Editing Link (SSB4)

{{Disambig2|Link's appearance in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''|the character in other contexts|Link}}

|name         = Link

|image       = [[Image:Link SSB4.png|250px|Link]]

|game         = SSB4

|ssbgame1     = SSB

|ssbgame2     = SSBM

|ssbgame3     = SSBB

|tier = G

|ranking = 42

'''Link''' ({{ja|リンク|Rinku}}, ''Link'') was confirmed to be a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' on June 11th, 2013 during the [[E3 2013]] [[Nintendo Direct]].<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQD1yJinzeQ Wii U & Nintendo 3DS Developer Direct - Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U @E3 2013]</ref> He was also among the first wave of [[amiibo]] figures that are compatible with ''SSB4''.

Just like in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Brawl]]'', Link's voice clips are directly recycled from ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}'', in which he was voiced by Akira Sasanuma.

Link is ranked 42nd out of 56 on the [[tier list]], placing him in the G tier. This is a noticeable improvement from his standing in ''Brawl'', where he was ranked 35th out of 38. Link's assets are his multiple [[projectile]]s in [[Hero's Bow]], [[Gale Boomerang]], and [[Bomb (Link)|Bomb]], which serve as great disputers and tools for combos, [[camp]]ing, [[gimp]]ing, and [[approach]]ing. Aside from projectiles, Link's [[Master Sword]] has good, [[disjoint]]ed reach and is quite powerful. His recovery, having been greatly buffed from ''Brawl'', is also quite versatile, with a [[tether grab]] and Bomb's ability to remove [[helplessness]]. His rather high weight further bolsters his survivability, easily allowing him to take advantage of [[rage]] with his already powerful attacks. However, Link remains held back by his relatively sluggish frame data, with moves quite easily [[punish]]able if whiffed, and his high weight and slow mobility render him vulnerable to combos, especially from the fast, rushdown-oriented characters that are prevalent in the metagame. Despite Link's new assets, other characters gained more significant buffs, weakening the effects of his own buffs in the metagame. Link generally has mediocre tournament results, though he does have a number of dedicated mains to his credit, such as {{Sm|Scizor}} and {{Sm|Izaw}}.

Link is a medium-heavyweight character with a strong projectile game, as well as a decent combo game with moves such as his neutral attack, up tilt, down tilt and down throw. While his attributes are balanced overall, Link's [[Master Sword]] gives him good range, above average strength and a disjointed hitbox, while his mobility and frame data are below average. Armed with his various projectiles, his [[Hylian Shield]] that blocks opposing projectiles if he is standing still or walking, and a versatile [[recovery]], Link is a durable and generally defensive character who relies on appropriate use of both [[camping]] and his combo game to be successful, which is often dependent on the match-up.

Link's special moves all have their uses. [[Hero's Bow]] is a strong option against characters who struggle at approaching and good long ranged pressure, [[Gale Boomerang]] is a decent spacing option, and [[Spin Attack]] can be used to punish rolls while providing much better recovery than in ''Brawl''. However, Link's [[Bomb (Link)|bombs]] are perhaps the most versatile tool in his arsenal, as they have many uses. Throwing a bomb at a foe can cause enough [[hitstun]] to help Link's approach and/or set up combos. If the opponent shields, 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 in [[helpless]]ness, aiding his recovery and/or allowing him to break out of combos.

Despite this, Link retains some of the flaws from his previous appearances. Even though his recovery (one of his most significant flaws in ''[[Link (SSB)|SSB]]'' and ''[[Link (SSBB)|Brawl]]'') has been noticeably improved, it is. Most notably, Link is susceptible to combos from faster characters such as {{SSB4|Sheik}}; as a result, he must make good use of reads, spacing and camping to avoid giving the advantage to such characters. To this end, his neutral aerial is a [[sex kick]] that allows him to break out of many combos, and is therefore one of his most useful moves.

Overall, Link is a well-balanced character and a popular choice among beginners who must also take note of some difficult-to-perform techniques with him. However, unlike {{SSB4|Mario}}, another beginner-friendly character, Link's somewhat sluggish nature makes it difficult for him to do well at higher levels of play. He is capable both as a zoning-oriented and a spacing-oriented close combatant, but due to his below-average frame data, he must be played defensively to be used to his full potential and must use the various tools at his disposal to avoid being overwhelmed by the speedy and combo-oriented characters that are prevalent in the metagame.

