Editing Young Link (SSBU)

|image = [[File:Young Link SSBU.png|250px]]

'''Young Link''' ({{ja|こどもリンク|Kodomo Rinku}}, ''Young Link'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was officially confirmed as playable on June 12th, 2018. Young Link is classified as fighter #22.

{{s|zeldawiki|Fujiko Takimoto}}'s portrayals of Young Link from ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time}}'' and its sequel ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask}}'' were repurposed for ''Ultimate'', with mostly returning voice clips from ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', and in addition to some new ones sourced from these games.

With the exception of the third method, Young Link must then be defeated on [[Great Bay]].

==Differences from {{SSB4|Link}} in ''SSB4''==

Despite not being an [[Echo Fighter]], Young Link is still a faster and lighter clone of {{SSBU|Link}}. However, since Link has been heavily reworked to match his appearance in ''Breath of the Wild'', Young Link effectively functions as a stand-in for Link’s older appearances. Furthermore, as Young Link is based off of ''Ocarina of Time'' rather than ''Twilight Princess'', he is closest to Link’s appearances in ''Smash 64'' and ''Melee''. He retains moves and characteristics from ''Melee'' that Link himself no longer possesses, such as a rapid jab, dash attack, and Hookshot. Their moves largely appear and function similarly, but some of them have different attributes.

*{{change|Young Link is based on ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'' rather than ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess''. This means that Young Link’s clothes are much brighter and less shabby.}}

*{{change|Young Link wields the Kokiri Sword and Deku Shield instead of the Master Sword and Hylian Shield.}}

*{{change|Young Link's [[on-screen appearance]], [[taunts]], [[idle poses]], and two of his victory animations are different from Link's.}}

*{{nerf|Young Link will sometimes hold his Deku Shield to the side during his walking and idle animations. This makes it less reliable for blocking projectiles.}}

*{{nerf|Young Link's Kokiri Sword has less of a disjointed range advantage on his attacks than Link, which gives him inferior range when combined with his shorter height.}}

*{{buff|Young Link's air speed is faster than Link's (0.88 → 0.966).}}

*{{buff|Young Link walks faster than Link (1.188 → 1.26).}}

*{{buff|Young Link dashes faster than Link (1.3944 → 1.749).}}

*{{change|Young Link falls faster (1.6 → 1.8) than Link.}}

*{{buff|Young Link's traction is significantly higher than Link's (0.064 → 0.105).}}

*{{change|Young Link deals less knockback for most of his attacks. This overall weakens his KO potential in comparison to Link, but it also grants Young link access to new combos.}}

*{{buff|Unlike Link, Young Link can wall jump.}}

*{{nerf|Young Link's Hookshot is shorter than Link's Clawshot, reducing its utility as a recovery tool.}}

*{{change|Young Link is significantly lighter than Link (104 → 88). While this drastically worsens his endurance for horizontal and vertical survival, his faster falling speed lessens his otherwise reduced weakness to combos.}}

*{{nerf|Except for the downward throw, Young Link releases items 1 frame later than Link does then throwing them (7/9/11/4/5 (forward/backward/up/dash/drop) → 8/10/12/5/6).}}

*{{buff|Young Link releases heavy items 1 frame earlier than Link when throwing them either forward or backwards (20 → 19).}}

*{{change|Young Link's neutral attack can either end in a third hit or a neutral infinite with a finisher hit.}}

*{{change|Young Link's dash attack has him slash directly in front of himself while running forward, instead of performing the Jump Attack from ''Ocarina of Time''.}}

*{{nerf|Down aerial does not have a [[meteor smash]] hitbox.}}

===Throws and other attacks===

*{{change|Edge attack has Young Link swipe his sword in front of himself, unlike Link who stabs forward.}}

*{{buff|[[Fire Arrow]]s deal more knockback than Link's arrows, and launch upwards instead of away, increasing his combo ability and making the move safer on hit up close. It also has a slightly faster startup than Link's Hero's Bow.}}

**{{buff|Boomerang can damage opponents on the way back.}}

*{{buff|[[Spin Attack]] lands multiple hits instead of one, allowing it to trap opponents within its hitboxes, and the late hitboxes inflict more damage.}}

**{{nerf|Nonetheless, it is still weaker than Link's clean Spin Attack in damage. Also, it is not a viable KO move unlike Link's.}}

**{{buff|Young Link's bombs have four hitboxes as opposed to Link's two, increasing their hitstun and combo ability.}}

**{{nerf|The multi-hit property of the bombs means that their explosion can affect Young Link more often in close range.}}

*{{change|For [[Triforce Slash]], the final flourish and slash have altered animations, as Young Link rears his hand back and does an outward slash, instead of a stab.}}

==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==

Young Link has been significantly buffed in the transition from ''Melee'' to ''Ultimate''. Young Link's speed has been improved from ''Melee'' not just in terms of his mobility but also his attacks. Many of his attacks have decreased ending lag and his aerials have heavily decreased landing lag (even compared to their [[L-cancel]]ed counterparts). Some of his moves have also been reworked to make them more reliable and effective, such as his up smash and his forward and back aerials, and the weakening of [[SDI]] heavily benefits his multi-hit attacks.  

