Editing Link (SSBM)

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{{ArticleIcons|ssbm=y}}
:''This article is about Link's appearance in [[Super Smash Bros. Melee]].  For other uses, see [[Link]].  For information about Link's "[[clone]]", see [[Young Link (SSBM)]].''
{{Disambig2|Link's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''|the character in other contexts|Link}}
{{Infobox Character
{{Infobox Character
|name = Link
|name         = Link
|image = [[File:Link SSBM.jpg]]
|image       = [[Image:Linkmelee.jpg|Link]]
|game = SSBM
|caption      = [[Image:ZeldaSymbol.svg|50px]]
|ssbgame1 = SSB
|universe    = ''[[The Legend of Zelda (universe)|The Legend of Zelda]]''
|ssbgame2 = SSBB
|games        = ''[[Super Smash Bros.|SSB]]''<br/>''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee|SSBM]]''<br/>''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl|SSBB]]''
|ssbgame3 = SSB4
|firstgame    = ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' (1998)
|ssbgame4 = SSBU
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|tier = C-
|tier         = Low
|tierPAL = F
|ranking     = 15
|ranking = 18
|rankingPAL = 16
}}
}}
'''Link''' ({{ja|リンク|Rinku}}, ''Link'') is a [[characters|starter character]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. Announced at [[E3]] 2001, Link returns as a veteran character from the previous game, acting mostly the same as before, as a swordsman with powerful short range attacks and a wide variety of long range attacks.


As in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', Nobuyuki Hiyama's portrayal of Link from ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time}}'' was re-purposed in ''Melee'', with the ones used in the previous ''Smash'' title returning alongside new ones.
Announced at [[E3]] 2001, '''Link''' (リンク, ''Rinku'') is a [[characters|starter character]] in all three [[Super Smash Bros. (universe)|''Super Smash Bros.'' games]]. Link changed from the [[Super Smash Bros.|first game]] and his [[Bow]] is now his standard special attack.


Link is ranked 18th in the tier list, in the C- tier, which is much higher than his second to last current rank in the ''Smash 64'' [[tier list]] (11th out of 12), and one place below his clone, {{SSBM|Young Link}}. Link's placement is due to his low lag aerials (with his neutral and forward air), a good variety of projectiles, several kill confirms, multiple strong tech-chasing options and a very high air speed. His disjointed hitbox also gives him a slight advantage against others, as well as a  [[Passive shield|fully functional shield]] that can block a wide variety of projectiles. Link is also a potent edgeguarder in the NTSC versions of the game; his Spin Attack is possibly the best semi-spike in the game, though he still has many other options like his notoriously active neutral air. Finally, similarly to {{SSBM|Samus}}, Link possesses a wide array of techniques specific to himself or shared between himself and his younger counterpart relating to his bombs, such as the Bomb Jump variants to extend his recovery and the Goron Roll enabling him to techroll on command.
Link is ranked 15th on the tier list (meaning he has been buffed from SSB to Melee) due to his attacks having some more knockback and power and that his [[recovery]] is twice as good than in the first game, but his poor air game and slow movement makes him vulnerable to some attacks. Most believe that Link's tier position would have been in Middle tier, but his place could have been taken by [[Donkey Kong (SSBM)|Donkey Kong]].  
 
Link, however, suffers from a rather high falling speed and a high weight, making him an easy target for chain grabbing and combos. Although his recovery can be extended, he is still vulnerable to being edgeguarded due to his up-B being predictable, though his tether grapple and Bomb Jumps somewhat compensate for this.


==Attributes==
==Attributes==
Link generally falls under the "slow, but powerful" archetype of fighter, though many of his attacks are fairly versatile and long reaching. Link has a rather high weight, as well as an above average falling speed and high air speed, an unusual combination of physics for someone of his [[weight]] class.
Link may have poor dash speed (although his air speed is quite fast), but he makes up for this with great [[range]] for most attacks and a variety of [[projectile]]s. He also has powerful smashes and aerial attacks, but his high lag attacks and moderate startup times counterbalance this. Link's grab range is large (due to being a tether grab) and can be used as a [[Wall-grapple]]. However, it leaves Link vulnerable if it misses, and it can't grab airborne opponents (which minimizes [[chaingrab]]ing opportunities). Link's neutral aerial is powerful and fast when [[SHFFL]]'d. On the downside, his [[wavedash]] is short and slow. His Hylian [[Shield (Link)|Shield]] can act on its own and defend against [[projectile]]s when standing stationary, although it will not block projectiles above or below his Hylian shield. Link's up special move (spin attack) is a quick finisher and edge-guarding tool. Link is vulnerable to chain grabs and combos due to his fairly heavy weight, fast falling speed, and comparatively large size.
 
Arguably Link's greatest asset is his range. His sword has a large, disjointed hitbox (though not as large and disjointed as {{SSBM|Marth}}'s sword), allowing him to attack safely from a distance; unlike the duo of Marth and {{SSBM|Roy}}, Link only has one hitbox on his sword, allowing his approach to be considerably less "specific" than either. Additionally, Link has a multitude of projectiles on his Special moves; while the Bow is decidedly situational due to its low range, speed, and power, Link's boomerang and bombs allow him to start combos, continue them, or simply deal damage; the latter also can extend Link's recovery if he slashes them with his [[Spin Attack]]. Bombs can also be combined with the various hits of the boomerang for a wide array of trapping options, as well as decent stage control.
 
Another benefit are his variety of useful attacks in his arsenal; a majority of his grounded attacks have good KO potential, including his tilts, with his up tilt having rather decent speed and acting as an excellent combo starter that takes advantage of his above-average air game. Link's air game is solid; his fast, low-lag back, forward, and neutral aerials coupled with his low short hop and high falling and air speeds give Link among the best SHFFLs in the game. Link's boomerangs and bombs also give him excellent zoning abilities, with the former's modifiable trajectories potentially making it a good approach tool as well. In addition, Link has a variety of powerful finishers. All of his smashes have decent power with acceptable start-up and cool-down lag. His forward smash can be extended should the first hit fail to connect, and both his up and down aerials can be potent finishers, especially when combined with his aforementioned SHFFL. In the NTSC regions, Link's Spin Attack is also a deadly edgeguarding technique when used on the ground; its later hitboxes sharply semi-spike the opponent, and if Link can land this attack on recovering opponents, he can quickly and safely [[gimp]] opponents. While the attack lost its semi-spike properties in PAL regions, the attack's long range and high power still make it a decent edgeguarding technique.
 
Link's grab game has a variety of positive and negative attributes; while his grab has a long range, it also has high ending lag. Link's grab also cannot grab opponents in the air, limiting his chaingrab potential. Link's throws, however, have low knockback and relatively high hitstun, as well as low ending lag, allowing Link to potentially string in a few hits against his opponent. Common options include using his down-throw into his spin attack, giving Link a reliable kill confirm vs mid-fallers and fast fallers. His up throw is also useful in several matchups, allowing him to combo into up-tilt and sometimes down-smash vs fast-fallers, and into several aerials vs other characters and high percent fast-fallers. In general, Link's grab has reliably high reward, but is extremely committal and somewhat hard to hit with.
 
Link's recovery is also considered to be above-average. Link by himself is difficult to edgeguard, as his recovery has a wide variety of options; his wall-grapple can allow him to enter "safe-zones" underneath the ledge, and his spin attack covers the top of him, with his bombs also potentially allowing for some form of recovery if he slashes them with his spin attack or hits them with his back-air to gain additional horizontal distance. In addition, Link's high weight and falling speed make him rather resilient to the upper blast line, though these attributes impact his horizontal survivability.
 