Link has been significantly buffed in his transition from ''Brawl'' to ''SSB4'', in which he was considered the fourth worst character. As he received many faster and stronger attacks in exchange for slightly lowered damage outputs, these buffs overall outweigh the nerfs. Both his ground and aerial games have been improved, and his combo game has strengthened as a whole. His grab game has also considerably improved, with some grabs having better angle placements or knockback altogether. He also is a potent [[edgeguard]]er, with his down aerial now capable of [[meteor smash]]ing, as well as more offensive options against opponents on the ledge. Additionally, significant buffs to [[Spin Attack]] and his Clawshot as a tether recovery grant him excellent survivability. Lastly, his camping game has also been improved in many areas, most notably his Bombs being significantly buffed, and the speed increase on his Hero's Bow.

Link also benefits from the general physics changes brought to ''SSB4'', such as the new edge-trump mechanic further helping his already great recovery, as well as being able to utilize and maintain [[rage]] effectively due to the extremely high base knockback his attacks have, as well as his strong endurance. Lastly, he is one of the only characters to not be affected noticeably from the general nerf to camping. Ultimately, Link is significantly better than how he was in ''Brawl'' and is virtually as good as was in ''Melee'', though his current viability is somewhat debatable due to the majority of the returning cast having also been buffed to varying degrees.

*{{change|Link once again appears as the ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' incarnation. However, instead of retaining the subdued color scheme used in ''Twilight Princess'' that was also carried over to ''Brawl'', his overall color scheme is now noticeably brighter to appear in line with the more vibrant aesthetics used within ''SSB4''. This is coincidentally similar to Link's appearances in other games within [[The Legend of Zelda (universe)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]] that use a more colorful aesthetic than ''Twilight Princess''.}}

*{{change|Master Sword's trail is now a blue blur with white accents that leaves afterimages, rather than a fully blue blur like in ''Brawl''.}}

*{{change|Link has a new standing idle animation.}}

*{{nerf|Link [[walking|walks]] slower (1.2 → 1.188).}}

*{{change|Link's [[gravity]] is higher (0.089 → 0.096).}}

*{{change|[[Roll]]'s animation has changed. They are now based on the ones used by the Link from ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time}}''.}}

*{{buff|[[Hylian Shield]] can now block projectiles even while walking. Additionally, Link now flinches when a projectile or bomb explosion hits his Hylian Shield, making it more reliable when attempting to block multiple projectiles. It normally blocks any projectile in front of him, even while crouching or during idle poses.}}

*{{nerf|[[Neutral attack]] deals 2% less damage (12% → 10%).}}

*{{buff|[[Forward tilt]] has decreased ending lag.}}

*{{buff|[[Up tilt]]'s knockback has been significantly increased, allowing it to KO at low percentages.}}

*{{nerf|[[Down tilt]] deals 1% less damage (12% → 11%).}}

*{{nerf|Down tilt's knockback has been significantly decreased.}}

*{{buff|Down tilt comes out faster.}}

*{{buff|Link has a new [[dash attack]], the {{s|zeldawiki|Jump Attack}} first used by the Link from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''. It is significantly stronger, as it is capable of KOing under 150% and even lower if the tip hits.}}

*{{buff|Dash attack has a much larger hitbox. It also launches opponents horizontally, vertically, diagonally and even backward depending on which hitbox connects, which allows for follow-ups.}}

*{{nerf|Dash attack has considerably increased startup.}}

*{{nerf|[[Forward smash]] deals less damage (15%/20% → 14%/13%) and the second hit has increased ending lag.}}

*{{buff|Forward smash is stronger, with its first hit being able to KO if it hits near or at the tip. Additionally, its second hit is stronger and can follow up from the first hit like {{SSB4|Toon Link}}'s.}}

*{{change|Forward smash's sourspot's position has been altered and portions of it are now irreversible.}}

*{{change|The window of time that the attack button can be pressed after the first hit of forward smash in able to activate the second hit has been significantly tightened, leading to less accidental activation of the second hit, but making it so that one cannot use the delay as much in order to hit with the second hit.}}

*{{buff|[[Up smash]]'s last hit deals 1% more damage (10%/9%/8% → 11%/10%/9%) and deals much more knockback. Its hits also connect together better.}}

*{{buff|[[Down smash]]'s first hit deals more knockback while its second hit is now a powerful [[semi-spike]].}}

