Craving That 3D Zelda Feel? Try These 10 Games That Could Fit Right Into the Series

For many years, gamers have relied on this franchise for its user-friendly gameplay, lovable characters, and immersive storylines. The 3D Zelda series has gained immense popularity due to hits like Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, Skyward Sword, and Breath of the Wild. However, the downside is that most Zelda games are exclusive to Nintendo consoles, leaving gamers without access to one feeling disappointed.

Because of the tight limitations, enthusiasts have been hunting for games akin to those in the Zelda series, particularly the 3D versions. Thankfully, there are several games resembling Twilight Princess and Breath of the Wild, so PC gamers or those on other platforms can find a suitable match. This compilation will feature games that mirror the essence of 3D Zelda installments, ensuring every fan finds something they’ll love.

This Game Took Inspiration from Action-Adventure Games Like Breath of the Wild

The latest game on this roster is “Eternal Strands,” which has been available for approximately six months. This action-adventure title features a third-person viewpoint, allowing players to guide the character, Brynn, on an epic journey. The objective: unearth any details about a vanished civilization known as the Enclave.

“Eternal Strands” draws significant influence from “Breath of the Wild” and its sequel, “Tears of the Kingdom,” as well as games like “Shadow of the Colossus” and “Dragon’s Dogma.

As soon as I dive into Eternal Strands, it’s unmistakable – this game feels like a modern 3D sibling to the Zelda series. It’s filled with familiar elements, such as scaling walls and confronting towering mech-like foes that can be quite perilous. Just like Link, Brynn is equipped with an array of spells, from harnessing elemental forces to manipulating objects using telekinesis. While Brynn may have more diverse combat options, he does share some common mechanics with Link’s gadgets.

An Open-World Coming of Age Story

In simple terms, “Sable” is an open-world adventure game where you play as a girl named Sable, embarking on a rite of passage. To complete this journey, she needs to find the perfect mask for her clan. Similar to recent “Zelda” games, “Sable” offers non-linear gameplay, allowing players to explore and make their own choices. Throughout her travels in the remnants of Midden, Sable encounters various individuals who assist her on her quest, similar to how Link depends on others for help in achieving his objectives.

Unlike some games such as “BotW”, which focus heavily on fighting, “Sable” doesn’t involve combat at all in its gameplay. Instead, most of the story unfolds through conversations between characters and clues found during exploration. The game encourages players to discover more about Midden’s world by exploring, with each new clue prompting them to continue their journey. Although “Sable” lacks combat, it shares many features with other aspects of 3D “Zelda” games.

Be the Color You Want to See in the World

Without a doubt, the game Chicory: A Colorful Tale shares some similarities with the classic Zelda series, particularly its top-down exploration style. However, this game remains an excellent choice for fans of Zelda. In this adventure, players take on the role of an anthropomorphic dog named Pizza (though players can opt to name their dog after their preferred food, with “Pizza” as the default name if no choice is made). This canine character wields a powerful magical paintbrush, which he uses to bring color back to a world that has been drained of its hues.

Beyond just Pizza gaining the title of a wielder, this charming little pooch also assumes the role as the last beacon of beauty in the world. Previously, Chicory had crumbled under the burden of the paintbrush and retreated into isolation, leaving the world devoid of color and dismal. This game offers an extraordinary journey, creative expression, puzzles reminiscent of Zelda, and the immense responsibility of restoring the world’s vibrancy. Can you imagine anything more captivating?

Another Game Heavily Inspired by The Legend of Zelda

Originally launched for PlayStation 2 in 2006, the game Okami later received an upgraded version named Okami HD on PlayStation 3 and various other platforms. Known for its distinctive ink wash painting aesthetic, this game offers more than just visual appeal. Game director Hideki Kamiya drew inspiration for much of the gameplay from one of his favorite gaming series: The Legend of Zelda. Despite being a unique title in many ways, Okami continues to be highly regarded by gamers and critics alike, often being listed among the greatest games ever created.

In this fictional rendition of ancient Japan, players step into the role of Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess manifested as a white wolf. The game delves deeply into Japanese mythology and folklore, reimagining the timeless tale of how Amaterasu restored light to a world plunged in darkness. Gameplay combines puzzle-solving, platforming, and combat reminiscent of the Zelda series. Exciting news for longtime fans, as after nearly two decades, a sequel is now being developed!