A high falling speed and being a rather large target, however, reveals Link's primary flaw: Link is a particularly easy target for chain throwing and combos. Against fast characters, such as {{SSBM|Fox}} or {{SSBM|Sheik}}, Link players must read opponents very well as to avoid such techniques; unlike most others, however, Link's only fast move that can potentially break combos is his neutral air, causing him to be rather predictable in these cases. In addition, he is arguably the easiest character for Fox to waveshine, for Falco, shine to down air, as well as one of the easiest characters for Sheik to chaingrab. These major setbacks with three very common characters in tournaments is the main problem. In addition, Link boasts among the worst out of shield options in the game; Spin Attack is relatively slow compared to other up-b's out of shield like {{SSBM|Bowser}}'s or {{SSBM|Samus}}'s, neutral-air is large and fairly fast but limited by Link's long jump-squat animation, and whilst Link's up-smash out of shield is very fast, it is easy for opponents to SDI out of and only covers above him. Combined with his grab not being able to hit airborne opponents, Link has some of the worst tools for dealing with shield pressure in the game, especially against Fox and Falco.
 
Exacerbating Link's ease to be comboed is his poor overall mobility. While still rather fast for a character of his strength, weight and range, Link still has a rather slow, inflexible approach on the ground, due to his slow dash speed, poor dashdance, and short wavedash. While this can be somewhat mitigated through Link's Goron Roll, which enables him to techroll on command, it is only usable at high percents. Additionally, Link has multiple high-lag attacks, notably his down and up aerial attacks; while this can be alleviated with L-cancelling, they can still be punished, requiring Link players to carefully set up combos and KO moves. Link also struggles to quickly cover space immediately in front of him on the ground, as his grab and down-tilt are both very laggy and his short hop aerials are a little too slow to come out. He also can struggle against crouch-cancelling and ASDI down, as his fastest aerials like back air and neutral air are easily beaten by crouch-cancelling and counterattacking, and some of his strongest combo starters are poor against grounded opponents SDI'ing down, such as his otherwise very good dash attack.
 
==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''==
In his transition from ''Super Smash Bros.'' to ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', Link received numerous [[buff]]s, most of which made him a more potent fighter compared to the previous installment. One of his largest weaknesses, his awful recovery, has been greatly improved as his [[Spin Attack]] covers more distance and he now has a [[grab aerial]]. When combined with the addition of [[air dodging]], his recovery options now remain fairly diverse. His lighter weight allows him to be more difficult to combo, though he is still one of the easiest characters in the game to combo. Many of his attacks also have decreased ending lag, while some of his other attacks have decreased startup lag. These changes grant him a safer neutral and advantage state, granting him more opportunities to approach while being more flexible to recover from disadvantage states.
 
However, Link has also received some nerfs: some of his attacks, such as his back aerial, forward aerial, and throws, are weaker, while others are even slower, such as his down aerial, which also heavily suffers from the changes to [[L-canceling]]. While his grabs are significantly faster, they also have less range, he cannot grab aerial opponents unless he is right in front of them, giving him less room to fend off opponents.
 
Nevertheless, he is overall a stronger character than in ''Smash 64''. However, he still heavily struggles against most high and top-tiers competitive play due to the faster mechanics of the game offsetting some of the buffs he gained in the transition.
 
===Aesthetics===
*{{change|The graphical upgrades of the Nintendo GameCube give Link a more proportionate build. He now has an added belt going over his shoulder and around his waist and has more detailed gloves and boots. His face is also more proportionate and has bigger eyes.}}
*{{change|Link has a new taunt.}}
*{{change|Link's helpless animation has changed.}}
*{{change|Link has a different dash animation.}}
 
===Attributes===
*{{buff|Link [[walk]]s faster (0.9867 (29.6) → 1.2).}}
*{{nerf|Link [[dash]]es slower (1.4 (42) → 1.3).}}
**{{nerf|Link's initial dash is drastically slower (2.267 (68) → 1.3) and covers a fraction of the distance. This hinders Link's ability to run away and keep up with opponents despite his higher maximum dashing speed.}}
*{{buff|Link's [[traction]] is much higher (0.0667 (2) → 0.1), making it easier for him to punish [[out of shield]].}}
*{{buff|Link's [[jump|jumpsquat]] is shorter (7 frames → 6).}}
*{{change|Link's [[air speed]] is faster than his Australian ''Smash 64'' counterpart, but slower than his European ''Smash 64'' counterpart (1.033 (31, JPN/NA) / 0.9 (27, AUS) / 1.233 (37, EUR) → 1).}}
*{{nerf|Link's [[air acceleration]] is significantly lower, especially significant compared to his European ''Smash 64'' counterpart (0.1067 (3.2, JPN/NA/AUS) / 0.133 (4, EUR) → 0.06).}}
*{{nerf|Link [[jump]]s drastically lower (39.96 (1198.8) → 29.67), hindering his vertical recovery and ability to chase opponents above him.}}
**{{change|Link's [[short hop]] is also drastically lower (24.99 (749.7) → 10.99), improves his ability to hit opponents low on the ground with short hop aerials, as well as his ability to quickly land and continue aerial pressure, but also hinders his ability to [[auto-cancel]] his aerials.}}
**{{nerf|Link's double jump also retains its lower multiplier from the European version of ''Smash 64'' (0.9 → 0.88).}}
*{{change|Link's [[gravity]] is slightly higher (0.1067 (3.2) → 0.11).}}
*{{nerf|Link's [[fast fall]]ing speed is much slower, especially significant compared to his Australian and European ''Smash 64'' counterparts (3.4 (102, JPN/NA) / 3.667 (110, AUS/EUR) → 3). The difference between his falling speed and fast falling speed is much lower (increase: 59.4% (JPN/NA) / 71.7% (AUS/EUR) → 40.8%), which makes it more predictable when landing and gives him fewer options in the air.}}
*{{nerf|Link is [[Weight|lighter]], especially drastic compared to his European ''Smash 64'' counterpart (108.333333 (0.96, JPN/NA/AUS) / 122.222222 (0.9, EUR) → 104), hindering his endurance.}}
*{{buff|Link's Hylian Shield now has a special hurtbox if Link is standing still, which nullifies any projectile which touches it.}}
*{{buff|Link benefits from the addition of [[air dodging]] as while he has a poor wavedash due to his long jumpsquat and high traction, it improves his landing options, it gives him a defensive aerial option and most notably, it grants him an additional recovery option when combined with his new aerial hookshot.}}
 
