Change Link's Sprite

ZSPR files

Download the sprite repository.

From the project root:

git clone https://github.com/snesrev/sprites-gfx.git

The folder should be at sprites-gfx inside the Z3R project root. Browse available sprites here: sprites-gfx Link sprites .

INI setting

Set LinkGraphics.

Use zelda3.user.ini for local settings. Editing zelda3.ini also works, but user INI changes stay separate. 

!include zelda3.ini

[Graphics]
LinkGraphics = sprites-gfx/snes/zelda3/link/sheets/minishcaplink.3.zspr

Click a sprite on the sprite website to get the correct file name, then replace the example path. Restart the game after changing the INI. ZSPR changes do not require rebuilding zelda3_assets.dat.

Custom sprites

Choose a custom edit route.

Edit project PNG assets

Best for changing Link art and palettes inside zelda3_assets.dat. This uses assets/linksprite.png and assets/sprite_sheets.py.

Make a ZSPR file

Faster if you already use sprite editing tools. ZSPR files can be swapped by changing LinkGraphics, but Bunny Link may break.

Option 1

Edit assets/linksprite.png.

  1. Open assets/linksprite.png in an image editor that preserves indexed colors.
  2. Keep the existing indexed-color areas consistent for hair, tunic, skin, and equipment.
  3. For palette changes, open assets/sprite_sheets.py.
  4. Set override_armor_palette by uncommenting the provided palette block.
  5. Save your changes.
sprite_sheets.py palette override section available Link palette colors

The full palette reference is here: palettes.png .

Rebuild the asset file from the edited assets:

python assets/restool.py

Do not run python assets/restool.py --extract-from-rom after editing PNG assets. Extraction refreshes files from the ROM and can overwrite edits.

Option 2

Make a custom ZSPR file.

Download ZSpriteTools .

  1. Open ZSpriteTool.
  2. Use File > Import > Sprite From ROM.
  3. Use File > Export > PNG.
  4. Edit the PNG.
  5. Open ZSpriteTool again.
  6. Use File > Import > PNG.
  7. Use File > Save As and save a .zspr file.
ZSpriteTool import screen Link color palette

Place the saved .zspr somewhere under the project root and point LinkGraphics at that file.