Editing Link (SSB4)

'''Link''' ({{ja|リンク|Rinku}}, ''Link'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. His return to the series was announced during the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] [[Nintendo Direct]] on June 11th, 2013.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13D1I5s236o Nintendo Direct@E3 2013]</ref> He was also among the first wave of [[amiibo]] that are compatible with ''SSB4''.

As in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', Akira Sasanuma's portrayal of Link from ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}'' was repurposed for ''Smash 4'', with mostly returning voice clips from ''Brawl'', and in addition to some new ones sourced from the game.

Link is ranked 31st out of 54 on the [[tier list]], placing him in the D tier. In addition to rendering Link as the second-highest-ranking mid-tier character, this is a significant improvement over his bottom-tier placement in ''Brawl'', where he was ranked 35th out of 38 and his best placement to date. Link possesses multiple [[projectile]]s in the form of his [[Hero's Bow]], [[Gale Boomerang]] and [[Bomb (Link)|Bomb]], each of which serve as great tools for combos, [[camp]]ing, [[gimp]]ing, and disrupting [[approach]]es. Aside from his projectiles, Link's {{s|zeldawiki|Master Sword}} grants him [[disjoint]]ed range and above-average power.

In addition to his retained strengths, his recovery has been greatly buffed from ''Brawl'', thanks to [[Spin Attack]] and [[Clawshot]] covering noticeably more distance, and Bomb's shorter fuse improving its [[Bomb (Link)#Bomb recovery|recovery potential]]. As a heavyweight, his respectable durability allows him to take advantage of the [[rage]] mechanic introduced in ''SSB4'', which further bolsters his already powerful attacks.

 

While Link's early tournament results were mediocre at best, he has managed to attain a dedicated player base that consists of professionals such as {{Sm|Izaw}}, {{Sm|Scizor}}, {{Sm|Sova Unknown}} and {{Sm|T}}, who have managed to achieve top 8 and 16 placements more frequently, even at the national level. T, in particular, has demonstrated Link's viability, placing 3rd at [[2GGC: Civil War]], one of the most competitive ''SSB4'' tournaments in the world, and being ranked 46th on the [[PGR 100]], the all-time ranking for ''Smash 4''.

Link is one of the handful of characters in ''SSB4'' with a [[Grab#Tether grab|tether grab]], with his [[Clawshot]] being a useful supplement to not just his recovery, but also his zoning and combo games. Although its damage output has been lowered since ''Brawl'', Clawshot still boasts impressive range, has minimal landing lag, and comes out even faster than before as an attack. It also assists his combo game, due to his down throw's impressive combo potential, while his up throw possesses KO potential. Lastly and most importantly, Clawshot is a pivotal part of Link's recovery, especially due to his sluggish mobility.

Link's special moves all have their uses. [[Hero's Bow]] is a strong option against characters who struggle at [[approach]]ing and is good for providing long-ranged pressure. [[Gale Boomerang]] is a decent spacing option and has follow-up potential upon contact or via its [[Pulling|vacuum]] effect. Gale Boomerang's drag effect also grants it [[gimp]]ing potential in the form of [[Gale Guarding]]. [[Spin Attack]]'s overall recovery distance has noticeably improved since ''Brawl'', while its already impressive power has been further increased, which in turn improves its KO potential or as a way to punish rolls. However, Link's [[Bomb (Link)|Bomb]] is perhaps the most versatile weapon within his arsenal thanks to its utility. Throwing a Bomb at an opponent can cause enough [[hitstun]] to help Link's approach and/or set up combos. Conversely, if the opponent shields it, the Bomb simply bounces off, allowing it to be used for spacing. Even holding a Bomb long enough for it to explode can be useful; while doing so damages Link, it gives him a small vertical boost and removes him from being [[helpless]], aiding his recovery and/or allowing him to break out of combos. Like in ''Brawl'', his bombs can also be used for a technique called [[Glide toss#Dash item throw cancel item throw (DITCIT)|Bomb Sliding]], which noticeably supplements his ground mobility. When combined with the overall fastest [[item throw]] animations in the game, Link's Bomb allows him to pressure opponents at a deceptively fast speed.

