Are you looking for the hardest Zelda difficulty modes? Harder difficulties add an extra challenge to your next playthrough of The Legend of Zelda. Changing things like the damage output of monsters, the amount of Hearts available to heal Link, or even changing parts of the environment, these modes ramp up the overall difficulty of the game.
The Original Master Quest
The original Master Quest was originally available as a separate disc on the GameCube, requiring players to have beaten Ocarina of Time to access it. This Master Quest mode was created as a way to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the game’s original release. Every dungeon was enhanced, with the maps being altered to really test veteran fans.
The 3DS version of Master Quest went even further, flipping the entirety of Hyrule on its head. Not just some of the dungeons. Enemies hit twice as hard too, making even the opening Korok Forest section difficult to get through.
Skyward Sword’s Hero Mode
Skyward Sword’s Hero Mode was available in the original version, as well as the HD remaster. Unlocked after finishing the main story, Hero Mode is a way to make the game more challenging. In the original, it simply increased the amount of damage Link took, whereas the remaster introduced a more aggressive AI for enemies.
A Link Between Worlds
In The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, this harder difficulty is available from the get-go, but you need to have beaten the main story first. In this mode, enemies do a staggering amount of damage – four times the usual amount. Certain story aspects that aren’t available in the main game also appear, too.
The Wind Waker HD
The Wind Waker had an HD remaster on the Wii U, which included a harder difficulty known as Hero Mode. In this mode, Link will take double damage from monster attacks, and Hearts don’t appear when you smash pots or cut grass.
Twilight Princess HD
Twilight Princess HD launched with a Hero Mode that can be accessed as soon as you start the game. In this mode, the overall difficulty is heightened by having stronger monsters that can take out twice as many Hearts in one hit.
Link’s Awakening Remake
The Link’s Awakening remake for the Nintendo Switch overhauled the original sprite work for a vibrant, 3D appearance. In addition to this, a hard mode was also included, allowing long-time fans of Link’s Awakening and those seeking a challenge to take it on from the get-go.
And that’s every harder difficulty mode in The Legend of Zelda. For more of the best games, take a look at our breakdown of the best Nintendo Switch games. You might also want to know about the best Zelda games, or maybe the upcoming Zelda games.