===Ground attacks===
*[[Neutral attack]]:
**{{buff|The third hit of his neutral attack deals more damage (4% → 6%) and all hits except the multi-hits have less ending lag (FAF 24 → 20 (hit 1), frame 22 → 18 (hit 2), frame 40 → 33 (hit 3)). The multi-hits also have less startup lag (frame 11 → 10).}}
**{{nerf|The second and third hits of neutral attack have more startup lag and the first and third hits have a shorter duration (frames 6-9 → 6-8 (hit 1), frames 6-7 → 7-8 (hit 2), frames 6-11 → 7-11 (hit 3)). The multi-hits also have more ending lag (FAF 54 → 58).}}
*[[Forward tilt]]:
**{{nerf|Forward tilt has more startup lag, a shorter duration (frames 15-20 → 16-19) and it deals less damage (17%/18% → 13%/14%/15%) and knockback (0 (base), 100 (scaling) → (5/2)/90) significantly hindering its KO potential.}}
*[[Up tilt]]:
**{{buff|Up tilt sends opponents at a higher angle (79° → 95°/85°) improving its combo potential.}}
**{{nerf|Up tilt has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 8-16 → 9-15) and deals less damage (10% → 9%).}}
**{{change|Up tilt deals more knockback (20 (base), 100 (scaling) → 30/(122/123/124/130). This improves its KO potential but hinders its juggling potential at higher percents.}}
*[[Down tilt]]:
**{{buff|Most of down tilt's hitboxes are now [[meteor smash]]es (80° → 280°) granting it edgeguarding potential especially with its altered knockback (35 (base), 80 (scaling) → 80/50). Down tilt also has less ending lag (FAF 40 → 32).}}
**{{nerf|Down tilt has more startup lag and a shorter duration (frames 12-19 → 14-16) and deals less damage (12% → 11%). The introduction of meteor canceling also hinders the new meteor smash hitbox's reliability.}}
*[[Dash attack]]:
**{{buff|New dash attack: a slash rather than a stab. It has less startup (frame 9 → 7) and ending lag (FAF 47 → 40) and has slightly better combo ability due to sending opponents at a more vertical angle (361° → 90°/80°°/70°/60°).}}
**{{nerf|New dash attack deals less damage (16%/14%/11%/10% → 12%/11%/9%), hindering the sweetspot's KO potential although the sourspots have increased base knockback (5/0 → 10). It also has a much shorter duration (frames 9-34 → 7-12).}}
*[[Forward smash]]:
**{{buff|New Forward smash: Link’s new forward smash is considerably stronger, dealing more damage if both hits connect (20% → 30%) and covers more space than his old forward smash. It also has less startup (frame 16 → 15) and ending lag if the first hit is used only (frame 58 → 50). The second hit's sourspot deals more damage (12% → 18%) and has higher base knockback (20 → 30) than the sourspot of his previous forward smash.}}
**{{nerf|The first hit of the new forward smash deals less damage (20%/12% → 14%/13%) and has lower knockback scaling (100 → 85/83). The second hit launches opponents at a less favorable angle (361° → 65°) hindering its sweetspot's KO potential. Forward smash is significantly less reliable than the old forward smash as the first hit deals fairly high knockback making it not possible to connect both hits beyond lower percents. Also despite the introduction of smash charging, the second hit is not affected by it.}}
*[[Up smash]]:
**{{buff|Up smash has less ending lag (FAF 58 → 52) and covers more horizontal [[range]].}}
**{{nerf|Up smash deals less damage (7% (hit 1), 3% (hit 2), 12% (hit 3), 20% (total) → 4%/2%/10%/14% (total)) although the final hit's knockback was compensated (30 (base), 90 (scaling) → 90/80). Its consecutive hits are slower (frame 21 (hit 2), frame 31 (hit 3) → 26 (hit 2), 41 (hit 3), and has less vertical range and smaller hitboxes making it much easier to escape.}}
*[[Down smash]]:
**{{buff|Down smash has less ending lag (FAF 50 → 42) and it now has sweetspots which deal 17%.}}
**{{nerf|Down smash's first hit has a shorter duration (frames 9-13 → 9-11) and the move now has weaker sourspots which deal less damage (16% → 13%/11%). All hits deal less knockback (35 (base), 100 (scaling) → 20/90) and launch opponents vertically (75°/40° → 75°) hindering its KO and edgeguarding potential as well as its reliability.}}
 
===Aerial attacks===
*{{nerf|Neutral, forward and back aerials [[auto-cancel]] later (frame 30 → 32 (neutral), frame 35 → 51 (forward), frame 27 → 29 (back), frame 64 → 65 (down)). Forward aerial can no longer auto-cancel in a [[short hop]] or even a full hop, while back and especially neutral aerial are now harder to auto-cancel in a short hop.}}
*{{nerf|The weakening of [[L-canceling]] hinders up aerial's combo potential (combined with the general reduction to hitstun and the introduction of [[DI]]), and significantly hinders down aerial's safety if Link lands with it.}}
*[[Neutral aerial]]:
**{{buff|Neutral aerial has a longer duration (frames 4-29 → 4-39), less ending lag (FAF 40 → 36), its clean hit deals more damage (10% → 11%/9%/7%) and is easier to land.}}
**{{nerf|Neutral aerial's late hit deals less damage (8% → 7%).}}
*[[Forward aerial]]:
**{{buff|Forward aerial has less startup lag (frame 15 → 14) and it now consists of two hits instead of a front hit and a back hit.}}
**{{nerf|Forward aerial deals considerably less damage (20%/12% → 13%/8%) and the second hit has less knockback scaling (100 → 90) greatly hindering its KO potential.}}
*[[Back aerial]]:
**{{nerf|Back aerial deals less damage (10% → 7% for each hit) hindering its KO potential. Despite this, it does not connect anymore reliably. Both hits also have a shorter duration (frames 6-13 → 6-9 (hit 1), frames 18-26 → 18-23 (hit 2)).}}
*[[Up aerial]]:
**{{buff|Up aerial auto-cancels earlier (frame 58 → 56).}}
**{{buff|Up aerial has a slightly longer duration (frames 5-48 → 5-49) and has less ending lag (FAF 70 → 60). It also launches opponents at a higher angle (70° → 80°).}}
**{{nerf|Up aerial now has a late hit that deals less damage (16% → 12%).}}
**{{change|Up aerial has altered knockback (5 (base), 100 (scaling) → 25/85).}}
*[[Down aerial]]:
**{{buff|Down aerial is considerably stronger (16% → 22%/20% (clean), 19% (late)), and is now the 3rd strongest down aerial in the game (only surpassed by {{SSBM|Ganondorf}}'s and {{SSBM|Young Link}}'s (sweetspotted and clean) down aerials, but since Link's is not a meteor smash, it is a significantly more reliable KO move). It also has less ending lag (FAF 90 → 80).}}
**{{nerf|Down aerial has much more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 5-64 → 13-64).}}
**{{change|Down aerial now launches vertically instead of horizontally (361° → 65°). This improves its combo ability, but worsens its edgeguarding ability. It also has altered knockback (25 (base), 100 (scaling) → (50/40)/80).}}
*[[Grab aerial]]:
**{{buff|Link now has a [[grab aerial]], giving him another attack. This also gives him a new versatile recovery option, greatly aiding his recovery.}}
 
===Grabs and throws===
*{{buff|As with all returning veterans, Link has been given a [[pummel]], an [[up throw]] and a [[down throw]], providing him with more options during a grab.}}
*{{buff|The [[Hookshot]] now has considerably less startup lag (frame 17 → 11 (standing), 12 (dash)).}}
*{{nerf|Link has lower [[grab]] range, and the grab hitbox has a shorter duration (frames 17-28 → 11-17 (standing), 12-17 (dash)), along with Link no longer being able to grab aerial opponents unless he's at point blank range. His new dash grab also has more ending lag (FAF 85 → 95).}}
*{{nerf|Forward and back throws deal considerably less damage (14% (forward), 16% (back) → 6% (both)) and knockback (80 (forward base), 70 (back base), 70 (scaling) → (24/25)/110) making them completely unviable kill options.}}
 
===Special moves===
*[[Bow]]:
**{{change|New neutral special move: Bow. This projectile's power and distance can be increased by charging the move before releasing the B button.}}
*[[Boomerang]]:
**{{change|Due to the addition of the Bow, Boomerang is now Link's side special move.}}
**{{buff|Boomerang travels faster and have less startup lag, as well as having a higher chance of returning to Link.}}
**{{buff|The Boomerang throw now also has a close-range hitbox with good damage.}}
***{{nerf|Despite this, Boomerangs deal less damage overall and cannot travel as far.}}
*[[Spin Attack]]:
**{{buff|Grounded Spin Attack has a longer duration (frames 8-39 → 8-41) and less ending lag (FAF 99 → 80) and is now an even better [[edgeguarding]] option as its late hit is now a [[semi-spike]] in NTSC versions (361° → 0°) and has increased base knockback (10 → 60).}}
**{{buff|Spin Attack grants significantly more distance in the air, and now has multiple hits, being a safer and more reliable recovery move.}}
**{{nerf|Aerial Spin Attack, due to now being a multi-hit attack, can no longer KO reliably unless the last hit is landed which can easily be avoided, and even then, it has less power than in ''Smash 64'' as the final hit deals less damage (16% → 4%) and its knockback was not fully compensated (30 (base), 100 (scaling) → 40/160). The grounded version also deals less damage (16% → 15% (clean), 8% → 5% (late) and the sweetspot deals less knockback (30 (base), 100 (scaling) → 32/95).}}
 
==Version history==
Like other characters, Link received some changes in the PAL version of ''Melee'' which slightly nerfed him overall as his spin attack's late hit no longer semi-spikes making it worse for edgeguarding. Despite this, he has a slightly easier time against higher tiered characters due to them also being nerfed and he is currently ranked higher on the current PAL tier list at 16th.
 
