The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild is a sprawling open-world action-adventure game that launched alongside the Nintendo Switch console in March 2017. Since then, it has received unrivaled critical and commercial success, with many fans calling it the best Zelda game of all time.
Whilst exploring the ruins of Hyrule players can meet and assist a number of quirky side characters to complete side quests and the game’s main storyline — defeating Ganon. Some of these characters are brand new to Breath Of The Wild, whilst others are long-standing fan-favorites making a return to The Legend Of Zelda series. Here’s the definitive ranking of every side character Link can run into on his quest.
16 Magda
This Hylian woman is the true scourge of Hyrule. If Link manages to find his way to the Hila Rao Shrine, he faces a foe more dangerous than any Guardian. If he steps one foot on Magda’s flowers, she will fly into a fit of rage and beat Link unconscious. If she was that precious about her perfect petals, why plant them in a maze?
15 Hestu
Hestu might be the most celebrated musician in the Korok Forest, but he is the reason Link is plagued by Korok seeds at every turn. With 900 Korok seeds scattered throughout Hyrule, it’s not fair that he never lends a hand to help Link find them. Whilst Hestu might upgrade Link’s Weapon Stash, Bow Stash, or Shield Stash as thanks, he should learn to look after his Priceless Maracas better.
14 King Rhoam
King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule is the former King of Hyrule and Zelda’s father. Flashbacks in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild show him to be a caring father figure to everyone but Zelda. The way in which he treats Zelda, who is struggling to unlock her powers and wants to pursue academics is unacceptable. Some might explain this as tough love, but these people are wrong.
Plus he sends Link on a trek across the plains of the Great Plateau to obtain 4 Spirit Orbs for his paraglider. Once this time-consuming endeavor is done, only then does he warn that Princess Zelda's power is draining and Calamity Ganon will escape. If things were that pressing, why didn’t he just drop the Old Man act and give players the paraglider?
13 Kaneli
Kaneli is the chief of Rito Village, but you’d be forgiven for forgetting that. With every other location, there has been a guiding mentor for Link that move along key narrative points and help him on his quest. In Rito Village, Kaneli is overshadowed by the ghostly form of Revali. For a Rito who was once a warrior and acted as Teba's mentor, he is vastly underutilized.
12 Robbie
This obnoxious, tone-deaf member of the Sheikah clan named his Ancient Oven after his ex-wife, whilst living with his current wife. This lack of care for her feelings automatically makes Robbie one of the worst supporting characters in Breath of the Wild. Despite acting as a subordinate researcher to Purah, he is full of contempt and does not treat her with respect, which seems to be a pattern for the women in his life.
11 Daruk
This Goron Champion may have a rock-solid body, but he has a heart of gold underneath his rugged and round exterior. Daruk's Protection, an impenetrable barrier, can surround Link at a moment’s notice which can prove very handy during his adventures.
10 Mipha
Mipha is the Princess of the Zora, a skilled spearwoman, one of the Champions trusted to pilot a Divine Beast and a friend to Link. Her introverted nature and gift for healing endear her to the audience. The fact that she was in love with Link only serves to make her even more likable.
9 Zelda
The famous Princess of Hyrule took a back seat in Breath of the Wild, channeling all her energy into holding Calamity Ganon back. This noble sacrifice makes her a great side character, but fans of the series hope that she takes a more central role in the game’s upcoming sequel.
8 Revali
Despite his arrogant personality, Revali is one of the most beloved and interesting characters in Breath of the Wild. His development from Link’s rival to begrudgingly respecting the Hero of Hyrule is a great insight into the inner politics of the Champions.
7 Urbosa
This Gerudo Champion is capable of manipulating lighting using the Scimitar of the Seven and the Daybreaker shield. Despite her immense strength, it is matched with an immense love for Zelda, whom she cares for like a sister.
6 Impa
Impa has been a recurring character in the series since the beginning. It is the family name of several female members of the Sheikah. Every member of the Sheikah tribe have guided and protected Link and Zelda throughout their adventures.
5 Bolson
This charismatic individual is the president of Bolson Construction. They only hire people whose names end in "-son, which is a unique but bold way to run a business. He helps to build Tarrey Town and gets Link on the property ladder. His bright clothing choices are stereotypical traits of gay men in Japanese media, which is the positive representation all Zelda games should have.
4 Purah
Purah is the director of the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab, which might surprise players at first glance. However, it’s only due to her research and dedication to her experiments with anti-ageing runes that she looks so young. She’s actually 124 years old and the older sister of Impa. Drop the rune recipe, Purah.
3 Riju
Riju is from a long line of royal Gerudo Chieftains that have protected Gerudo Town in the Gerudo Desert region of Hyrule. For a side character, Riju has a heartbreaking backstory.
Her mother, the previous Chieftain, died when she was young and she was forced into her position of power. For someone so young, she handles conflict well. And she has a Sand Seal pet named Patricia, which is excellent.
2 Beedle
This small-time businessman is a recurring character in The Legend of Zelda series. He runs into Link time and time again, selling him a variety of items to help him on his adventures, sometimes on a boat, sometimes on foot. This sweetheart’s favorite things are bugs. Blathers could never.
1 Prince Sidon
If players look up the definition of the word ‘enigmatic’, they’ll be greeted with this charming prince’s smile. Sidon is the prince of the Zora, the son of King Dorephan and the brother of Mipha. Upon reveal in 2017, his smile was so bright it instantly became a meme leading up to the game’s release. Smart, dashing and emotionally available, this mourning prince sums up everything good in the world of Hyrule.