Editing Link (SSBU)

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

|image = {{tabber|title1=Champion's Tunic|content1=[[File:Link SSBU.png|x250px]]|title2=Hero of the Wild|content2=[[File:Link-Alt1 SSBU.png|x250px]]}}

'''Link''' ({{ja|リンク|Rinku}}, ''Link'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was suggested to appear in the then unnamed ''Ultimate'' in its first [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3Gt42kVgCw teaser trailer] at the end of the March 8th, 2018 [[Nintendo Direct]], and officially announced in ''Ultimate''{{'}}s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L93H7YC-83o E3 2018 trailer] on June 12th. Link is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #03]].

Kengo Takanashi, Link's voice actor from ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild}}'', reprises his role in all regions; rather than re-purposing his voice clips from past ''Zelda'' as per tradition, Takanashi provides brand new voice clips that mimic his portrayals from ''Breath of the Wild'', succeeding Akira Sasanuma's portrayal from ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' used since 2006 in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Brawl]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall, Link is a flexible zoner character; while his long-distance projectiles and disjointed hitboxes make him play somewhat defensively for much of the match, his excellent out-of-shield options and KO power allow him to close in on his opponents with the right timing and deal large amounts of damage very quickly. However, Link players must be cautious to not play recklessly due to his below-average frame data and mobility, as many other characters can make it difficult for him to utilize his options with their superior speed. Throughout ''Ultimate''{{'}}s lifespan, Link has garnered great results from many different players, although his results did go down slightly after the first few months of the game's release.

Link has received arguably the most noticeable changes of any veteran in ''Ultimate''. Due to his appearance being updated to the Hero of the Wild from ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild}}'', he incorporates multiple elements from that game into his moveset, such as the {{iw|zeldawiki|Remote Bomb}}, the {{iw|zeldawiki|Ancient Bow}} and {{iw|zeldawiki|Ancient Arrow}}, the {{iw|zeldawiki|Sword Beam}}, and the [[Bow and Arrows|ability to fire two arrows at once]]. This has led to a much larger overhaul in his moveset compared to other veterans, as several of his attacks either have altered or completely new animations alongside mechanical changes. As a result, Link has gained a large mix of buffs and nerfs in his transition to ''Ultimate'', but has been buffed overall.

 

Compared to his predecessors (the {{iw|zeldawiki|Hero of Time}} and the Hero of Twilight) in ''Smash'', Link has better close combat and spacing capabilities, thanks to his faster movement speed, a stronger and longer ranged [[Boomerang]] (which also improved his [[combo]] game), and the longer range on his Master Sword, now having range on par with other swordfighters, such as {{SSBU|Ike}} or {{SSBU|Marth}}. Particularly, the latter change has either improved or outright granted his attacks' more utility: [[forward tilt]] is now much more effective as a ledge-trapping option due to its wider arc, [[down tilt]]'s reduced damage output allows the move to combo for much longer (even serving as a potential KO confirm at higher percents), [[up smash]] serves as a more threatening anti-air option, [[forward aerial]] is more effective as a spacing option while the first hit can now be used to start combos, [[up aerial]] catches airborne opponents from a farther distance, and [[Spin Attack]] has increased reliability as an [[out of shield]] option and KOing tool due to its faster start-up and larger sweetspot.

 

Furthermore, Link benefits from some of the universal gameplay mechanics, all of which have improved his previously below average close combat game. His grab game has slightly improved due to him now possessing a more standard grab; while the [[Hookshot]] and [[Clawshot]] granted his predecessors a long-ranged grab, they were unsafe due to their high startup and ending lag. ''Ultimate''{{'}}s improved [[dash-canceling]], when coupled with Link's faster mobility, above average traction and the Master Sword's overall improved range, altogether improve his ground game's utility noticeably.

 

Link's air game has also benefitted from gameplay changes: the combination of his standardized jumpsquat (which is much faster than his predecessors') and the universal reduction of landing lag make his aerial combo game significantly more potent, as well as result in him having somewhat less difficulty when it comes to landing safely. This has been demonstrated with [[neutral aerial]]'s weak hit allowing him to set-up for a grab at low percents, forward aerial's first hit comboing into other moves until very high percentages, [[back aerial]]'s [[SHFF]]'d first hit now serving as a KO setup at high percents, and his aerials' damage outputs making them safer on shield despite the reduced [[shieldstun]] for aerial attacks.

