iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The best Zelda amiibo depends on whether you want useful in-game rewards, a companion, or a figure for your collection. For Tears of the Kingdom, Zelda and Ganondorf are the clearest gameplay-focused choices because Nintendo documents weapons, materials and a themed paraglider fabric. For Breath of the Wild, Wolf Link is the standout utility figure: it summons a companion that attacks enemies and helps locate items. Collectors should choose by character, game series, pose and design rather than assume any figure is automatically rare or valuable.
Amiibo effects are specific to both the figure and the game. Rewards can be random, and a special reward may require more than one scan, so treat an amiibo as a repeatable bonus and collectible—not a guaranteed shortcut.
Quick recommendations
- Best for Tears of the Kingdom players: Zelda (Tears of the Kingdom) is the most balanced pick for practical rewards and a Zelda-themed paraglider fabric.
- Best alternative for Tears of the Kingdom: Ganondorf provides the same documented reward categories—weapons, materials and special paraglider fabric—while offering a different character design.
- Best for a Breath of the Wild companion: Wolf Link is the only choice in this group with the documented ability to appear in the game, fight enemies and help find items.
- Best for random rewards across Zelda games: Revali can provide random items in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom; in Tears of the Kingdom, it may also provide a special paraglider fabric.
- Best set for a Champion-themed collection: The four Breath of the Wild Champion amiibo provide helpful equipment and may provide a related special item.
- Best collector decision rule: Pick the character and official series whose sculpt, pose and visual style you actually want. Nintendo’s lineup includes Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild, classic Zelda and other Zelda-associated figures, but the available information does not establish rarity, resale prices or investment value.
What determines the “best” Zelda amiibo?
Game compatibility comes first
Nintendo states that amiibo functionality can differ from one compatible game to another. A figure that supplies a useful item in one title may provide a different item, a cosmetic reward or no documented special behavior in another. Check the exact character and the exact game before buying; “Zelda amiibo” is not one universal reward category.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchReward type matters more than the character name
The main reward types in this lineup are practical items, weapons, materials, cosmetic paraglider fabrics and companion behavior. A player who wants help during exploration should value those functions differently from a collector who mainly wants a particular sculpt. Random item drops and repeat-scan requirements also make “best” a preference, not a guarantee.
#1 Best Overall
- Made for Play! Discover New Characters, Explore New Game Modes, and So Much More!
- You can use amiibo on your Wii U by tapping them to the NFC touchpoint on the Wii U GamePad.You can also use amiibo on your New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL by tapping them to the NFC area on the bottom screen. Alternatively, using the NFC Reader/Writer Accessory you can use amiibo on your Nintendo 2DS, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL. amiibo are also compatible with the Nintendo Switch
- See individual games for full amiibo functionality
Collectors need a different standard
For collecting, the defensible criteria are character, series, pose, sculpt and how the figure fits with the rest of your display. Official lineup information identifies Zelda figure families and release details, but it does not prove that one figure is rarer, more authentic, more valuable or more desirable on the resale market than another. Condition can affect a private purchase, so inspect the seller’s description and photographs rather than relying on a character’s popularity.
Best Zelda amiibo picks compared
| Figure or group | Strongest use | Documented game behavior | What to know before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zelda (Tears of the Kingdom) | General Tears of the Kingdom play | Can provide weapons, materials and a special fabric for Link’s paraglider | Nintendo lists a November 3, 2023 release. A unique fabric may require repeated scans. |
| Ganondorf (Tears of the Kingdom) | Tears of the Kingdom players who prefer Ganondorf | Can provide weapons, materials and a special paraglider fabric | The documented reward categories match Zelda’s; choose between them primarily by character and design. |
| Revali (Breath of the Wild series) | Players who accept random drops and collectors of Champion figures | Can provide random items in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom; may provide a special paraglider fabric in Tears of the Kingdom; Nintendo also lists random items for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment | “Random” does not mean a specific weapon or fabric is guaranteed. |
| Wolf Link (Twilight Princess) | Breath of the Wild players who want a companion | Unlocks Wolf Link, who attacks enemies and helps locate hidden items | This is a distinct Breath of the Wild companion function, not a general promise for every Zelda game. |
| Breath of the Wild Champions | Collectors who want a coordinated group and players seeking equipment | Provide helpful equipment and may provide a related special item | Nintendo describes the special item as a possibility, so do not purchase a figure expecting a guaranteed unique drop. |
Choosing a figure for Tears of the Kingdom
Zelda: the most balanced player pick
Nintendo’s product details for the Tears of the Kingdom Zelda figure list three useful reward categories: weapons, materials and a special fabric for Link’s paraglider. That combination gives the figure value to someone who wants both functional supplies and a cosmetic change. Nintendo lists the figure as released on November 3, 2023.