In terms of [[customization]], Link's custom moves benefit him. Power Bow grants Link's arrows incredible power, being able to KO significantly easier. However, this comes at the cost of heavily decreased range and increased charge time, with uncharged arrows lacking any utility. Quickfire Bow fires {{b|magic|effect}}al arrows at an extremely quick rate that are also unaffected by gravity, granting them spammability. However, they are much weaker and have shorter range. Boomerang removes the [[windbox]] from the Gale Boomerang and makes it act like the Boomerang from ''Smash 64'' and ''Melee''; it can now be angled easier, has four hitboxes instead of two and deals damage when returning to Link. However, most of Link's setups are now removed since the Boomerang can no longer pull opponents in. Ripping Boomerang possesses no windboxes, deals less damage and has shorter range, but it hits multiple times, goes through opponents, has four hitboxes similar to Boomerang, and stuns victims, making it good for setups. Shocking Spin is an [[electric]]ally charged Spin Attack with significantly stronger damage and KO potential, and the aerial version semi-spikes. However, the grounded version has increased ending lag, while the aerial version lacks back hitboxes and worsens Link's already sub-par recovery by decreasing its horizontal momentum and vertical distance; additionally, while the aerial version can semi-spike, it only works if the opponent is in front. Whirling Leap drastically improves Link's recovery, granting him significantly improved vertical and horizontal distance, alongside very high aerial control during its duration. However, it is solely limited to being a recovery option due to its lack of any hitboxes. Giant Bomb has Link pull out a massive bomb that has a greater explosion radius and damage. However, it has slightly more startup lag and does not explode upon impact, limiting its tactical use compared to the standard Bomb. Meteor Bomb is a much smaller Bomb with a shorter fuse that meteor smashes anyone it hits with moderate knockback. This gives it unique edgeguarding potential and can set up for interesting combos, but as it also affects Link, this prevents him from extending his recovery unless the bomb is used to interrupt potentially deadly vertical KOs.

Link has been buffed significantly in the transition from ''Brawl'' to ''SSB4''. Both his ground and aerial games have been improved. His overall mobility has slightly improved and his attacks have seen adjustments to either make them more reliable or to improve their utility. An example of this is with dash attack as while it is much slower and has no followup potential, it is much stronger now being the second strongest dash attack in the game. His air speed has been increased and a few of his aerials have seen some useful adjustments; forward aerial's first hit is much stronger, up aerial is stronger and down aerial's clean hit now [[meteor smash]]es granting it edgeguarding potential as well as the later two aerials having less landing lag. His grab game has also considerably improved as his grabs have less ending lag and his down throw is weaker giving it greater followup potential especially when combined with the changes to [[hitstun canceling]]. He also is a potent [[edgeguard]]er, with his down aerial now being capable of [[meteor smash]]ing to go alongside his other offensive options against opponents on the edge. Additionally, [[Spin Attack]] covers much more distance and is less reliant on momentum while Clawshot has increased range as a tether significantly improving his recovery, removing one of Link's most detrimental flaws in ''Brawl''. Lastly, his camping game has seen some improvements due to his projectiles, most notably Bomb, being buffed in certain ways.

 

 

However, Link has also seen some nerfs. While the removal of hitstun canceling improves his own combo potential, it makes him more susceptible to combos himself and it removes [[momentum canceling]] hindering his endurance especially vertically (although Link does notably benefit from the removal of [[chain grab]]bing). Link also lost access to the advanced techniques he had in ''Brawl'' most notably [[DACUS]] which significantly hinders his approach potential combined with his up smash having more ending lag. He also no longer has access to {{b|Quickdraw|technique}}ing and the removal of [[edge momentum shifting]] has hindered [[Gale Boomerang]]'s utility. As for his more direct nerfs, his overall damage output is lower (although it is higher relative to the cast) with his forward and down smash seeing significant nerfs to their damage and some of his moves have worse overall KO potential due to their alterations such as with down tilt and down aerial. His grab aerial is also worse on stage as while it connects with the strong hit more reliably, it is weaker, launches opponents at a less favorable angle and has more landing lag hindering its use as a spacing tool. Lastly, while his out of shield game has improved due to his faster Spin Attack and the general changes to shields, his [[spot dodge]] is drastically worse going from being one of the best to a very mediocre spot dodge.