*{{change|Down smash's first hit's angle has been slightly altered.}}

*{{change|Clean [[neutral aerial]] has been split into two hits. As a result, it no longer has a consistent damage output and instead each hit has a specific damage output (10% → 11%/9%).}}

*{{buff|Late neutral aerial has decreased knockback overall and is capable of setting up combos thanks to its very low ending lag.}}

*{{buff|[[Forward aerial]] is much faster and has decreased landing and ending lag.}}

*{{buff|Forward aerial deals more damage (9% → 11% (hit 1), 12% → 13% (hit 2)).}}

*{{nerf|[[Back aerial]] deals 3% less damage (11% → 8%).}}

*{{buff|Back aerial has decreased start-up.}}

*{{buff|[[Up aerial]]'s hitbox is more disjointed and it briefly makes Link's hurtbox shorter, which allows it to connect better, juggle opponents and KO more reliably.}}

*{{buff|Up aerial has decreased ending and landing lag.}}

*{{nerf|Clean and late [[down aerial]] deals less damage (22% → 18% (clean), 18% → 15% (late)).}}

*{{buff|Down aerial's bouncing hit deals 3% more damage (8% → 11%).}}

*{{buff|Down aerial can now [[meteor smash]] during its start, similarly to [[Toon Link (SSBB)|Toon Link's in ''Brawl'']]. It also does not meteor smash grounded opponents, allowing it to bounce for a second hit.}}

*{{buff|Down aerial has significantly less ending and landing lag, which makes it safer when bouncing off opponents, and allowing him to recover if falling off the stage. Its reach has also increased.}}

*{{nerf|The strong hit of down aerial deals 4% less damage (22% → 18%). It now KOs in the 110%-130% range instead of under 75% and is more difficult to land.}}

*{{nerf|[[Grab aerial]] deals 4% less damage (10% → 6%).}}

*{{buff|Grab aerial covers much more distance when used as a [[tether]] and comes out much faster as an attack.}}

*{{buff|[[Grab]] has decreased start-up and ending lag.}}

*{{change|Edge attack's animation has been changed. It is now a crouching thrust that resembles the Crouch Stab used by the Link from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'' and ''Majora's Mask''.}}

*{{buff|Forward throw has decreased ending lag (39 → 34).}}

*{{buff|Down throw's angle altered (110° → 83°). This allows for better follow-ups and juggling.}}

*{{change|Down throw's second hit deals 1% less damage (4% → 3%). However, this results in lower knockback, which allows for better follow-ups and juggling.}}

*{{buff|[[Hero's Bow]] charges faster.}}

*{{buff|[[Gale Boomerang]] has increased knockback and launches opponents vertically, which allows for follow-ups.}}

*{{buff|Uncharged [[Spin Attack]] deals 2% more damage (12% → 14%).}}

*{{buff|Spin Attack covers much more vertical and horizontal distance.}}

*{{buff|Spin Attack comes out and ends sooner and KOs earlier.}}

*{{nerf|Spin Attack's back half KOs 19% later.}}

*{{change|Spin Attack's animation has slightly changed. Link now spins the Master Sword at subtly different angles, although this has no obvious change in power or range compared to ''Brawl'' due to its hitbox placements having also slightly changed.}}

*{{buff|{{b|Bomb|Link}}s deal 3% more damage (5% → 8%) if they hit the opponent's feet.}}

*{{buff|Bombs' fuses are shorter and Link can attack and detonate his own Bombs in midair after throwing them, improving his Bomb-aided recovery. If a Bomb explodes due to colliding with an opponent, the explosion no longer hurts Link.}}

*{{buff|Bombs now absorb large projectiles, such as a fully charged [[Charge Shot]] and a fully charged [[Aura Sphere]], which aids Link's camping game and defense.}}

*{{nerf|[[Triforce Slash]] deals 23% less damage (83% → 60%).}}

 

*{{change|{{GameIcon|ssb4-u}}Bombs are bigger. However, this does not seem to affect gameplay.}}

*{{change|{{GameIcon|ssb4-u}}Prior to update 1.0.8, Clawshot, as a grab, will come out shorter and will drop, but also ends faster.}}

*{{change|{{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}}Clawshot's animation has been changed. It no longer falls to the ground as it retracts, much like the Hookshot in ''SSB''.}}

Link has received many buffs via game updates, though he received some nerfs in [[1.0.6]], which slightly nerfed him by reducing his KO potential and damage racking ability. However, update 1.0.8 brought Link significant buffs in the form of a much more effective grab game and better KOing options; the latter of which helps mitigate the nerfs to his KOing potential that update 1.0.6 brought. In update [[1.1.0]], his grab game was slightly buffed, as his dash and pivot grabs each became one frame faster. [[1.1.3]] mainly brought buffs, notably to his KOing potential. Finally, he was indirectly buffed due to the changes on the shield mechanics in updates 1.1.0 and [[1.1.1]], as the increased [[shieldstun]] and the fact that [[hitlag]] modifiers now apply on shielding opponents improve Link's close-range game by making his moves safer on shield. This has resulted in him being viewed as a better character than how he was during the initial release of ''SSB4''.

