The 9 Best PC Games Like The Legend of Zelda

As a long-time fan of The Legend of Zelda series, I've always wished it were available on PC. However, since Nintendo keeps this beloved franchise exclusive to their consoles, the chances of a mainline Zelda game coming to PC are slim. Fortunately, the influence of Zelda is widespread, inspiring countless developers to create their own Zelda-like experiences. For those of us on PC, these are the best alternatives to scratch that Tears of the Kingdom itch or to relive the nostalgia of A Link to the Past. Here are the best Zelda-inspired PC games you can dive into right now.

The Best PC Games Like Zelda

Before the release of Breath of the Wild, defining what makes a game "like Zelda" was pretty straightforward: action-packed dungeons, exploration, puzzles involving various items, and a world full of secrets. However, with the open-world design of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the definition has evolved. This list covers both the classic and modern interpretations of Zelda-like games. Whether you’re into the retro charm of SNES-era Zelda or the open-world vibes of Breath of the Wild, there’s something here for you.

1. Tunic

You can’t discuss Zelda-likes without mentioning Tunic. This charming isometric adventure game is a love letter to the classic Zelda games, with a dash of Dark Souls in its combat. Developed by Andrew Shouldice, Tunic captures the essence of NES-era Zelda, particularly Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. In this game, you play as a mysterious fox creature exploring a mysterious island, unraveling its secrets bit by bit.

But Tunic is more than just a modern Zelda homage. It captures the feeling of discovery that defined those early Zelda games, where you’re left to figure out the rules of its world on your own. A standout feature is its in-game manual, which you piece together page by page, enhancing the sense of exploration. For anyone who cherishes the old-school Zelda experience, Tunic is a must-play.

2. Okami HD

Before Breath of the Wild redefined the action-adventure genre, Okami was the closest we had to a true 3D Zelda successor. Set in a world steeped in Japanese mythology and presented in a stunning woodblock painting art style, Okami tells the story of a wolf goddess on a quest to rid the land of evil. The game is filled with memorable characters, engrossing side quests, and a variety of environments that range from mountain villages to underwater dungeons.

This HD remaster supports 4K resolution, making Okami look better than ever, and its unique brushstroke-based puzzle-solving feels right at home with mouse and keyboard controls. If you’re looking for a deep, engaging Zelda-like experience, Okami HD is a classic that should not be missed.

3. Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition

The Darksiders series is one of the few to take the ideas of Ocarina of Time and make them their own. In Darksiders II, you play as Death, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, navigating a world filled with dungeons, puzzles, and upgradeable loot. The game’s structure, with its hub worlds and intricate dungeons, will feel familiar to Zelda fans, and its dark fantasy setting adds a fresh twist.

While the first Darksiders game is also worth playing, Darksiders II leans more into the Zelda-like experience with its meaty dungeons and epic quest. The remastered Deathinitive Edition ensures the game looks and plays great on modern systems, making it a solid choice for Zelda enthusiasts.

4. Lenna's Inception

Lenna's Inception is a unique take on the Zelda formula, mixing procedural generation with a quirky, meta-narrative. The game begins with the death of the traditional hero, leaving you, the NPC character Lenna, to save the day. As you explore its glitchy world, you’ll encounter cursed monsters, bizarre dungeons, and plenty of dark humor.

If you enjoyed the offbeat tone of games like Pony Island, you’ll find a lot to love in Lenna's Inception. It may not have the polish of a big-budget title, but its creativity and wit make it a standout Zelda-like experience.

5. Nobody Saves The World

In Nobody Saves The World, you start as a blank-slate character but soon gain the ability to transform into various forms, each with unique abilities. This top-down action-adventure game is packed with smart puzzles and intense combat, all set in a world that’s as bizarre as it is engaging.

The game’s form-swapping mechanic adds a layer of depth to the puzzles, making each new challenge feel fresh. While it’s more combat-focused than a traditional Zelda game, the variety and humor make Nobody Saves The World a fun and memorable experience.

6. Ittle Dew

Ittle Dew is an irreverent homage to top-down Zelda games, with a protagonist who’s more interested in treasure than saving the world. The game’s puzzles are heavily inspired by Link's Awakening and A Link to the Past, and its central castle is reminiscent of the recurring dungeons in Phantom Hourglass.

While the combat isn’t as polished as other games on this list, Ittle Dew makes up for it with clever puzzles and a lighthearted tone. If you’re looking for a more laid-back Zelda-like experience, this game is worth checking out.

7. Minit

Minit takes the classic Zelda formula and condenses it into a frantic 60-second loop. In this monochrome adventure, you have just one minute to explore, solve puzzles, and progress before you’re zapped back to the start. It’s a clever twist on the traditional Zelda gameplay, with a focus on quick thinking and experimentation.

While it’s not a Zelda-like in the traditional sense, Minit captures the spirit of adventure and discovery that defines the series. It’s a short but sweet experience that’s perfect for fans of bite-sized challenges.

8. Tchia

Tchia is a bright and beautiful island adventure inspired by the developers’ homeland of New Caledonia. Combining elements of Wind Waker’s sailing, Breath of the Wild’s open exploration, and Majora's Mask’s shape-shifting puzzles, Tchia offers a unique and relaxing experience.

While it lacks traditional dungeons and combat, the game’s emphasis on exploration and discovery makes it a perfect choice for Zelda fans who love to wander and find hidden secrets. Plus, you can play your ukulele to change the time of day, which is just the kind of charming detail you’d expect from a Zelda-like.

9. Elden Ring

Elden Ring may not be a Zelda-like in the traditional sense, but its sprawling world, epic boss battles, and sense of adventure make it a worthy inclusion on this list. If you’ve ever wished for a darker, more challenging Zelda experience, Elden Ring is the game for you.

Much like Breath of the Wild, Elden Ring reimagines its own genre, blending the familiar with the new. Its world is vast, mysterious, and filled with danger at every turn. While it’s not for the faint of heart, Elden Ring offers a level of depth and complexity that will appeal to fans of high fantasy adventures.

These games each bring their own twist to the Zelda formula, offering something for every kind of player. Whether you’re a fan of the classic top-down adventures or the more recent open-world explorations, these PC games are the best alternatives to the iconic Legend of Zelda series. Let us know in the comments if we missed any of your favorites!