Choose Zelda when you want one figure that represents the game and offers the broadest documented mix of reward types. The fabric is a cosmetic reward, while weapons and materials can support ordinary exploration and crafting. Neither category should be treated as a guaranteed item on every scan.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Ganondorf: the equivalent gameplay choice with a different display identity
Nintendo gives Ganondorf the same broad reward description for Tears of the Kingdom: weapons, materials and a special paraglider fabric. If you are deciding strictly on documented gameplay categories, there is no need to assume Ganondorf is weaker than Zelda. The practical differentiator is the character, sculpt and the look you want on your shelf.
Ganondorf is therefore a strong choice for a player who wants the same type of bonus while preferring an antagonist-focused design. If you already own Zelda, Ganondorf can add another official figure and another character-specific scan rather than replacing the reason to own Zelda as a display piece.
Revali: useful when random rewards are acceptable
Nintendo says Revali can provide random items in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. In Tears of the Kingdom, the figure may also provide a special paraglider fabric. Nintendo’s store information additionally names Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment as a compatible game for random items.
Rank #2
- Import Game - Japanese Version
- Compatible with US systems (region free)
- Japanese language (other languages may be included)
- Manual and packaging in Japanese language
Revali is a good fit if you like the Champion design or want a figure that has documented relevance in more than one Zelda title. It is a poor fit if your buying decision depends on receiving one named item every time: the outcome is explicitly random, and “may provide” does not mean the fabric is assured.
Choosing a figure for Breath of the Wild
Wolf Link: the clearest utility choice
Nintendo’s Breath of the Wild amiibo information gives Wolf Link a behavior that the other figures in this guide do not share. Scanning the Twilight Princess Wolf Link figure unlocks Wolf Link as a companion. He attacks enemies and helps locate hidden items, making the figure useful during exploration and combat rather than merely a source of a supply drop.
Buy Wolf Link when the companion is the reason you are scanning. It is the best answer to “Which amiibo gives the Wolf Link companion?” Do not generalize that behavior to other Zelda figures or assume that every compatible game will use Wolf Link in the same way.
Other Zelda-series figures: helpful items with variable results
Nintendo says other Zelda-series amiibo can provide helpful items in Breath of the Wild, including supplies such as fish, plants or a treasure chest. Some results are random. Epona, for example, is a random outcome rather than a guaranteed result from every scan or every Zelda figure.
These figures make sense when you enjoy the character and are happy with useful supplies that vary from scan to scan. They are not a substitute for Wolf Link if your priority is a persistent combat-and-search companion.
Recommended Free Tools
The four Breath of the Wild Champions
Nintendo’s Explorer’s Guide describes the four Champion amiibo as providing helpful equipment and possibly a related special item. The wording matters: “possibly” is not a promise that each scan awards a unique Champion item. The group is especially attractive to collectors who want a coordinated Breath of the Wild display, while players should buy the individual Champion whose character they actually want rather than treating the full set as mandatory.
Rank #3
- Import Game - Japanese Version
- Compatible with US systems (region free)
- Japanese language (other languages may be included)
- Manual and packaging in Japanese language
How amiibo scanning works
Tears of the Kingdom procedure
- Progress far enough to unlock the game’s amiibo ability.
- Open the game’s settings and enable amiibo functionality.
- Select the amiibo ability in the game.
- When prompted, place the amiibo over the controller’s right stick until the game reads it.
- Collect the resulting items or cosmetic reward and note whether the result was random.
Nintendo Support says a compatible figure can be scanned once per day per Nintendo Account in Tears of the Kingdom. The daily limit applies to each figure, and Nintendo warns that some unique rewards may require more than one scan. A failed attempt does not turn a random result into a guaranteed one; first check that the figure is compatible, amiibo is enabled and the figure has not already been used that day.
Breath of the Wild procedure
- Unlock the amiibo Rune in the game.
- Turn amiibo use on in the game’s settings if it is disabled.
- Select the amiibo Rune.