*{{buff|Non-tippered forward smash's first hit's base knockback decreased|60|47. This allows it connect together better with the second hit.}}

*{{change|{{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}}[[Quickfire Bow]] and Power Bow now behave like they do in the {{GameIcon|ssb4-u}} version. The Quickfire Bow charges, comes out and ends faster, while the Power Bow functions oppositely.}}

*{{buff|Hylian Shield now blocks [[Blaster]]'s lasers.}}

*{{buff|Uncharged [[Spin Attack]] deals 2% more damage|12%|14% and KOs 17% earlier.}}

*{{nerf|Spin Attack's back half KOs 19% later.}}

*{{buff|Spin Attack comes out 3 frames faster and ends 4 frames sooner.}}

*{{change|Spin Attack and Shocking Spin Attack's second hitboxes' Z-offsets increased|6.6|7.}}

*{{nerf|Neutral attack's first hit ends sooner|27 frames|19. It also no longer has any [[interruptibility]] frames, removing Link's "jab cancel death combo".}}[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10sepuQSpds]

*{{nerf|Non-tippered dash attack deals 1% less damage|13%|12%.}}

*{{nerf|Nop-tippered dash attack's knockback growth decreased|78|72.}}

*{{buff|Dash attack's hitbox comes out 1 frame faster|frame 21|20.}}

*{{nerf|Down tilt's knockback growth decreased.}}

*{{nerf|Down tilt no longer [[meteor smash]]es characters hanging on a ledge except for {{SSB4|Charizard}}.}}

*{{change|Forward smash's sourspot's position has been altered.}}

*{{buff|Parts of forward smash have been made irreversible.}}

*{{buff|Down aerial's reach increased by 50%.}}

*{{Change|Down tilt deals 1% less damage|12%|11%, its knockback decreased and it comes out faster. This lowers its KO power, but improves its combo ability.}}

*{{Buff|Up smash's hits connect together better, with all three hits now connecting when the move lands and the first two hits now dragging the opponent toward Link instead of stunning them.}}

*{{Buff|{{GameIcon|ssb4-u}}Clawshot now behaves like it does in the {{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}} version. Link's grab range has been doubled in terms of Clawshot length and grab distance. Clawshot also grabs just before it droops back down to the ground, while Link's standing grab has been sped up by two frames.}}

*{{Buff|All grabs' ending lag decreased|66 frames/77 frames/79 frames|61/65/66.}}

*{{Buff|Forward throw's ending lag decreased|39 frames|34.}}

*{{Buff|Down throw's launching angle altered|110°|83°. This allows for better follow-ups and juggling.}}

*{{change|Down throw's second hit deals 1% less damage|4%|3%. However, this results in lower knockback, which allows for better follow-ups and juggling.}}

*{{Buff|[[Spin Attack]]'s knockback growth increased: 84 → 85 (stage 1), 80 → 85 (stage 2), 80 → 82 (stage 3).}}

*{{Buff|Stage 2 Shocking Spin Attack's knockback growth increased|80|82.}}

*{{buff|Shocking Spin's original hitboxes deal more damage: 14% → 16%, 9% → 11%/12%, 7% → 8%, 5% → 6%.}}

*{{buff|Shocking Spin received another hitbox that deals 14%.}}

*{{buff|Forward smash's second hit's knockback growth increased|85|89.}}

*{{buff|Down smash's first hit's knockback altered|26 (base)/90 (growth)|40/88. This allows it to KO slightly earlier.}}

*{{buff|Forward aerial's deals 3% more damage on both hits (8% → 11% (hit 1), 10% → 13% (hit 2)).}}

