There are plenty of minigames found in The Legend of Zelda, but one recurring classic that has been effectively missing for over a decade could provide the basis for an entire spin-off game. Minigames are often valuable diversions from the main plots of Zelda games, offering tests of both skill and luck that can come with impressive prizes. Of course, most of these minigames have no real way to expand, but the core concept of one could easily be resized to a much larger format.

The history of some Zelda minigames are simply terrible, unlike the few that have withstood the test of time.

The Legend Of Zelda Deserves a Fishing Spin-Off

The Classic Minigame Should Be Revived As A Full Title

Fishing is arguably one of the most popular Zelda minigames, and has appeared in various forms throughout the franchise. For example, Twilight Princess’ version of the minigame arguably features some of the best fishing mechanics in non-fishing-based games. It is easy to spend hours in the peaceful environment offered by this and other fishing minigames in The Legend of Zelda. However, there have been no new incarnations of this minigame since 2007’s Phantom Hourglass, although it is worth noting that the Nintendo Switch remake of Link’s Awakening does include the same simplistic fishing minigame found in the original version.

With this in mind, it is easy to see the appeal of a full game based around fishing in Hyrule instead of battling the forces of darkness. Given the popularity of the previous minigames, there is clearly great potential for an expansive Zelda fishing game, with some engaging mechanics already perfectly demonstrated by previous titles. A side game like this would also benefit immensely from developments in both Nintendo’s consoles, particularly the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its updated capabilities, as well as the franchise itself.

TOTK Provides Perfect Material For a Fishing Adventure

A Variety Of Environments and Fish Are Already Provided By the Game

The incredible amount of worldbuilding presented in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom alone offers a perfect setting for a new fishing game. As of TOTK, there are dozens of species of fish known to be living in various environments across Hyrule, presenting plenty of variety for a fishing spin-off even without any new additions. Moreover, although Link can still collect fish in both games, it was a notable disappointment for the Fishing Rod to be an item missing from BOTW and TOTK, and a side game would more than make up for this.

There are 15 varieties of fish found in Tears of the Kingdom, ranging from the common Hyrule Bass to the skyborne Ancient Arowana. Older Zelda titles likewise have their own lists of fish, which are full of unique specimens that could be reintroduced in a future fishing game.

The world presented by TOTK would also be perfectly suited for framing a fishing game. Mechanically speaking, it would be all but expected for different rods and lures to be unlocked as gameplay progresses, and the differing capabilities of such equipment could be easily justified by one or more of the Sheikah scientists being responsible for the new gear. Similarly, the entire game could be framed as an ecological survey for Zelda, giving the player goals to catch different sizes and species of fish to study (and perhaps even to cook and eat in some missions).

A Fishing Spin-Off Could Explore Hyrule In New Ways

Hyrule Has Never Been Given Such A Relaxed Atmosphere

A fishing game would also give people a chance to view Hyrule in a more relaxed light. For example, it could place special emphasis of the beauty of the world’s environments, and encourage attention to details like the depths of various pools and streams. Other NPCs could also be shown engaging with fishing in various ways, offering an insight into their lives outside the preset routines of TOTK. Of course, a game like this could still expand Hyrule’s bestiary, such as reintroducing The Legend of Zelda’s recurring legendary fish as an end-game goal.

A fishing side game would be a refreshing change of pace for Zelda, offering a more relaxed experience in contrast to the typical action of the franchise’s main games. Tears of the Kingdom in particular offers a perfect setting for a game like this, although expanding Hyrule’s available fish further would undoubtedly be a positive development as well. Ultimately, with it being such a long time since a new version of the classic minigame was introduced to The Legend of Zelda, there has arguably never been a better time for Link to take up a fishing rod once more.