Summary
Since 1986,The Legend of Zeldacollection has remained relevant among the gaming community with over twenty games with multiple spin-offs, remakes, and special appearances in other Nintendo series. With somegames longer than others, the franchise is able to keep itself relevant through a blend of repetition and innovation.
Even though most Zelda games follow a similar structure — with the same narrative bones, recognizable characters, and iconic locations — they each come with their share of uniqueness. Most of the time, these innovations are reflected through the protagonist, Link, who isa constant throughout the franchise. Even though Link is known for his short stature, the protagonist’s height changes, making each version unique.
Updated Jun 06, 2025 by Ana Micaela Leite Scheidemantel:Since the announcement of the upcoming Zelda game that, for the first time, features Zelda as the protagonist instead of Link, there has been a lot of conversation surrounding the original protagonist. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will forever change the way Link is viewed. Therefore, to further celebrate the protagonist that has ruled the Zelda games for so long, this list will acknowledge other versions of Link that, despite not being definitive versions of the characters, are still part of the character’s identity.
Known for his short stature, Link may not be a conventional hero, but he stands out among video game protagonists, having a plethora of versions in which his height depends on the context of the game. Before the spotlight is taken from the hero, there are plenty of tall and short types of Link that deserve to be acknowledged, even if they only appear for short moments or due to specific conditions.
The name kind of gives it away, but the Link inThe Minish Capis definitely the shortest Link. Throughout the game, players use the protagonist’s mini-size to explore dungeons and fight bosses. Although the whole game is made on a short scale, Link’s achievements are not diminished by his literal size.
When the evil sorcerer Vaati threatens the Picori people, the tiny hero has to venture into a world filled with threats and treasures. More than in any other game in the franchise, Link’s small stature just makes the adventure more enjoyable, solidifying The Minish Cap asone of the best GBA games out there.
Being transformed into a Deku Scrub might not be among Link’s highlights, but it definitely had its perks despite giving the character an even smaller stature. Throughout the game, the protagonist slowly unlocks new abilities in this form, yet it remains one of the shortest versions of Link in the franchise.
Eventually, Deku Link uses the Deku pipes to turn the curse into a Deku Mask, which allows him to revisit the form throughout the game, using its short stature and other abilities when necessary.
Toon Link is one of the most recognizable Links in the franchise due to how much he stands out within theZeldagames. With perhaps the most vibrant andunique art stylefrom the series, the characters' cartoon-like expressions bring light to a different side of Link and, consequently, the franchise.
The Hero of Winds makes an appearance inThe Wind WakerandPhantom Hourglass, both of which offer great exploration and expressive graphics, allowing the short hero to make waves in what became New Hyrule.
Even though this is considered a different version of Link, as he saves New Hyrule 100 years after the events inTheWind WakerandPhantom Hourglass,Spirit Tracksalso features a similar version of Toon Link.
The art style stays as vibrant as the Hero of Winds, and it continues to focus on the short hero as he ventures with Zelda’s spirit in his train. Despite the time apart, these heroes are extremely similar, as seen through their heights.
These versions are linked together because, despite being different Links in different timelines, they have undeniable similarities, including matching heights. The Link in these games also share similarities with the Hero of Winds and Hero of New Hyrule.
In bothFour SwordsandFour Swords Adventures,their respective Link can be split into four different versions in aco-op adventure. Despite having different personalities, clothes, and quirks, these Links are all the same size.
Although this istechnicallythe same Link as the Hero of Time, there are two versions of the character inOcarina of Time:his adult version and his younger, smaller self. The younger version is also seen inMajora’s Mask,where the protagonist is stuck in a nightmarish time loop.
As one of the most iconic versions, Young Link has every element that makes this character so beloved. His short stature and shining animation bring light even to thedarkest of games.
Classic Link is the original incarnation of Link in terms of release, appearing inThe Legend of Zelda, the first game of the franchise. Despite being a straightforward story with a classic overworld map, this version of Link deserves major credit for making the character so iconic in the gaming world.
The protagonist was created to be a short and young hero, which is reflected in his small stature but enormous energy and potential. Classic Link is the initial iteration of the character who grew up figuratively and literally throughout the franchise’s history.
The Legendary Hero appears in multiple games in the franchise, starting with 1992’sA Link to the Past, followed by theOracleduology (Oracle of AgesandOracle of Seasons), and wrapping up withLink’s Awakening.
A Link to the Pastalso introduced the Master Sword to the franchise, positioning itself as an important point inZelda’s convoluted chronological order. As in allZeldagames, the Legendary Hero, Link, deals with an astounding number of threats, despite his short stature.
A Link Between Worldsbrings back a similar look to the Legendary Hero in terms of outfit, height, and overall character outline. Despite being a sequel set long after the events ofA Link to the Past,the installment comes with some fine-tuning, including the protagonist’s ability to dimension hop.
In particular, the two versions inA Link Between Worldsvary in dimension and size, making this hero’s height even harder to pinpoint, but the Hero of Two Worlds might just be slightly taller than his predecessor inA Link to the Past.
With a darker atmosphere and a somewhat realistic 3D animation,Twilight Princessis a staple of the franchise with collectibles, side quests, and a top-tier storyline. The game’s narrative stands out among the games, as it brings twists to the classic hero’s tale, which is reflected through Link’s appearance.
As part ofthe Child’s Timeline, Link is not fully grown, with his height being a bit harder to identify, notwithstanding his shorter height when compared to everyone else. Yet, the game also features Link as a wolf, being considerably smaller, and Hero’s Shade, who is taller.
