View source for Spin Attack

{{ArticleIcons|ssb=y|melee=y|brawl=y|ssb4=y|ultimate=y}}
{{Infobox Special Move
|name=Spin Attack
|image={{tabber|title1=Link|tab1=[[File:Link Up B SSBU.gif|300px]]|title2=Young Link|tab2=[[File:Young Link Up B SSBU.gif|300px]]|title3=Toon Link|tab3=[[File:Toon Link Up B SSBU.gif|300px]]}}
|caption=Link, Young Link, and Toon Link using Spin Attack in ''Ultimate''.
|user=[[Link]]
|user2=[[Young Link]]<br>[[Toon Link]]
|universe=[[The Legend of Zelda (universe)|''The Legend of Zelda'']]
|interwiki=zeldawiki
|interwikiname=Zelda Wiki
|interwikipage=Spin Attack
}}
:''For [[Sonic]]'s [[special move]]s, see [[Spin Dash]] and [[Spin Charge]].''
:''For the Mii Swordfighter’s functionally identical up special, see [[Hero's Spin]].''
{{tabber|align=center|title1=Melee|tab1=
{{cquote|''Perform this in midair to use your momentum to recover.''|cite=Melee's manual description}}
|title2=Brawl|tab2=
{{cquote|''Use in midair for additional height. Useful for when you need to recover from far out.''|cite=Brawl's manual description}}
|title3=3DS|tab3=
{{cquote|''Can be charged. Use it in midair to rise up.''|cite=Smash for 3DS's foldout (Link)}}
{{cquote|''Charge with {{button|3DS|B}}. Use it in midair to rise up.''|cite=Smash for 3DS's foldout (Toon Link)}}
|title4=Ultimate|tab4=
{{cquote|''Strikes opponents while spinning. Acts as a jump if used in midair.''|cite=Description from ''Ultimate''{{'}}s Move List (Link)}}
{{cquote|''Spins with his blade outstretched. Can be charged if used on the ground, and acts as a jump if used midair.''|cite=Description from ''Ultimate''{{'}}s Move List (Young Link)}}
{{cquote|''Spins with his sword. Can hit opponents more than once and can be charged.''|cite=Description from ''Ultimate''{{'}}s Move List (Toon Link)}}}}

The '''Spin Attack''' ({{ja|回転斬り|Kaitengiri}}, ''Rotating Cutter'') is [[Link]], {{SSBM|Young Link}} and [[Toon Link]]'s [[up special move]]. The move involves any of the three versions of Link spinning [[Master Sword|his sword]] around in a circle. Though generally not good in terms of [[recovery]], it is very powerful in terms of offense, especially as a [[ground attack]].
==Iterations==

===''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''===
{{SSB|Link}}'s Spin Attack has nearly identical [[knockback]] and damage whether used on the ground and in the air, with extremely similar animation; however, the grounded version releases a wide, orange-tinted ring of "magic" circling him (similar to charging up a Spin Attack in ''Ocarina of Time'' or ''Majora's Mask''), while the aerial version lacks this ring. Both versions deal substantial knockback, making them good combo finishers. As a [[recovery]] move, though, it is lacking in both horizontal and vertical range; while, as an attack, it has a strictly horizontal [[hitbox]], leaving Link vulnerable from above and below. Unlike in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', it consists of only one hit when used in the air, being as powerful as it is on the ground, usable as a [[combo]] finisher or aerial finisher.
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===''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''===
The Spin Attack returns as Link and newcomer {{SSBM|Young Link}}'s up special moves. While fundamentally the same as in ''Smash 64'', the grounded version no longer produces a wide ring on use, and the user spins much more rapidly before coming to a braking stop.

If used on the ground, {{SSBM|Link}} will have a bit more range and opponents will be hit away quite a distance. If hit by the attack near the end of its animation, the hit acts as a [[semi-spike]], making it a useful edgeguard technique. Young Link's version has less range, but will suck in opponents to deal several hits of damage, similar to the [[Mario Tornado]]. If used in midair, the move is the same for both Link and Young Link: They will spin while moving upward, dealing a possible five hits, with the last hit having considerable [[knockback]] to it, with Young Link's version being considerably weaker. The move is greatly improved from the previous game, having larger recovery distance and covering Link from above if used in midair. Both Link and Young Link can grab an [[edge]] backwards with their Spin Attacks, but only during the move, similar to the [[Falcon Dive]] and the [[Dark Dive]]. Link can also descend down an edge with the Spin Attack by running and performing it before the edge. The edge of Link's Spin Attack allows players to give their opponents a very effective [[gimp]]; but with Young Link, players would require perfect timing to get the same effect.