*{{nerf|Forward aerial's second hit's knockback growth decreased|105|100.}}

*{{buff|Down aerial's second hit deals 3% more damage|8%|11%.}}

*{{buff|Down aerial now has a new early hitbox that has less knockback: 25 (base)/40 (growth) and a different angle: 55°. In addition to only hitting grounded opponents, these traits allow Link to use it as a set-up into the second hit more reliably, which enables him to deal a total of 26% if both hits connect and enables him to perform it until the opponent reaches 60%.}}

*{{buff|Spin Attack and Shocking Spin Attack's ending lag decreased.}}

|neutralname=&nbsp;

|neutraldesc=A diagonal sword slash followed by a horizontal slash followed by a thrust. Loosely based the final blow that the Link from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'' dealt to Ganon. Is a [[natural combo]] with fast start-up and little knockback.

|ftiltname=&nbsp;

|ftiltdesc=An overhand sword swing with moderate start-up, but high knockback.

|utiltname=&nbsp;

|utiltdesc=A half-moon slice above Link's head. Has good juggling capabilities at low percentages, great combo potential at medium percentages and decent KOing potential at somewhat higher percentages.

|dtiltname=&nbsp;

|dtiltdesc=A low-angled sword swipe across the ground with vertical knockback. [[Meteor smash]]es opponents (except those hanging on the ledges as of update 1.0.6) in contact with the base of the sword to Link's arm. Has great combo potential and is sometimes safe on block due to its fast start-up and ending lag.

|dashname={{s|zeldawiki|Jump Attack}}

|dashdmg=14% (tip), 13% (non-tip)

|dashdesc=A leaping downward slash used by the Link from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''. Deals horizontal knockback when tipped and vertical knockback when hit close, and will KO at early percentages.

|fsmashname=&nbsp;

|fsmashdesc=Lunges forward with a wide sword swing in front of him, dealing good damage and knockback when tipped. The Master Sword's base has extremely little knockback, designed to [[Natural combo|naturally combo]] into an optional second hit: a sword swing with greater KO power.

|usmashname=&nbsp;

|usmashdesc=Three half-moon sword swings above Link's head, which the first two slashes combo naturally into each other, and the third finishes off. Can KO before 100%.

|dsmashname=&nbsp;

|dsmashdesc=A low slash in front and then behind Link. First hit sends opponents at a vertical trajectory while having slightly increased damage and knockback the closer one is to Link. Second hit is a powerful semi-spike with slightly increased damage and knockback on his blade.

|nairname=&nbsp;

|nairdmg=11%/9% (clean), 6% (late)

|nairdesc=A flying kick. Acts as a [[sex kick]] with relatively fast start-up and little landing lag. Deals more damage closer to his boot, as well as more knockback during the first few frames of hit. The [[sweetspot]] has light KO power.

|fairname=&nbsp;

|fairdesc=Swings his sword twice while spinning 360˚. The first hit has more knockback. The second hit can only connect if the first hit doesn't or if the opponent is at a low percentage. Has decent KOing potential.

|bairname=&nbsp;

|bairdesc=Two back kicks. They have very little landing lag, but deal low damage.

|uairname={{s|zeldawiki|Jump Thrust}}

|uairdesc=A leaping upward thrust used by the Link from ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]''. It has moderate landing lag unless used alongside a full hop. This move is quite powerful and has a long-lasting hitbox (longer than airdodges) that is difficult to dodge, making it a good KOing option.

|dairname={{s|zeldawiki|Downward Thrust}}

|dairdesc=A leaping downward thrust used by the Links in ''Zelda II: The Adventure of Link'', ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords}}'', ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures}}'' and ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap}}''. It's possible for Link to "bounce" on opponents into a second hit. The early hit is a powerful [[meteor smash]]. If the strong non-meteor hitbox lands, it results in considerable knockback being capable of KOing under 130%. However, it is difficult to land a strong non-meteor hitbox than the meteor hitbox, as it requires Link to hit with the rising hilt on start-up, or immediately after the initial meteor hit, but before the weak hit.  

|zairname=[[Clawshot]]

|zairdesc=Fires his Clawshot forward in the air with great range and no landing lag. Link can cancel his [[air dodge]] at any point via his tether, however it will not cancel the landing lag suffered from the dodge. The Clawshot also serves as a [[tether recovery]] that auto-snaps the ledge, covering great horizontal distance.

|grabname=[[Clawshot]]

|grabdesc=Fires his Clawshot forward. In {{for3ds}}, the chain snaps straight back once fully extended, like the Hookshot from ''Super Smash Bros.''; in {{forwiiu}}, the chain drags on the ground as it does in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl''.