 

Unlike his predecessors, Link uses the [[Remote Bomb]] instead of a standard {{b|Bomb|Link}}. Compared to standard Bombs, Remote Bombs can be detonated at will, making it function similarly to {{SSBU|Snake}}'s [[C4]], and feature both much higher knockback and a much larger blast radius. These changes modify his set-up and combo routes, as the Remote Bomb can now be detonated or [[Item throw|Z-dropped]] into one of Link's own attacks. They also significantly improve Link's pressuring, edgeguarding and edge trapping abilities, since the bomb can be thrown while only being detonated at command. Lastly, the move possesses potential as a strong, albeit difficult recovery option, as it can also be Z-dropped and detonated to launch Link a considerable distance forward.

 

However, Link is not without his fair share of nerfs. As a result of the several changes and alterations his moveset received, he has inadvertently lost several key strengths that his predecessors possessed. While Link has a much faster grab than his predecessors, his lack of a Hookshot/Clawshot significantly worsens his overall grab range (having, in fact, one of the shortest and least disjointed grabs among the cast), but also effectively removed one of his more potent recovery and spacing options. Some of his sword-based attacks also received hitbox reductions, now mapping them strictly to the Master Sword itself. While this does not necessarily affect the reach of his attacks that involve swinging his sword from above (i.e. forward tilt, up tilt, forward smash), it has reduced the vertical reach of his attacks that are swung in front of him (i.e. down tilt), while also hindering the horizontal range of his thrusting sword attacks (i.e. up aerial, down aerial), making them slightly harder to land overall.

Link's lack of standard Bombs also hinders him in a variety of ways, as he can no longer pull out Bombs as a way to potentially break out of combos, making him slightly more vulnerable to them. Since Remote Bombs no longer explode on impact, KO set-ups with them have effectively become harder to perform. Link can only have one Remote Bomb out a time, resulting in them becoming a worse zoning option overall.

Finally, despite sporting less landing lag and a better Spin Attack than his predecessors, the majority of his frame data is more sluggish in comparison, especially on the ground. A considerable number of his attacks have either increased endlag (such as forward tilt or down tilt) or increased start-up lag (such as neutral attack, [[forward smash]], [[down smash]], and forward aerial), making it harder for him to defend himself up close against opponents with superior frame data, such as {{SSBU|Fox}} or {{SSBU|Mario}}. This requires Link to be more wary when fighting opponents with such strong boxing capabilities and use the longer range of his Master Sword to his advantage, as his weaker frame data can put him at a greater risk of being thrown into a disadvantage state easier.

Overall, the changes to Link have somewhat repurposed his playstyle from that of a hard-hitting zoner with long-ranged melee attacks, to one that also incorporates more stage control and trapping tactics with his Remote Bomb, simiarly to Snake. Link's playstyle has noticeably deviated from not only his predecessors, but also {{SSBU|Young Link}} and {{SSBU|Toon Link}}, due to these changes. Even so, while Link's buffs eclipse his nerfs, the extent of how much is debatable given other veterans have been buffed to varying degrees as well, and various DLC characters have been introduced through game updates. In the end, Link is agreed to fare better than in ''SSB4'', but hasn't improved enough to raise his standing compared to the rest of the cast.

{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Link}}

==Update history==

Link received a mix of buffs, a single nerf and glitch fixes via game updates, but was buffed slightly overall. The most significant nerf Link received was in Version 3.0.0 where Boomerang now deals much less shield damage as part of the universal projectile nerf, worsening his zoning potential. However, most of the buffs specifically improve Link's combo potential, as his combo starters were altered to more reliably connect into each other and the kill potential of some combo enders has been increased. Another small but significant buff came in Version 4.0.0 with Link being able to Shield SDI projectiles, allowing him to more easily escape combos that characters set up with projectiles.

Overall, Link fares mildly better than he did at launch. His projectiles have not been significantly affected and his combo game has been improved across the board, making him more effective with a bait-and-punish style of setting traps and rushing down caught opponents.