Ultimately, Link is considerably better than how he was in ''Brawl'' as his buffs are of greater quantity than his nerfs and while most of his direct changes do not greatly benefit him, the changes to the game's mechanics greatly benefit him overall as they improve his combo and KO potential and most importantly, they make his recovery far better fixing one of his main issues in ''Brawl''. Despite this, his other issues including his poor mobility and frame data were not properly addressed and in some cases, worsened and he did see a few notable hindrances from the changes to the game's mechanics. Nevertheless, he is a significantly more effective character relative to the cast and has seen greater tournament results although he still struggles against the higher tiered characters.

*{{change|Due to the aesthetic used in ''SSB4'', Link's overall color scheme is significantly more vibrant, and his hair is of a significantly higher visual quality than in ''Brawl''. Link's hair is also sandy blond instead of blond.}} As a result, other than his hairstyle, his hair color, and the starched appearance of his clothing, his coloration closely resembles his ''Skyward Sword'' incarnation, whom despite being unused in ''Smash'', sports a similar design to his ''Twilight Princess'' incarnation.

*{{buff|Link's [[fast fall]]ing speed is faster (2.666 → 3.04).}}

*{{change|Link's [[gravity]] is higher (0.089 → 0.096). This slightly improves his aerial mobility, but slightly hinders his endurance, makes him more susceptible to combos and reduces the height of his jumps.}}

**{{buff|Despite this, his [[double jump]] is higher.}}

*{{nerf|Rolls have a shorter duration (frames 4-19 → 4-17).}}

*{{nerf|[[Spot dodge]] has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frame 2-20 → 3-18) and has increased ending lag (FAF  23 → 28), no longer being one of the best in the game.}}

*{{buff|Dashing [[item throw]] has significantly less ending lag (FAF 42 → 19), making it the fastest in the game. This slightly improves Link's [[item]]-based zoning potential although he is still usually better off using his [[Glide Toss|DITCIT]].}}

*{{buff|The Hylian Shield now blocks projectiles even while Link is walking. Additionally, it now always protects his front while he is idle, due to his idle poses' updated animations. Lastly, Link now raises the Hylian Shield when a projectile or an explosion hits it. Altogether, these changes significantly improve its reliability.}}

**{{buff|Neutral attack's first hit has higher base knockback (16 → 35/30). Along with the changes to its angles and the lower knockback on the second hit, this enables the move to connect all its hits more reliably.}}

**{{nerf|Neutral attack's first and second hits deal less damage (4% (hit 1)/3% (hit 2) → 2.5% (both)), and the latter also has lower knockback (40 (base), 20 (scaling) → 38/10), hindering its [[jab cancel]]ing ability. The first hit also has more ending lag (FAF 20 → 28) and different angles across its hitboxes ([[Sakurai angle|361°]] → 95°/80°/361°), making [[jab lock]]ing with it much harder combined with its higher base knockback, as only the hitboxes closest to Link and with the lowest ID can do so rather than all of them. While this would improve its jab canceling potential, this is negated by its higher ending lag.}}

**{{buff|Forward tilt has a longer duration (frames 15-18 → 15-19), decreased ending lag (FAF 40 → 38) and higher knockback (20 (base), 98 (scaling) → 55/82), improving its KO potential near the horizontal blastzone.}}

**{{nerf|Down tilt deals less damage (12% → 11%) and its extended hitbox has lower knockback scaling (50 → 30), while its meteor hitbox has a significantly smaller radius (4u/3.5u → 1.5u) and lower knockback (90 (base), 50 (scaling) → 0/62). This worsens the move's KO potential, and renders it nearly useless for edgeguarding even with the removal of [[meteor canceling]], as the meteor hitbox is survivable offstage even at high percents and can no longer hit any character hanging on an edge except for {{SSB4|Charizard}}.}}

**{{buff|Link has a new dash attack, the {{s|zeldawiki|Jump Attack}} from ''The Legend of Zelda'' series. Compared to the previous dash attack, it deals more damage (10%/12%/11% → 14%/13%/12%) and has significantly more knockback (30 (base), 80 (scaling) → (70/85/85)/(85/85/77), greatly improving its KO potential.}}

