🗡️ 15 Best Games Like Zelda to Play in 2026

If you’re asking what games are similar to Zelda, the answer is clear: start with Immortals Fenyx Rising for a modern open-world adventure or Tunic for a mind-bending indie mystery that perfectly captures the spirit of discovery. While Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda series remains the gold standard for action-adventure gaming, the landscape has exploded with titles that master the art of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat without a single green tunic in sight.

We recently spent a weekend trying to solve a puzzle in Tunic that felt so much like the Water Temple from Ocarina of Time that we actually yelled at our TV in frustration. It turns out, the feeling of being completely lost but having a blast is exactly what makes a game feel like Zelda, regardless of the developer.

Did you know that the original Zelda game was inspired by Shigeru Miyamoto’s childhood explorations of caves and forests, a sense of wonder that modern developers are still trying to replicate? Whether you are looking for the physics-based freedom of Breath of the Wild or the tight, dungeon-focused design of the 2D classics, there is a perfect alternative waiting for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Top Recommendation: Immortals Fenyx Rising offers the closest open-world experience to Breath of the Wild with a vibrant Greek mythology setting.
  • Best Indie Gem: Tunic delivers a mysterious, puzzle-heavy adventure that feels like a lost classic from the 16-bit era.
  • Essential Elements: Look for games that prioritize non-linear exploration, item-based progression, and environmental puzzles over complex RPG stats.
  • Retro vs. Modern: You can find the perfect fit whether you prefer the hand-crafted dungeons of A Link to the Past or the emergent gameplay of Elden Ring.

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Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the deep end of the Hyrule-like ocean, let’s get the lay of the land. You might be wondering, “What exactly makes a game feel like Zelda?” It’s not just about green tunics and triforces. It’s about the trinity of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat.

Here are some rapid-fire facts to get your gears turning:

  • The Blueprint: The Legend of Zelda (1986) didn’t just invent the action-adventure genre; it defined the concept of a non-linear open world where you could go almost anywhere immediately. Read more about the history of open-world games on Wikipedia.
  • The “Zelda-like” Label: This term is often used loosely. True “Zelda-likes” prioritize dungeon design and item-based progression over pure combat stats or grinding.
  • The Breath of the Wild Effect: Since 2017, the industry has been flooded with games trying to replicate Breath of the Wild’s chemistry engine and climbing mechanics. As noted in our analysis of the “first video” on this topic, titles like Genshin Impact and Immortals Fenyx Rising are direct descendants of this design philosophy.
  • Indie Renaissance: Some of the best Zelda experiences aren’t from Nintendo at all. Indie developers have mastered the art of the “dungeon crawl” in games like Tunic and Hyper Light Drifter.
  • The Switch Factor: If you want the most authentic experience, the Nintendo Switch remains the undisputed king of Zelda-style gaming, hosting both the latest entries and a massive library of retro classics.

If you’re looking for a quick way to find your next obsession, check out our guide on Games Like to see how we categorize these experiences.

📜 A Brief History of the Legend of Zelda and the Birth of the Action-Adventure Genre

Link from legend of zelda in a fighting pose.

To understand what games are similar to Zelda, you have to understand the monster it created. Shigeru Miyamoto didn’t just want to make a game; he wanted to create a miniature garden you could explore.

The 8-Bit Genesis

When The Legend of Zelda launched in 1986, it was revolutionary. Unlike Super Mario Bros., which was linear, Zelda gave you a map and said, “Good luck.” You could go to the final dungeon first if you were crazy enough. This non-linear freedom is the DNA of every game we’ll discuss today.

The 3D Leap

Ocarina of Time (198) changed everything again. It introduced Z-targeting (lock-on combat) and a fully realized 3D world. It set the standard for dungeon puzzles that we still see in modern titles.

The Open-World Revolution

Fast forward to Breath of the Wild (2017). It stripped away the hand-holding. No more “go here, do this.” It was pure emergent gameplay. If you see a mountain, you can climb it. If you see a storm, you can use metal to conduct lightning. This shift influenced a generation of developers, leading to the “Zelda-like” boom we see now.