'''NTSC 1.02'''
*{{nerf|The [[Chain dance#Boomerang superjump|boomerang superjump]] and [[chain dance]] glitches were removed.}}
'''PAL'''
*{{nerf|Spin Attack's late hit launches opponents at a much higher angle (0° → [[Sakurai angle|361°]]), no longer being a [[semi-spike]].  This considerably hinders its edgeguarding potential.}}
 
==Moveset==
''For a gallery of Link's hitboxes, see [[Link (SSBM)/Hitboxes|here]].''
[[File:LinkAerialAttacksSSBM.png|thumb|200px|Link's aerial attacks.]]
{{MovesetTable
|game=SSBM
|neutralcount=3
|neutralinf=y
|neutralname=Slash ({{ja|なぎ払い|Nagiharai}}, ''Mow Down'') / Counter Slash ({{ja|返し|Kaeshi}}) / Stab ({{ja|突き|Tsuki}}) / Illusion Stab ({{ja|幻影突き|Genei Tsuki}})
|neutral1dmg=5%
|neutral2dmg=3%
|neutral3dmg=6%
|neutralinfdmg=1% (loop)
|neutraldesc=A diagonal sword slash followed by a horizontal slash, with a lunging stab finisher. If the player mashes the [[A button]] enough, Link will initiate a rapid stab attack that deals low knockback.
|ftiltname=Sword Chop ({{ja|からたけ割り|Karatake-Wari}}, ''Bamboo Split'')
|ftiltdmg=13% (body), 14% (tip & hilt), 15% (base)
|ftiltdesc=Brings sword down, in an axe-like fashion. This attack has relatively high knockback for a forward tilt. Since the hitbox is high, Link can hit midair opponents with it.
|utiltname=Half-Moon Swipe ({{ja|半月スワイプ|Hangetsu Giri}}, ''Half-Moon Slash'')
|utiltdmg=9%
|utiltdesc=Swings his sword in an arc above himself. Among Link's most flexible moves on the ground, it has good combo potential; it is rather fast with minimal ending lag, and has good knockback.
|dtiltname=Grass Cutter ({{ja|草薙ぎ|Kusa Nagi}})
|dtiltdmg=11%
|dtiltdesc=Swipes sword across ground in front of him. The move can lead into an aerial attack, though this is somewhat predictable. This move can also strongly [[meteor smash]] a ledge-grabbing foe when the inner part of Link's sword makes contact, though this is highly situational.
|dashname=Running Hack ({{ja|たたき割り|Tataki-Wari}}, ''Splitting Strike'')
|dashdmg=9% (tip), 12% (base), 11% (body)
|dashdesc=Swings sword from head to toe while coming to a stop. Somewhat fast, though it has some ending lag. At higher damages it will knock a grounded foe into the air, often leading into an aerial follow up, though it doesn't have much KO power. At mid-percent it has high combo potential, often leading to another dash attack or an up-tilt, into potentially more moves.
|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'')
|fsmashcount=2
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|13}} (tip), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|14}} (body)
|fsmash2dmg=18% (tip), 20% (body)
|fsmashdesc=Swings sword once in front for good knockback by itself, and if the [[A button]] is pressed again, he will do a much more powerful slash to follow. The second hit deals more vertical knockback than the first. It is impossible that the second hit will land at damages above 30% or so due to knockback growth of the first hit. The first hit is still strong, though, not as much as the second one. Its possible to land a second hit without the first hit, but it requires perfect timing. Interestingly, the second slash does not increase in damage or knockback whenever it's "charging".
|usmashname=Triple Sword Swipe ({{ja|三段斬り|Sandangiri}}, ''Triple Slash'')
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|4}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|2}} (hit 2), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|9}} (hit 3 body), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|10}} (hit 3 blade)
|usmashdesc=Slashes in an upwards arc three consecutive times. This attack was taken from ''Smash 64'', but with changes to the hitbox. All hits now have a noticeable arc above him with good range, instead of just the first hit being an arch and two smaller stabs upwards as in ''Smash 64''. Good for racking up damage and setting up for air combos due to below average knockback for an up smash. All three hits can deal up to ≈{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|14.92}} when used fresh (though is says 15% when first used in-game). It is also notably the fastest upsmash in the game, which makes it a situational anti-air and out of shield option.
|dsmashname=Sword Sweep ({{ja|前後足もと斬り|Zengo Ashimoto Giri}}, ''Front and Rear Leg Slash'')
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|13}} (front hit tip), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|11}} (back hit tip), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|16}} (blade & body), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|17}} (hilt)
|dsmashdesc=Sweeps with his sword in front of and then behind him. The first hit comes out fast, though the second hit has some lag. This move has decent range, and since the hitbox is on the floor, it makes this move good for [[spacing]], and has some KO power. It is often used to cover multiple options in tech chases, due to the two hits coming out on different sides.
|nairname=Hylian Kick ({{ja|リンクキック|Rinku Kikku}}, ''Link Kick'')
|nairdmg=11%/9%/8% (clean foot/back leg/hip) 7% (late)
|nairdesc=A generic [[sex kick]]; very fast, with low ending and landing lag, making it a good [[Short hop fast fall L-cancel|SHFFL]] option. Its long duration and moderate knockback also make it one of Link's best edgeguarding tools, especially coupled with his decent air-speed. The late hit is uniquely active for the rest of the animation length, even after Link retracts his legs.
|fairname=Spinning Sword ({{ja|回転なぎ払い|Kaiten Nagiharai}}, ''Spinning Takedown'')
|fairdmg=13% (hit 1), 8% (hit 2)
|fairdesc=Swings his sword forward twice while spinning 360 degrees. The first hit is usually hard to follow into the second hit. The first hit is relatively safe on shield when well spaced, and done as low as possible in a short hop it is +/-0. Additionally, the first hit has reasonably high knockback that makes it a decent kill option. The second hit comes out very late and as a result is nearly impossible to have come out in a short hop, and has less knockback. Since it is rather laggy, it's rather situational for [[edgeguarding]], but is commonly used after up throw vs fast-fallers as a kill option.
|bairname=Double Kick ({{ja|二段蹴り|Nidan Geri}})
|bairdmg=7% (hits 1-2)
|bairdesc=Two short-ranged back kicks behind himself. The properties of the first hitbox make it difficult to directly segue into the second. This move, unlike most back aerials, is not always considered Link's best viable choice for edgeguarding due to awkward hitboxes and duration, along with relatively low knockback.
|uairname=Stab-Up ({{ja|上突き|Ue Tsuki}}, ''Up Thrust'')
|uairdmg=16% (clean), 12% (late)
|uairdesc=Thrusts his sword upwards. Good for juggling, and it acts as a reliable vertical finisher at higher damages ~120%. It can directly combo from his up and down throws in several matchups, but rarely at the percent ranges at which the move is likely to KO. Has some sex kick properties, and extremely fast to come out, although also very laggy. Taken from ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]''.
|dairname=Sword Plant ({{ja|下突き|Shita Tsuki}}, ''Downward Thrust'')
|dairdmg=22%/20% (clean), 19% (late), 6%/8% (after bounce)
|dairdesc=His famous aerial from ''Zelda II'' where he takes his sword and thrusts it downward. This move is a move of extremes: huge knockback, huge ending lag, and huge hitbox. It is possible to hit more than once with this move on the same foe. If the move is still in action when Link lands, he must pull it from the ground, with among the highest ending lag in the game; as such, the move can be risky, though [[L-canceling]] substantially reduces its lag, giving it slightly as much cool-down time as an ordinary smash attack. It is one of his primary KO moves, and it can KO reliably starting at 80% to 90%. It is generally not used much outside of a combo from Boomerangs, Bombs, or either up-throw or down-throw.
|zairname=[[Hookshot]] ({{ja|フックショット|Fukkushotto}})
|zairdmg=6%
|zairdesc=Uses his Hookshot. The attack has the unusual property of not suffering from the [[stale-move negation]]. With low damage, knockback and hitstun, as well as long lag, the move has relatively little use outside of being used for recovery, though its long range can potentially catch opponents off-guard, and it benefits from Link's small short hop. This attack has [[Priority#Transcendent_priority|transcendent priority]].
|grabname=Hookshot ({{ja|フックショット|Fukkushotto}})
|grabdesc=Uses his Hookshot to grab at foes from afar. It's the second longest grab in the game, behind {{SSBM|Samus}}. The hitbox at the end of the hookshot can not grab aerial opponents, but the hitbox on Link's hand can.
|pummelname=Hilt Strike ({{ja|つかみ柄殴り|Gara Naguri}}, ''Grab Hilt Strike'')
|pummeldmg=3%
|pummeldesc=Hits opponent with the hilt of his sword.
|fthrowname=Kick Out ({{ja|蹴り飛ばし|Keri Tobashi}}, ''Kick Off'')
|fthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 3% (throw)
|fthrowdesc=Kicks foe a short distance in front of him. Low knockback.
|bthrowname=Reverse Kick Out ({{ja|後方蹴り飛ばし|Kōhō Keri Tobashi}}, ''Back Kick Off'')
|bthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 3% (throw)
|bthrowdesc=Throws the opponent behind him and kicks them away.
|uthrowname=Sword Launch ({{ja|投げ捨て斬り|Nagasute Kiri}}, ''Throw Away Slash'')
|uthrowdmg=4% (hit 1), 2% (throw)
|uthrowdesc=Raises the opponent above him and slashes upward. Has below-average knockback, allowing it to potentially combo into an up-tilt, up-smash, down-smash, or several different aerials.
|dthrowname=Flying Elbow ({{ja|ヒジ打ち|Hiji Uchi}}, ''Elbow Strike'')
|dthrowdmg=2% (hit 1), 4% (throw)
|dthrowdesc=Takes the opponent onto the ground and elbow drops them. Leaves foes wide open for a combo, such as his Spin Attack or u-tilt. Generally Link's best kill confirm at high percents where it can easily combo into Spin Attack.
|floorbname=&nbsp;
|floorbdmg=6%
|floorbdesc=Quickly gets up and slashes on both sides.
|floorfname=&nbsp;
|floorfdmg=6%
|floorfdesc=Quickly gets up and slashes on both sides.
|edgefname=&nbsp;
|edgefdmg=8%
|edgefdesc=Pulls himself up into a front flip and slices downward.
|edgesname=&nbsp;
|edgesdmg=8%
|edgesdesc=Slowly gets up and quickly thrusts his sword. Only the sword has a hitbox; foes close to the end of the ledge Link was on can avoid the attack completely.
|nsname=Bow
|nspage=Hero's Bow
|nsdmg=1% (point blank) 5-18% (arrow)
|nsdesc=Link takes out his bow and shoots an arrow. Although a bit laggy and travels fairly slowly, Link can increase the speed and damage of the arrow by holding down the [[B button]]. Sticks in shields and the ground. Has its own hurtbox that can be hit by other attacks. Can shoot through opponents or hit twice if stale and used at point blank range.
|ssname=Boomerang
|ssdmg=14% (throw), 16% (smash throw), 6% (far), 3% (return)
|ssdesc=Link throws a Boomerang. Deals fair knockback, Link's Boomerang's distance can be extended or have its trajectory altered with the [[control stick]]. Only one Boomerang can be on the field at a time unless it is reflected. It is a relatively strong combo starter.
|usname=Spin Attack
|usdmg=Ground: 15% (clean), 5% (late)<br/>Air: 4%/6% (hit 1), 2% (hits 2-4), 4%/6% (hit 5)
|usdesc=Does a spinning attack swinging his sword around him, with different properties depending on if it's used on the ground or in the air. In the air, the initial hits have low knockback, but the last one has a much stronger knockback than the rest. Although an unspectacular recovery, the grounded variant can be dangerous as an offensive move, especially an edgeguarder. It deals high knockback and can send opponents in a lower diagonal trajectory, a [[semi-spike]] (not in PAL versions of the game). It is easily combo'd into using Link's down throw versus many different characters and is one of his best kill moves. Link can grab an edge backward with his Spin Attack, unlike most recovery moves, but only during the move. This attack has [[Priority#Transcendent_priority|transcendent priority]].
|dsname=Bomb
|dspage=Bomb (Link)
|dsdmg=1~7.2% (contact), 4% (explosion)
|dsdesc=Link takes out a bomb. Then, he can throw it like any other item. The bomb eventually explodes on its own, even being able to damage Link himself. Oddly, anyone who comes in contact with the bomb will have an [[explosive]] effect on their bodies, despite the bomb not detonating. The explosion can grant Link an extra Spin Attack if used skillfully, along with several of his other kill moves link forward aerial, forward smash, or his risky down aerial.
}}
 