**{{change|Dash attack has different angles (90°/80°/70°/60° → 45°/50°/55°) compared to the previous dash attack. This improves its spacing potential but hinders its followup potential.}}

**{{buff|Forward smash's first hit has been noticeably altered: the hitbox at the tip of the Master Sword has higher knockback (25 (base), 90 (scaling) → 30/100), while the rest of the hitboxes deal lower damage (15% → 7%) and knockback (25 (base), 90 (scaling) → 47/15), and can no longer send opponents behind Link, enabling them to connect into the second hit beyond low percents. This overall benefits the move, as the setup hitboxes in conjunction with the second hit still deal more damage and can KO earlier than the previous first hit alone, while the tipper hitbox still allows the first hit to KO on its own should opponents potentially be hit too far away for the second hit to connect.}}

**{{buff|Forward smash's second hit has drastically more base knockback (20/25/30 (base), 90 (scaling) → 85/89), allowing it to KO earlier near edges and with [[rage]], despite its much lower damage.}}

**{{nerf|Forward smash has increased ending lag (FAF 50 (both hits) → 52 (hit 1)/68 (hit 2)), and the second hit deals much less damage (17%/20%/19% → 13%/12%).}}

**{{buff|Up smash's last hit deals more damage (10%/9%/8% → 11%/10%/9%) and has more knockback (70 (base), 80 (scaling) → 60/96), improving its KO potential. Its first and second hits have also received several adjustments to their knockback and angles, which alongside the weakening of [[SDI]] enables the move to connect all hits better.}}

**{{buff|Down smash's first hit launches at a higher angle (75° → 78°) and has more knockback (26 (base), 90 (scaling) → 40/88), improving its KO potential.}}

**{{change|Down smash's second hit is a [[semi-spike]] (75° → 30°) and has higher base knockback, but lower knockback scaling (20 (base), 90 (scaling) → 80/63). Coupled with its lower damage, this hinders its KO potential from center stage, but improves its edgeguarding potential.}}

**{{nerf|Neutral aerial's initial [[auto-cancel]] window is shorter (frames 1-6 → 1-3) and auto-cancels later (frames 32 → 36), no longer auto-canceling in a [[short hop]].}}

**{{buff|Forward aerial deals more damage (9% (hit 1)/12% (hit 2) → 11%/13%), with knockback noticeably increased on the first hit (5 (base), 100 (scaling) → 20/130) and compensated on the second hit (20 (base), 110 (scaling) → 30/100), improving the former's KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|Forward aerial has slightly increased landing lag (10 frames → 12). Link's higher gravity also prevents it from auto-canceling in a full hop.}}

**{{nerf|Back aerial deals less damage (4% (hit 1)/7% (hit 2) → 3%/5%) hindering its edgeguarding potential and each hit has a shorter duration (frames 6-9 → 6-8 (hit 1), frames 18-23 → 18-22 (hit 2)).}}

***{{buff|The second hit's lower damage and the changes to hitstun canceling turn it into a reliable combo starter, allowing Link to follow up with more back aerials and a reverse [[Spin Attack]].}}

**{{buff|Up aerial launches at a higher angle (80° → 85°) with more knockback scaling (85 → 88), improving its KO potential, and has decreased landing lag (30 → 23 frames). It also has an altered animation where Link leans farther backward while performing the {{s|zeldawiki|Up Thrust}}, improving its range and narrowing his hurtbox while performing the move.}}

**{{buff|Down aerial has received an early hit in addition to its clean and late hits, the former two which take up a longer portion of the move (frame 14 (clean)/frames 15-64 (late) → frames 14-19 (early)/20-22 (clean)/23-64 (late)). The new early hit meteor smashes aerial targets (65°/90° → 270°), significantly improving its edgeguarding ability, while having a different angle (65°/90° → 55°) and much lower knockback (30 (base), 80 (scling) → 25/40) against grounded targets, allowing it to combo into the bouncing hit at a wide range of percents, which also deals more damage (8% → 11%). Lastly, the move has significantly decreased landing lag (50 → 32 frames) and increased range below Link (4.2u → 5.5u (early)/6u (clean, late)).}}

