adventure as he searches for Princess Zelda and prepares to face the evil Ganon.
Nintendo Entertainment System
1986
Action-Adventure
1 Player
Nintendo
Nintendo
The Story
The kingdom of Hyrule has fallen into danger after the evil Ganon obtains the Triforce of Power.
Princess Zelda protects the Triforce of Wisdom by breaking it into eight pieces and hiding them throughout Hyrule.
Link must travel across the kingdom, find the eight pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom, defeat Ganon and rescue Princess Zelda.
Gameplay
Explore Hyrule
Travel through forests, mountains, lakes, caves and mysterious areas while searching for secrets.
Discover Dungeons
Find hidden entrances and explore dangerous labyrinths filled with enemies, puzzles, treasures and bosses.
Become the Hero
Equip Link with powerful weapons and items and prepare for the battle against Ganon.
Hyrule Adventures
Hyrule
Explore the original world of Hyrule.
Dungeons
Discover labyrinths filled with danger.
Link
The Hero of Hyrule begins his journey.
Enemies
Battle monsters throughout the kingdom.
Secrets
Discover hidden rooms, caves and treasures.
Ganon
Face the evil power threatening Hyrule.
Weapons & Items
⚔️ Sword
Link's primary weapon for battling enemies throughout Hyrule.
💣 Bombs
Use bombs to destroy obstacles and uncover hidden passages.
🏹 Bow
Attack enemies from a distance with arrows.
🪃 Boomerang
A useful ranged item capable of stunning enemies.
🕯️ Candle
Light certain areas and discover hidden secrets.
💚 Heart Container
Increase Link's maximum number of hearts.
The Nine Dungeons
The Eagle
The Moon
The Manji
The Snake
The Lizard
The Dragon
The Demon
The Lion
Death Mountain
The Second Quest
The adventure doesn't end after completing the original quest. The game also features a Second Quest with rearranged dungeon layouts, different item locations and new challenges.
It gives players another reason to return to Hyrule and experience the adventure in a completely different way.
The Beginning of a Legend
The Legend of Zelda introduced players to a world built around exploration and discovery.
Hidden secrets, dungeons, puzzles, weapons, items and a mysterious overworld would become important elements of the Zelda series.
What began with this NES adventure in 1986 would eventually become one of Nintendo's most recognizable and celebrated franchises.
The beginning of The Legend of Zelda.
A foundation for generations of Zelda adventures.
My Zelda Collection
My Copy
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A Classic Adventure
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← Back to GamesContinue the Adventure
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Continue Link's journey in the next Zelda adventure.
Explore →A Link to the Past
Travel to another legendary chapter in the history of Hyrule.
Explore →Ocarina of Time
Experience Link's legendary journey through time.
Explore →All Zelda Games
Return to the complete Zelda game collection.
View Games →