===Stats===
'''NTSC'''
{{Attributes
|cast = 26
|weight = 104
|rweight = 6-7
|dash = 1.3
|rdash = 21-23
|run = 1.3
|rrun = 23-24
|walk = 1.2
|rwalk = 6-10
|trac = 0.1
|rtrac = 1-4
|airfric = 0.005
|rairfric = 21-26
|air = 1
|rair = 6-9
|baseaccel = 0.02
|rbaseaccel = 2-23
|addaccel = 0.04
|raddaccel = 5-11
|gravity = 0.11
|rgravity = 8-11
|fall = 2.13
|rfall = 7-9
|ff = 3
|rff = 4-5
|jumpsquat = 6
|rjumpsquat = 23-25
|jumpheight = 29.67
|rjumpheight = 20
|shorthop = 10.99
|rshorthop = 20-21
|djump = 20.9
|rdjump = 20
|ellag = 4
|rellag = 2-23
}}
 
'''PAL'''
{{Attributes
|cast = 26
|weight = 104
|rweight = 6-7
|dash = 1.3
|rdash = 21-23
|run = 1.3
|rrun = 23-24
|walk = 1.2
|rwalk = 6-10
|trac = 0.1
|rtrac = 1-4
|airfric = 0.005
|rairfric = 21-26
|air = 0.9
|rair = 11-13
|baseaccel = 0.02
|rbaseaccel = 2-23
|addaccel = 0.04
|raddaccel = 5-11
|gravity = 0.11
|rgravity = 8-11
|fall = 2.13
|rfall = 7-9
|ff = 3
|rff = 4-5
|jumpsquat = 6
|rjumpsquat = 23-25
|jumpheight = 29.67
|rjumpheight = 20
|shorthop = 10.99
|rshorthop = 20-21
|djump = 20.9
|rdjump = 20
|ellag = 4
|rellag = 2-23
}}
 
===[[Announcer]] call===
[[File: Link Announcer SSBM.wav]]
 
===[[Taunt]]===
{{Taunt/SSBM|char=Link|desc=Sheathes his sword and shield, and lets out a chuckle while brushing back his hair, as if admiring his own handsomeness.}}
 
===[[Idle pose]]===
{{Idle|desc=Moves torso from forward to back.|image=Link Idle Pose Melee.gif}}
 
===[[Crowd cheer]]===
{{Crowd
|char=Link
|game=Melee
|desc-us=Go Link! *claps three times*
|desc-jp=Lin-k!
|pitch-us=Male
|pitch-jp=Male}}