|pummelname=&nbsp;

|pummeldesc=Hits the opponent with the hilt of the Master Sword. A fairly fast pummel.

|fthrowname=&nbsp;

|fthrowdesc=Releases the opponent from his [[pummel]] and front kicks them away.

|bthrowname=&nbsp;

|bthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 4% (hit 2)

|bthrowdesc=Takes his opponent behind him and back kicks them away.

|uthrowname=&nbsp;

|uthrowdesc=Raises the opponent above him and slashes upward. A decent KOing option at high percentages.

|dthrowname=&nbsp;

|dthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 4% (throw)

|dthrowdesc=Drops the opponent onto the ground and elbow drops them. It can combo reliably into his up tilt, up smash and aerial attacks.

|floorfdesc=Does two slashes front and back.

|floorbdesc=Does another two slashes front and back.

|floortdesc=Essentially the same as his other two floor attacks.

|edgedesc=Stabs forward while climbing up.

|nsdefdmg=4%-12%

|nsdefdesc=Equips his bow, with the arrows serving as projectiles. Charging increases the speed, distance and damage dealt by an arrow.

|nsc1dmg=4%-20%

|nsc1desc=At the cost of heavily increasing the charge time of the move, the arrows deal very heavy knockback when fully charged, enough to KO at medium to high percentages. Uncharged or half-charged arrows have extremely limited range and power, dropping near Link's feet with no charging.

|nsc2dmg=4%-8%

|nsc2desc=Shoots [[magic|magical]] arrows that charge quickly and travel in a straight line. Decently [[spam|spammable]], but with low range and a lowered maximum damage output.

|ssdefdmg=7% (near), 5% (middle), 0% (far/return)

|ssdefdesc=A projectile which damages opponents as it flies away and drags opponents towards Link during its return. Can be angled up or down. A "smash throw" (similar to when performing the input for a smash attack) increases the distance the boomerang can travel.

|ssc1desc=Behaves like the Boomerang from ''SSB'' and ''Melee'', which deals damage both when the boomerang is thrown and when it returns. It has less knockback, but can be aimed easier.

|ssc2desc=Travels across a much shorter range, but also deals multiple hits of low damage and adds a stunning effect to the opponents. Great for setting up combos.

|usdefdmg=12%/9%/7%/5% (ground), 4% (air hit 1), 2% (air hits 2-8), 4% (air hit 9)

|usdefdesc=This move functions differently when grounded and airborne; an aerial Spin Attack is used as recovery which grants Link great vertical distance. Hits 8 times in the air. A grounded Spin Attack is akin to most ''The Legend of Zelda'' games, and functions similarly to a smash attack with great knockback.

|usc1dmg=16%/11%/12%/8%/6% (ground), 4% (air hit 1), 1% (air hits 2-4), 6% (air hit 5), 14% (additional hitbox)

|usc1desc=A much more powerful [[electric]] version that has great KO power. The downside is that Link's recovery is much shorter and has poor horizontal motion. The Shocking Spin functions very similarly to the how the Spin Attack functioned in ''SSB''. The aerial version can semi-spike, but cannot hit backward.

|usc2dmg=0%

|usc2desc=A strictly recovery-based version that deals no damage, but travels much higher and much farther, even to the point of not relying on momentum and performing multiple left and right movements.

|dsdefdmg=5% (upper body), 8% (feet), 9% (down smash aerial, feet)

|dsdefdesc=An item-based [[projectile]] Link pulls out. On contact with a surface, it explodes, dealing damage to opponents and can hurt Link as well, though the Bombs do not cause damage to Link if the explosion hits an opponent. The explosion can grant him an extra Spin Attack if used skillfully. Oddly, it will deal 8% when it hits the opponent's feet.

|dsc1dmg=8%-10%

|dsc1desc=A massive Bomb with a huge explosion hitbox, which deal more damage and knockback. However, they cannot explode when thrown at the opponent, and explode based on time or an attack. They deal damage based on range.

|dsc2desc=Weaker Bombs with a noticeably short fuse. However, they meteor smash anyone hit by them with moderate knockback, which can affect Link as well if a Bomb explodes in his hand. On the ground, it will halt opponents in their tracks due to considerable stun. It is not practical for recoveries in any way, as the Bombs simply meteor smash Link, though it allows him to survive vertical KOs longer with luck.