However, he has also seen a few nerfs. Some of Young Link's attacks deal less damage, while others have shorter durations, and a few of his attacks even have slightly increased startup and ending lag. His aerial mobility is also worse (especially when relative to the cast), and his down tilt and down aerial no longer have [[meteor smash]] hitboxes, meaning that Young Link gains no benefits from the removal of meteor canceling. The changes to [[air dodging]] also hinder his mobility, as [[wavedashing]] and wavelanding are significantly less effective.

Overall, Young Link is a significantly better character than he was in ''Melee'', with professional players such as {{Sm|Tweek}} and {{Sm|T}} demonstrating Young Link’s strong potential and, as a result, he is commonly considered to be a high tier character in spite of currently having low tournament representation.

*{{change|Due to the game's graphical improvements, Young Link's design gains additional detail, particularly in his hair. His colors are more subdued than they were in ''Melee''.}}

*{{change|The {{s|zeldawiki|Kokiri Sword}} has a bronze hilt, and leaves behind a white trail with blue accents, as opposed to a pure white trail in ''Melee''.}}

**{{change|Additionally, Link's yellow and blue [[Spin Attack]] sword trail from ''Smash 4'' is recycled for Young Link, as Link now has a unique sword trail.}}

*{{change|Young Link has gained three additional [[Alternate costume (SSBU)#Young Link|alternate costume]]s, bringing his total up to the standard eight. His black alternate costume has also been altered to better resemble [[Dark Link]].}}

*{{change|Young Link is much more expressive. He appears angry while attacking, and smiles in his taunts and one of his victory poses.}}

*{{change|Young Link has been updated with universal features introduced in ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4''.}}

**{{change|Young Link now has an [[on-screen appearance]], a [[Boxing Ring]] title, a [[Palutena's Guidance]] conversation, and two new [[taunts]]. His taunt from ''Melee'' has been moved to his down taunt, and executes significantly faster.}}

**{{change|Young Link uses various voice clips for any move between the third hit of his [[neutral attack]], any [[tilt attack]], his [[dash attack]], and any [[aerial attack]] (except [[grab aerial]]), and always uses specific clips for each of his [[smash attack]]s.}}

**{{change|Young Link has new voice clips for taking medium and heavy knockback, a second KO voice clip, and a different Star KO scream. His previous Star KO scream is now used for Blast KOs and KOs in [[Stamina Mode]].}}

*{{change|Young Link's [[victory pose]] where he adjusts his belt is slightly different. After adjusting his belt, he holds the Kokiri Sword and flicks his nose with his thumb.}}

*{{change|Young Link is relatively bigger than in ''Melee''. This increases his range, but also increases his hurtbox.}}

*{{buff|Like all characters, Young Link's [[jumpsquat]] animation takes 3 frames to complete (down from 4).}}

*{{buff|Young Link [[walk]]s faster (1.2 → 1.26).}}

*{{buff|Young Link [[run]]s faster (1.6 → 1.749).}}

**{{buff|His [[initial dash]] speed is much faster (1.72 → 2.09).}}

*{{nerf|Young Link's [[air speed]] is slower (1 → 0.966), one of the few exceptions to returning veterans. It has gone from the 6th highest air speed to only the 60th highest.}}

*{{change|Young Link's [[falling speed]] has been reduced (2.13 → 1.8), but is now faster relative to the roster.}}

*{{buff|Young Link's [[midair jump]] is significantly higher. This improves his ability to recover back to the stage.}}

*{{buff|Young Link's [[fast fall]]ing speed is much more in line with the rest of the roster (2.2 → 2.88), in comparison to his almost unnoticeable fast fall in ''Melee''. This greatly increases the versatility of his air game, and allows him to use various mixups like other characters.}}

*{{buff|Young Link's {{s|zeldawiki|Deku Shield}} now protects him from projectiles while walking, similar to the {{b|shield|Link}}s of all other Link incarnations.}}