===[[Victory pose]]s===
===Moveset===
{{Victory/SSBM
====Ground moves====
|victory-theme=ZeldaThemeMelee.ogg
=====Normal=====
|victory-desc=An orchestrated portion of the main theme from ''The Legend of Zelda'' series.
*Neutral attack- His combo from ''SSB'', three quick swipes followed by a sudden flurry of even faster sword stabs. First hit does 4-5%, second 2-3%, then 2%, followed by 1% per strike.
|desc-1=Swings his sword three times and turns his back to the camera. This is his animation when he is chosen in ''Super Smash Bros. 64''.
*Dash attack- Brings sword down in front of him. Somewhat fast. At higher damages it'll knock a grounded foe into the air, often leading into an aerial follow up, though doesn't have much KO power. 10% damage
|desc-2=Puts his sword and shield together and then raises his sword high into the air.
*Down tilt- Swipes down in front of him. As with his dash attack, this often directly leads into an aerial combo, though the move itself is pretty predictable. This move can also strongly spike a ledge-grabbing foe when Link's sword makes contact with the hanging foe, which is the sweetspot. 10% damage.
|desc-3=Swings his sword once, spins his sword, and sheaths it.
*Forward tilt- raises sword and brings it down in front of him. Has an upwards hitbox, which can substitute for other anti-air moves in a few cases, and has above-average knockback. 13% damage.
|char=Link}}
*Up tilt- A quick arched slash above him. Very useful for many reasons; it sets up for aerial combos, pretty fast, high knockback, overall good startup and ending lag. 7% damage
=====Smashes=====
*Up smash- Slashes in an arch very similar to his up tilt three consecutive times. This attack was taken from ''SSB'', but with changes to the hitbox. All hits now have a noticeable arch above him with good range, instead of just the first hit being an arch and two smaller stabs upwards as in SSB. Good for racking up damage and setting up for air combos due to below average knockback for an up smash. Up to three separate hits, uncharged, 4%, 1%, 7%. Fully, 5%, 2%, 12%.
*Forward smash- Swings sword once in front for good knockback by itself, and if "A" is pressed again, does an even stronger one after. Extremely unlikely that the second hit will land at damages above 30% or so due to higher knockback of the first hit. The first hit is still strong, though, not as much as the second one. Link players should practice timing the move so they purposely miss the first strike and end up hitting the foe with the stronger second strike. 14% then 16% uncharged, 19%, 18% fully.
*Down smash- Swings sword on both sides of him on the ground. First hit comes out fast, though second has some lag. This move has decent range, and since the hitbox is on the floor, it makes this move good for spacing, and has some KO power. It can be unreliable however. 13% front, 14% back uncharged, 21% front, 15% back fully charged
=====Other attacks=====
*Ledge attack- Climbs up and stabs in front of him. 8% damage.
*100% Ledge attack- slowly gets up and quickly thrusts his sword. Only the sword has a hitbox; foes close to the end of ledge Link was on can avoid the attack completely. 8% damage.
*Floor attack- Quickly gets up and slashes on both sides. 6% damage.


==In [[competitive play]]==
====Aerial attacks====
===Most historically significant players===
*Neutral aerial- A generic [[Sex Kick]]. 11% max, 5% minimum
<!--This character has a ten player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines -->
*Back aerial- Two short-ranged kicks to his back. Second hit can sometimes be hard to land. This move, unlike most B-Airs, isn't always considered Link's best viable choice for edgeguarding due to awkward hitboxes and duration. First hit 7%, next 6%.
:''See also: [[:Category:Link players (SSBM)]]''
*Forward aerial- Swings twice in front of him. The first hit is usually hard to follow into the second hit. This is somewhat like his F-Smash, where the second hit has more power than the first, so the first hit is usually purposely missed in favor for the second. Has some ending lag, should be very carefully used due to Link's bad recovery. 12%, 6%.
*Down aerial- His famous aerial from ''Zelda II'' where he takes his sword and keeps it aimed downward, falling fast while doing so. This move is a move of extremes: huge knockback, huge ending lag, huge priority, and huge hitbox. If the move's still in action when Link lands, he'll have to pull it out from the ground, with ending lag, and it is recommend to [[L-canceling|L-cancel]] it in such cases. It is one of his primary KO moves, dealing 22%
*Up aerial- Stabs sword above him. Good for juggling or Star KO-ing at higher damages ~120%. Has some [[Sex Kick]] properties. 16% damage, ~14% in later hitboxes


*{{Sm|Aklo|USA}} - The best Link player in the post-[[Slippi]] era, although better known as a {{SSBM|Fox}} main and uses Link as a counterpick, usually for {{SSBM|Marth}}. He was the first Link player to rank globally since Lord HDL in 2014. He notably won {{Trn|Redemption Rumble}} using Link to beat {{Sm|KoDoRiN}} and {{Sm|Swift|p=Maryland}} in his bracket, and used Link to beat {{Sm|Zain}} at {{Trn|Luminosity Makes Moves Miami 2024}} and {{Trn|Don't Park on the Grass 2024}}, marking the best result and wins the character has seen in the post-Slippi era. Following this, he became the first Link player to be ranked top 10, ranking at number 10 on [[SSBMRank 2023]], although his ranking was predominantly due to Fox.
====Grabs & Throws====
*{{Sm|Aniki|Japan}} - One of the first notable Link players, and was the best Link in Japan. Placed 17th at {{Trn|Jack Garden Tournament}}, which remains the best consensus supermajor result seen for Link (outside of {{Sm|Skler}}'s 13th place finish at the major/supermajor {{Trn|Viva La Smashtaclysm}}).
*Pummel- Bashes foe in the head with his sword hand (left fist). 2-3% damage.
*{{Sm|J666|USA}} - One of the best Link players in the world during the early 2010s, once peaking at 13th in SoCal during 2012. His placements of 33rd at {{Trn|EVO 2014}} and 49th at {{Trn|EVO 2016}} are some of the best solo Link results at ''Melee'' supermajors to this day.
*Forward throw- Kicks foe a short distance in front of him. Pretty weak knockback. One apparent kick, but two mysterious hitboxes. 4% first hitbox, 3% second
*{{Sm|Lord HDL|USA}} - One of the best Link players in the world during the early 2010s. While he commonly used {{SSBM|Marth}} as well and would eventually solo-main him, he used Link to place 17th at {{Trn|EVO East}} and 49th at {{Trn|Apex 2013}}. He became the first Link player to have been ranked on a global ''Melee'' top 100 power ranking list with 87th on the [[SSBMRank 2014]].
*Up throw- Brings foe up and slashes above. Two mysterious hitboxes, 3% first, 2% second
*{{Sm|Kuya|USA}} - Co-mains Link with {{SSBM|Mr. Game & Watch}} and is currently considered one of the best Link players in the world. He has shown a strong regional presence, ranking 5th in Central Florida in 2023 and placing 7th at {{Trn|Tampa Never Sleeps 8}}, 13th at {{Trn|CEO 2023}}, and 17th at {{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2019}}.
*Down throw- Brings foe down and tackles. Leaves foes wide open for a combo, such as a F-Tilt, U-tilt, or even a quick smash attack. Two hits, first does 2%, then 4%
*{{Sm|Savestate|USA}} - A Link player well known for advancing tech of the character, discovering many [[glitches|techniques]] such as [[Ghost Arrow]] and [[Dimensional Arrow]]. Briefly resided in Europe and was the continent's best Link player while active, with some respective placements of 4th at {{Trn|Midgard 2022}}, 17th at {{Trn|HFLAN 2022: Golden Melee Edition}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Fête}}. Formerly held the speedrun record for Link's [[Break the Targets]] stage. Eventually retired in 2023.
*Back throw- Brings foe behind and kicks in a similar fashion to his forward throw. 2% then 3%
*{{Sm|Sixx|Germany}} - Considered the best Link player of all time before his hiatus in competitive play. He placed 9th at one of the biggest European tournaments for ''Melee'' with {{Trn|Heir 4}} where he notably beat {{Sm|YungWaff}}. His best win with Link was with {{Sm|Amsah}} at [http://challonge.com/AvalonMVIsingles Avalon M-VI] and has taken sets over other top European players such as {{Sm|nebbii}}, {{Sm|Nicki}}, {{Sm|Zgetto}}, and {{Sm|Mahie}} .


===Tier placement and history===
===Special Moves===
Link ranks at 18th on the current tier list. Historically, Link has always been regarded as an average to below-average character in the competitive metagame, having most frequently appeared at the thirteenth spot on the tier list. While Link's spacing ability and his above-average air game have been noted, his poor mobility on the ground is widely seen as the reason for his low-mid tier ranking; even Aniki's impressive performance with Link in the [[Jack Garden Tournament]] could not move him up in the tier list, and Link's defensive playstyle has not become particularly powerful in the fast-paced metagame of competitive ''Melee''. In the eleventh tier list, Link was ranked lower than his clone, {{SSBM|Young Link}}, for the first time, owing to Young Link's better mobility. There are very few dedicated Link mains in the present metagame.


