Key foods
- Hyrule is a classic, but other Zelda games offer unique and varied settings such as Hytopia and Koholint Island.
- The Oracle games by Capcom have the ability to connect with separate settings: Holodrum and Labrynna.
- Majora's Mask's Termina features a dark environment and a unique story different from Hyrule in the Zelda universe.
While Hyrule may be the most iconic setting in The Legend of Zelda, it's far from the only one. Many times, the spin-offs and sub-stories in this series have found their own settings, without the machinations of Ganon and the royal family of Hyrule.
From Hytopia Tri-Force Heroes to the eeriness of Majora's Mask's Termina, the series has a lot of variety to offer, even if it's just for one appearance. While it may be difficult to top Hyrule as a setting, many of these locations certainly put up a strong fight.
7 Holodrome
Some of the only Zelda games confirmed but not developed by Nintendo are the Oracle duology games developed by Capcom for the Game Boy Color. Both games had extensive connections, and each had a setting independent of Hyrule as well.
In Oracle of Seasons, this setting was the land of Holdrom, a land where Link could change the seasons at will. The area was mostly covered in solid terrain, but covered a wide range of biomes, from arid deserts to high cliffs and waterfalls.
6 Labyrinth
While Oracle of Seasons had its own location in Holodrum, Oracle of Ages instead received Labrynna, a land built entirely around puzzle solving. Unlike Holdrom, Labrynna was only seen in one season, though given that you can also see it in a completely different time period, that functionally doubles the amount of terrain to explore.
Labrynna, while lacking the biodiversity of Holodrum, is also highly variable in many ways. The heights of Nuun change completely based on the companionship you bring, while exploring the past can turn oceans into islands.
Both Oracle games play differently depending on which one you play first and whether you import your world mode from the other.
5 Hitopia
Although Tri Force Heroes is often overlooked as a seminal entry in the series due to its focus on multiplayer, it is a sequel to A Link Between Worlds that shares the same link as that played there. This time, the game takes place in avant-garde Hytopia, where fashion is the name of the game.
The city of Hytopia is freely explorable and closely resembles neighboring Hyrule. For the most part, you'll be exploring the various dungeons of Earth and completing puzzles with clones of Link. Never forget to stop by and link new clothes. Being trendy pays off in Hytopia.
4 Laurel
While the concept of the Dark World is used throughout the Legend of Zelda series, none have been given as unique an identity as Lorule. Originally conceived as a complex reflection of Hyrule in A Link to the Past, A Link Between Worlds gives Lorule a unique history.
Much like Hyrule above it, Lorule was a land with its own Triforce, and the same lust for its power in its people. However, in Lorule's case, this led to its destruction. What you see around this land is not a dark reflection of Hyrule, but its own world in ruins, and a warning sign of what may happen to Hyrule above.
3 Kohlint Island
When it comes to Zelda games, timelines are a big deal. Where does it happen, when did it happen, etc. Then step into Link's Awakening, featuring Mario enemies, Twin Peaks inspiration, and a dreamlike feel so you'll never question the timeline again.
On Kohlint Island, Link travels to its peak, Mount Tamaranch, to ask the Wind Fish for safe passage to Hyrule. It wouldn't be a Zelda game without Link needing some musical instruments to propel his new quest. While Kohlint Island may not have had the most impressive visuals, it had a world that hasn't been felt since.
2 Terminal
While Zelda was by no means unknown before Ocarina of Time, this entry catapulted the series to worldwide fame and is still often considered the best game in the series. It was followed by Majora's Mask, which is really unrelated and all the stronger for it.
In the land of Termina, you have three days to save the world without mentioning Zelda or the recently defeated Ganon. While Termina takes much of its base aesthetic from Hyrule, the land has a completely different vibe. The moon is hanging overhead and staring at you. People are terrified of their impending doom. And Link is made to watch it over and over until he can finally stop the moon itself.
1 Hyrule
There are no major competitors. Hyrule is the main setting of the games for good reason. Over the decades, the series has developed a distinct identity with Hyrule, whereby even in the heavily altered spin-offs, the land is still Hyrule. Since its first arrival, Hyrule has never lost its charm and has only gained more history with each game it features.
Hyrule's strength is how it can be manipulated but still be familiar. You always know where to find Death Mountain, whether it's Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild. Kakariko will always stay away nicely and quietly. Hyrule's grand square will always be right in the center. This memory of Earth makes it always a pleasure to return to, no matter how much it has changed.