**{{nerf|Down aerial deals less damage (22% (clean)/18% (late) → 15% (early, late)/18% (clean)) and has reduced base knockback (40/30 → 30 (clean), 40/50 → 30 (late)). Combined with the aerial early hit meteor smashing and the grounded early hit having much lower knockback and making the clean hit harder to land, this immensely hinders the move's onstage KO potential. The hitbox at the hilt of the Master Sword has also been removed, reducing its range above Link.}}

**{{buff|Grab aerial has increased range as a [[tether recovery]], significantly improving its recovery potential when combined with the changes to ledges. It also transitions faster as an attack (frames 11-16 (hit 1)/23-24 (hit 2) → frames 12-21/22-23), has less base knockback (60 → 50) and the first hit launches at a lower angle (45° → 35°), which along with its lower damage allows both hits to connect better.}}

**{{nerf|Grab aerial has more startup (frame 11 → 12), deals less damage (4% (hit 1)/6% (hit 2) → 2.5%/4%) and now has 8 frames of landing lag rather than auto-canceling. These changes significantly hinder its safety, spacing and followup potential combined with the first hit's lower angle.}}

*{{buff|All grabs have decreased ending lag (FAF 86 (standing)/96 (dash, pivot) → 62 (standing)/66 (dash)/67 (pivot)).}}

**{{buff|Forward throw has less ending lag (FAF 41 → 36).}}

**{{nerf|Down throw deals less damage (4% (throw)/7% (total) → 3%/6%).}}

**{{change|Link releases opponents from down throw one frame later (frame 23 → 24).}}

**{{buff|The hitbox has a longer duration (frame 22 → 22-23). This prevents the hitbox from whiffing against certain characters with certain [[weight]] values.}}

**{{buff|Down throw has decreased knockback scaling (90 → 85) and it launches opponents at a higher angle (110° → 83°). When combined with its lower damage and the changes to hitstun canceling/DI, this significantly improves its combo potential.}}

**{{buff|Hero's Bow charges faster and has increased knockback (7 (base), 50 (scaling) → 10/66), improving its camping potential.}}

**{{nerf|{{b|Quickdraw|technique}}ing has been removed, hindering Hero's Bow's utility. Their higher knockback also hinders their locking potential.}}

**{{buff|Uncharged Spin Attack deals 2% more damage (12% → 14%) and its front hit has increased knockback scaling (72 (early), 80 (clean/late) → 86 (early/clean)/82 (late)), improving its KO potential. It also has decreased startup lag (frame 11 → 8). Due to consisting of nine hits instead of five, aerial Spin Attack deals 8% more damage (14% → 22%) and its last hit has increased knockback scaling (160 → 200), significantly improving its KO potential. It can now also hit opponents behind Link. Lastly, aerial Spin Attack covers much more distance and Link retains much more momentum upon performing it. This significantly improves its recovery potential.}}

**{{nerf|Spin Attack's back hit has decreased knockback. The early and clean hits also have reduced base knockback (68 (early)/55 (clean) → 60/48).}}

*{{change|Due to the release of {{forwiiu}}, the Quickfire Bow and Power Bow custom moves were altered in order to match the ''Wii U'' version.}}

**{{nerf|As a result, Power Bow's start-up lag and endlag were dramatically increased. Before, it charged around the same speed as his normal Hero's Bow; now it is one of the slowest charging specials in the game.}}

**{{buff|Conversely, Quickfire Bow's start-up lag and endlag were heavily decreased. This allows it to have better zoning potential and allows Link to more properly keep opponents in check.}}

*{{nerf|Neutral attack's first hit's has considerably higher ending lag (FAF 20 → 28), significantly hindering its safety and its jab canceling potential.}}

*{{buff|Dash attack has less startup lag (frame 21 → 20).}}

*{{nerf|Dash attack's near hit deals less damage (13% → 12%) and has lower knockback scaling (78 → 72), hindering its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Down tilt's main hitbox now always launches opponents in the direction Link is facing (Angle flipper: 0 → 3), making it a more consistent combo starter.}}

*{{change|Down tilt's hitboxes are now static, rather than being attached to Link's sword/body.}}

*{{change|Down tilt's main hitbox now uses one extended hitbox which covers Link's sword rather than two standard hitboxes.}}

