The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks similar games & best alternatives

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

Wii U, Nintendo DS • 2009

Should you play it?

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is the second Zelda game for the Nintendo DS. The art direction is still cel-shading, but the game have notable changes from Phantom Hourglass with more puzzles and a new mode of transportation by train. You have to draw your route to the next area on the map and then let the train run its course. While the train is moving, caution will be needed to avoid obstacles, animals and enemies on the tracks. In certain dungeons, both Link and Zelda will be playable as they will need to work together to solve puzzles.

What works

  • Innovative dual-character control with zelda and link
  • Engaging and clever dungeon puzzles
  • Unique train travel mechanic with strategic elements
  • Strong narrative with active zelda character
  • Polished stylus-based controls and charming art style

Things to keep in mind

  • Train travel can feel repetitive and restricts exploration
  • Stylus controls sometimes lack precision in combat
  • Limited multiplayer features and no online play
  • Some pacing issues and occasional frustrating controls
  • Overworld feels linear and less open than previous titles

What to play next

Top picks

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More exploratory

Games that feels like The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks but with more exploration of areas and secrets

Less competitive

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Less social

Games that feels like The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks but with less teamwork and cooperation

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Similarity map

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Each card is a nearby game on the similarity map, compared with The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. Swipe sideways to move between games. Titles already listed in What to play next are left out.

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Each dot is a game placed from its motivation profile relative to this page’s game. Direction shows which motivation differs most; distance along that axis shows how large the gap is.

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How to read the map This is a polar difference map: direction = which motivation differs, and distance = how much (same units as the sidebar deltas).

Swipe to compare nearby games with The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. These titles are not in What to play next.

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks: A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Cooperation, Fellowship, Intimacy, Leadership. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Competition, Story. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Exploration.

Last update: 02/09/2026