|fsdmg=1% (first hit), 3% (hits 2-15), 2% (hit 16), 15% (hit 17)

|fsdesc=|fsdesc=Sends out a beam of light from the Triforce of Courage symbol on the back of his hand to stun enemies in front of him. If the beam comes in contact with a single enemy, Link dashes forward and slashes them repeatedly while they are trapped in a Triforce-shaped energy field, with the last hit being a powerful stab and launching the trapped enemy away. Capable of trapping multiple fighters in the barrage of slashes, but knocks them away before dealing the final blow.

|desc=Small whirlwinds appear on the battlefield, from which Link appears. Link then proceeds to equip the Master Sword and Hylian Shield.

|desc-up=Swings his sword twice and twirls the sword before sheathing it. This is similar to his victory pose in ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'', which he performs after defeating a boss, learning a hidden sword technique, or sheathing his sword upon the defeat of harder-to-defeat enemies.

|desc-side=Link takes out a fairy that appears similar to Navi from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''. The fairy then proceeds to fly around as Link watches it until it returns to his pocket.

|desc-down=Link pulls in his right knee and draws his sword back behind his head in a threatening battle stance. It originates from ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' and may be loosely based on the attacking pose used by the Link from ''The Legend of Zelda: The Adventure of Link''.}}

|desc-1=Takes a battle ready stance.

|victory-desc=A flourished remix directly from ''Brawl''. It is a remix of the tune that will play when Link obtained a [[zeldawiki:Triforce|Triforce Piece]] in ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda (Game)|The Legend of Zelda]]'' for the Nintendo Entertainment System.

|desc-1=Link stabs his sword forwards, holds it up to his face, then thrusts it to the sky while letting out a [[wikipedia:Kiai|kiai]].

|desc-2=Three swipes with his sword and looks to the right. His "character chosen" animation in ''Super Smash Bros.'', albeit ending with him facing a different direction.

|desc-3=Swipes his sword once, spins it behind his head, then sheaths it. This is based on his special sheathing animation in ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' which occurs if he puts away his sword immediately after defeating an enemy. Link does a similar animation during his up taunt.

===Notable players===

<!--If you are planning to add a player you consider to be notable, please provide tournament results in some shape or form in the edit summary (be it a link to a results thread or bracket of them placing high in a tournament of other notable players or a video of them beating a notable player). Winning tournaments without notable players present is generally not enough to warrant a spot. Using that criteria, please refrain from adding Lythero.-->

 

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Green tunic? Pointy hat? Yep, it's Link, all right! In this game, his sword and shield make for effective attacking and blocking, and his bow, bombs, and boomerang will spice up any battle. He's even brought his Clawshot for grabbing enemies and edges. Jeez, just how much stuff can Link carry?''

 

::{{flag|pal}} ''Green clothes? Pointy hat? Yep, it's Link, all right! In this game, his sword and shield make for effective attacking and blocking, and his bow, bombs, and boomerang will spice up any battle. He's even brought his Clawshot for grabbing enemies and edges. The hero of Hyrule is really kitted out for a brawl!''

 

{{Trophy games|console1=nes|game1=The Legend of Zelda (08/1987)|console2=snes|game2=The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (04/1992)}}

 

:'''Link (Alt.)'''

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''If Link was on a desert island and could only pick one item, it'd be his powerful sword. This weapon is key to his down-air attack, a move with great launching potential and the ability to strike twice. He can also strike twice with his side smash—the second blow deals more damage and launches harder.''

::{{flag|pal}} ''Of all of his weapons, Link's sword may be the most lethal. His down air attack has incredible launching power. What's more, he'll bounce up afterwards, allowing for a follow-up strike. His side smash can also be followed up with a more powerful second blow that sends foes flying - just press the button again straight away.''

{{Trophy games|console1=nes|game1=The Legend of Zelda (08/1987)|console2=snes|game2=The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (04/1992)}}

:'''Triforce Slash (Link)'''

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Link makes use of the Triforce of Courage to trap foes, and then he launches a 16-blow combo. The final mighty blow has the power to launch opponents off the stage. When Link prepares the attack, the ray of light he emits must strike a rival, or the attack will fail. Shielding will do nothing to stop this powerful attack.''

::{{flag|pal}} ''Link traps a foe in mid-air with the power of the Triforce of Courage, then he delivers a 16-strike sword combo. The final strike has formidable launching power. If the ray of light at the start of the attack doesn't hit, the whole thing ends there. Helpfully, though, the ray of light's range and speed are incredible, and shields won't block it.''