The [[PAL]] version of the game removes the semi-spike properties of Link's Spin Attack, making it a less dangerous edgeguarding technique. Animation wise as of ''Melee'', both Links spin outward to the left for the grounded version, while the airborne version has them spin to the right inward while angling themselves into an upward motion (leaning downward to their left).
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===''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''===
[[File:Link Spin Attack.jpg|Link's ground spin attack in ''Brawl''.|thumb|right|250px]]
In ''Brawl'', the Spin Attack gains the ability to be [[charge]]d, but it is much weaker than in ''Melee'' when uncharged. By holding the attack, {{SSBB|Link}} will hold his sword in place for a few seconds before releasing a more powerful version of his normal Spin Attack, similar to a [[smash attack]]. Toon Link also has the ability to charge up his Spin Attack, trapping opponents and dealing multiple hits just like Young Link's Spin Attack from ''Melee''. Toon Link's spin attack is a semi-spike if multiple hits connect, though they exist only to suck in targets for the rest of the attack. The move can only be charged for the grounded version; the aerial version cannot be charged at all.

While using the Spin Attack in the air, the move changes to a multiple-hitting attack that deals five hits. The final blow has extremely powerful upward knockback, making it a good finisher at the upper blast line. This is an excellent move for Toon Link to finish a string of aerial attacks with, or to KO off the side of a small stage. The angled orientation of the aerial hitbox, especially for Toon Link's version, allows it to hit potential edge-guarders through the stage's edge.

In a similar fashion as ''Smash 64'', Link's Spin Attack in ''Brawl'' is notoriously poor as a recovery move due to its very low horizontal and vertical distance. It additionally grants almost no momentum if used immediately after hitstun ends, especially if used in the opposite direction where he is traveling, and is also unable to [[Edge sweet spot|auto-sweetspot the ledge]] during its first frames. These issues give Link one of the most ineffective recoveries in the game, and is one of the major factors for his bottom four tier placement. On the other hand, Toon Link's version covers a greater distance in the air than Link's does, able to go from near the bottom of the [[Battlefield (SSBB)|Battlefield]] stage to the ledge without his midair [[jump]], and also keeps more momentum while rising, making it one of the best recoveries in the game. However, if Toon Link uses Spin Attack right when he's running off the ledge, he won't rise at all.
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===''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''===
The Spin Attack returns as {{SSB4|Link}}'s and {{SSB4|Toon Link}}'s up special move in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. Despite retaining the Master Sword, Toon Link's Spin Attack has oddly lost its light blue energy trail and instead sports the green energy trail that is produced when he uses the Spin Attack while wielding the [[zeldawiki:Hero's Sword|Hero's Sword]]. Link's version additionally has a slightly different animation where his sword spins at different heights throughout the move, although this is purely aesthetic. Both versions of the move have been [[buff]]ed both in regards to attack power and recovery distance when compared to ''Brawl'', as Link retains much more momentum when activating the Spin Attack and the move itself gains much more height than their previous iterations. An uncharged Spin Attack additionally has greater knockback scaling, giving Link another high percentage KO move, especially under the effects of [[rage]].

Additionally, the [[Hero's Spin]], one of {{SSB4|Mii Swordfighter}}'s custom up special moves, is functionally identical to the Spin Attack.
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==Customization==
Special Move Customization was added in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. These are the variations:
=== Link ===
{{CustomSet|Link|Up|name1=Spin Attack|desc1=Strike opponents while spinning. Acts as a jump if used in midair.|name2=Shocking Spin|desc2=Strong and electrical, but sideways motion is reduced and it leaves you vulnerable.|name3=Whirling Leap|desc3=Sends you soaring high into the air, but doesn't deal any damage to opponents.}}
# '''Spin Attack:''' Default.
# '''Shocking Spin:''' Charges the attack with [[electric|electricity]] and greatly increases the attack's damage, knockback and [[hitstun]]. However, the move has more ending lag and its use as a recovery is almost as mediocre as its ''Brawl'' and especially its ''SSB'' version, traveling less distance and making Link fall before he finishes the entire aerial move.
# '''Whirling Leap:''' Does no damage and cannot be charged, but sends Link up a much higher distance, making this version solely a recovery move. If used on the ground, Link will leap upwards and perform the aerial move. Gives Link extremely high [[air speed]] while the move is active.