 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|1.1.0}}'''

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/1.1.0|char=Link}}

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/1.2.0|char=Link}}

 

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/2.0.0|char=Link}}

 

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/3.0.0|char=Link}}

 

 

 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|9.0.0}}'''

 

 

 

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/13.0.1|char=Link}}

*While Link is standing still, walking or crouching, any incoming [[projectile]]s that hit his [[Passive shield|Hylian Shield]] will simply push him back slightly instead of inflicting damage. It can block any amount of projectiles, regardless of their power.

 

|neutralname=Morning Slash ({{ja|けさ斬り|Kesa Giri}}) / Counter Slash ({{ja|返し|Kaeshi}}) / Slash Up ({{ja|斬り上げ|Kiri Age}})

|neutraldesc=A downward slash, followed by an outward slash, followed by an upward slash. Has slow startup for a neutral attack (frame 7), but deals above-average damage overall, has good reach, and its third hit is a [[semi-spike]] with high base knockback, making it useful for [[tech-chasing]] and forcing opponents near edges offstage. The first two hits are based on the final series of strikes that the {{iw|zeldawiki|Hero of Time}} inflicts to [[Ganon]] in ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''.

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

|ftiltdesc=A lunging downward slash. It has noticeably slow startup for a tilt attack (frame 15), but deals high damage and knockback for one in return, while possessing long range, the ability to hit opponents above and slightly behind Link, and only average ending lag that makes it safe on shield if spaced properly. It resembles the [[zeldawiki:Targeting#Z-Targeting|Z-Targeting]] slash used by the Hero of Time.

|utiltname=Vertical Slash ({{ja|直上斬り|Chokujō Kiri}})

|utiltdesc=An overhead arcing slash, starting from behind. Has good juggling potential from low to mid percents, comboing into itself depending on the victim's weight and falling speed, and good KO potential at high percentages for its start-up (frame 8).

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

|dtiltdesc=A kneeling inward slash. Has slow startup for a tilt (frame 10), but low ending lag with vertical knockback, granting it combo potential into aerials and making it safe on shield with proper spacing.

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

|dashdmg=14% (tip), 13% (blade), 12% (body)

|dashdesc=The {{iw|zeldawiki|Jump Slash}}. It is generally the 2nd strongest dash attack in the game, KOing at around 110% from center stage when sweetspotted at the tip. However, it also has very slow startup (hitting on frame 20) alongside high ending lag, making it very punishable if whiffed or used recklessly.

|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'')

|fsmash2dmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|13}} (blade), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|12}} (body)

|fsmashdesc=A two-handed, lunging downward slash. If the attack button is pressed again, Link will perform a single-handed outward slash. The first hit deals respectable damage and knockback at the blade's tip, but only deals half as much damage with much lower knockback when not tipped; however, the non-tipped hit is a [[natural combo]] into the second slash. Extremely powerful when both hits connect, being one of the strongest forward smashes in the game. If Link is at 0% damage, the first swing will launch a {{iw|zeldawiki|Sword Beam}}, a reoccurring ability of Link's since the first ''The Legend of Zelda'' game. However, the Sword Beam may occasionally push opponents out of range, not allowing the second hit to connect. This depends on the weight and body size of the opponent. The Sword Beam disappears after 32 [[frame]]s (0.5<span style="text-decoration:overline">3</span> seconds) when forward smash is uncharged and 40 frames (0.6<span style="text-decoration:overline">6</span> seconds) when fully charged

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

|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|4}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|3}} (hit 2), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|11}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|10}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|9}} (hit 3)

|usmashdesc=A series of three overhead arcing slashes, the last of which launches opponents vertically. Has average startup, covers a wide range, deals high damage and can KO under 100%, but has high ending lag. The third hit deals more damage the closer opponents are to the tip of the Master Sword.