*{{buff|Young Link is slightly [[Weight|heavier]] (85 → 88), improving his survivability, while still being less susceptible to combos than in ''Melee'' due to the changes to [[hitstun]] and his decreased falling speed.}}

*{{nerf|The removal of [[meteor canceling]] harms Young Link more than any other returning veteran, as he no longer has access to any meteor smashes of his own, whereas his endurance is significantly hindered against opponents' meteor smashes.}}

*{{buff|Both [[roll]]s have noticeably less ending lag ([[FAF]] 38 → 29 (forward), 34 (back)), making them safer to use for repositioning and escaping pressure.}}

*{{nerf|Both rolls grant less [[intangibility]] (frames 4-19 → 4-14 (forward), 4-15 (back)).}}

*{{nerf|[[Spot dodge]] has more startup (frame 2 → 3) and ending lag (FAF 23 → 25).}}

*{{buff|[[Air dodge]] has less startup (frame 4 → 2), making it better for escaping combos. Due to its altered mechanics, it also no longer causes [[helplessness]], and allows Young Link to [[edge sweetspot|sweetspot edges]] with directional air dodges.}}

*{{nerf|Air dodge grants less intangibility (frames 4-29 → 2-26 (neutral), 2-19 (directional)), and due to the altered mechanics, directional air dodges have more landing lag (10 frames → 11-19) and are significantly less effective for [[wavedash]]ing. Young Link can also no longer use his [[grab aerial]] out of an air dodge, hindering his [[recovery]].}}

**{{buff|The first and second hits deal less knockback (10 base/60 scaling → 25/20 base/25/15 scaling), and launch opponents towards Young Link with the farthest hitboxes ([[361]]° → 180°), akin to other neutral attacks. This allows them to connect more reliably.}}

**{{buff|The first hit transitions faster into the second hit (frame 10 → 9), which transitions faster into the third hit (frame 11 → 9).}}

**{{buff|The second and third hits have less startup (frame 7 → 6), with the former's total duration decreased as well (FAF 18 → 17).}}

**{{buff|The third hit has greatly increased base knockback (10 → 75/70), and launches at a lower angle much like {{SSBU|Link}}'s (361° → 30°), increasing its safety on hit at low percents and allowing it to set up [[tech-chase]]s.}}

**{{change|Neutral infinite has a different animation: rather than repeatedly stabbing at different angles, Young Link performs a flurry of slashes.}}

**{{buff|Neutral infinite has faster startup (frame 10 → 6), a shorter gap between hits (7 frames → 2), and deals less knockback (10 base/40/50/60 scaling → 8/15) while inflicting 2 additional frames of [[hitstun]] per hit, allowing it to connect much more reliably. Like all neutral infinites since ''Smash 4'', it has also gained a finisher in the form of an ascending slash, making it significantly safer.}}

**{{buff|Neutral infinite has gained a lower [[hitlag]] multiplier (0.5×) and [[SDI]] multiplier (0.4×), which alongside the changes to [[DI]] and SDI from ''Melee'' to ''Ultimate'' make it much harder to escape from, increasing its reliability for racking up damage.}}

**{{nerf|Neutral attack deals less damage (3% → 2% (hit 1), 2% → 1.5% (hit 2), 5% → 3.5% (hit 3), 1% → 0.3% (infinite)).}}

**{{nerf|The first three hits have shorter durations (frames 6-8 (hit 1), 7-9 (hit 2), 7-11 (hit 3) → 6-7 (all)).}}

**{{nerf|The third hit has more ending lag (FAF 33 → 36), and decreased knockback scaling (100 → 70), causing it to KO later from center stage despite its higher base knockback.}}

***{{change|The second hit can transition into the neutral infinite if the attack button is pressed three times in quick succession, with the third hit now being activated by holding it or pressing it at a slower rate. In ''Melee'', it would only transition into the infinite if the button was pressed more than three times.}}

**{{buff|Forward tilt has less startup lag (frame 11 → 10).}}

**{{buff|It has more vertical range.}}

**{{buff|It has higher base knockback (5/2 → 30/25), although with its knockback scaling reduced to compensate (100 → 85). This increases its safety on hit at low percents, while keeping its KO ability at high percents.}}

**{{buff|The weaker sourspots have been replaced by sweetspots (12%/11%/10%/10% → 12%/11%/12%), making the move's power more consistent.}}

**{{change|The sweetspot has a higher hitlag multiplier (1.2×).}}

**{{nerf|Up tilt has a shorter duration (frames 9-15 → 9-14) and more ending lag (FAF 30 → 32), hindering its combo potential.}}