- Hold the figure over the controller’s right stick when the game asks you to scan.
- Collect the companion, supplies or equipment that the particular figure and game support.
Nintendo’s support guidance says each figure may be used once per day per Nintendo Account in Breath of the Wild. Wolf Link has the companion behavior described above; other Zelda-series figures can produce helpful items, and results such as Epona are random.
What the rewards do—and what they do not promise
Weapons and materials
For the Tears of the Kingdom Zelda and Ganondorf figures, Nintendo documents weapons and materials as possible reward categories. These categories tell you the kind of help to expect, not the exact item, quality or quantity on every scan.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesParaglider fabrics
A themed paraglider fabric is a cosmetic reward associated with Zelda and Ganondorf in Nintendo’s product descriptions. Revali may also provide a special fabric in Tears of the Kingdom. Because Nintendo notes that a unique reward can require more than one scan, do not conclude that a figure is defective after one ordinary item drop.
Random drops
Revali’s item results are random, and several other Breath of the Wild outcomes are described as random as well. Random means the figure can be useful without guaranteeing the specific reward you want. This is particularly important if you are buying a figure solely for Epona, a named material or a particular piece of equipment.
Companion behavior
Wolf Link is different from a normal item table because the figure unlocks an active companion in Breath of the Wild. That makes it the strongest utility choice for a player who values assistance during fights and searches rather than another chest of supplies.
Rank #4
- Compatibility: Wii U, New 3DS, New 3DS LL / XL, Nintendo Switch / OLED
- Release Date: 03 November 2023
- Series: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Collector buying guide
Start with the official series
Nintendo’s character lineup includes figures associated with Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild, classic Zelda and other Zelda-related releases. Decide whether your collection is organized by one game, a character, a historical era or a visual theme. A focused series usually looks more coherent than buying whichever listing happens to appear first.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Choose character and design before speculative value
Character preference, pose, sculpt and color palette are reliable reasons to buy. The available Nintendo information does not establish current rarity, resale value, market demand or condition-based pricing. Do not pay a premium because a seller labels a figure “rare” unless you have separate, current evidence for that specific claim.
Verify the listing before paying
- Confirm the exact character name and series; similar packaging or alternate poses can represent different figures.
- Check whether the listing describes a new, opened or damaged package and whether the figure itself is shown.
- Compare the photographs with official character imagery when possible, including the pose, colors and base design.
- Read the seller’s return and authenticity terms. The documented game reward does not verify a third-party listing’s condition or authenticity.
- Do not assume current stock, price or seller status; those change independently of Nintendo’s compatibility information.
Remember that figures do not need batteries
Nintendo’s amiibo FAQ states that amiibo figures do not require batteries. Scanning depends on the compatible game’s support and the console or controller reading the figure, not on charging or replacing a cell inside the figure.
Common mistakes and fixes
| Symptom | Likely reason | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| The game does not react to the figure | The amiibo ability or Rune is still locked, or amiibo use is disabled | Unlock the required feature, enable amiibo in settings and select the scanning ability before touching the figure to the right stick. |
| The reward is not the item shown in a listing | The reward table is random or the listing overstates what is guaranteed | Check Nintendo’s description for the exact figure and game. Random items and possible fabrics are not guaranteed drops. |
| A unique fabric has not appeared | The game may require another scan | Follow the game’s daily scan rules and try again on a later day; Nintendo notes that some unique rewards need more than one scan. |
| You expected Wolf Link in another Zelda game | Wolf Link’s documented companion behavior is specific to Breath of the Wild | Use the figure for the game and function Nintendo identifies instead of assuming cross-game behavior. |
| You bought a Champion figure for a guaranteed special item | Nintendo describes the related item as a possibility | Treat the equipment and special item as potential outcomes, not a guaranteed purchase bonus. |
Which Zelda amiibo should you buy?
Buy Zelda if you play Tears of the Kingdom and want the strongest all-purpose combination of weapons, materials and a themed paraglider fabric. Choose Ganondorf for the same documented reward categories with a different character identity. Choose Wolf Link if your Breath of the Wild priority is an active companion that fights and helps find items. Choose Revali or the Champion figures when the character and collection matter as much as the possibility of random equipment or cosmetic rewards.
For any purchase, verify the exact figure, game compatibility and condition first. The most dependable decision is the one that still makes sense if the next scan gives an ordinary random item rather than the reward you hoped for.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