*{{change|Down tilt's meteor hitbox is positioned higher, it can no longer hit grounded opponents and it now takes priority over the main hitbox.}}

*{{nerf|Down tilt's main hitbox has lower knockback scaling (50 → 30), hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|However, this also improves its combo potential at lower percents.}}

*{{nerf|Down tilt's meteor smash hitbox is significantly smaller (4u → 1.5u) and the meteor smash hitbox inside of Link has been removed, giving the move less range inside of Link.}}

*{{nerf|Down tilt's meteor smash hitbox has dramatically reduced knockback (90 (base), 50 (scaling) → 0/62), making it immensely weaker.}}

*{{buff|Forward smash 1's near hit now has an extended hitbox, giving it more range inside of Link.}}

*{{buff|Forward smash 1's near hit now always launches the opponent in front of Link (Angle flipper: 0 → 3), making the move connect more reliably into the second hit.}}

*{{change|Forward smash 2's near hit now always launches the opponent in front of Link (Angle flipper: 0 → 3).}}

*{{buff|Up smash's second hit has less startup lag (frame 26 → 25).}}

*{{buff|Grounded [[Spin Attack]] has less startup (frame 11 → 8) and ending lag (FAF 86 → 82). The lower startup lag significantly improves the move's use as an Out of Shield punish.}}

*{{buff|Grounded Spin Attack has a new clean hit during its first two active frames which deals more damage on its front hit (12% → 14%). Its knockback values were not compensated, considerably improving its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|After the new early hit, the early mid hit deals significantly more damage on the front hit compared to the old mid hit (9% → 12%). The late mid hit starts two frames later than the old mid hit and hits equally as hard as the old mid hit.}}

*{{buff|Grounded Spin Attack and Shocking Spin Attack's back hitboxes are positioned slightly further away from Link (X offset: 6.6 → 7), giving them slightly more range.}}

*{{buff|Down tilt has less startup lag (frame 13 → 11) with its total duration subsequently reduced (FAF 32 → 30).}}

*{{buff|Down tilt's hitboxes have been moved further away from Link (Z offsets: 12.8 (main)/15.4 (meteor) → 14.1/16.6), improving its range.}}

*{{nerf|Down tilt deals less damage (12% → 11%).}}

**{{buff|However, its knockback values were not compensated, improving its combo potential.}}

*{{buff|Link's grabs cover more distance and they have a longer duration (6 frames → 8), considerably improving their range.}}

*{{buff|All grabs have less ending lag (FAF 66 (standing)/77 (dash)/79 (pivot) → 62/66/67.}}

*{{buff|Forward throw has less ending lag decreased (FAF 41 → 36).}}

*{{nerf|Down throw deals 1% less damage (4% (throw)/7% (total) → 3%/6%) and has lower knockback scaling (90 → 85).}}

*{{buff|Down throw launches opponents at a higher angle (110° → 83°). When combined with its reduced knockback, this significantly improves its combo potential.}}

*{{buff|Grounded Spin Attack has higher knockback scaling (84 (clean)/80 (early mid)/80 (late mid) → 86/86/82), improving its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Grounded Shocking Spin Attack's mid hit has higher knockback scaling (80 → 82), improving its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Dash and pivot grabs' start-up lag decreased (frame 15 (dash)/frame 16 (pivot) → 14/15).}}

*{{buff|Shocking Spin deals more damage (14%/9%/7%/5% → 16%/11%/8%/6%) and it received an additional hitbox that deals 14%.}}

|neutralname=Slash ({{ja|なぎ払い|Nagiharai}}) / Counter Slash ({{ja|返し|Kaeshi}}) / Stab ({{ja|突き|Tsuki}})

|ftiltname=Bamboo Splitter ({{ja|からたけわり|Karatake Wari}})

|utiltname=Half-Moon Slash ({{ja|半月斬り|Hangetsu Kiri}})

|dtiltname=Grass Cutter ({{ja|草薙ぎ|Kusa Nagi}})

|dtiltdesc=A kneeling inward slash. Has slow startup for a tilt, but low ending lag with vertical knockback, granting it combo potential into aerials (most notably forward aerial, dealing 35% if both hits connect) and making it safe on shield with proper spacing. It also has a hitbox close to the tip of the Master Sword that [[meteor smash]]es aerial opponents, but deals weak knockback. It is also very difficult to land due to its small size and lower priority than the other hitboxes, leaving it unable to hit characters hanging on an edge except for {{SSB4|Charizard}}.