**{{change|It has an altered animation, with Young Link slashing in a faster and heavier arc, akin to Link in ''Brawl'' and ''Smash 4''.}}

**{{buff|Down tilt has much faster startup (frame 14 → 8), with its total duration reduced as well (FAF 32 → 26). This makes it safer and more reliable as a combo starter.}}

**{{buff|It has considerably reduced knockback scaling (50 → 25), allowing it to combo for longer.}}

**{{nerf|It has a shorter hitbox duration (frames 14-16 → 8-9), and less vertical range.}}

**{{nerf|It launches at a consistent angle (280°/70° → 80°). While this slightly improves its combo potential, it most notably removes its ability to [[meteor smash]].}}

**{{buff|Dash attack has less ending lag (FAF 40 → 35).}}

**{{buff|It has significantly higher base knockback (10 → 70), increasing its safety on hit at lower percents.}}

**{{buff|It has less sourspots (11%/10%/10%/10% → 11%/10%/11%), making its power more consistent.}}

**{{nerf|It has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 7-12 → 8-10).}}

**{{nerf|It has lower knockback scaling (100 → 70), reducing its KO ability.}}

**{{change|It launches at higher angles (361° → 45°/50°/55°).}}

**{{change|The sweetspot has a higher hitlag multiplier (1.2×).}}

**{{buff|The first hit has less ending lag (FAF 50 → 48).}}

**{{buff|The second hit's damage output is properly affected by charging.}}

**{{buff|Due to the changes to [[jostle]] mechanics, the second hit of forward smash no longer misses when Young Link is extremely close to the opponent, improving its reliability.}}

**{{nerf|Both hits have a shorter duration (frames 15-17 → 15-16 (hit 1), 10-13 → 10-11 (hit 2)).}}

**{{nerf|The first hit deals less damage (10% → 6%), and no longer has [[set knockback]] (40 set/100 scaling → 35/40 base/15 scaling), hindering its reliability at higher percents.}}

**{{nerf|The second hit has more startup (frame 10 → 11) and ending lag (FAF 40 → 50).}}

**{{nerf|The second hit launches at a higher angle (361° → 48°) with more base knockback (30 → 43), but less knockback scaling (120 → 115), hindering its KO potential if not used near the edge.}}

**{{change|The first hit has different angles (75° → 65°/50°).}}

**{{change|The second hit has a higher hitlag multiplier (1.5×).}}

**{{change|The second hit's two previous sourspots have been merged into one, with its damage being the average of both (11%/9% → 10%).}}

**{{buff|Up smash's first two hits have lower hitlag (0.6×) and SDI multipliers (0.5×), and use [[weight-independent]] knockback, which alongside the changes to DI and SDI allows them to connect much more reliably.}}

**{{buff|The first two hits have less startup lag and longer durations (frames 11-14/26-28 → 10-14/25-29).}}

**{{buff|The second hit deals more damage (2% → 3%), which alongside the changes to [[stale-move negation]] increases the move's total damage (12.1%/11.19% → 14%/13%).}}

**{{buff|The third hit deals much more knockback (70 base/70 scaling → 75/100), allowing it to KO at realistic percents.}}

**{{nerf|Up smash has significantly more ending lag (FAF 52 → 70), removing its combo potential.}}

**{{nerf|The third hit has more startup lag (frame 40 → 41).}}

**{{nerf|The third hit no longer has a late hit that deals more damage (8%/9% → 7%/8%) and is a [[semi-spike]] (30° → 100°), removing its edgeguarding potential.}}

**{{buff|Down smash's sourspots deal more damage (7% → 10% (hit 1), 6% → 9% (hit 2)), and thus have increased knockback.}}

**{{buff|The first hit no longer has hitboxes that launch opponents vertically (30°/70°/70°/30° → 30°), improving its consistency in edgeguarding and KOing.}}

**{{nerf|It has more ending lag (FAF 42 → 50).}}

**{{nerf|Both hits have a shorter duration (frames 9-12 → 9-10 (hit 1), 21-23 → 21-22 (hit 2)).}}

**{{nerf|The second hit no longer has a hitbox on Young Link's foot, preventing it from hitting opponents in front of him.}}

**{{nerf|Neutral aerial deals less damage (12% → 10% (clean), 8% → 5% (late)), with knockback not fully compensated on the clean hit (15 base/100 scaling → 20/108), slightly hindering its KO potential.}}

***{{buff|However, this allows the late hit to combo for longer.}}

**{{buff|Forward aerial is no longer a single degrading hit, and instead hits twice like {{SSBU|Link}}'s. It deals more damage if both hits connect (12%/11%/9% (clean), 8%/7%/5% (late) → 6% (hit 1), 8%/7% (hit 2); 14%/13% total), and has increased knockback on the second hit (5 base/100 scaling → 45/125), improving its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|It has less ending lag (FAF 47 → 41).}}

