Although each The Legend of Zelda game follows an original narrative independent of the other games, there are reoccurring locations that appear throughout the series. Chief among them is Hyrule Castle, which sits imposing as the focal point of the kingdom of Hyrule.
The history of Hyrule’s royal family is contained within the castle’s walls, with its grandeur portraying its importance within the series. While each version of Hyrule Castle has similarities, they all have something that sets them apart from one another, whether that be its atmosphere that encapsulates its respective game’s essence or how it functions as a dungeon in various entries.
7 A Hero’s Beginnings: A Link To The Past
A Link to the Past begins with Link receiving a message from Princess Zelda, telling him that she has been imprisoned in Hyrule Castle by Agahnim. Hearing her plea, Link travels to the castle, where he finds the game’s first dungeon — the castle itself.
Link revisits Hyrule Castle after obtaining the three pendants, and explores another section of the castle. Here, he confronts Agahnim before being transported to the Dark World. Completing the Hyrule Castle dungeon is the perfect way to begin the adventure in this game, with its heroic background music setting the tone as you escort Zelda to safety.
6 New Yet Familiar: A Link Between Worlds
A Link Between Worlds’ Hyrule Castle doesn’t disappoint with its recreation of A Link to the Past’s castle. Despite their differences, the Hyrule Castle in ALBTW is nostalgic yet new, with its 3D model and bright visuals.
While this version of Hyrule Castle is short compared to others in the series, it’s still enjoyable to walk around, witnessing the majesty of Hyrule. You also get to explore Lorule’s version of Hyrule Castle, which acts as the game’s final dungeon, giving you the chance to experience an alternate version of the castle, similar to how dark iterations of Hyrule Castle appear in other games.
5 Vaati’s New Domain: The Minish Cap
The Minish Cap’s Hyrule Castle has all the features of an esteemed royal castle, complete with green gardens and colorful furnishings. At the beginning of the game, Link accompanies Princess Zelda to the Picori Festival and delivers the sword that’s to be presented to the winner of the annual festival competition.
The winner ceremony takes place at Hyrule Castle, which is where Vaati unleashes monsters into Hyrule and turns Princess Zelda into stone. The game’s final dungeon is Dark Hyrule Castle, twisted by Vaati’s evil power. With its purple and green color scheme, it’s reminiscent of cartoon haunted mansions, which fits The Minish Cap’s vibrant atmosphere.
4 Trapped In Time: The Wind Waker
Due to the Great Flood, The Wind Waker’s Hyrule Castle lies submerged underwater; however, it remains mostly intact, and gives you a glimpse into Hyrule’s past. Link visits Hyrule Castle with the King of Red Lions to retrieve the Master Sword, and it’s a sight to behold.
When Link first enters Hyrule Castle, it appears with a gray-scale film, and it’s only when Link pulls the Master Sword from the pedestal that the color returns. The pedestal is surrounded by stained-glass windows showing the Sages and Ganon from Ocarina of Time, which, apart from looking majestic, is a neat Easter egg.
3 First Time In 3D: Ocarina Of Time
Ocarina of Time was the first occasion when Hyrule Castle appeared in glorious 3D. Trying to infiltrate Hyrule Castle’s luscious gardens to reach Princess Zelda is a test of stealth, but it’s the scene in the Castle Courtyard that’s the most noteworthy. Princess Zelda confides in Link about the Sacred Realm and her suspicions about Ganondorf.
Unfortunately, you don’t get to explore the majority of the castle grounds until it’s transformed into Ganon’s Castle at the end of the game. However, exploring the castle in this state is still an exciting experience, as it’s laden with rooms that draw on the previous temples you conquered.
2 Royal Stand-Off: Twilight Princess
Twilight Princess’ version of Hyrule Castle is grandiose with sprawling courtyards and hallways, befitting of its regality. The castle acts as the game’s final dungeon, and you must make your way through its gardens and interior.
One of the most fun parts is using the Clawshots to swing between chandeliers, as it feels a little mischievous to be doing so in a royal castle. Confronting Ganondorf at the top of the castle in the throne room is made all the more atmospheric by the royal backdrop, as your entire adventure has led you here.
1 Drowning In Malice: Breath Of The Wild
Prior to the Calamity that devastated Hyrule in Breath of the Wild, Hyrule Castle used to be a flourishing monument; however, in the game 100 years later, it’s teeming with monsters and left to ruin, with Calamity Ganon infesting it from the inside out. Listening to the interior and exterior’s musical themes adds to the ominous ambiance of the caste, as it includes warped musical motifs from classic Zelda tracks, such as Zelda’s Lullaby and the series’ main theme.
This Hyrule Castle is certainly imposing, with malice swirling around its exterior. It’s worth braving its dangerous hallways, though, to find strong equipment, such as the Hylian Shield. The castle has multiple notable locations - Princess Zelda’s Study and Room, the King’s Study, and the library to name but a few. Due to the game’s open-world nature, Hyrule Castle is accessible as soon as you leave the Great Plateau, allowing you to explore it straight away if you’re brave enough.