Classic Looks In A Modern Era
Tears Of The Kingdom loves sneaking Zelda history into places you aren’t expecting, and the wardrobe is one of its best tricks. As you explore caves or the Depths, a chest hands you a piece of the series lore you can actually wear. If you’ve spent time with older Zelda games, plenty of these will click instantly, and a few will surprise you in the best way. Here are 20 outfits in Tears Of The Kingdom that nod to Zelda’s past while still looking right at home in the present.
1. Hero Of Time Set
The Hero Of Time Set points directly to Ocarina Of Time, with a classic cut that instantly takes you back to the Nintendo 64 era. It’s a clean, familiar look that still works perfectly when you’re doing brand-new quests across modern Hyrule.
Alvaro Marques Hijazo on Wikimedia
2. Hero Of Twilight Set
Twilight Princess had a tougher, darker, more grounded version of Link’s gear, and this set carries that weight into Tears Of The Kingdom. The slightly rougher styling fits right in during night runs and Depths trips, where polished hero fashion would look out of place.
3. Hero Of Winds Set
This set brings The Wind Waker’s Toon Link era back, which makes it a bright curveball in a game that leans more realistic. The details are unmistakably tied to that seafaring adventure, so it’s a fun pick when you’re traversing around Laurelin Village or Eventide Island.
4. Hero Of The Sky Set
The Hero Of The Sky Set is designed after Skyward Sword’s Knight’s Uniform, so it feels more ceremonial than the usual green tunic tradition. It also pairs nicely with Tears Of The Kingdom’s sky exploration, since you’re literally dressing in the series’s earliest-timeline inspiration.
5. Hero Set
The Hero Set leans into the simplest version of Link’s iconic green look, the one that goes back to the earliest days of the series. Even when your inventory is full of high-tech, elaborate armor pieces, it’s no surprise that this is the set many folks choose to put on.
6. Hero Of Awakening Set
This set is a direct homage to the 2019 Link’s Awakening remake design, with that slightly rounded, toy-like styling that’s easy to spot. It looks a little odd against Tears Of The Kingdom’s detailed world, and that contrast is exactly why it’s so memorable.
Zunaira Bilal Anjum on Unsplash
7. Fierce Deity Set
The Fierce Deity Set is modeled after Fierce Deity Link from Majora’s Mask. Its sharper, stranger look is a bold change from classic tunics, which makes it perfect for players who want a little early 2000s nostalgia.
8. Majora’s Mask
Majora’s Mask shows up with the same unmistakable shape that made it one of the series’ most famous artifacts. Wearing it in Tears Of The Kingdom is a direct reminder that Zelda’s weirdest, darkest detours still matter.
Daniel Benavides from Austin, TX on Wikimedia
9. Sheik’s Mask
Sheik’s Mask ties back to Ocarina of Time’s Sheikah storyline, and the in-game framing connects it to a Sheikah who aided a time-traveling hero. It’s also a sleek headpiece that almost lets you feel as though you’re playing as Zelda herself.
10. Phantom Ganon Set
The Phantom Ganon set leans on Phantom Ganon’s long legacy, and the armor is explicitly inspired by Ocarina of Time’s design. It’s an intense design, but well-loved when you want something a little more intense.
Miguel Discart & Kiri Karma on Wikimedia
11. Dark Set
The Dark Set is a clear Dark Link callback, and it also borrows cues that connect it to Twilight Princess’s shadowy style. It’s sharp without being overdesigned, so you can wear it for reference and still look at home in Tears Of The Kingdom’s world. Plus, it gives you some extra speed if you’re running around at night.
12. Phantom Set
This set is based on Phantoms, the armored guardians associated with Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, a nice nod to the DS-era games. The heavy look also gives Link a silhouette that’s very different from the classic tunic tradition.
13. Tingle Set
Yes, Tingle’s outfit exists in Tears Of The Kingdom, which is a hillarious option that Nintendo chose to include. It’s an unmistakable reference to the map-obsessed character from earlier games and adds just the right amount of humor.
14. Midna’s Helmet
Midna’s Helmet is a Twilight Princess callback that just melts your heart. It pays homage to one of the game's best companions and gives you some pretty good buffs to boot.
Dave Monk from Seattle, USA on Wikimedia
15. Zant’s Helmet
Worn by the primary antagonist in Twilight Princess, this funky-looking helmet is a good pick when you want something a little weirder than your more classic outfits.
Richie S from Brooklyn, NY, United States on Wikimedia
16. Ravio’s Hood
Ravio’s Hood is directly inspired by Ravio from A Link Between Worlds, which is a great shout-out to the 3DS era. It’s subtle enough to pair with other gear, so you can keep the callback in your outfit without it looking too out of place.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/28277470@N05/14410573180 on Wikimedia
17. Korok Mask
The Korok Mask design is based on Makar’s leaf-face from The Wind Waker, which is a deep cut that longtime fans absolutely adore. It’s also a fun choice in Tears Of The Kingdom, since Koroks are everywhere and the mask feels connected to that ongoing Hyrule tradition.
18. Island Lobster Shirt
The Island Lobster Shirt is directly inspired by Link’s Wind Waker look, so it reads instantly as a warmer, breezier era of Zelda. It works as a callback that adds personality without forcing you into a full themed set.
19. Champion’s Leathers
Champion’s Leathers carry Breath Of The Wild forward, keeping that recognizable blue look while updating it for Tears Of The Kingdom’s story and design. It’s the most natural previous-game homage, since it’s tied to Link’s role in this era of Hyrule.
20. Tunic Of Memories
The Tunic of Memories is framed as a garment reserved for someone who earned the royal family’s respect, which makes it a subtle nod to Hyrule’s traditions and status structure. It’s a reminder that Zelda's history isn’t only about monsters and dungeons, since the kingdom’s institutions and ceremonies shape the world as well.