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

|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|17}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|16}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|12}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|11}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|10}} (hit 2)

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

|nairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|11}} (clean foot), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|9}} (clean leg), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|6}} (late)

|nairdesc=A flying kick. It is a [[sex kick]] with relatively low startup (frame 7), ending and [[landing lag]]. While it cannot autocancel in a short hop, it has gained notoriety for its sheer effectiveness in Link's arsenal, as it lets him escape pressure, is safe on shield with proper timing, and can even [[lock]] and combo into other moves on landing especially with the late hit, a notable followup being dash attack as a KO setup at high percents. Additionally, it has a rather large disjoint and can anti-air opponents reliably. As such, it is considered to be one of the best neutral aerials and sex kicks in the game.

|fairname=Spiral Slash ({{ja|螺旋斬り|Rasen Kiri}})

|fairdesc=Two alternating, spinning outward slashes. The first hit has weak knockback in order to connect into the second hit, which deals high enough knockback to be one of Link's most reliable KO options. The move deals high damage if both hits connect, and due to its low landing lag and long range, it is also safe on shield with proper spacing and timing. However, its slow startup at frame 16, high ending lag and inability to [[autocancel]] before it can be interrupted leave it easy to punish if overused, as it only autocancels in a double jump.

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

|bairdesc=A hook kick followed by a mid-level roundhouse kick. Link's fastest aerial, coming out on frame 6, and has low ending and landing lag, allowing it to combo into itself at low percents. The first hit can also set up various attacks on landing, including an up tilt, up smash, or most notably, a Spin Attack, the last two of which can serve as KO setups at high percents.

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

|uairdesc=The {{iw|zeldawiki|Jump Thrust}}. It is quite powerful when clean and has a long lasting hitbox that is difficult to dodge, making it an effective KOing and juggling option. However, it has moderate startup, coming out on frame 11, can only autocancel in a full hop if done near the start, and leaves Link highly vulnerable from other positions due to its long duration.

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

|dairdesc=The {{iw|zeldawiki|Down Thrust}}. Upon hitting a target without [[fast falling]], Link bounces off them and can then hit them a second time, albeit dealing less damage. The clean hit is a powerful [[meteor smash]] against aerial targets, while also dealing high knockback to grounded targets, KOing them at around 125%. Like up aerial, the move has very long lasting hitboxes, which along with its disjointed range make it useful for contesting attacks from below and intercepting recoveries offstage. However, due to its very long duration, high landing lag and inability to autocancel even in a full hop, it is Link's most committal aerial.

|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})

|grabdesc=Reaches out with one hand. A relatively fast grab, but possesses poor range, the third shortest in the game.

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

|pummeldesc=Hits the opponent with the Master Sword's pommel. Average power and speed.

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

|fthrowdesc=A front kick. Deals meager damage, but its very low launching angle makes it decent for setting up edge-guards, particularly into Remote Bomb. It resembles the way Link punts objects in ''Breath of the Wild''.

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

|bthrowdesc=A side kick. Deals the same amount of damage as forward throw, but at a slightly higher angle, but it is otherwise identical to forward throw.

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

|uthrowdmg=5% (hit 1, blade), 4% (hit 1, tip), 2% (throw)

|dthrowname=Elbow Drop ({{ja|ひじ落とし|Hiji Otoshi}})

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

|nsdesc=Wields a {{iw|zeldawiki|Traveler's Bow}} to fire an {{iw|zeldawiki|arrow}}. Charging increases the arrow's speed, distance and damage output; at full charge, the arrow flies almost completely straight and covers a very long distance. Good for [[gimp]]ing recoveries and pressuring opponents from afar. Upon hitting the ground or a wall, the arrows also linger for a while before disappearing, during which they can be picked up and thrown as items. If Link uses this move with an arrow picked up, he will fire two arrows at once, greatly increasing the damage dealt to opponents.

|ssdmg=8% (close), 6% (far), 9.6% (clean smash throw), 7.2% (far smash throw), 3% (return)

|ssdesc=Throws a {{iw|zeldawiki|Boomerang}}. It flies forward and then returns to Link. On the way forward, it launches enemies vertically with moderate base knockback, and on the way back, it launches them towards Link with weaker base knockback, allowing it to set up combos. It can be angled up or down, and inputting it like a smash attack increases its damage, as well as the distance it can travel.