LinkTrophy3DS1.png|Classic (3DS)

LinkTrophy3DS2.png|Alt. (3DS)

LinkTrophyWiiU.png|Classic (Wii U)

LinkAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)

TriforceSlashLinkTrophyWiiU.png|[[Triforce Slash]]

==In [[Event Match]]es==

===Solo Events===

*'''[[A Fated Battle]]''': Link must fight {{SSB4|Ganondorf}} in a two stock battle. If the battle lasts through the third transition phase on the Castle Siege stage, two [[Dark Link]]s will appear.

*'''[[All-Star Battle: Regulars]]''': Link is one of the opponents fought in this event. All opponents are starter characters from the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' game.

*'''[[Princess Punch-Up!]]''': Link serves as an ally in a one stock battle against {{SSB4|Peach}} and {{SSB4|Mario}}.

*'''[[The Demon King and the Goddess]]''': {{SSB4|Ganondorf}} must initially defeat a team of Link and {{SSB4|Zelda}}. After the two are defeated or some time has passed, Giant {{SSB4|Palutena}} appears and the player must defeat her as well.

*'''[[The Ultimate Swordsman]]''': Link is one of the characters {{SSB4|Ike}} must defeat. All opponents wield swords.

===Co-op Events===

*'''[[A Fairy Nice Trip]]''': Link and {{SSB4|Pac-Man}} must survive against four {{SSB4|Kirby}}s until the stage reaches Fairy Land.  

*'''[[Final Battle Team-Up]]''': Link, in his dark [[alternate costume]], is one of the opponents that two players fight in this event. All opponents are antagonists in their respective universes.

*'''[[The Ultimate Battle]]''': Two players choose a character and must defeat the entire roster.

LinkWiiUVersionE32013.png|Link's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.

Link3DS.jpg|Link's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.

LinkUpSpecialWiiU.png|Link's [[up special]] in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.

Link&PitSSB4.png|Link and {{SSB4|Pit}} preparing their arrows.

Link on Pyrosphere.jpg|Link's [[forward tilt]] with {{SSB4|Kirby}} watching.

SSB4-DoubleSpinAttack.jpg|Link's [[Spin Attack]] colliding with {{SSB4|Toon Link}}'s against Donkey Kong.

Toon Link Throws Bomb At Link.jpg|Toon Link throwing a Bomb at Link.

SpinAttack-SSB4.jpg|Toon Link and Link use their Spin Attack on the ground.

Link - Down Stab - SSB4.jpg|Link's down aerial showing its new meteor smash effect on {{SSB4|Samus}}.

Marth and Link dash attack SSB4.jpg|Link using the first hit of neutral attack while {{SSB4|Marth}} performs his forward tilt.

Clawshot_SSB4.png|Link using his [[Clawshot]].

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-3.jpg|His side taunt.

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

SSB4 Toon Link Screen-10.jpg|His appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'', posing with Toon Link.

Edge grab SSB4.jpg|Link stealing a ledge from {{SSB4|Mario}}.

Smash.4 - Colliding Projectiles.jpg|Link's and Pit's arrows colliding in the air.

SSB4 Link aerial.jpg|Forward aerial.

LinkBoomerangSSB4 NintendoDirect.gif|Link using the [[Gale Boomerang]].

SSB4 - Tether Recovery.jpg|Link and {{SSB4|Samus}} simultaneously grabbing a ledge with their [[Tether recovery|tether recoveries]].

Link Skyward Sword Clothes.jpg|The costume inspired by the civilian clothes worn by the Link in ''The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword''.

SSB4 - Shulk Screen-6.jpg|The [[Dark Link]] costume.

Link_Cover.png|Link as he appears on the cover for ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.

[[File:LinkT-PoseSSBU.png|thumb|right|Link's bind pose in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.]]

*On Link's first victory animation, if the player looks at Link's eyebrows, they can see that Link's eyebrows are lighter, only to go back to their original darker shade once the victory animation ends.

*In ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'', with a glitch prior to patch 1.1.0 that enabled the player to see characters' [[bind pose]]s, it could be seen that Link's bind pose was modeled in an unusual way, without forming a "T" shape like other bind poses.

*Link's [[Boxing Ring]] alias claims him to be the "Hero of Hyrule", which is a minor misconception. The Link in ''SSB4'' is the "Hero of Twilight" incarnation, but is most likely a reference to the idea that he is the main protagonist of the series.

{{reflist|1}}

 

[[Category:Link (SSB4)]]