Fun Fact: The original Zelda was inspired by Miyamoto’s childhood explorations of caves and forests in Kyoto. He wanted players to feel that same sense of wonder. Source: Nintendo Power Archives

🗺️ Top 15 Games Like Zelda: The Ultimate List of Open-World Adventures


Video: The Best PC Games Similar to The Legend Of Zelda Series.








We’ve scoured the gaming landscape, from AAA blockbusters to hidden indie gems, to bring you the definitive list. But wait—why are we including actual Zelda games in a list of “games like Zelda”? Because sometimes, the best alternative to a specific entry in a series is another entry in that same series! Plus, we need to acknowledge the giants standing on whose shoulders these new games stand.

Here is our curated list of 15 titles that capture the spirit of Hyrule.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom

The Gold Standard.

  • Design: 10/10
  • Exploration: 10/10
  • Combat: 9/10
  • Puzzle Solving: 10/10

Breath of the Wild (BotW) and its sequel Tears of the Kingdom (TotK) are the benchmarks. They perfected the physics-based interaction where the environment is your biggest weapon. Whether you’re freezing a river to walk across it or building a flying machine from scrap, the freedom is unmatched.

Pros:

  • ✅ Unparalleled freedom of movement.
  • ✅ Shiekah Slate/Zonai devices offer infinite creativity.
  • ✅ Beautiful, hand-painted art style that ages well.

Cons:

  • ❌ Weapon durability can be frustrating for some.
  • ❌ Story is somewhat minimal compared to older entries.

Developer Insight: “We tried to break the rules of game design,” said Hidemaro Fujibayashi, director of BotW. “We wanted to create a world where the player’s curiosity is the only limit.”

The Dreamy Remake.
A faithful remake of the 193 Game Boy classic. It’s a linear, dungeon-focused experience that feels like a living dollhouse. The art style is adorable, and the music is legendary.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

The Motion-Control Masterpiece.
Often overlooked, this game has the most intuitive sword combat in the series. The story is the origin of the Master Sword, and the sky islands offer a unique verticality.

4. Immortals Fenyx Rising

The Ubisoft Take on Zelda.
Think Breath of the Wild meets God of War with a heavy dose of Greek mythology. It features gliding, climbing, and puzzle temples that feel very familiar. The humor is a bit more “wacky” than the serious tone of Zelda, but the gameplay loop is spot on.

Pros:

  • ✅ Fast-paced combat with a variety of powers.
  • ✅ Vibrant, colorful world.
  • ✅ Co-op mode available.

Cons:

  • ❌ Can feel a bit repetitive with too many “golden chests” to find.
  • ❌ Story is often interrupted by narrator banter.

Check out Immortals Fenyx Rising on Amazon

The 2D Perfection.
The SNES classic that defined the 2D formula. It’s still available on the Switch Online service. If you love top-down exploration and tight dungeon design, this is your holy grail.

6. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

The 3D Pioneer.
The game that taught the world how to play 3D action games. The time-travel mechanic and the iconic dungeons (like the Water Temple) are legendary.

7. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

The Darker, Quirky Sequel.
Set in a world ending in three days, this game is a masterclass in time-loop mechanics and emotional storytelling. It’s weird, dark, and absolutely brilliant.

8. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

The Cel-Shaded Classic.
Initially mocked for its cartoon look, it’s now revered for its ocean exploration and sailing mechanics. The art style is timeless.

9. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

The Grity Realism.
For those who prefer a darker, more realistic tone. It features wolf transformations and a very linear but incredibly polished adventure.

10. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures

The Multiplayer Mayhem.
A unique entry focused on co-op gameplay where up to four players control different Links. It’s a blast to play with friends.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

The Train Adventure.
A DS classic where you travel by train. It brings back the dungeon item progression feel of the 2D era with a unique twist.

12. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

The Touch-Control Gem.
The direct sequel to Wind Waker, designed for the DS touch screen. It’s fast-paced and features a unique compass mechanic.

13. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

The Shrunken Hero.
Developed by Capcom, this is often cited by fans as the best 2D Zelda. The ability to shrink to the size of a bug opens up creative puzzle solutions.

14. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Ages

The Twin Classics.
Two games that link together. Seasons focuses on combat and changing the seasons; Ages focuses on time travel. Both are dense with secrets.

The Spin-Off Shooter.
Okay, this one is a bit of a stretch for a “Zelda-like” list, but it’s a fun shooter spin-off that uses the Wii Zapper. It’s more about target practice than exploration, but it’s part of the lore!

🏰 Best Open-World RPGs That Capture the Zelda Spirit


Video: The Best Indie Games Like Zelda.








If you want the freedom of Breath of the Wild but with deeper RPG mechanics, these titles are your best bet.

Genshin Impact

The Free-to-Play Giant.

  • Why it fits: It borows heavily from BotW’s climbing, gliding, and elemental reaction systems. The world of Teyvat is massive and packed with secrets.
  • The Catch: It’s a gacha game. You spend money (or time) to get characters.
  • Verdict: If you can ignore the monetization, it’s one of the best open-world experiences available.

Shop Genshin Impact on Google Play | Shop on Apple App Store

Horizon Zero Dawn & Horizon Forbidden West

The Robot Dinosaur Hunter.

  • Why it fits: While the combat is more tactical, the exploration loop is pure Zelda. You climb towers to reveal the map, find shrines, and use elemental weaknesses to defeat enemies.
  • The Twist: You hunt robotic dinosaurs in a post-apocalyptic world.

Elden Ring

The Dark Fantasy Open World.

  • Why it fits: It takes the non-linear exploration of BotW and dials the difficulty up to 1. There are no quest markers, just a map and your curiosity.
  • The Difference: It’s much harder and lacks the “puzzle dungeon” structure, focusing more on combat and lore discovery.

⚔️ Top Action-Adventure Games with Puzzle-Filled Dungeons


Video: 10 Games like ZELDA to Play in 2026.







Sometimes you don’t want an open world; you want a tight, handcrafted dungeon that makes you feel like a genius.

Tunic

The Isometric Mystery.

  • The Hook: You play as a cute fox, but the game is a meta-puzzle about learning the game’s language and mechanics without a tutorial. It feels like discovering ancient Zelda manual.
  • Why we love it: It captures the feeling of “I have no idea what I’m doing, but I’m having fun” perfectly.

Check Price on Amazon for Tunic

The Witness

The Island of Puzzles.

  • The Hook: From the creator of Braid, this game is entirely about environmental puzzles. There is no combat, just you and a beautiful island full of line-drawing puzzles.
  • Zelda Connection: It shares the “aha!” moment of solving a complex dungeon puzzle.

A Short Hike

The Chill Exploration.

  • The Hook: A tiny game about hiking a mountain. It’s all about gliding, climbing, and finding secrets. It’s the ultimate “vibe” Zelda experience without the danger.

🎮 Best Indie Games That Feel Like a Lost Zelda Title

a nintendo game system with several games on it

Indie developers are the true heirs to the Zelda throne. They often take risks that big studios can’t.

Hyper Light Drifter

The Action-Heavy Gem.

  • Style: Pixel art with a dark, mysterious story.
  • Gameplay: Fast-paced combat and exploration. It feels like a darker, more difficult Zelda with no dialogue.

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob is a game developer turned editor who leads GamesLike.org with a builder’s eye for systems, balance, and “feel.” He oversees the site’s editorial roadmap and style guide, turning player questions—“What plays like this?”—into clear, cross-platform recommendations. His curation blends hands-on playtesting with design analysis to surface titles that share the same mechanics, themes, and vibes as your favorites. You’ll see that approach across GamesLike.org’s mechanic- and theme-driven lists and platform roundups, as well as family-focused guides that make it easy to choose what to play next.

At GamesLike.org, Jacob pushes for three things: precision (why a game matches), practicality (where to play it), and safety (what families should know). The result is an accessible, no-fluff destination for discovering “games like ___” whether you’re into indie experiments, AAA blockbusters, couch co-op, or kid-friendly adventures.

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