|usdmg=14%/12%/9%/7% (grounded blade), 11.2%/9.6%/7.2%/5.6% (grounded tip), 4% (aerial hit 1), 2% (aerial hits 2-4), 4% (aerial hit 5)

|usdesc=[[zeldawiki:Spin Attack|Spins rapidly to perform a series of inward slashes]]. Much like in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, it is a powerful attack, and can be charged on the ground to inflict even higher damage and knockback. Conversely, an aerial Spin Attack is Link's primary recovery move that covers respectable vertical distance, but minimal horizontal distance. The grounded version is a fast [[out of shield]] option and its damage decays over time; its strongest hit KOs at around 120% when uncharged. In comparison, the aerial version deals up to 5 hits consecutively and can KO reliably near edges. However, the grounded version is extremely unsafe on shield, with nearly every character being able to punish it from out of shield.

|dsdesc=Pulls out a {{iw|zeldawiki|Remote Bomb}}, which can be thrown as an item. After throwing it, using the move again has Link detonate the Remote Bomb with his {{iw|zeldawiki|Sheikah Slate}}, creating a large explosion of energy. The Remote Bomb has a maximum duration of about 30 seconds before detonating automatically, and can be knocked back by attacks, which also causes it to damage opponents in range. The Remote Bomb's throw deals low damage and knockback, but its explosion is significantly more powerful, having enough knockback to KO at around 180% from center stage with no [[rage]]. The explosion hurts Link as well if he is in range, which has its pros and cons; while being detrimental to him if he detonates the Remote Bomb with opponents too close to him, it also gives him a useful [[bomb recovery]], especially at high percents.

|fsdesc=Wields an {{iw|zeldawiki|Ancient Bow}} and fires an {{iw|zeldawiki|Ancient Arrow}} straight forward, which explodes upon impact with the nearest opponent in its line of fire. Despite dealing below-average damage compared to other Final Smashes, it is still powerful enough to KO reliably at low percents.

*Glides in on his {{s|zeldawiki|Paraglider}}, and pulls out his sword.

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

*'''Up Taunt''': Swings the {{iw|zeldawiki|Master Sword}} twice and then twirls it behind him before sheathing it. It is very similar to the Hero of Twilight's victory pose in ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}'', which he performs after learning a {{iw|zeldawiki|Hidden Skill}} or defeating a boss/particularly difficult enemy. It also resembles the pose he performs after pulling out the Master Sword from its pedestal in ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild}}''.

*'''Side Taunt''': Holds the Master Sword in front of himself with both hands as its blade shines with a light blue gleam, indicating its {{iw|zeldawiki|Power to Repel Evil}}. It is similar to {{SSBU|Ike}}'s up taunt.

*'''Down Taunt''': Assumes a {{iw|wikipedia|Fujian White Crane}}-like stance while rearing the Master Sword behind his head. Loosely based on the attacking pose used by the Link from ''{{iw|zeldawiki|Zelda II: The Adventure of Link}}''.

*'''Left:''' Swings the Master Sword three times and looks to his right. It resembles the Hero of Time's "character chosen" animation in ''Super Smash Bros.'', albeit with Link facing a different direction.

*'''Up:''' Thrusts the Master Sword in front of himself, then brings it near his face before thrusting it upward while giving off a battle cry. Based on the animation that occurs when he pulls the Master Sword in ''The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild''.

*'''Right:''' Swings the Master Sword briskly, then turns his back to the camera and sheaths it. It resembles the Hero of Twilight's victory pose in ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess''.

[[File:ZeldaSeriesVictoryThemeUltimate.ogg|thumb|A flourished and abridged remix of the theme that plays when [[Link]] obtains a [[zeldawiki:Triforce|Triforce Piece]] in ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda|Game}}'' and has since become the main theme of ''The Legend of Zelda'' series.]]

==In [[competitive play]]==

===Most historically significant players===

<!--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 -->

 

 

*{{Sm|Bernie|Mexico}} - The best Link player in Mexico. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|BIT MASTER MTY 7}}, 5th at {{Trn|Delfino Maza 2}}, and 13th at {{Trn|ChillHouse}} and {{Trn|Smash Factor 8}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Chag}}, {{Sm|Rox}}, and {{Sm|Wonf}}. Ranked 17th on the [[Mexican Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Prand Grix|Japan}} - Although he has yet to make an appearance offline, he is considered one of the all-time best players in Japan's online metagame, winning several events such as [https://smashmate.net/tournament/2251/ 157th Maesuma] and [https://smashmate.net/tournament/2251/ 154th Tamisuma SP] and ranking 1st on the [https://smashmate.net/record/32/ 9th] [[Smashmate]] SP ranking.