===Toon Link===
{{CustomSet|ToonLink|Up|name1=Spin Attack|desc1=Spin with your sword. Can hit opponents more than once and can be charged.|name2=Sliding Spin Attack|desc2=Slide forward while spinning. If used in the air, you'll move more sideways than up.|name3=Flying Spin Attack|desc3=A spin attack that ends in an upwards slash, sending both you and the slashee into the air.}}
# '''Spin Attack''': Default.
# '''Sliding Spin Attack''': More charge time but deals more damage than usual. When used, makes Toon Link slide along the ground like a top in the direction he is facing. Covers more horizontal distance than vertical height when used in the air. Inspired by the upgraded Spin Attack used in ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker}}''.
# '''Flying Spin Attack''': Similar to the stock Spin Attack, but on the last hit, Toon Link does an upwards slash that pops him and his opponent up into the air. As a recovery, it exchanges the move's overall vertical distance for a large boost in vertical height on the last slash.

==Edge Slash==
The '''Edge Slash''' is a special technique for Link, originating from ''Super Smash Bros.'' which can be used in all games.
It was discovered by Lavaris of the SmashWiki community, while the ''SSB'' version was discovered by Antdgar using [[TAS]] exploits.

When playing as Link, players should do a quick dash near the edge and perform Link's Spin Attack. The attack's frames will appear, and Link will slide off of the stage, quickly inflicting damage to nearby opponents. Link may then be able to recover normally. The technique is best for quickly racking up damage on an opponent. However, the attack should not be used in 1-on-1 matches, as it is hard to perform and leaves Link vulnerable.  The timing of the frames can be difficult to dictate, seeing how most players' reflexes tell them to stop at the very edge so they will not fall off. Also, using the C-stick specials controller combination is helpful when trying to perform this.

==Origin==
[[File:SpinAttackWW.png|thumb|Artwork of Toon Link's Spin Attack from ''The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker''.]]
The Spin Attack, also known by many professional Link players as "The Cyclone", has been a standard move in many [[The Legend of Zelda (universe)|''The Legend of Zelda'' games]], its first appearance being ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past}}''. While usually a basic move available from the start, in some games it can be upgraded with magic to deal more [[damage]] and have a greater range. This upgraded version is known as the '''Hurricane Spin''' in ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker}}'' and inspired a [[Character customization|custom]] [[special move]] for {{SSB4|Toon Link}}.

Via the charging mechanic introduced in ''Brawl'', many iterations of the Spin Attack can be charged up in its home series appearance, though the result varies depending on the game (either for more damage and range or an alternate variation).
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==Gallery==
<gallery>
Spinattackssb.jpg|Link's Spin Attack in ''SSB''.
Ssb64link.jpg|Artwork of Spin Attack in the ''Super Smash Bros. 64'' instruction manual.
Edgeslash.jpg|Link performing the Edge Slash.
File:LinkSpinAttackSSBM.gif|Link using the Spin Attack while airborne in ''Melee''.
LinkGroundSpinAttackSSBM.gif|Link using the Spin Attack on the ground in ''Melee''.
Young Link's Spin Attack Move.jpg|Young Link's Spin Attack in ''Melee''.
ToonLinkSpinAttack.jpg|Toon Link's Spin Attack in ''Brawl''.
SSB4 Toon Link Screen-1.jpg|{{SSB4|Toon Link}}'s Spin Attack in ''SSB4''.
SSB4-DoubleSpinAttack.jpg|{{SSB4|Link}} and Toon Link's Spin Attacks colliding in ''SSB4''.
SpinAttack-SSB4.jpg|Toon Link and Link use their Spin Attacks on the ground.
Link SSBU Skill Preview Up Special.png|Link using Spin Attack as shown by the Move List in ''Ultimate''.
Young Link SSBU Skill Preview Up Special.png|Young Link using Spin Attack as shown by the Move List in ''Ultimate''.
Toon Link SSBU Skill Preview Up Special.png|Toon Link using Spin Attack as shown by the Move List in ''Ultimate''.
</gallery>

==Trivia==
*The Spin Attack is the only special move in Link's moveset that has not been replaced with another similar move throughout the series.
*The Spin Attack is one of three up special moves that always uses up the character's double jump in ''Brawl'' and ''Smash 4'' regardless if the player saved it before use, despite the near-universal change across all other characters that allows them to use their double jump after their up special move if they are hit out of it; the other two up special moves are [[Hydro Pump]] and [[Quick Attack]].
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{{Multiple Special Moves|Link|Toon Link}}
{{Special Moves|char=Young Link}}

[[Category:The Legend of Zelda universe]]
[[Category:Up special moves]]
[[Category:Link]]
[[Category:Link (SSB)]]
[[Category:Link (SSBM)]]
[[Category:Link (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Link (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Link (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Young Link]]
[[Category:Young Link (SSBM)]]
[[Category:Young Link (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Toon Link]]
[[Category:Toon Link (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Toon Link (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Toon Link (SSBU)]]