If Zelda’s mix of memorable melodies and atmospheric exploration has you looking for your next game soundtrack, start with Journey for spacious, evolving ambience, Chrono Trigger for melodic highs and melancholy, or Super Mario Odyssey for a playful change of pace. These are listening picks by mood and musical texture—not an objective ranking—and each offers a different route beyond Hyrule.
Choose a soundtrack by the feeling you want
The best next listen depends on what you come to Zelda for: music that leaves room to explore, melodies that carry a story, or a lively mix of styles. The descriptions below draw on GameSpot’s editorial guide to video game soundtracks; use them as a way to choose a mood, not as a claim that one score is universally better than another.
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| Soundtrack | Best fit if you want | Musical character |
|---|---|---|
| Journey | Spacious exploration and an emotional arc | Understated ambient melodies that respond dynamically to player actions |
| Chrono Trigger | Strong melodies with both lift and melancholy | Yasunori Mitsuda’s original synth score moves between upbeat and wistful tunes |
| Final Fantasy VI | A more dramatic 16-bit sound | Organ, quiet strings, and forceful battle music |
| Super Mario Odyssey | A playful, stylistically varied listen | Upbeat tracks, including the big-band jazz of “Jump Up, Super Star” |
| NieR: Automata | Drama and prominent vocals | Orchestral arrangements, ambient passages, and layered vocal and instrumental versions |
Start with atmosphere and exploration
Journey: for music that breathes with the game
If Zelda’s quieter stretches are part of the appeal, Journey is a natural first stop. GameSpot describes Austin Wintory’s score as dynamically tied to the player’s actions, with understated ambient melodies and an emotional arc. That makes it a useful choice when you want music that feels spacious rather than constantly pushing toward a big set piece.
Choose melody, drama, or a change of pace
Chrono Trigger: for melodic contrasts
Chrono Trigger pairs an original synth score by principal composer Yasunori Mitsuda with a wide emotional range: its tunes can be upbeat, then turn melancholy. Try it if you want clear melodies and changing moods rather than a uniformly calm or cinematic sound.
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Final Fantasy VI: for 16-bit orchestral color
For a more dramatic, varied 16-bit palette, choose Final Fantasy VI. GameSpot highlights the contrast between organ, quiet strings, and forceful battle music. It is the pick here for listeners who want more intensity and a sharper shift between reflective and action-led tracks.
Super Mario Odyssey: for playful variety
If you want something lighter than Zelda’s more contemplative moments, Super Mario Odyssey offers upbeat tracks and a broader stylistic mix. “Jump Up, Super Star” brings big-band jazz into the soundtrack, making this a good choice when you want a bright, energetic change of texture.
Rank #2
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NieR: Automata: for vocals and heightened drama
NieR: Automata is the most vocal-led choice in this group. Its score combines orchestral arrangements and ambient passages with different vocal and instrumental layers. Pick it for a more dramatic listen, especially if you like hearing musical ideas presented in contrasting forms.
Where to look for the music
Nintendo soundtracks: Nintendo Music
Nintendo’s official Nintendo Music service focuses on Nintendo game music. Nintendo says the service has over 250 hours across more than 130 titles; that is the current service-page figure accessed in 2026. Listening is supported on smartphones and in a browser, and mobile users can download tracks for offline listening. Access requires a Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online membership; Nintendo lists a seven-day free trial. Because the catalog is Nintendo music, look elsewhere for Square Enix scores such as Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, and NieR: Automata.
Square Enix soundtracks: check regional availability
SQUARE ENIX MUSIC On Stream lists series including Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger/Chrono Cross, and NieR. Its figure of over 7,300 tracks refers to the Japan catalog as of September 2024—not a guarantee of what is playable in every country. Square Enix notes that catalog and track availability vary by region and streaming platform, and that service charges may apply.
Verify individual albums before subscribing or searching
GameSpot’s guide names Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music for some of these picks, but its platform listings are roughly six years old. Treat them as leads, not confirmation of current availability. Search the exact game soundtrack in your country and check that the result is the album or edition you want; a service’s broader game-music catalog does not guarantee that a particular release is there.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If you want Zelda on vinyl instead
For listeners who want to keep the music close to Hyrule, Nintendo’s 2026 announcement covered two Breath of the Wild vinyl editions: an eight-LP collection with 130 tracks and a double-LP collection with 34 tracks. The announcement listed prices of $194.99 and $49.99, respectively. Those are announcement-era prices, not a current stock or retailer quote; check the edition and present availability before buying. This is a Zelda collectible, rather than a recommendation for a different game soundtrack.
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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.
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