*{{Sm|Otakuni|France}} - One of the two best Link players in Europe. Placed 9th at {{Trn|SEL 4: Crêpes Strikes Back}}, 17th at both {{Trn|Syndicate 2019}} and {{Trn|Temple: Hermès Edition}}, 25th at {{Trn|VCA 2022}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Albion 4}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Mr.R}}, {{Sm|Homika}}, and {{Sm|Peli}}. Ranked 39th on the [[European Smash Rankings]].  

*{{Sm|Rido|Japan}} - The best Link player in the world in the post-online metagame. He regularly places highly at events, including 5th at the superregional {{Trn|Seibugeki 11}} and 17th at the major {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 7}}.

*{{Sm|T|Japan}} - The best Link player of all-time, with performances that have yet to be matched by any other Link player. He remains the only Link player who has placed top 8 at a major, having placed 4th at the major {{Trn|Umebura SP 7}} and 5th at the supermajor {{Trn|2GG: Kongo Saga}}.

*{{Sm|VinS|France}} - One of the two best Link players in Europe. Placed 9th at {{Trn|Tech Republic VI}}, 25th at both {{Trn|VCA 2021}} and {{Trn|COLOSSEL 2022}}, and 33rd at both {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2019}} and {{Trn|Syndicate 2019}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|alice}}, {{Sm|varun}}, and {{Sm|Mezcaul}}. Ranked 43rd on the [[European Smash Rankings]].

 

 

However, the post-pandemic period saw Link's position in the metagame decline, most notably due to T's lower activity and worse results. On the other hand, there were not a lot of Link players active at a national level, with only a few players such as {{Sm|Rido}} and {{Sm|VinS}} seeing some success outside of regionals. This led to a noticeable decline in Link's metagame representation, with the character dropping from 32nd at the end of 2019<ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AJs-mj5TTdkmkl7nhj4twJymVPTLTUdT0MBToL1cxDs/edit#gid=342014565|title=OrionRank 2019 character data from July-December 2019}}</ref> to 55th by the end of 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gRlzy4z_dpqb2ZRhGoqtbDcuvUKz_ROsMZHGegon53M/edit#gid=329450080|title=OrionRank 2019 character data from July-December 2022}}</ref> Due to this, most players reassessed the character as a mid-tier, which is reflected in his current position on the tier list, where he is ranked 56th out of 82 characters and on the C+ tier.

Link's opponents are all affiliated with darkness, referencing the main goal of every game in his series: to destroy darkness.

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|1||{{CharHead|Dark Pit|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Reset Bomb Forest]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kid Icarus|Dark Pit's Theme}}''||

|2||Giant {{CharHead|Ridley|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Norfair]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Vs. Ridley}}''||

|3||{{CharHead|Bayonetta|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Umbra Clock Tower]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Bayonetta|One Of A Kind}}''||

|4||{{CharHead|Dark Samus|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Frigate Orpheon]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Boss Battle 4 - Metroid: Samus Returns}}''||

|5||{{CharHead|Ganondorf|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Gerudo Valley]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Gerudo Valley (Remix)}}''||{{CharHead|Zelda|SSBU|hsize=20px}} is a CPU ally. Items do not appear.

|6||{{CharHead|Link|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Black}}||[[Temple]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Great Temple / Temple}}''||Represents Link's recurring battles with his shadow, [[Dark Link]]. The stage and song choices reference their first battle in ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]''. If the player is using the Dark Link costume, {{Head|Link|g=SSBU|s=20px}} default Link appears as the enemy.

|colspan="5"|[[Bonus Stage]]

|Final||[[Ganon]]||[[Sacred Land]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Calamity Ganon Battle - Second Form}}''||

[[Credits]] roll after completing Classic Mode. Completing it as Link has ''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Title Theme - The Legend of Zelda}}'' accompany the credits.