**{{buff|It always launches opponents in the direction Young Link is facing, even if they are hit from behind, making it more reliable for [[edgeguarding]].}}

**{{buff|The first hit can lead into combos if Young Link lands before the second hit comes out, which gives him more options to rack up damage or secure a KO.}}

**{{nerf|Forward aerial has a much shorter hitbox duration (frames 14-32 → 14-15 (hit 1), 24-25 (hit 2)).}}

**{{change|It launches at a consistent angle (361° (clean), 76° (late) → 48°).}}

**{{change|The second hit has a higher hitlag multiplier (1.2×).}}

**{{buff|Back aerial's first hit has set knockback (0 base/100 scaling → 50/20 set/100 scaling) and launches at higher angles (361° → 75°/72°/70°), allowing it to connect more reliably into the second hit.}}

**{{buff|It always launches opponents opposite the direction Young Link is facing, even if hit from the front, making it more reliable for edgeguarding.}}

**{{nerf|Both hits have shorter durations (frames 6-9 → 6-8 (hit 1), 18-23 → 18-20 (hit 2)).}}

**{{nerf|The first hit deals less damage (7% → 5%).}}

**{{change|The second hit deals much more knockback (15 base/100 scaling → 40/102), improving its KO potential, but hindering its combo potential.}}

**{{change|The second hit has a higher hitlag multiplier (1.2×).}}

**{{nerf|Up aerial has lower knockback scaling (85 → 77), hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|It has smaller hitboxes (4.8u/2.4u → 3.4u/2.6u). Combined with the changes to jostle mechanics, landing an up aerial on a grounded opponent is much more difficult than before.}}

**{{buff|Down aerial's early hit deals more damage (14%/16% → 18%).}}

**{{nerf|It no longer has a [[flame]] hitbox near Young Link's head that deals more damage and is a [[meteor smash]], removing its extreme edgeguarding potential against opponents hit from below.}}

**{{nerf|The late hit deals less damage (17%/21% → 15%).}}

**{{nerf|The move deals less knockback (40/70 base/100 scaling → 30/83), especially with the late hit due to its decreased damage, significantly hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{change|It has a higher hitlag multiplier (1.2×).}}

**{{buff|Grab aerial has significantly less landing lag (30 frames → 8) and no longer causes [[helplessness]], making it much more useful offensively.}}

**{{buff|It has a longer hitbox duration (frames 11-15 → 11-18).}}

***{{buff|However, it deals additional [[shield damage]] to compensate (0 → 1).}}

**{{nerf|It causes the [[Hookshot]] to retract upon hitting an opponent, hindering its utility in battles with multiple opponents.}}

**{{change|It has more base knockback (40 → 70), but even less knockback scaling (40 → 20), no longer KOing opponents even at 999%.}}

**{{change|It launches at a slightly lower angle (361° → 38°), and has a lower hitlag multiplier (0.8×).}}

**{{change|It is now affected by [[stale-move negation]], reducing its damage output with consecutive uses, but allowing it to refresh other moves.}}

**{{change|Due to universal changes, grab aerial functions like a [[tether recovery]] rather than a [[wall grapple]].}}

***{{nerf|However, this removes its ability to grapple to any wall, reducing its versatility.}}

**{{buff|Standing and dash grabs have significantly less ending lag (FAF 85 → 53 (standing), FAF 95 → 61 (dash)), leaving them much less punishable if they miss.}}

**{{buff|Both grabs have longer durations (4 frames → 7), and the hitbox on the Hookshot's end now affects aerial opponents.}}

**{{nerf|Standing grab has one frame more startup lag (frame 11 → 12).}}

**{{buff|Pummel deals more [[hitlag]] (4 frames → 13), but has significantly less startup (frame 10 → 1) and ending lag (FAF 26 → 7), shortening its duration.}}

**{{nerf|It deals much less damage (3% → 1%).}}

*{{change|Forward and back throw release the opponent faster (frame 16 → 13), although with their total duration unchanged, and the former's first hit is faster (frame 12 → 11). This reduces the time for the opponent to [[DI]] them properly, but increases their ending lag.}}

**{{buff|Forward throw launches at a slightly lower angle (55° → 52°), and deals much more knockback (25 base/110 scaling → 45/165), allowing it to KO under 170% at the edge.}}

**{{buff|Back throw deals much more knockback (24 base/110 scaling → 45/140), allowing it to KO under 200% at the edge.}}

