5 features Minecraft could adopt from The Legend of Zelda franchise

Borrowing ideas from The Legend of Zelda franchise could bring incredible depth and excitement to Minecraft. Mojang's blocky game series has continued to evolve with updates that have brought exciting new features and endless possibilities for exploration. Meanwhile, Nintendo’s iconic series has transitioned to an open world, offering many features other sandbox games can learn from.

Naturally, one can’t help but imagine the potential of integrating ideas from other iconic franchises. The Legend of Zelda is one of the highest-rated gaming franchises of all time, and incorporating its gameplay mechanics in Minecraft might work quite well.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinion.

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5 features Minecraft could adopt from the Zelda franchise

1) Fusion weapons

Fusion revolutionized durability in Tears of the Kingdom (Image via Nintendo)

In Tears of the Kingdom, Link’s ability to fuse tools and weapons was a game-changer, allowing players to experiment and create unique combinations.

If Minecraft adopted a similar mechanic, players could combine a sword with an axe to create an axe blade or merge an arrow with an ender pearl to shoot and teleport. While Minecraft has traditionally taken a minimalistic approach to tools and combat, Zelda proved that introducing fusion doesn’t mean cutting down on simplicity.

If weapon fusion seems too far-fetched, Minecraft could at least experiment with ore fusion. Addons and mods have already used this concept, allowing players to create hybrid materials like emerald-infused diamond or redstone-enhanced iron. Implementing this natively could lead to exciting possibilities for crafting and customization, pushing creativity even further.

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2) Building your vehicles

You can build your vehicle in the game (Image via Nintendo)

Redstoners have long showcased their ingenuity by building cars and tanks. However, these creations are often overly complicated, lacking the functionality needed to make them practical. Minecraft could revolutionize transportation by introducing a dedicated system for vehicle creation, similar to Tears of the Kingdom.

Zelda’s vehicles are powered by intuitive mechanics like steering wheels, fans, and other components. Minecraft could incorporate items like a helm or control panel to bring its creations to life. Being able to build a fully functional airship to explore the Overworld or a submarine to navigate underwater ruins would be game-changing.

These mechanics would open up new ways to travel and interact with the vast Minecraft world, encouraging players to dream bigger.

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3) Dungeons

Dungeons could be a fun new structure to explore (Image via Nintendo)

Zelda has several dungeons to explore, each filled with puzzles, enemies, and treasures. Likewise, Minecraft, with its biomes and dimensions, is perfectly suited to dungeons, not to mention it has a spin-off just for them. Biome-specific dungeons could be a thrilling addition, giving players a reason to explore the almost never-ending map.

Ice dungeons could spawn in colder biomes and feature ice-related enemies. Similarly, desert dungeons could include mazes, quicksand traps, and scarab-like mobs. Forest dungeons might require players to fight the jungle abomination, which could be considered a mini-boss like an elder guardian.

Additionally, dimensions like the Nether and End could each have their unique dungeons, featuring specialized loot and formidable bosses. This would not only add depth to exploration but also provide a structured challenge for seasoned adventurers.

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4) Master weapon

The Master Sword is iconic in the gaming world (Image via Nintendo)

It feels incredible to encounter and obtain the Master Sword in the Zelda games. After all, it is one of gaming’s most iconic weapons. Introducing a new weapon just like it in Minecraft could be a thrilling addition for players. This legendary item could be hidden within the most challenging dungeon, requiring players to overcome tough trials to obtain it.

It could be a sword imbued with the power of ender or it could have energy properties like the Master Sword, capable of dealing bonus damage to mobs like the Ender Dragon or Wither. The journey to acquire this weapon could become one of Minecraft’s most rewarding and memorable experiences.

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5) Grappling hook

The grappling hook is a staple in the game (Image via Nintendo)

Grappling hooks have become a staple in many games, and even Minecraft briefly teased the idea in a joke update. However, Zelda popularized the mechanic with its creative use in exploration and puzzle solving.

While the developers of Tears of the Kingdom refrained from including a grappling hook to avoid trivializing traversal, Minecraft’s vast world makes it a perfect candidate for this tool. A grappling hook could be introduced as an endgame item, complementing the elytra.

While the elytra enable long-distance flight, the grappling hook would be ideal for scaling cliffs, navigating ravines, or swinging through forests. Its inclusion could make exploration feel fresh, particularly for players who have already experienced the traditional means of travel in Minecraft.