As part of an April Fools' joke, Link has once ranked sixth on the tier list; in the two days that this version of the tier list was declared official, the Melee Back Room claimed that Link's high-tiered ranking was due to having untapped aerial prowess. While another prediction on the tier list involving {{SSBM|Jigglypuff}} eventually came true in the post-''Brawl'' metagame, opinions of Link have consistently been that he is still in the low-mid tier range.
{{Link Special Moves}}


The post-[[Slippi]] era has notably reignited discussions about Link's viability. These conversations initially revolved around Link's presence in doubles, where {{Sm|Sixx}} (alongside {{Sm|Ice}}) had a resounding first place finish at multiple European tournaments shortly after the release of Slippi. In the present metagame, {{Sm|Aklo}} has collected wins over numerous other top-level players using Link, both solo (such as {{Sm|KoDoRiN}}, {{Sm|Swift}}, {{Sm|TheSWOOPER}}, {{Sm|Jflex}}, and {{Sm|Eddy Mexico}}) and as a mid-set [[counterpick]] (such as {{Sm|lloD}}, {{Sm|Rishi}}, {{Sm|Trif}}, and {{Sm|Logan}}). At {{Trn|Riptide 2024}}, {{Sm|Hunybear}} placed 33rd using only Link, the best placement for the character in over a decade, which was followed up by Aklo defeating Zain at  {{Trn|Luminosity Makes Moves Miami 2024}} and {{Trn|Don't Park on the Grass 2024}} using Link. While Link is still considered to be a mid-tier character and still struggles against a majority of the cast, it is more commonly agreed that his strong projectile game and kill confirms off of them give him a competitive edge against many of the higher-tier characters on {{SSBM|Final Destination}}.
===Taunts===


==In 1-P Mode==
Link puts his right hand on his hip and raises his left hand through his bang.
==={{SSBM|Classic Mode}}===
Link can appear in Classic Mode as a solo opponent, an opponent or ally in team battles (paired up with either {{SSBM|Luigi}}, {{SSBM|Young Link}}, {{SSBM|Zelda}} or {{SSBM|Marth}}), a giant opponent, or a metal opponent. Link will always appear on either [[Great Bay]] or [[Temple]] with the exception of when on a team with Luigi, where they will be fought on {{SSBM|Mushroom Kingdom}}, as well as the metal battle, where, like everybody else, he will be fought on {{SSBM|Battlefield}}.


===[[Adventure Mode]]===
==Matchups==
Link's sole appearance in the [[Adventure Mode]] is in the [[Underground Maze]] stage. In the stage, the player must find the Triforce in one of six stages; however, five of these stages contain a Master Sword, where the player will fight a Link. While players have the option to skip these matches by merely jumping over the stage, the player receives the "Link Master" bonus if they KO all five Links in the stage.
{{SSBMMatchupTable|link=yes}}


===[[All-Star Mode]]===
==Changes from N64 to Melee==
In All-Star Mode, Link and his allies are fought on Great Bay.
Link has been significantly [[buffed]] from SSB to Melee. Below are the list of changes.
* New Neutral B ([[Bow]]). [[Boomerang]] is now Link's Side B.
* Different [[Spin Attack]] animation (both on air, and on ground).
* Can use [[Hookshot]] for a [[wall-grapple]].
* Also, the Hookshot's chain will launch forward and just drop when it reaches its maximum length, instead of keeping horizontal.
* Hookshot is shorter, has lower priority, and can no longer grab airborne opponents. (Although it has less ending lag than in SSB)
* Spin attack is a better recovery.
* Recovery is overall significantly better, to the point of being "decent", thanks to hookshot wall grapple and bombs.
* Forward Smash has two hits, instead of just one.
* Faster air speed
* New [[Taunt]]
* New [[helpless]] state
* Back and Forward Grabs are weaker
* New [[Dash Attack]]
* Attacks are a bit weaker, but also a bit faster.
* A weak throw of the bomb now causes explosion.
* New Dashing animation.
* Boomerang is weaker and doesn't travel as far.
* Spin Attack can no longer deflect projectiles.
* [[Dair]] is completely changed. It no longer does 16% damage on the first and second hits, dealing a total of 32%, but instead, it does up to 19% on the first hit and 6% on the second  hit, dealing a total of 25%. Also, it has more [[knockback]] now.


===[[Event Match]]es===
==PAL differences==
Link is featured in the following event matches:
*Up+B ([[Spin Attack]]) can no longer semi-spike
*Link can no longer perform the [[Boomerang Superjump]] or the [[Chain Dance]]
==Combos==
*A good combo to use in one on one battles is to use the boomerang, to momentarily disable the character of any attacks (they will pop into the air), use this momentary cease fire to use a spin attack and send them flying away. You must be quick or else chances are they will attack.
*Another great combo is to grab your opponent, throw them up/down, depending on what character and damage the opponent have, if its a fastfaller then use upthrow, if they have high damage use the downthrow anyway, then instantly use the up-B attack. On high damage this is lethal. Follow the up-B with a boomerang and charge in for the kill (a F-air or another up-B usually does the trick.)
*Up throw, Uair, then Up B. If the enemy still lives, Up smash.
*Up-B throw the bomb into the air, grapple your opponent and throw them upwards. If done quickly enough your opponent will be hurled into the bomb and fly away from you, doing no harm to you. (However if too much time is wasted, the bomb will bounce off your opponent and land on you.
*D-tilt, jump, F-air of N-air


*'''[[Event 3: Bomb-fest]]''': The player chooses any character and must defeat Link and {{SSBM|Samus}} on [[Princess Peach's Castle]]. Link and Samus will only use their bomb special moves, and only items that create explosions (such as the [[Motion-Sensor Bomb]] and the [[Bob-omb]]) will spawn on the stage.
==In Single-player==
*'''[[Event 18: Link's Adventure]]''': The player uses Link and must defeat [[Dark Link]] in a two-stock match on [[Temple]].
Link can be fought in the [[Underground Maze]] where if the player comes across the [[Master Sword]], they will be taken to a battle with a different colored Link until they come across the Triforce. It is possible to complete the stage without fighting Link at all.
*'''[[Event 20: All-Star Match 2]]''': Link is the second opponent to be fought in this series of staged battles. The player battles him on [[Great Bay]], which will transition to the next stage if Link gets defeated. With a timer of four minutes, the player must defeat him along with {{SSBM|Samus}}, {{SSBM|Zelda}}, {{SSBM|Captain Falcon}}, and {{SSBM|Fox}}.
Link is featured in the following Event Matches:
*'''[[Event 29: Triforce Gathering]]''': The player plays as Link with Zelda as their partner, who each has 1 stock, and must work together to defeat {{SSBM|Ganondorf}}, who has 2 stock, on Temple. Clearing the event allows the player to unlock Ganondorf.
*'''[[Event 3: Bomb-fest]]''': This match pits your character against the team of Link and Samus with one stock each on the [[Princess Peach's Castle]] stage. Link and Samus only use their bomb special moves, but all the bomb (or likewise) items will appear on the stage.
*'''[[Event 34: Seven Years]]''': As {{SSBM|Young Link}}, the player must defeat Link in a three-stock match on Great Bay.
*'''[[Event 18: Link's Adventure]]''': You play as Link as you face [[Dark Link]] on the [[Temple|Hyrule Temple]] stage. Both have 2 stock each. (Dark Link is just a completly blacked out form of Link. Not the black character costume.)
*'''[[Event 41: En Garde!]]''': As {{SSBM|Marth}}, the player must defeat Link in a two-stock match on Temple stage.
*'''[[Event 20: All-Star Match 2]]''': Link is the second opponent you must fight in this series of staged battles. Your character battles him on the [[Great Bay]] stage, and your character has 2 stock while Link has 1. With a timer of four minutes, you must defeat him and the other four characters with the overall time and life you have: [[Samus]], [[Zelda]], [[Captain Falcon]], and [[Fox]].
 