**{{buff|Up throw releases the opponent slower (frame 27 → 29) with its total duration unchanged, increasing its combo potential at low percents.}}

**{{change|It has more base knockback (18 → 30), but less knockback scaling (230 → 210). This further improves its combo potential at low percents (due to its previously lacking hit advantage), but hinders its KO potential at high percents.}}

**{{change|Young Link jumps a bit higher during up throw.}}

**{{nerf|Down throw deals much more knockback (60 base/50 scaling → 70/115), drastically hindering its combo potential beyond mid percents. Most notably, it no longer has a guaranteed KO confirm into an up aerial at high percents.}}

**{{change|Its damage values have been redistributed (2% → 3% (hit 1), 4% → 3% (throw)).}}

**{{change|It launches opponents at a slightly more horizontal angle (90° → 86°).}}

**{{change|Their angles have been altered (361° → 48°).}}

**{{buff|Edge attack deals more damage (8% → 9%) and no longer has set knockback (90 set/100 scaling → 90 base/20 scaling).}}

**{{buff|Fire Arrow has one frame less ending lag (FAF 39 → 38).}}

**{{buff|It can be [[B-reverse]]d.}}

**{{buff|Arrows fly much further, especially when uncharged. This greatly increases Fire Arrow's zoning and pressing ability, making it a more essential part of Young Link's toolkit.}}

**{{buff|Arrows have more knockback scaling (30 → 70), increasing their combo potential despite launching at a slightly lower angle (80° → 78°).}}

**{{nerf|They stay active for a shorter period of time.}}

**{{nerf|They deal less damage (8%-15% → 4%-12%), and have received negative shield damage (0 → -2.5).}}

**{{nerf|The move can no longer be held indefinitely upon reaching full charge, instead firing the arrow automatically if held for more than three seconds.}}

**{{change|Fire Arrows are ablaze when being charged and fired, compared to ''Melee'' where the arrow does not light up at all.}}

**{{change|Fire Arrows have been redesigned to more closely resemble the [https://zelda.gamepedia.com/File:Firearrow.png artwork] found in the manual for ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]].''}}

**{{bugfix|[[Ghost Arrow glitch]] has been removed.}}

**{{buff|Boomerang is bigger, and Young Link throws it vertically instead of horizontally, increasing its coverage immensely.}}

**{{nerf|It deals much less damage at point-blank range (16% → 11% (normal), 19% → 13.2% (smash input)), and has received negative shield damage (0 → -5.5 (clean), -3.5 (late), -1 (return)), effectively dealing half its usual damage to shields.}}

***{{buff|However, its knockback has not been compensated, improving its combo potential.}}

**{{change|Boomerang cannot be angled as sharply as in ''Melee''; however, this makes its more useful angles easier to use.}}

**{{change|Young Link has a new throwing animation for the boomerang.}}

**{{bugfix|The [[boomerang superjump]] and [[chain dance]] glitches have been removed.}}

**{{buff|Grounded Spin Attack has less ending lag (FAF 80 → 71), while its last hit is slower (frame 44 → 49), allowing it to combo reliably into aerial attacks even up to high percents.}}

**{{buff|Its linking hits have set, weight-independent knockback (80/60 base/40 scaling → 55/10 set/100 scaling), and lower hitlag (0.4×) and SDI multipliers (0.5×), which combined with the weakening of SDI allows them to connect much more reliably.}}

**{{buff|The last hit has higher base knockback (60 → 71), but lower knockback scaling (100 → 85), and launches at a higher angle (80° → 84°), further improving its combo potential.}}

**{{buff|It can be charged to increase its damage and knockback, as with the other incarnations of Link.}}

**{{nerf|Grounded Spin Attack has one frame more startup (frame 8 → 9), and its linking hits have a slightly longer duration (frames 8-43 → 9-45), but a slower rehit rate (3 → 4). As a result, it deals a total of 11 hits instead of 13, reducing its total damage when uncharged despite the changes to stale-move negation (13.74% → 13%).}}

**{{buff|Aerial Spin Attack has increased vertical distance, preserves much more momentum after being used, and Young Link can drift more in the air during its animation.}}

**{{buff|Like most recovery moves from ''Brawl'' onward, it [[edge sweetspot|sweetspots the edge]] much earlier, making it safer to recover with.}}

**{{buff|The multi-hits have a lower SDI multiplier (0.3×), weight-independent knockback, and use the [[autolink angle]] (367°), which alongside the changes to DI and SDI allows them to connect much more reliably.}}

