The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes is a cooperative action-adventure game in which three players control differently colored versions of series protagonist Link and join forces to fight enemies and solve puzzles.[2] Similar to previous multiplayer Zelda titles, such as Four Swords Adventures, players must work together, using the items they receive at the start of each level to help each other progress.[3] One of the key puzzle-solving techniques is stacking the three player characters in a totem pole, allowing the top player to reach higher elevations, attack enemies, be thrown across gaps, and perform other actions. Another game mechanic involves collecting items in order to craft outfits that grant the characters various abilities.[2] Players share a heart meter, with all players losing one of their life fairies should the meter run out.[3]
A particular mechanic of the game is the costumes, which grants special and hidden abilities, such as upgrading an item's ability, health capacity, or stamina limit.
The game supports both local and online multiplayer gameplay, wherein players use icons on the touch screen to communicate with each other, as well as a competitive Coliseum mode.[3][4] A single player can also play the game by controlling doll-like companions called "Doppels" in place of additional players, though the main mode does not support two players without a third.[4] Tri Force Heroes features a visual style mixing A Link Between Worlds's and The Wind Waker's.[2]