-Plato
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker has always held a special place in my heart. Without a doubt, it’s up there as one of my favourite Zelda games (Top 10 on this to come soon!) and that’s mostly due to the sheer scale of adventure this game lays at your swashbucklin’ feet. Before the release of Breath of the Wild, I always felt that The Wind Waker offered more exploration on its horizons than any other Zelda game. That, of course, is thanks to The Great Sea and its many, many islands.
The Wind Waker, at the time of its release, broke many of the typical Zelda conventions – you could call it the Breath of the Wild of the naughties. Whether you’re talking about the cell-shaded graphics or the lack of a typical ‘Hyrule’, The Wind Waker threw out a lot of these Zelda staples, like bailing water out of a sinking King of Red Lions. Of these new mechanics, the sailing and exploration stand out as the big draw of The Wind Waker – an open sea, lands to discover, and a yearning for more adventure is what makes The Wind Waker so so special, and so easy to come back to. As a Zelda fan, the sheer size and scale of The Great Sea is unfathomable in comparison to prior Zelda maps – it seems to never end. But, when you do find one of its many islands, these became not only a place of respite, but a mystery begging you to explore its every nook and cranny to find the many secrets and treasures within.
Sure, there are some islands that are easily forgotten, and some that don’t offer much exploration. But this helps solidify the glory of the islands where there is a wealth of extras, plunder, and adventure to be found. It was difficult compiling this list without letting some of the island’s dungeons come into play. But, I’ve managed to push them to the back of my mind and put together my Top 10 Wind Waker Islands.
Did You Know?
- With 500k pre-orders at the time of its release (2002), The Wind Waker was the most pre-ordered game of all time.
- Link shouts “come on” when using the Command Melody and is the only instance of Link speaking in the series.
- Before the Great Flood, Dragon Roost Island was Death Mountain.
10) Tingle Island
Yeah, ok – there isn’t much going on at Tingle Island, but memorise the location as you’ll be coming back here a lot! Tingle Island is the home of the beloved Tingle. An overgrown 35-year-old man (which I’m fast approaching), Tingle occupies the island with his brother’s Ankle, Knuckle & David Jnr. (a name I’m often called by my parents!) – as you can see, I’m connected to Tingle in many ways. You’ll come to Tingle Island throughout the Triforce hunt as Tingle is the only one that can decipher the Triforce Charts, which reveal the shard’s locations. But, if you think he’s going to be doing that for free, you can think again. Tingle’s got an island to maintain, so needs every pretty rupee he can get his grubby, middle-aged mitts on. There’s not much going on other than the central tower with its large, rotating Tingle held operated by Ankle, Knuckle and nin10dave Jnr….I mean David Jnr. But it’s the joy of getting to see Tingle so often that lands this one at number ten.
9) Fire Mountain
Fire Mountain is definitely up there as one of the more intimidating islands. This volcano-esque structure is constantly erupting, pouring an onslaught of lava into The Great Sea. Early in the game, you’re unable to access this high-temperature terror. However, once you’ve obtained the Ice Arrow you can (temporarily) put this bad boy out like a candle on a birthday cake. Once frozen, Link has a short period of time to scale the side of the mountain, enter the volcano, hot-foot it through the volcano’s lava-filled fiery innards, and grab the Power Bracelet – all before the Volcano erupts and returns to its former glory. You’re not on Fire Mountain long, and there’s just one challenge. But I always found this high-pressured, time-sensitive task more enjoyable than the Ice Ring Isle counterpart.
8) Pawprint Isle
Pawprint Isle is an unassuming island that, on the surface, appears relatively dull. However, you should never judge a book by its cover or a Wind Waker island by what’s on the surface. This island houses two hidden secret caves, and whilst one is a fight against a few Wizzrobes, the Secret Cave under the main “dome” of the island is where the adventure is at. This secret cave hides a labyrinth-esque underground system of tunnels and small rooms, full of ChuChus and treasures. As well as the expected heart piece to discover, there’s also plenty of rupees to fill Link’s wallet. I particularly love the gigantic, underground cascading wall where you can use the Grappling Hook to tether onto the protruding beams and make your way up the rock face – something I never found on my first playthrough! That’s one of the joys of Wind Waker, there’s always something new to discover each time you come back to it.
7) Shark Island
Named aptly due to the shape of the island and NOT because it’s surrounded by shark-infested waters, is Shark Island. Truth be told, there isn’t much going on at Shark Island – you’ve got a Korok tree which is part of the side quest, and there’s one of the 22 Blue ChuChus on the island, but the big draw is the puzzle to the secret cave. This puzzle is a timed challenge that requires Link to activate four switches. The switches themselves are all different, and each requires one of Link’s items. There’s a standard floor switch, one that requires a slash from Link’s sword or a strike from his Hero’s Bow, a skullhammer switch, and an Iron Boots floor switch. Making sure you’ve got everything equipped and ready is only part of the challenge, as the usual ticking sound of the clock amps up the pressure after the first switch is activated. It’s a neat little puzzle that adds in some variety, and I wish it was used elsewhere in the game!
6) Forest Haven
Residing deep within the Forest Haven is the Great Deku Tree and the Koroks. Introduced in The Wind Waker, the Koroks once took the form of The Children of the Forest (or Kokiri) before evolving to their current form during the Great Flood. Forest Haven is a lush island, complete with an abundance of greenery and waterfalls. It’s made up of two larger islands, one which houses a dungeon and the other the Great Deku Tree. It’s the Great Deku Tree that gives Link the Deku Leaf and I absolutely love this section of the game. The Deku Leaf sits atop the Great Deku Tree, and Link has to use the Deku Baba pods to shoot his way upwards towards the apex. Forest Haven is also home to the Nintendo Gallery, which is a fun extra to The Wind Waker if you want to prolong your sea shanty singing adventure.