Link's Classic Mode character unlock tree includes the following characters in order:

#{{SSBU|King K. Rool}}

#{{SSBU|Ice Climbers}}

#{{SSBU|Simon}}

#{{SSBU|Meta Knight}}

#{{SSBU|Snake}}

#{{SSBU|Young Link}}

#{{SSBU|Richter}}

#{{SSBU|Toon Link}}

During the opening cutscene, Link was present on the cliffside when [[Galeem]] unleashed his beams of light. Link successfully deflected three beams of light with his [[Passive shield|shield]], but he lost his footing on the third blow, and, failing to block the fourth beam coming for him, was vaporized and placed under Galeem's imprisonment along with the rest of the fighters (excluding {{SSBU|Kirby}}).

Link is unlocked near a Sheikah Tower when taking {{SSBU|Villager}}'s route. The player must defeat [[List of spirits (Animal Crossing series)|Don's spirit]] to access his unlock battle.

{|class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"

!style="width:5%;"|No.

!style="width:5%;"|Image

!Name

!Type

!Power

!Stage

!Music

|03

|[[File:Link SSBU.png|center|108x108px]]

|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>

|3,600

|[[Great Plateau Tower]] ([[Ω form]])

|''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild}}''

{{clr}}

Link's fighter spirit can be obtained by completing {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} as him. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 300 Gold. Unlocking Link in World of Light allows the player to preview the second spirit below in the Spirit List under the name "???". As a fighter spirit, it cannot be used in Spirit Battles and is purely aesthetic. His fighter spirit has an alternate version that replaces it with his artwork in ''Ultimate''.

Additionally, various incarnations of Link make an appearance in various primary and support spirits.

SSBU spirit Master Cycle.png|93. Master Cycle

SSBU spirit Link.png|172. '''''Link'''''

SSBU spirit Link (The Legend of Zelda).png|178. Link (The Legend of Zelda)

SSBU spirit Ricky.png|217. Ricky

SSBU spirit Dimitri (The Legend of Zelda).png|218. Dimitri

SSBU spirit Moosh.png|219. Moosh

SSBU spirit Wolf Link & Midna.png|223. Wolf Link & Midna

SSBU spirit Loftwing.png|231. Loftwing

SSBU spirit Wall-Merged Link.png|233. Wall-Merged Link

SSBU spirit Link (A Link Between Worlds).png|234. Link (A Link Between Worlds)

SSBU spirit Link (Link's Awakening).png|1,322. Link (Link's Awakening)

==In Spirit Battles==

|{{SpiritTableName|Darknut|link=y|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Shield}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Fierce Deity Link|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Attack}}

|[[Great Bay]] ([[Ω form]])

|{{SpiritTableName|Fi|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Shield}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Crispin|size=64}} {{Flag|North America}}<br>Geoff {{Flag|PAL}}

|''StreetPass Mii Plaza'' Series

|•{{SSBU|Link}} {{Head|Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=White}}<br>•Curry {{SSBU|Mii Swordfighter}} {{Head|Mii Swordfighter|g=SSBU|s=20px}} (Moveset [[Blurring Blade|3]][[Airborne Assault|1]][[Skyward Slash Dash|2]][[Power Thrust|3]], Super Mushroom Hat, Standard Outfit, Normal Voice Type 7)

|{{SpiritType|Shield}}

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Personal Trainer: Cooking}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Glory of Heracles Hero|size=64}}

|''Glory of Heracles'' Series

|•{{SSBU|Link}} {{Head|Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Indigo}} (140 HP)

|{{SpiritType|Shield}}

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Revolt -Striving for Hope-}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Frey & Freya|size=64}}

|{{SpiritType|Attack}}

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Save the World, Heroes!}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Marin|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Shield}}

|•The floor is sleep-inducing<br>•Timed battle (1:30)

|{{SpiritTableName|Zelda (Breath of the Wild)|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|•{{SSBU|Zelda}} {{Head|Zelda|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}} (50 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Link}} {{Head|Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=White}} (60 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Pink}} (30 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Donkey Kong}} {{Head|Donkey Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}} (60 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Falco}} {{Head|Falco|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}} (50 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}} {{Head|Zero Suit Samus|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=ShortsBlue}} (50 HP)

|{{SpiritType|Shield}}

SSBUWebsiteLink1.jpg|Link [[taunting|using his up taunt]] on [[Great Plateau Tower|Great Plateau]].