**{{buff|It deals more total damage due to the changes to stale-move negation (11.19% → 12%).}}

**{{change|The last hit has a higher hitlag multiplier (2×).}}

*{{b|Bomb|Young Link}}:

**{{buff|Like with Link's {{b|Bomb|Link}}s in ''Smash 4'', the explosions from Young Link's bombs do not damage him if they hit an opponent.}}

**{{buff|The bombs travel further when thrown.}}

**{{buff|Their multi-hits accumulate much faster, making their damage more consistent.}}

**{{buff|Similarly to Link in ''Smash 4'', Young Link can "soft-toss" his Bombs, which lets him lay them on the floor with a throw without having them explode. This allows Young Link to set traps on the floor to hinder his opponent, and also allows for mindgame potential. Additionally, Young Link can Z-drop Bombs without them exploding much easier than in ''Melee''.}}

**{{nerf|Bomb's base damage output is lower, even with all hits connecting (13% → 8%).}}

**{{bugfix|The [[bomb dash]] glitch has been removed.}}

*{{change|Young Link now has a [[Final Smash]], that being [[Triforce Slash]]. Visually, it resembles Link's version from  ''Smash 4'', but it has completely unique animations for attacks, including a shield bash, kicks, and a different finisher in an outward slash.}}

==Update History==

Young Link has been nerfed overall in balance patches, the nerfs to the shield damage of various projectiles in update 3.0.0 affect Young Link more negatively than most other characters.

*While standing still, walking, or crouching, incoming [[projectile]]s that hit Young Link's [[Shield (Link)|Deku Shield]] will deal no damage and simply push him back. It can block any amount of projectiles regardless of power.

*Young Link possesses a [[tether]] attack and grab.

|neutralname= 

|neutralinfdmg=0.3% (loop), 2.5% (final hit)

|neutraldesc= Two forward swings, followed by either a stab or a loop of quick slices ending with a forward thrust.

|ftiltname= 

|ftiltdesc=Raises the Kokiri Sword over his head, and then brings it down in front of himself.

|utiltname= 

|utiltdesc=An arcing swing with the Kokiri Sword. Combos into itself at medium percents.

|dtiltname= 

|dtiltdesc=A crouching slash in front of himself. Has low, vertical knockback, allowing it to easily chain into all of his aerials at almost any percent. One of Young Link's best combo tools.

|dashname= 

|dashdesc=A dashing swing.

|fsmashname= 

|fsmashdesc=Winds up and swings the Kokiri Sword forwards. Pressing the button again allows for a second, more powerful slash. The first hit deals almost no knockback, but is a natural combo into the second hit.

|usmashname= 

|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|3}} (hits 1-2), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|8}} (hit 3, base), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|7}} (hit 3, tip)

|usmashdesc=Three upwards overhead slashes. The first two slashes trap opponents, with the third slice launching them vertically. Decently powerful, but the move's long duration makes it easy to punish if whiffed.

|dsmashname= 

|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|13}} (front, base), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|10}} (front, tip), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|12}} (back, base), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|9}} (back, tip)

|dsmashdesc=A crouching slash in front of Young Link, immediately followed by a second slash behind himself.

|nairname= 

|nairdesc=A standard [[sex kick]]. One of the fastest aerials in the game, making it a very good option to get opponents off of him. Additionally, it has a just as strong of an offense use, as the late hit can function both as a combo starter or can be used in the middle of a combo to lead into a variety of moves. Overall, it is commonly regarded as one of the best aerials in the game and is a vital part of Young Link’s combo game.

|fairname= 

|fairdesc=Quickly slices twice in the air. The first hit traps opponents into the second hit, which deals reasonably high knockback, making it useful for knocking opponents offstage or killing them outright at higher percents. Landing on the ground after the first hit but before the second will cancel the move, allowing for a follow-up into a different attack.

|bairname= 

|bairdesc=Performs a double backwards kick. Functions similarly to his forward aerial, including the ability to drag-down foes with the first hit, but trades range and power for reduced startup.

|uairname= 

|uairdesc=An upwards thrust. Has a deceptively long duration, and can KO at around 130% with the clean hit. Despite that, it has very fast startup at frame 5.

|dairname= 

|dairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|18}} (clean), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|15}} (late)

|dairdesc=Performs the {{s|zeldawiki|Down Thrust}}. Unlike Link's similar move, it does not meteor smash even with the clean hit. Deals enough knockback to KO at high percents, but is dangerous to use offstage due to its long duration and high ending lag. Landing the clean hit on an opponent or their shield will cause Young Link to bounce upwards.

