Exploring the typography of The Legend of Zelda series reveals a fascinating blend of official and fan-made fonts that have contributed to the franchise’s iconic visual identity. These typefaces not only define the game’s aesthetic but also offer fans creative tools to engage with Hyrule’s rich design language.
Official Fonts:
ITC Zapf International Demi by Hermann Zapf
In the early titles, such as The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, the word “Zelda” prominently features the ITC Zapf International Demi typeface. This font’s classic and elegant design set the tone for the series’ branding during its inception. Download.
Charlemagne Bold by Carol Twombly
As the series progressed, Charlemagne Bold became a staple for the phrase “The Legend of” in several game logos, including A Link to the Past, Link’s Awakening, and Ocarina of Time. Its refined and timeless appearance contributed to a consistent and recognizable brand identity.
Trajan by Carol Twombly
For titles like Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages, the series employed the Trajan typeface for “The Legend of,” lending a classical and authoritative feel to the branding. This choice underscored the games’ epic narratives and adventurous spirit.
FOT-Greco Std B by Fontworks Inc.
In The Wind Waker, Four Swords Adventures, and Phantom Hourglass, the phrase “The Legend of” is rendered in FOT-Greco Std B. This font’s distinctive style complements the whimsical and maritime themes of these installments.
Ravenna by David Nalle
The subtitle “Twilight Princess” in the eponymous game utilizes the Ravenna typeface. Its ornate and gothic characteristics align with the game’s darker and more mature themes, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Fan-Made Fonts:
Dedicated enthusiasts have developed fonts inspired by the series, allowing fans to incorporate Hyrule’s script into their own projects:
Hylia Serif
Designed by Artsy Omni, this font mirrors the signage from Breath of the Wild, featuring a full Latin alphabet suitable for various design applications.
The Wild Breath of Zelda
Created by Chequered Ink, this typeface draws inspiration from the Breath of the Wild logo, capturing the game’s unique visual style.
Hylian 64
Based on the in-game text from Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, this font offers an authentic replication of the Hylian script used during the Nintendo 64 era.
Ancient Hylian
Reflecting the script from titles like The Wind Waker and Four Swords Adventures, this font provides fans with the means to recreate the game’s distinctive alphabet.
These fonts serve as a testament to the creativity and dedication of the Zelda community, bridging the gap between the games’ rich histories and fan-driven artistry.