*'''[[Event 29: Triforce Gathering]]''': You play as Link with [[Zelda]] as your partner. You face [[Ganondorf]] on the [[Temple|Hyrule Temple]] stage.
===[[Congratulations_screen#Super_Smash_Bros._Melee|Congratulations Screens]]===
*'''[[Event 34: Seven Years]]''': As Young Link, you fight Link with 3 stock each on the [[Great Bay]] stage.
<center>
*'''[[Event 41: En Garde!]]''': As Marth, you face Link in a 2 stock match on the [[Temple|Hyrule Temple]] stage.
<gallery>
LinkClassicMode.jpg|Classic Mode
LinkAdventureMode.jpg|Adventure Mode
LinkAllStarMode.jpg|All-Star Mode
</gallery>
</center>
 
==[[Trophies]]==
In addition to the normal trophy about Link as a character, there are two trophies about him as a fighter, unlocked by completing both [[Adventure Mode|Adventure]] and [[All-Star]] modes respectively with Link on any difficulty:
 
{{Trophy/Fighter
|name=Link
|image=Link Trophy Melee.png
|mode=Classic
|desc=Even in his youth, Link was already becoming the warrior who would carry the destiny of Hyrule (and many other lands) on his shoulders. His epic struggles against the forces of darkness are written in legend, and he is bound to the Princess Zelda and the archfiend Ganondorf by the awesome power of the Triforce.
|gamelist={{Trophy games|game1=The Legend of Zelda|release1=7/87}}
|game=Melee
}}
{{clrl}}
 
{{Trophy/Fighter
|name=Link
|image=Link Trophy (Smash).png
|mode=Adventure
|desc=Burdened with a shield, a heavy sword, and plenty of equipment, Link is not a very mobile character. Nevertheless, he's skilled with the blade, and his varied supply of missile weapons makes him a powerful fighter. To master Link, you must control the pace by balancing your long-range attacks with head-to-head swordplay.
|gamelist=:B: Bow
:Smash B: Boomerang
|game=Melee
}}
{{clrl}}
 
{{Trophy/Fighter
|name=Link
|image=Link Trophy 2 (Smash).png
|mode=All Star
|desc=Link's Bow, Boomerang, and Bombs all take time to wield, so you may want to try drawing them in midair to prevent your foes from attacking you while you're vulnerable. The Spin Attack can score consecutive midair hits, and the final slash is very powerful. Link's Bombs are his trump card, but he can't pull one out if he's carrying another item.
|gamelist=:Up & B: Spin Attack
:Down & B: Bomb
|game=Melee
}}
{{clrl}}


==[[Alternate costume (SSBM)#Link|Alternate costumes]]==
{|style="margin:1em auto 1em auto;text-align:center"
|-
|colspan=5|[[File:Link Palette (SSBM).png]]
|-
|{{Head|Link|g=SSBM|s=25px}}
|{{Head|Link|g=SSBM|s=25px|cl=Red}}
|{{Head|Link|g=SSBM|s=25px|cl=Blue}}
|{{Head|Link|g=SSBM|s=25px|cl=Black}}
|{{Head|Link|g=SSBM|s=25px|cl=White}}
|}


==Gallery==
==Trophy Description==
<center>
In addition to the normal trophy about Link as a character, there are two trophies about him as a fighter, unlocked by completing the Adventure and All-Star modes respectively with Link on any difficulty:
<gallery>
[[Image:LinkTrophy2 copy.jpg|right|75px]]
Link SSBM Artwork.png|Official artwork of Link.
:'''Link''' ''(smash red)''
SSBMWebsiteLink1.jpg|[[Taunt]]ing on [[Princess Peach's Castle]].
:''Burdened with a shield, a heavy sword, and plenty of equipment, Link is not a very mobile character. Nevertheless, he's skilled with the blade, and his varied supply of missile weapons makes him a powerful fighter. To master Link, you must control the pace by balancing your long-range attacks with head-to-head swordplay.''
SSBMWebsiteLink2.jpg|Charging his [[Hero's Bow|Bow]] on Princess Peach's Castle.
:*B: Bow
LinkBombMelee.jpg|Throwing a {{b|bomb|Link}} at {{SSBM|Captain Falcon}} on [[Pokémon Stadium]].
:*Smash B: Boomerang)
SSBMWebsiteLink4.jpg|Using his aerial [[Spin Attack]] on [[Temple]].
[[Image:LinkTrophy3 copy.jpg|right|75px]]
SSBMWebsiteLink5.jpg|Using his [[Hookshot]] on Temple.
:'''Link''' ''(smash blue)''
SSBMWebsiteLink6.jpg|Standing next to [[Tingle]] on [[Great Bay]].
:''Link's Bow, Boomerang, and Bombs all take time to wield, so you may want to try drawing them in midair to prevent your foes from attacking you while you're vulnerable. The Spin Attack can score consecutive midair hits, and the final slash is very powerful. Link's Bombs are his trump card, but he can't pull one out if he's carrying another item.''
GanondorfClassicMode.jpg|Battling {{SSBM|Ganondorf}} on Temple.
:*Up & B: Spin Attack
ZeldaSheikAdventureMode.jpg|Battling {{SSBM|Sheik}} on Temple.
:*Down & B: Bomb
NessAdventureMode.jpg|Glancing at {{SSBM|Ness}} on [[Brinstar Depths]].
MarthAdventureMode.jpg|Battling {{SSBM|Marth}} on Temple.
RoyAllStarMode.jpg|Battling {{SSBM|Roy}} and Marth on Temple.
</gallery>
</center>


==Trivia==
==Costume Gallery==
[[File:LinkYoungLinkHookshot.png|thumb|A comparison of Link and Young Link's respective Hookshots.]]
[[image:alt-link2.jpg|frame|center|Link's changeable clothing in SSBM]]
*Link and Young Link both use the same model for the Hookshot; as a result, it looks larger when Young Link uses it.
*Link is the only character in ''Melee'' to get only 33 frames of invincibility when grabbing a ledge. All other characters get 37 frames of invincibility when grabbing a ledge, however this is due to him being actionable on the ledge 4 frames faster than any other character.
*Link is one of 3 ''Super Smash Bros.'' characters whose [[neutral special move]] changed during the transition from ''Super Smash Bros. 64'' to ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', the others being [[Ness]] and [[Jigglypuff]]. In the first ''Super Smash Bros.'' game, Link's neutral special was the [[Boomerang]]; from ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' and forth, he instead uses the Bow (or variants such as the [[Hero's Bow]]), with the Boomerang being reassigned as a [[side special move]].
*''Melee'' is the only ''Smash'' game where Link is paired up with another version of him who is technically the same character: in this case, the adult form of the Hero of Time is paired up with his own child form, who is now portrayed here as being his own character. Both ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4'' replace the two with the ''Twilight Princess'' and ''Wind Waker'' versions of Link, respectively, while ''Ultimate'' replaces the former with the ''Breath of the Wild'' version of Link, brings back the younger version of the Hero of Time, but keeps the latter from ''The Wind Waker''.
*Despite having his adult form from ''Ocarina of Time'' being retired after ''Melee'', the Adult Hero of Time still makes a cameo appearance in ''Brawl'' as a sticker (while riding Epona), a trophy in ''3DS'', and as a spirit in ''Ultimate'' (once again riding on Epona).
**''Wii U'' is the only game where Adult Link does not make any appearance at all.
*Link's neutral aerial is the only move in the game that lacks a flag for when the hitbox is supposed to end; because of this, the hitbox stays out for longer than it is supposed to.


==External links==
== External links ==
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_nalj/smash/flash/0918/index.html Link's page at Smabura-Ken]
* [http://youtube.com/watch?v=wUzFIzLuuJU Home Run Contest World Record]
*[[smashwiki:26TP/Link|Translation]]
* [http://youtube.com/watch?v=Opyny7QPsLc Target Test World Record]
*[http://youtube.com/watch?v=wUzFIzLuuJU Home Run Contest World Record]
*[http://youtube.com/watch?v=Opyny7QPsLc Target Test World Record]


{{SSBMCharacters}}
{{SSBMCharacters}}
{{EnemiesAdvSSBM}}
{{Zelda universe}}
{{Zelda universe}}
[[Category:Link (SSBM)| ]]
[[Category:Characters (SSBM)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSBM)]]
[[Category:The Legend of Zelda universe]]
[[es:Link (SSBM)]]

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