|dashname=Jump Slash ({{ja|ジャンプ斬り|Janpu Giri}})

|fsmashname=Sword Slice ({{ja|スマッシュ斬り|Sumasshu Giri}}, ''Smash Slice'') / Double Sword Slice ({{ja|二段スマッシュ斬り|Nidan Sumasshu Giri}}, ''Double Smash Slice'')

|usmashname=Triple Sword Slice ({{ja|三段斬り|Sandan Giri}})

|dsmashname=Front and Back Sword Slice ({{ja|前後足元斬り|Zengo Ashimoto Giri}})

|nairname=Link Kick ({{ja|リンクキック|Rinku Kikku}})

|fairname=Spinning Sweep ({{ja|回転なぎ払い|Kaiten Nagiharai}})

|bairname=Double Kick ({{ja|二段蹴り|Nidan Geri}})

|bairdesc=A hook kick followed by a mid-level roundhouse kick. Link's fastest aerial and has very low ending and landing lag, allowing it to combo into itself at low percents, which can be further followed up by a reverse Spin Attack. However, it is one of his least damaging attacks, and the weakest back aerial in the game, as it is unable to KO from center stage even during [[Sudden Death]].

|uairname=Jump Thrust ({{ja|上突き|Ue Tsuki}}, ''Up Thrust'')

|dairname=Downward Thrust ({{ja|下突き|Shita Tsuki}})

|zairname=Midair [[Clawshot]] ({{ja|空中クローショット|Kūchū Kurōshotto}})

|zairdesc=Fires his {{s|zeldawiki|Clawshot}} forward. Has great range and very low landing lag making it a useful spacing tool, and its low knockback also allows it to combo into most ground attacks. The Clawshot also serves as a [[tether recovery]].

|grabname=Clawshot ({{ja|クローショット|Kurōshotto}})

|pummelname=Grab Hilt Strike ({{ja|つかみ柄なぐり|Tsukami Gara Naguri}})

|fthrowname=Kick Off ({{ja|蹴り飛ばし|Keri Tobashi}})

|bthrowname=Back Kick Off ({{ja|後方蹴り飛ばし|Kōhō Keri Tobashi}})

|uthrowname=Throw Away Slash ({{ja|投げ捨て斬り|Nagasute Kiri}})

|dthrowname=Elbow Strike ({{ja|ヒジ打ち|Hiji Uchi}})

|edgedesc=The Crouch Stab from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''.

|nsc2desc=Fires {{b|magic|effect}}al arrows that charge quickly and travel in a straight line. Uncharged arrows are decently [[spam]]mable due to being fired faster, but charged arrows have a lower maximum damage output. The arrows also have shorter range.

|ssdefdesc=Throws the {{s|zeldawiki|Gale Boomerang}}, which flies forward and then returns to Link. It damages opponents as it flies away and [[Windbox#Pulling attacks|pulls]] opponents toward him during its return. It can be angled up or down, while a [[Item throw#Directions and strength|smash throw]] (which is similar to when performing the input for a smash attack) increases the distance it can travel. Unlike [[Boomerang]], a [[reflection|reflected]] Gale Boomerang is not threatening to Link, as it will only fly past him with its non-damaging windbox. It has set-up potential, albeit only at close range and at low percentages.

|ssc1desc=Functions [[Boomerang|like his ancestor's Boomerang in ''SSB'' and ''Melee'']], dealing more damage and damaging opponents upon returning. It can also be aimed easier, but deals less knockback.

|dsc1dmg=7%-8% (center), 10%-11% (outlines)

|fsdmg=1% (trapping), 3% (hits 1-14), 2% (hit 15), 15% (final)

|fsdesc=Uses the [[zeldawiki:Triforce|Triforce of Courage]] to emit a thin beam of light from his left hand to stun an opponent in front of himself. If the beam comes in contact with an opponent, Link dashes forward and performs a barrage of slashes while they are trapped in a Triforce-shaped energy field before concluding with an outward slash that shatters the energy field and launches them. Although its damage output has lowered since ''Brawl'', it is still among the most powerful [[Final Smash]]es in the game. It can hit multiple opponents, but all non-trapped opponents are launched out the energy field after the penultimate hit.

