The Top 10 enemies that need to be included in a Zelda Dungeon Maker

Ever since Super Mario Maker launched in 2015, we’ve all been thinking the exact same thing: “They should make a Zelda Maker!” It just makes too much sense: top-down dungeon maps that players can drag and drop puzzles and enemies into. And while some indie games are trying to fill that void, it’s safe to say that all of us would like to see Nintendo take an official stab at the concept, especially if it means incorporating iconic baddies and art styles from throughout the series.

It may be easier said than done, but assuming our dreams ever come true and they release a “Zelda Maker” someday, here are the top 10 enemies they need to include in it. Note that this list doesn’t include bosses — that deserves a list all of its own.

10. Chuchus

They may be a simple pick, but Chuchus are just so satisfying to defeat. Populating a whole dungeon with them is the equivalent of making a slime ASMR video – what player wouldn’t want to mash the attack button against little jelly blobs that explode when defeated? Ahhh, so good.

9. Anti-Kirbys

Also known as…well, Kirbys, these little guys are essentially what would happen if the iconic pink puffball decided to go rogue and attack innocents. Including them would allow for some great Link’s Awakening representation, plus Nintendo could really benefit from including an oddball choice. Super Mario Maker had a few weird obscure enemies from the Mario franchise, and Anti-Kirbys could fill the same role!

8. Keese

As a staple of Zelda dungeons, Keese would be easy to implement and fun for players to fight. They also added some much needed visual chaos to a room with very little light in it. Much like Chuchus, it is also incredibly satisfying to mow your way through a whole bunch of them. A Zelda dungeon without Keese is like a custard-filled donut without any custard inside. Still digestible, but lacking thrill or pizzaz. 

7. Lynels

While they may have been popularized by Breath of the Wild, Lynels exist in the 2D games as well…. and they’re still terrifying! Remember the arena where you face a bunch of them in Tears of the Kingdom? Imagine an entire top-down dungeon room chock-full of them. It’d be as crazy as a Mario kaizo level, and that’s exactly why we need Lynels to be included.

6. Octoroks

As arguably the most iconic Zelda monsters, Octoroks are essential in a dungeon maker, if only so that we can see each iteration of them change as we switch the in-game art styles. Bonus points if they allow the player to eat a whole one (CD-i representation for the win!)

5. Wallmasters

There’s nothing creepier than a giant, disembodied hand that tries to snatch you up. Wallmasters are unique in that they don’t just hurt you, they make you lose progress! What other enemy does that? Their inclusion would add variety and stakes that wouldn’t otherwise be there with other more generic enemies.

4. ReDeads

While they are perhaps more iconic to games like Ocarina of Time and The Wind Waker, ReDeads could provide some much-needed scariness to a dungeon maker game. Imagine tearing your way through a string of relatively easy rooms, only to enter a dark room where you are suddenly stopped, completely frozen in place, as three zombie-like creatures slowly stalk towards you. Oof, chills!

3. Wizzrobes

Wizzrobes are chaotic, which could potentially provide a challenge as a more high-level monster for players to fight. Each could have different elemental attack that set off other traps, or at the very least frequently disappear and pop up again around the room. They may not be the first monster you think of when thinking of The Legend of Zelda‘s rogues’ gallery, but omitting them represents would be a real missed opportunity. 

2. Cuccoos

Is there anything more iconic than getting swarmed by a million chickens in a Zelda game? They may not usually appear in dungeons, but if they don’t appear in a “Zelda Maker” game, we will absolutely riot. We want the big fat ones from A Link Between Worlds! We want to hear airplane sound effects as they swoop down and deliver death from every angle! Do it or else face the wrath and disappointment of hundreds of fans, Nintendo.

1. Stalfos

Surprised Stalfos took the number one spot? Listen, if you’re making a dungeon set in a medieval fantasy world, it is an absolute necessity to include undead skeletons to fight. Whether they jump around or swing a giant spiky club, a “Zelda Maker” is not a true “Zelda Maker” without including these bony beasts.