Kuro Games’ Answer to Another Game on This List

Wuthering Waves” is a free, open-world action role-playing game where players take on the character of Rover, a person who’s awakened with amnesia in the post-apocalyptic world of Solaris-3. This setup might remind you of something familiar, and that’s because it shares many similarities with “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild”. Unlike its predecessor, however, “Wuthering Waves” is a gacha game, which means players can draw on character banners to recruit new companions for Rover. Since its release last year, many gamers have been drawing comparisons between it and other gacha games, with “Genshin Impact” being the most notable one.

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that the creators of my recent favorite game, Wuthering Waves, have drawn substantial inspiration from the legendary title, Breath of the Wild. Many developers have openly acknowledged this. While Wuthering Waves boasts a more intricate combat system, an effortless parkour feature for navigating the map, and the thrilling ability to soar through the skies, it shares many fundamental aspects with Genshin, particularly in its expansive open-world design. This resemblance makes Wuthering Waves an excellent free-to-play alternative for fans of the Zelda series as well.

“A Combination of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Diablo”

Hyper Light Drifter” is an action role-playing game that many fans of Zelda consider a must-play video game. At first sight, gamers can tell that this game pays tribute to the 8-bit and 16-bit games of yesteryears with its art style. The lead developer, Alx Preston, is quick to acknowledge the team’s inspiration drawn from The Legend of Zelda. In fact, he is the one who likened it to “A Link to the Past” and “Diablo”.

Characters maneuver the enigmatic figure known as the Drifter, who possesses technology long-lost to the world at large. Akin to Link in games like ‘BotW’ and ‘TotK’, the Drifter uses this forgotten tech to traverse the game environment. He is armed with a phase-shifted light sword made of hardened energy, but can acquire additional weapons as the game progresses. The Drifter carries an undisclosed illness that was drawn from Alx Preston’s personal struggle with congenital heart disease.

The Main Character Even Looks Like Link

In the realm of games resembling Zelda, Tunic stands out as a top pick, and one look at the protagonist quickly explains why. Players take command of an anthropomorphic fox, who is clad in a verdant tunic and armed with a sword and a shield of blue and red. Despite its cuddly appearance, it’s immediately evident that this furry creature draws inspiration from Link, the primary character in most Zelda games.

In this action-packed game, similar to several others on the list, the story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic setting. At the start of the game, players receive scant instructions about their objectives. Instead, they must trust their instincts while navigating the world, frequently encountering hostile creatures scattered across the landscape, forcing them either to battle or flee. The main focus of this game is exploration and deciphering environmental clues.

A Game that Changed the Gacha Genre Forever

Genshin is a free-to-play action RPG and gacha game that has been leading its genre for several years, breaking records as the highest-grossing gacha game of all time. By providing an immersive storyline, open-world exploration, intricate puzzle-solving, and combat mechanics, it has demonstrated that gacha games can deliver depth and engagement. As mentioned in the Wuthering Waves entry, Genshin’s success has influenced numerous other gacha games to emulate its formula.

In this game, players assume the role of Aether or Lumine, a traveler who finds themselves in an unfamiliar realm filled with deities, monstrous creatures, and diverse characters capable of harnessing powers such as fire, earth, and electricity. The Traveler embarks on a quest to track down their lost twin, which leads them through the seven distinct lands that constitute Teyvat. As they progress through each nation, they draw nearer to their long-lost sibling, yet also edge closer to the Abyss, a looming danger intent on devouring the world.

& For Zelda Fans Who Enjoy the Challenge of Survival

This game requires no introduction, having won Game of the Year and earning acclaim for its open-world exploration, Soulsborne-inspired mechanics, and rich lore. At first glance, it might appear dissimilar to 3D Zelda games, but upon closer inspection, they share striking similarities. In fact, this challenging game is an open-world title that immerses players in a perilous world with minimal guidance on objectives or directions.

The game called Elden Ring is quite difficult, with demanding combat encounters throughout your adventure. Keep in mind that there are tough challenges, so it might not be suitable for players who prefer a relaxed story experience without stress. However, if you’re a fan of the Zelda series and appreciate the challenging aspects of open-world exploration and combat, Elden Ring could be an ideal game for you.

2025-07-06 05:24