 

 

===[[On-screen appearance]]===

|desc=Appears from within a whirlwind and equips the Master Sword and Hylian Shield. Seemingly based on the {{s|zeldawiki|warping}} animation seen upon using the {{s|zeldawiki|Recorder}} in ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]''.

===[[Taunt]]s===

===[[Idle pose]]s===

===[[Crowd cheer]]===

===[[Victory pose]]s===

===Most historically significant players===

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''Any number following the Smasher name indicates placement on the [[PGR 100]], which recognizes the official top 100 players in [[Super Smash Bros. 4]] of all time.''

''See also: [[:Category:Link players (SSB4)]]''

*{{Sm|Izaw|Sweden}} - One of the best Link players in Europe. Placed 4th at [https://smashboards.com/threads/avalon-u-ii-february-6th-2016-the-netherlands-europe.430332/ Avalon U-II] defeating {{Sm|Meru}} and 9th at two superregionals with {{Trn|BEAST 6}} and {{Trn|Eclipse 2}}. He was formerly ranked 2nd on the [[Swedish Power Rankings]] during 2017.

*{{Sm|Nicorin|Japan}} - The second-best Link player in Japan behind T. While he never reached the same peaks as T, he made some respectable placements at many different events such as 9th at {{Trn|Hirosuma 13}}, 13th at {{Trn|Rikabura 6}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Umebura 27}} with victories over {{Sm|Some}} and {{Sm|Brood}}.

*{{Sm|Sova Unknown|USA}} - One of the best Link players in the United States. Residing in the MD/VA region, he mainly competed at local tournaments such as 5th at {{Trn|Glitch}} and 17th at {{Trn|Glitch 2}} with a win over {{Sm|Umeki}}. He has also given some of Link's best results seen in the ''post-Ultimate'' era, placing 3rd at {{Trn|Apex 2022}} and 17th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}.

*{{Sm|T|Japan}} - The best Link player of all-time. His 3rd place finish at {{Trn|2GGC: Civil War}} is iconic for being the best Link result seen in ''Smash 4'', marking the character's peak at a supermajor and some of his best wins in players such as {{Sm|Abadango}} and {{Sm|Fatality}}. T's ability to perform at top level with Link became a main source for Link's rise on later tier lists in ''Smash 4'' and solidified him as the 46th best player on the [[PGR 100]].

*{{Sm|Tsage|USA}} - One of the best Link players in the United States. Alongside Scizor, he was considered one of the first North American Link players to perform well at notable tournaments, placing 7th at {{Trn|GUMS 15}}, 9th at {{Trn|Shift}}, and 49th at {{Trn|Shine 2016}}. Ranked 24th on the last major [[New England Power Rankings|New England]] Power Ranking of ''Smash 4''.

In All-Star Mode, Link is fought in Stage 2 in the 3DS version or Stage 6 in the Wii U version alongside {{SSB4|Samus}}, {{SSB4|Peach}}, {{SSB4|Bowser}}, {{SSB4|Zelda}}, {{SSB4|R.O.B.}}, and {{SSB4|Duck Hunt}}.

==={{GameIcon|SSB4-U}}[[Event Match]]es===

====Solo Events====

====Co-op Events====

Link and Peach.jpg|Link and {{SSB4|Peach}} on {{SSB4|Battlefield}}.

[[File:LinkT-PoseSSBU.png|thumb|Link's bind pose in {{forwiiu}}.]]

*Despite being relegated to being a trophy in ''3DS'', ''Wii U'' is the only game where Link's adult form from ''Ocarina of Time'' (which inspired his appearance in the first two ''Smash'' games) does not make any appearance at all.

*Of all the veterans that retain their voice clips from ''Brawl'', Link, {{SSB4|Ganondorf}}, and {{SSB4|Captain Falcon}} are the only ones to not make use of knockback voice clips that weren't used in-game in ''Brawl'' despite having them.

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Link (SSB4)| ]]