The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is steeped in an unsettling atmosphere, amplified by its unique mask mechanic. While Link dons many masks throughout his journey in Termina, some carry a more ominous weight than others, based on whether they house a deceased spirit, bear a curse, or simply possess a nightmarish appearance. The game features 24 distinct masks, with nine standing out as particularly 'haunted.'
All-Night Mask
This mask, purchased from the Curiosity Shop for 500 rupees on the Final Night, was designed as a torture device to inflict insomnia. Its circular eyes with red pupils give it an unnerving look. While Link can use it to stay awake through Grandmother's stories, its original purpose makes it a disturbing artifact.
Mask of Truth
Obtained after freeing a man from a spider curse in a web-covered house in the Southern Swamp, the Mask of Truth allows Link to understand the whispers of Gossip Stones. While useful for uncovering lore, it also means confronting the constant, often unsettling, chatter of these stones with Termina's impending doom.
Garo's Mask
After defeating the Gorman Brothers in a horse race, Link acquires Garo's Mask. This mask, featuring a golden face beneath a purple hood, attracts the hostile Garo spirits in Ikana. While they attack on sight, defeating them provides hints for progression. It also has the peculiar effect of making ReDeads perform a pirouette instead of their usual terrifying shriek.
Stone Mask
Gifted by a wounded soldier named Shiro, who was invisible to passersby on the road to Ikana, the Stone Mask grants Link invisibility to guards and most enemies. This mask's origin story highlights the plight of being overlooked, making its stealth capabilities a darkly ironic boon.
Kamaro's Mask
In Termina Field at night, Link encounters Kamaro, a dancing spirit mourning unfulfilled dreams. Playing the Song of Healing allows Link to acquire Kamaro's Mask, which causes Link to perform an energetic dance. This mask is unsettling as it possesses Link's limbs for a brief, spontaneous dance party.
Captain's Hat
After defeating the giant skeleton Skull Keeta in the Ikana Graveyard, Link obtains the Captain's Hat, which contains the skeleton's spirit. Wearing this mask allows Link to command the undead Stalchildren, making them open graves on command. This mask represents a literal assumption of authority over the dead.
Gibdo Mask
This mask is obtained after helping Pamela, whose father is tragically transforming into a mummy. By playing the Song of Healing, Link receives the Gibdo Mask, which allows him to communicate with the Gibdos, zombie-mummy hybrids. This ability is crucial for navigating a haunted well and confronting the unsettling transformation process.
Majora's Mask
The titular mask is said to contain the spirit of an ancient demon, sealed within for hexing rituals by a vanished tribe. When worn by the mischievous Skull Kid, it manipulates him with malice, exploiting his negative emotions to cause chaos and threaten the world's end. Its deadly power was a warning from the Happy Mask Salesman himself.
The Transformation Masks
The Deku, Goron, and Zora masks, while essential for gameplay, are deeply tied to death and loss. The Zora Mask contains the spirit of Mikau, a guitarist who died on the beach. The Goron Mask holds the spirit of Darmani III, who perished trying to reach Snowhead. The Deku Mask likely belongs to the Deku Butler's son. Each transformation is accompanied by a shriek, suggesting it is a painful and haunted process, even as NPCs recognize the transformed Link as their lost friend.