Ganon is the most infamous villain in the Zelda series. As the most common antagonist in the long history of the franchise, he has appeared in numerous forms throughout the years since he debuted in 1986's The Legend Of Zelda.

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As a result, there is a lot of debate over which version of The Demon King is the most powerful, especially because each reinvention of the character is so different from the rest. Here are all the different versions of Ganon, ranked by power.

Updated on May 20, 2023 by Quinton O'Connor: We have added Tears of the Kingdom's Ganondorf to the list, whilst also taking the chance to tidy things up a bit here and there. But seriously, did we mention we've added Tears of the Kingdom's Ganondorf?!

Game Over Ganon (Zelda II)

This is a bit of an odd entry because Ganon doesn't even physically appear in Zelda II. Instead, he makes his own appearance in the only side-scrolling Zelda game via the game over screen, which ominously implies that Link's death leads to Ganon taking over the kingdom.

Link managed to defeat him so convincingly in the original game that Ganon needs Link's blood to revive himself. The game itself focuses mainly on Link's quest to wake up Princess Zelda, with Ganon's only direct tie to the events of the game being his numerous henchmen.

10 Resurrected Ganon (Four Swords Adventure)

Resurrected Ganon (Four Swords Adventure)

Ganon himself doesn't appear till rather late in this Zelda spin-off, with Vaati being the main antagonist of Four Swords Adventure. When you do get to fight this Ganon after defeating Vaati the fight itself is fairly memorable.

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This version of Ganon is able to teleport Link to the Dark World, and his diverse moveset also means Link has to deal with a spear attack that can be used like a Boomerang, as well as some of Ganon's minions popping up throughout the fight. Zelda gives Link the Magic Bow, allowing him to stop this version of Ganon once and for all.

9 Original Ganon (The Legend Of Zelda)

Ganon From The Legend Of Zelda on the NES 1986

Ganon's first-ever appearance in the series, in its debut game no less, is surprisingly complex all things considered. He teleports around the room, chucking fireballs at Link, before stopping to rest which gives Link a chance to strike.

It's a relatively quick fight though, and in reflection isn't the epic conclusion that you'll be used to after decades of Zelda games. For a first go, though, it is more than adequate, and was a strong debut for the series' infamous antagonist.

8 Oracles Ganon (Oracles Of Ages / Seasons)

Oracles Ganon (Oracles of Ages : Seasons)

This version of Ganon is a mega boss, appearing only after you complete both of the Oracle games. It definitely adds to the epic feeling of the fight, and it is a real challenge, acting as a suitable 'reward' for defeating the final bosses in both games.

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Once again Ganon has a teleporting ability, as well as a trident slash attack, magic projectiles, and a particularly dangerous stomp attack. He also has a cool party trick near the end of the fight, where Link's movement controls are reversed. Link can also only deal damage to Ganon with spin-attacks unless he has the Master Sword or Biggoron's Sword.

Yuga Ganon (A Link Between Worlds)

This is one of the more unique Ganon fights, mainly because it makes great use of the painting mechanic that was A Link Between Worlds' most interesting mechanic. Link has to blend into the walls of the arena to chase after Yuga and fire the Bow of Light at him.

Yuga also fires large energy balls at Link, who has to play tennis with him in order to prevent any damage from being taken by them. He also has a powerful spear attack that can also be thrown at Link. It's a challenging, fun fight, and definitely one of the most memorable ones in the 2D games.

Evil King Ganon (A Link To The Past)

Ganon's strongest 2D form consists of five separate phases, with each one making things harder for you as Link struggles to defeat the Demon King. The trident throwing is here but alongside that is a fire attack that follows Link, plus some good old-fashioned collapsing floorboards. There's even a segment in which the arena goes dark, with Link having to light some torches whilst Ganon continues his onslaught.

It's more a test of endurance than anything; you'll pass through stages by staying alive rather than dealing damage, so being able to dodge is crucial. This fight is built up throughout A Link to the Past, and it is an epic conclusion to one of the series' best games.

5 Calamity Ganon (Breath Of The Wild)

Calamity Ganon and Link facing each other prepared to attack

Ganon's 2017 appearance is also almost inhuman. This form of Ganon was able to ruin Hyrule, take over Hyrule Castle and only Zelda's magic was able to prevent the entire kingdom from falling before his malice.

The power of the four Divine Beasts combined is only able to reduce his health by half, and Link must then deal with an onslaught of attacks based on the Blight's you encounter earlier on in the game. Eventually, you'll witness Ganon transform into his Dark Beast form, with Link having to use the Bow of Light to finally relinquish Calamity Ganon's grip on Hyrule.

4 Gerudo Ganondorf (Ocarina Of Time)

Gerudo Ganondorf (Ocarina Of Time)

Ocarina of Time's Ganondorf is the first encounter you'll have with this version of the character, and it establishes the sequences seen in every fight since. Ganondorf is able to unleash a series of attacks on Link, including a shockwave attack, an energy ball attack and a multi-pronged energy beam attack.

Defeating Ganondorf causes him to bring down the surrounding castle, and he'll transform into Ganon. He'll then knocks Master Sword out of Link's hand, meaning Link must defeat the beast without the legendary weapon. Resisting a final onslaught from Ganon, before landing a final blow to his head will finally bring this epic struggle to its conclusion.

3 Ganondorf (The Wind Waker)

Link and Zelda attack Ganondorf in The Wind Waker.

The Wind Waker has arguably the most unique Ganondorf fight in the Zelda series, with the Puppet Ganon sequence being both a challenging and fantastically clever preamble to the main final fight itself. Link then stands against Ganondorf who wields two blades and towers over Link with a degree of arrogance that makes the conclusion to the sequence even more satisfying.

This fight is less magic-focused than most others, instead, Ganondorf is a much more accomplished swordsman. Zelda assists you earlier in the fight, but after Ganondorf knocks her unconscious it's a one on one duel between the two. Ganondorf unleashes a series of unblockable attacks, you'll only be able to dodge these, before eventually, Link deals the final blow, stabbing Ganondorf in the head and turning him to stone.

2 Dark Lord Ganondorf (Twilight Princess)

Ganon from Twilight Princess

Twilight Princess is the darkest game in the series and has a final boss fight which reflects this more mature tone. Bear in mind this Ganondorf has taken control of two different realms and holds his own against one of the most powerful versions of Link in the franchise.

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The encounters with Ganondorf and his Beast form are both tough, and the conclusion of the fight, with Link (rather viciously) killing Ganondorf, makes for an epic conclusion to Twilight Princess and is one of the most memorable moments in the series' history.

1 Demon King Ganondorf (Tears Of The Kingdom)

Demon King Ganondorf revives and introduces himself to Link in The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom.

Perhaps, in the years to come, we'll look back upon this list, realize we're guilty of a bit of recency bias, and rearrange things accordingly. But at least in the heat of the moment, with the recent launch of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, we're feeling pretty comfortable with our number one pick. Whereas Breath of the Wild pitted players against the beast Ganon, its direct sequel gives us the goods with the Gerudo form.

And man, what a form he takes here. Ganondorf's battle is a three-stage extravaganza, filled with fantastic moments hearkening back to duels from prior 3D Zelda titles. From the man himself to the terrifying dragon he becomes, Ganondorf throws out all the stops in Tears of the Kingdom, and you'll want to be prepared to do the same.

NEXT: Zelda: Every Sword Link Has Wielded In The Series, Ranked