5) Private Oasis
The Private Oasis in The Wind Waker is Link’s very own slice of paradise. During your quest, you’ll eventually obtain the Cabana Deed from Mrs. Marie, giving you access to the small abode on this tropical island. But underneath the opulent surface lurks darkness. Below the Cabana’s surface is a maze of shadow and ReDeads, poised ready to protect the secret this island houses. This treasure is of course a Triforce Chart (better take another trip back to Tingle Island), but there’s also a lot more that the Private Oasis has to offer. Whether that’s speaking to Old Man Ho Ho to seek out a flock of seagulls, taking part in the Korok side quest, or just having fun with the Sliding Puzzle mini-game for rupees to pay off your Tingle sizes debts, the Private Oasis will certainly keep you busy!
4) Forsaken Fortress
Yes – I said in the intro that I’m trying not to let dungeons influence my decisions and although Forsaken Fortress is technically a dungeon, it’s also kind of technically an island…I think? Anway, Forsaken Fortress definitely beats Fire Mountain for the most intimidating island in The Wind Waker. Home to Ganondorf, this oversized and complex stronghold is laden with searchlights, patrolling Moblins and enough traps to make Home Alone look like child’s play. You visit Forsaken Fortress several times throughout the adventure and each time, it offers something new. On your first visit, you’ll be full Solid Snake as you try to make your way through the stronghold undetected. Without weapons, Link is forced to hide in barrels, only moving when the Moblin’s backs are turned. If they spot you, it’s straight to jail – do not pass GO, do not collect 200 rupees. On the second visit, Link has more of his arsenal, so you’re free to go where you see fit. You’ll also take part in the incredible mini-boss fight against Phantom Ganon – one that made my Top 10 Zelda Mini-bosses list! Overall it’s a solid island, and I’m glad the game takes you back there several times to truly appreciate its design, aesthetic and connection to the story.
3) Outset Island
Outset Island is where it all begins. Here, Link lives with his Grandma and sister Aryll – and it’s nice to see Link’s family, which is an incredible rarity within the Zelda series. The story begins on Link’s birthday – after he receives the telescope from his sister, he witnesses a kerfuffle between the Helmaroc King and some passing pirates. The exchange leads to the Helmaroc King dropping Tetra into the Forest of Fairies, so Link goes to help her out. It culminates in the Helmaroc King, then taking Aryll by mistake and thus kickstarting Link’s adventure across the Great Sea. Outset Island has a bounty of hidden secrets to find throughout the game, from Jabun’s Cave to a wallet upgrade from the Great Fairy. However, my personal favourite is the Savage Labyrinth. Similar to the Cave of Ordeals, as mentioned in my Top 10 Zelda Sidequests list, this Labyrinth is a combat challenge that becomes progressively more difficult as you transcend through the Labyrinth. In the GameCube version, the rewards are a Triforce Chart and (disappointingly) Piece of Heart. However, for the Wii U HD remake, they swapped the Piece of Heart for the much more apt Hero’s Charm!
2) Windfall Island
Most Zelda games have the main “village” where you often find a load of sidequest, merchants and interesting people to talk to. In The Wind Waker, this accolade falls to Windfall Island. What I love about Windfall Island is that, for me, it absolutely captures the hustle and bustle of busy village life. From school kids running rampant through the streets to some older citizens having a gossip outside the local shop, the lanes of Windfall Island never seem to stop. There’s a great variety of shops, including the Auction House and Zunari’s Shop, which is home to the long, trading sidequest of Wind Waker. There’s also a whopping 8 Pieces of Heart to collect on Windfall Island with my personal favourite being the one obtained from getting the Lighthouse back to operational status. There’s so much more I could say about Windfall Island – whether that’d be on Tingle’s random imprisonment or the ironic story of “rags to riches” with Maggie and Mila. But really, Windfall Island is just one of those experiences you need to be a part of first-hand.
1) Dragon Roost Island
Dragon Roost Island is one fantastic island. Whether you’re a fan of the sheer scale of the volcano that’s visible from most corners of the Great Sea or just there for Dragon Roost Island’s music (which is without a doubt the best in the game), you’re in for a treat. Home of the Rito, an evolution of the Zora who couldn’t swim in the unnatural waters created by the Gods during the Great Flood, Dragon Roost Island is visited frequently throughout the trials and tribulations of The Wind Waker. It’s where Link first picks up the Wind Waker, arguably the most important item in the game, giving him the ability to control the wind, amongst other things. When Link first arrives on Dragon Roost Island, you’ll meet Medli, one of the coolest Wind Waker characters, who enlists Link’s help to sort out Valoo (who hasn’t been himself lately). Dungeon aside, there’s plenty to do on Dragon Roost Island, including the post office mini-game and a great little Deku Leaf section that requires you to circumnavigate Dragon Roost for a wonderful Orange Rupee reward. Dragon Roost is the first large island (other than Windfall Island) that you visit. Rocking up on the deserted beach to reveal a hidden community within its inner walls is what Wind Waker is all about. You have to look underneath the surface to seek out the treasures within Wind Waker, a theme that Dragon Roost Island nails and epitomises better than any other.
Whether it’s to sail the open seas or seek out the plunder you may have missed before, The Wind Waker is a title that, personally, I always come back to. Whilst you’re entrenched in that adventure, it’s hard not to notice the islands that act as those integral slices of bread in The Wind Waker sandwich. Coming across an island is so rare; they kind of HAVE to deliver in their design, aesthetic and activity – otherwise, the game would fall flat. Luckily, they do more than deliver, and because of this, The Wind Waker deserves to be up there as one of the best Zelda titles ever created.