The Legend of Zelda has captivated millions of gamers for over three decades, and Link—the iconic, silent hero—is central to its appeal. While his courage, agility, and unwavering resolve are celebrated, there’s one detail that continues to intrigue fans of Breath of the Wild (BOTW): Link’s height.
Why does his height matter, you ask? It’s simple. Link’s stature plays a role in his relatability and how players perceive him in the vast, open world of Hyrule. Whether he’s being dwarfed by the towering Gerudo or standing his ground against enemies 10 times his size, his appearance stands out. And for curious Zelda fans, understanding Link’s height can add another layer of appreciation to his role as an unlikely hero.
If you’ve been pondering, “How tall is Link in BOTW?” you’re in the right place. Keep reading for a breakdown of the numbers, comparisons with other characters, and an exploration of why Link’s height is a big deal.
Who is Link? A Quick Character Overview
Link is the protagonist of the Legend of Zelda series. Known as the “Hero of Hyrule,” Link’s primary goal has always been to protect Princess Zelda and defeat evil forces, most notably Ganon or Ganondorf.
A few of his defining traits include his silent demeanor, agility, and immense courage. Unlike other protagonists in the gaming world, Link isn’t a towering figure oozing machismo. Instead, through his modest stature and humble origins, he serves as an everyman, a character players can see themselves in.
This relatability is one of the reasons his height has garnered so much attention, especially in Breath of the Wild, where the open-world setting really emphasizes the scale of Hyrule—and everyone’s size compared to Link.
How Tall is Link in BOTW? An Evidence-Based Analysis
Nintendo has never released an official height for Link in Breath of the Wild. However, the gaming community is nothing if not resourceful. By analyzing gameplay, NPCs, and in-game objects, fans have come up with some surprisingly accurate estimates.
The Bread Pirate Theory
One of the most thorough calculations comes from YouTuber “The Bread Pirate.” Using a popular mod called “Memory Editor,” they compared Link to the steel cubes found in Shrines, which are exactly 2 meters tall. By measuring Link’s height in pixels alongside the cubes, they calculated Link to be approximately 5’2” (157.5 cm) in Breath of the Wild.
Gerudo Comparison
Another popular method involves comparisons between Link and Gerudo NPCs. The Gerudo women in BOTW are stated to be 8 feet tall (yes, really!). By standing Link beside these towering figures, fans have deduced that he appears to be roughly 5’2–5’3” when scaled proportionally.
Varied Games, Varied Heights
Link’s height isn’t constant across the Zelda series. For example, in Ocarina of Time, Adult Link is estimated to be around 5’4”, while Skyward Sword Link is closer to 5’5”. These variations make sense, as each game features a different reincarnation of the character, but Link’s BOTW stature aligns with his trend of being on the shorter side.
Why Does Link’s Height Matter?
A Relatable Hero
One of Link’s most endearing qualities is his relatability. He isn’t an oversized, overly buff action star—he’s a smaller, quieter hero who relies on wit, skill, and bravery rather than brute force. Despite his modest stature, he takes on challenges far bigger than himself, sending a powerful message that anyone, no matter their size, can achieve greatness.
Subverting Typical Gaming Tropes
Link’s shorter stature defies the archetype of male protagonists in video games. Unlike characters such as Kratos from God of War or Master Chief from Halo, Link doesn’t need to look imposing to be a symbol of heroism. His design challenges traditional ideas of what a “hero” should look like, making him all the more unique.
Impact on Gameplay Immersion
Link’s height plays a subtle role in how players experience the world of BOTW. Whether it’s the way he looks up at towering monsters, the comedic moments when he’s mistaken for a child, or his interactions with characters like Sidon (who practically doubles Link in size), his stature enhances storytelling and immersion.
Comparisons to Other Characters in BOTW
To better understand Link’s height, let’s compare him to NPCs in BOTW:
- Princess Zelda
Zelda is depicted as being roughly the same height as Link, possibly 5’2” to 5’3”. This parity reinforces her role as a close companion and equal, rather than someone who looms over Link.
- Prince Sidon
The towering Prince Sidon of the Zora tribe stands over 9 feet tall, making Link look tiny in comparison. Yet, this size disparity only emphasizes Sidon’s admiration for Link’s abilities.
- The Gerudo Women
The Gerudo women are an imposing 8 feet tall, easily doubling Link’s height. This sharp contrast is one of the more entertaining aspects of the game, as these towering warriors address Link as “little Vai” when he dons his Gerudo outfit.
Cultural and Design Choices Behind Link’s Height
Japanese Influence on Character Design
It’s worth noting that the Zelda franchise originates from Japan, where the average male height is shorter than in the West. Link’s build reflects this cultural influence, aligning him with the average Japanese male height of approximately 5’7” while keeping him smaller for relatability.
Shigeru Miyamoto’s Vision
Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of The Legend of Zelda, has always envisioned Link as a character players can see themselves in. His modest stature and approachable design ensure that Link is not overly intimidating but rather a vessel for players to embody.
Fun Facts About Link’s Height
- Link’s height is never officially confirmed in BOTW, leaving fans to rely on creative theories and pixel measurements.
- Child Link in Ocarina of Time is a mere 3’10”, further emphasizing his growth and evolution across the series.
- Link’s “short king” status has spawned countless memes and discussions online, celebrating his ability to overcome challenges despite his size.
Will Link’s Height Change in Future Games?
With the release of Tears of the Kingdom, many fans have speculated whether Link’s design—height included—might change. However, given that the game serves as a direct sequel to BOTW, it’s likely his height remains consistent. Still, future Zelda titles could bring about new incarnations of Link with subtle updates to his stature.
What Link’s Height Teaches Us
Ultimately, Link’s estimated height of 5’2” doesn’t make him any less of a hero. If anything, it underscores the theme of The Legend of Zelda: true strength comes from within. Link reminds players that you don’t need to tower over others to stand tall in the face of adversity.
What do you think about Link’s height in BOTW? Share your own theories and fun facts in the comments below—because when it comes to video game heroes, size isn’t everything.
FAQs
How old is Link in BOTW?
Link is 17 years old in Breath of the Wild, according to the official timeline.
What does Link do in BOTW?
Link awakens after 100 years of slumber and takes on the quest to rescue Princess Zelda, defeat Calamity Ganon, and rebuild Hyrule.
Is Link in love with Zelda in BOTW?
The game hints at a close bond between Link and Zelda, but their relationship remains open to interpretation.
