Nintendo is responsible for some of the most iconic franchises in the video game industry, but The Legend of Zelda is among their very finest. Zelda has been a Nintendo staple ever since its debut in 1986 and now, 35 years later, it’s still a flagship series. There have been considerable changes to Zelda over the years, but it’s this compulsion to shake up the formula that’s helped Zelda remain so beloved by its fans.
Each new Zelda game features radically new concepts, but Link routinely relies on a stable of items that aid him through dungeons. Some of these tools are so popular that they never leave Link’s side, but others quickly vanish and deserve a second chance, which could now be a possibility with Breath of the Wild 2 on the horizon.
10 The Rod Of Seasons Completely Transforms Link’s World
Pokémon helped revolutionize releases on the Game Boy through releasing dual complimentary versions of the same game, but The Legend of Zelda series also experimented with this idea for the Game Boy Color releases, Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages. The titular item behind Oracle of Seasons is a powerful rod with the power to transform environments with contrasting weather.
This is the game’s driving force, but the tool hasn't returned to Link's arsenal. It'd be amazing to see how this item changes environments in an open world game like Breath of the Wild's sequel.
9 The Hover Boots Allow Link To Defy Gravity With A Light Step
The Nintendo 64 classic, Ocarina of Time, contains some of the most satisfying items from the entire Zelda series. The game experiments with a number of different boots that help Link sink to the bottom of the ocean or attempt to defy gravity. The Hover Boots aid Link with a Hermes-like advantage that’s not only fun, but also looks incredible.
The return of the Hover Boots could improve upon themselves and fully allow Link to fly. Breath of the Wild caters to so many different forms of travel, so Link soaring around on winged boots feels oddly fitting.
8 Link’s Mole Mitts Open Up An Underground Adventure To Explore
The many adventures that the Zelda series entail take Link across the land, sky, and sea, but on the rare occasion he’s also been able to dig into the ground. The standout Game Boy Advance game, The Minish Cap, gives Link the incredible strength of the Mole Mitts.
These gauntlets let Link tear up the ground and create alternate routes of travel. It’s an entertaining concept in the GBA installment, but it’s immediately more exciting in a 3D open world experience. Breath of the Wild rewards creativity and the Mole Mitts open up a lot of possibilities.
7 Zelda II’s Raft Could Help Link Return To The Seas
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link throws Link into unprecedented territory in the original NES game, which includes the addition of a Raft that Link requires to get across water. Of course, The Wind Waker is a Zelda title that revolves around water-based exploration and gives Link a highly seaworthy vessel.
Breath of the Wild 2 could use its predecessor’s comprehensive crafting mechanic to forge a Raft, but also make it an optional means to set out onto the water. It becomes a more exciting concept when it’s an optional way to explore and not a mandatory mechanic.
6 The Cane Of Somaria Gifts Link With Alchemy & The Power To Create From Nothing
Magic is a fundamental part of Zelda and the SNES masterpiece, A Link to the Past, invents some creative items that utilize this mechanic. Link can use magic to fuel a variety of special tools, but the Cane of Somaria is a highlight that’s gone on to fade into obscurity.
The Cane of Somaria can forge blocks out of thin air, which can be used to weigh down switches, create pathways over abysses, or get hurled at enemies. A Link to the Past has fun with this, but it could become so much more useful in the upcoming Switch sequel.
5 Link’s Gust Jar Can Both Trap & Release Powerful Forces
The Zelda series creates items that serve multiple purposes for Link and demonstrate the player’s ingenuity. The Minish Cap marks the first appearance of the Gust Jar, which Link can use to not only suck in items or enemies, but also fire them back out as projectiles. It returns in Tri Force Heroes, but it’s due for a more substantial comeback.
Admittedly, Skyward Sword equips Link with the Gust Bellows, which is a similar apparatus that even shows up in Super Smash Bros. too, but it’s not quite the same. Technically, both of these gust-based tools could make a return.
4 The Spinner Gifts Link With Chaotic Travel That Also Packs A Punch
Certain Zelda tools become essential from the moment that they’re acquired, whereas others serve much more limited and niche purposes. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess’ Spinner is one of the more contentious inclusions. The item operates like a giant destructive top that Link uses to climb rails on walls, traverse quicksand, and launch vicious attacks.
It’s crucial against the Stallord boss, but otherwise inessential. The Spinner is a versatile tool that’d be perfect for Breath of the Wild 2’s massive terrain and could add even more freedom to how players explore the land.
3 Link’s Cross Could Return & Allow Him To Keep The Dark Forces At Bay
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link remains the black sheep in the Zelda franchise. In addition to its different approach to the series' standard gameplay structure, Zelda II also introduces some creative items for Link that have yet to return to his subsequent adventures. The Cross is used in Zelda II to help Link see enemies that would otherwise be invisible.
Other Zelda titles contain new items, like the Lens of Truth, that more effectively cover the same ground. However, the Cross could return as a permanent tool to ward off dark, evil obstacles and very specific breeds of enemies.
2 An Open World Is The Perfect Place To Reintroduce Link’s Sand Wand
Sand is prevalent through Link’s Zelda adventures. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is a Nintendo DS game that takes some big swings, but it also exposes Link to some unique items. The Sand Wand is a versatile tool that is able to raise and manipulate sand for a variety of purposes, such as revealing objects or creating pathways to reach new areas.
It’s a useful tool for Link, but its powers are somewhat hampered in the DS game. Breath of the Wild 2 will have gigantic deserts, which makes the Sand Wand an especially exciting and powerful asset.
1 The Bow-Wow Could Aid In Both Combat & Exploration
The Bow-Wow is a fascinating Zelda tool, since it’s basically a clever cameo from Super Mario’s Chain Chomp enemy. Early Zelda games feature the Bow-Wow, but it’s first available as an item in Four Swords. The Bow-Wow can attack enemies when it’s released, steal rupees from allies, or simply pull Link along.
Granted, the Bow-Wow has made a brief return in Hyrule Warriors, but it’s combined with Link’s Power Glove and feels more reflective of that item. The Bow-Wow is primed for a proper return and could do serious damage in Breath of the Wild’s sequel.
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