SSBUWebsiteLink3.jpg|Link performing his forward aerial on {{SSBU|Pac-Man}} on [[Spirit Train]].

SSBUWebsiteLink5.jpg|Link performing his Final Smash, [[Ancient Bow and Arrow]].

SSBUWebsiteRathalos3.jpg|Link, {{SSBU|Shulk}} and {{SSBU|Marth}} advancing towards [[Rathalos]] on [[Coliseum]].

SSBUWebsiteRathalos4.jpg|Link, {{SSBU|Bowser}}, {{SSBU|Inkling}} and Pikachu being attacked by Rathalos on [[Tortimer Island]].

SSBUWebsite30.jpg|Link using his neutral special, [[Bow and Arrows]] on [[Prism Tower]].

8-PlayerSSBU 1.jpg|With Mario, {{SSBU|Donkey Kong}}, Samus, {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBU|Villager}}, {{SSBU|Pit}} and Inkling on {{SSBU|Battlefield}}.

SSBUKirbyJPTwitter2.jpg|With {{SSBU|Kirby}}, Mario, Inkling, Marth, Villager, {{SSBU|Ridley}} and Pit on Battlefield.

===Fighter Showcase Video===

*''Ultimate'' marks the first time in the ''Smash'' series where Link:

**does not use recycled voice clips from his respective ''Zelda'' games; this also applies to {{SSBU|Ganondorf}}.

**has his trademark green tunic delegated to an alternate outfit rather than his default costume.

**It is also the first time Link no longer has his Goron and Zora tunics from ''Ocarina of Time'' as his respective red and blue alternate costumes. His new red and blue costumes are based on armor sets from ''Breath of the Wild'' - the {{s|zeldawiki|Hylian Tunic}} and the Royal Guard Uniform, respectively.

***Ironically, Link's Champion's Tunic cannot be dyed in ''Breath of the Wild'' despite being the base for four of his costumes in ''Ultimate''. Although the Hero of the Wild set can be dyed, the recolors seen for Link's alternate costume are not possible dye colors in ''Breath of the Wild'', but these recolors do appear as obtainable armors in the game.

***Despite being recolored versions of the Hero of the Wild outfit, neither his Fierce Deity nor his ''Twilight Princess''-inspired costumes appear to expose his knees. This is in line with how both outfits appear in their respective ''Zelda'' games. Additionally, if one views him wearing these costumes during gameplay, then one can tell that his trousers were indeed lengthened due to the appearance of seams and other fabric detail and not just simply recoloring his legs.

***Despite Link's default design lacking a cap, {{SSBU|Kirby}} still gains his familiar green cap when [[Inhale (Kirby)|copying]] Link.

***Link's Skyloft-based alternate costume (now a white recolor of his Champion's Tunic) is the only one of his eight costumes in this game that does not appear in ''Breath of the Wild''.

*Link is one of the five veterans from ''Smash 4'' to have their [[Boxing Ring]] alias changed in ''Ultimate'', the others being Kirby, {{SSBU|King Dedede}}, {{SSBU|Mega Man}}, and {{SSBU|Ryu}}.

*Link is classified as fighter #3 on ''Ultimate'''s roster,  which is coincidentally the same number of playable Links in the game as well as the same number of pieces in the {{s|zeldawiki|Triforce}}, as well as the number of sides of a triangle.

*In Link's Hero of the Wild outfit, there's a gap on his right arm.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/IdRRIFT.jpg]</ref>

*One of Link's Tips talks about how his name is only in five titles in the series, and that one is trickier to remember than the others. These games are ''Zelda II: The Adventure of Link'', ''The Legend of Zelda: A Link To the Past'', ''The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening'', ''The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds'', and the one that is "trickier to remember" being ''Link's Crossbow Training''.

**If Link performs a dash attack while holding a battering item, he will briefly transition to his previous idle stance from ''Smash 4'', albeit mirrored; however, he will transition to his new idle animation afterwards. This can be seen using Camera Controls and going frame-by-frame.