The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom lets players craft their own mode of transportation. Whether it’s a rocket, glider, or boat, the Fuse feature is a great addition to the series. That being said, with Link now able to essentially build his own vehicles, let’s not forget some of his most beloved mounts from the franchise.
Whether it’s Epona you can call with the ocarina, or a talking boat to sail the seas, Link has had some spectacular mounts across the years. Traveling the world in Zelda games is part of the experience and each game features a unique way to explore. Here are some of the most wondrous, cool, and odd modes of transportation Link has used across the timeline.
10. Loftwing – Skyward Sword
Loftwings are great colorful birds Link can ride in Skyward Sword. The first time they appeared in a trailer had me hoping you could ride them. They’re just fantastic and one of the coolest overall creatures in a Zelda game. Not only do get to ride them to visit neighboring islands, but most importantly they’re the reason you get to visit the best island in the game: Pumpkin Landing. Also, I know how we all feel about Groose, but his Loftwing was great, too. Fun fact: they’re inspired by the real-life bird called the shoebill.
9. Cucco – All
Cucco’s allow Link to get from one area to the next by gliding, making them a valuable mode of transportation. There are many times in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess where Link must use a Cucco to reach a new area. They’re an important part of the Zelda series and when they’re not swarming the Hero of Time, they’re exceptionally useful as miniature gliders., Breath of the Wild would go on to replace Cucco gliding with an actual paraglider, and while the glider is fun, nothing beats an old-fashioned Cucco. Plus, they make a fun noise.
8. Ricky the Kangaroo – Oracle of Ages and Seasons
Ricky the Kangaroo is one of the oddest and most interesting ways Link has traveled. He appears in both The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Seasons games but shows up at different times. Once Link encounters the hoppy boy, Ricky will give Link a ride in his pouch so he can reach otherwise inaccessible areas and jump over gaps. Like Epona, Link can summon Ricky by using Ricky’s Flute. The animation is fun and Ricky can also straight-up punch enemies with his boxing gloves and charge up his fist to launch a tornado punch.
7. Shield – Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild introduced shield surfing, allowing Link to use a shield as a makeshift skateboard. It’s one of the most fun ways to travel Hyrule but comes at the cost of losing your shield. You’re able to sled down any downward slope or be pulled along by sand seals in the desert. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom improves shield surfing by adding rails for Link to grind on to let you pull off, even more, Tony Hawk-style stunts.
6. Ice Sled – Twilight Princess
While it’s over rather quickly, the ice sled in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is required to beat the game. To reach the fifth dungeon in the game, Link must venture to Snowpeak Top and race Yeto the yeti down the mountain slope. After Snowpeak Ruins is complete, Link can return to the top of the hill and participate in the race again. It’s a still little minigame but being able to get around by snowboarding down a slope is entertaining and is also an early inspiration for shield surfing in Breath of the Wild.
5. Spirit Train – Spirit Tracks
The Spirit Train is the main way you’ll get around in The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. As it’s the first true vehicle of a Zelda game it’s quite unique. Gone are the days of riding Epona through fields of tall grasses. Now, you’re riding spiritual tracks through different realms defeating evil and fighting the normal everyday giant demonic train. Don’t get me wrong I love exploring the world on foot as Link, but controlling a train on various tracks is a breath of fresh air for a Zelda game. Now with Tears of the Kingdom, you can recreate that feeling by creating your own Spirit Train with the Fues ability.
4. King of Red Lions – Wind Waker
Alright, while not technically a mount in the traditional sense,, the King of Red Lions is one of the coolest modes of transportation in a Zelda game. With the world being flooded in Wind Waker, Link need a ship to get around. When the King of Red Lions shows up, the world is yours to explore. It’s not only fun to adventure the large water world, but seeing the relationship between Link and the King is just as entertaining.
3. Paraglider Breath of the Wild
The paraglider is a newer addition to the Zelda franchise. Let’s go back. It’s the year 2016. The date is June 14. Nintendo drops the official game trailer for Breath of the Wild and we see Link glide down from a cliff with the paraglider. It’s pure magic. The moment. The music. The scenery. The glider is one of the greatest ways to get around Hyrule. Whether it’s jumping off of a tower, riding air currents, or doing tricks to land on Lynel, the paraglider is just good fun.
2. Master Cycle Zero – Breath of the Wild
The Master Cycle Zero is just cool. Yes, it stands out a bit in the fantasy setting of Zelda but with the futuristic tech from the guardians, it oddly works. It’s only accessible if you have the Champions’ Ballad DLC and basically acts like a horse, though it’s much faster and runs on fuel. It’s a great zippy little way to get around the massive world and a fun treat after beating the DLC.
1. Epona – Ocarina of Time
The first interaction you have with Epona in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is pure bliss. As it was my first Zelda game, I have fond memories of it all but specifically recall the moment I freed Epona from Lon Lon Ranch and the clutches of the mustached menace Ingo. Hearing his cries of frustration and anger after I kicked his ass in the horse race brings me great joy to this day.
Once free from the ranch, being able to explore the fields of Hyrule on horseback felt liberating. Epona may be a horse, but she’s as much a core Zelda character as the main group. Without her, Link wouldn’t have made it far. That and you wouldn’t get such a cool cutscene by jumping over the broken bridge in Gerudo Valley.
Of course, this list is by no means every mount you can find in a Zelda game. Honorary mentions go to the Giant Horse and The Lord of the Mountain in Breath of the Wild. If you have a favorite mount or mode of transport, let us know!