It isn't always easy to build a Dungeons & Dragons character around a well-loved fictional icon and actually achieve the right balance of that character's attributes. Legend of Zelda's Link, however, comes with a preestablished skillset that makes him easy to modify and adapt to the D&D setting.
One of the most intriguing aspects of creating Link as a playable character is that even in the Legend of Zelda games, he doesn't have an overwhelming personality. Once he's been adapted as a D&D character, it's up to the player to determine his personality and how they would like to develop him as the game progresses.
Racially, Link is a Hylian, which has no direct translation in D&D but just looking at him, it's obvious he is some form of an elf. There are several different elven sub-races to choose from, so looking at what has been previously established by various aspects of Legend of Zelda lore will make it easier to pick the best one.
The Wood Elf variant offers some of the best attributes for a Link character because, first and foremost, it grants an automatic +2 to Dexterity that will not only boost his initiative rolls but increase his stealth capabilities, especially combined with the Wood Elf trait, Mask of the Wild. Mask of the Wild allows the player character to hide within heavy foliage, mist, rain and snow, which will definitely make it easier to sneak up on enemies and take refuge in combat so they can strike from the shadows.
The Fighter class is the most obvious choice for a Link build, but there are eleven different Martial Archetypes to choose from, so which one is the right one? The Champion Archetype seems like it was created just for a character like Link because they are incredible athletes proficient in two fighting styles, and they can use their shields to grant protection to nearby allies. The Champion also doesn't mess around with the arcane, which is perfect for Link because neither does he in any real capacity.
Fighters are given more opportunities to increase their attributes and gain feats than most of the other classes, which makes honing their fighting style incredibly adaptable.
Assigning ability scores is never an easy task, but there are a few very specific scores to focus on when working to create Link. Strength, Dexterity and Constitution are the three areas the majority of points should be fed into.
Because Link tends to be a little on the quiet side, choosing instead to focus on the mission, combat and dungeons, pesky attributes like Intelligence, Charisma and Wisdom aren't nearly as important. Any opportunity to negate those three so focus can be shifted to the core attributes should be taken, as STR, DEX and CON will be what Link relies on almost entirely in-game.
Because Fighters have multiple chances to gain feats, taking advantage of this can really adapt the player character to Link's in-game skillset. For example, taking the Martial Adept feat will grant access to the Sweeping Attack maneuver, which can be used just like Link's spinning attack. The Shield Master feat works perfectly with Link's capabilities, and not just for defense, but offensive maneuvers, like the shove attack.
Another useful feat is Sharpshooter, which will empower ranged attacks and make them even deadlier. The Mounted Combatant feat offers a few nice perks that offer advantages on melee attacks against unmounted foes and personal protection when the player forces an enemy to attack their mount instead of them.
Choosing a background will add a little more personal flavor to the character, and one of the most outstanding backgrounds for Link is the Folk Hero. Not only will his legend precede him everywhere he goes, but it will also help shape his personality, ideals, bonds and flaws.
The Folk Hero gains proficiencies in Animal Handling and Survival, both of which lend well to the dungeon-delving adventurer traveling the multiverse on horseback in search of adventure.
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