|zairname=Midair Hookshot

|zairdesc=Shoots his {{s|zeldawiki|Hookshot}} forward. Can be used to [[Tether recovery|grab stage ledges]].

|grabname=[[Hookshot]]

|grabdesc=Fires his Hookshot straight forward. Functions as a Tether Grab, and can be used for tether recovery.

|pummelname= 

|pummeldesc=Quickly hits the opponent with the pommel of the Kokiri Sword.

|fthrowname= 

|fthrowdesc=A forward kick. Young Link's strongest throw, which starts to KO around 160% from the edge of [[Final Destination]].

|bthrowname= 

|bthrowdesc=Swings his opponent to his back, and kicks them away. Starts to KO around 180% from the edge of Final Destination.

|uthrowname= 

|uthrowdesc=Tosses the opponent up into the air and performs a spinning upwards slash. Starts to KO around 190% on Final Destination. If the initial sword slash hits another opponent, they will be launched at a very low angle, allowing for edgeguard setups.

|dthrowname= 

|dthrowdesc=Pins the opponent to the ground and performs an elbow drop.

|nsdesc=Uses the {{s|zeldawiki|Fairy Bow}} to fire a {{s|zeldawiki|Fire Arrow}}. Can be charged up for more power and range. The arrows send opponents at an upwards angle with low knockback, making it a good aerial combo starter. In addition, it has low startup and ending lag, making it an excellent combo/spacing tool all around.

|ssdesc=Throws his {{s|zeldawiki|Boomerang}} forward. It can be angled diagonally and deals damage when returning to Young Link. Can combo into an aerial at most percents.

|usdmg=1%-1.6% (grounded hits 1-10), 3%-4.8% (grounded hit 11), 3% (aerial hit 1), 2% (aerial hits 2-4), 3% (aerial hit 5)  

|usdesc=[[zeldawiki:Spin Attack|Spins with his sword outwards]], slashing opponents nearby. Has very quick startup, making it a potent out-of-shield option. Just like the Spin Attack of the other two Link incarnations, it can be charged when grounded for more damage. Similarly to Toon Link's version of the move, it hits multiple times on the ground, with the final hit launching opponents. However, while Toon Link's deals strong horizontal knockback, Young Link's deals weak vertical knockback, making Young Link's version unviable as a KO tool but useful as a combo starter. The aerial version can carry opponents to the upper blast line, and KO them there at high enough percents.

|dsdesc=Pulls out a {{s|zeldawiki|Bomb}}. Just like in ''Melee'', the explosion from the bomb hits multiple times. The bomb explodes after hitting a surface or enemy, or after enough time passes. The bomb's weak knockback makes it useful as a combo starter. Can be used to extend Young Link's recovery, as the damage from the explosion will take him out of helplessness.

|fsdmg=60%

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

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

*Kicks the toes of his boots on the ground, as if knocking off dirt.

SSBUYoungLinkIdle1.gif|Young Link's first idle pose

SSBUYoungLinkIdle2.gif|Young Link's second idle pose

===[[Taunts]]===

*'''Up taunt''': Holds the Kokiri Sword up in the air.

*'''Side taunt''': Places the Deku Shield on his back and watches [[Navi]] fly around him.

*'''Down taunt''': Sheaths the Kokiri Sword and places the Deku Shield on his back and takes a drink of Lon Lon Milk.

*'''Left:''' Adjusts his belt and flicks his nose.

*'''Up:''' Stabs forward with his sword, then holds it up, giving off a battle cry. This is identical to one of Link's poses other than the camera angle.

*'''Right:''' Sheathes his sword, dusts his hands off, and puts them on his hips while grinning.

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

==In competitive play==

===Notable players===

''Any number following the Smasher name indicates placement on the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]], which recognizes the official top 50 players in the world in [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]] from February 1st, 2019 to July 7th, 2019.''

*{{Sm|Biddy|USA}} - The best Young Link player in Tri-state. Placed 4th at {{Trn|Player's Ball Ultimate}}, 13th at {{Trn|The Scarlet Classic V}} and 65th at both {{Trn|EVO 2019}} and {{Trn|Glitch 7 - Minus World}}. Has wins over {{Sm|Wishes}}, {{Sm|LeoN}}, {{Sm|Suarez}}, {{Sm|Jul}}, {{Sm|Mew2King}}, and {{Sm|The Great Gonzales}}.

*{{Sm|colinies|USA}} - One of the best Young Link players in the United States. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Steel City Showdown}}, 3rd at {{Trn|COST 2019}}, and 17th at {{Trn|Collision 2019}}. Ranked 2nd on the [[Ohio Smash Ultimate Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Kobe|USA}} - One of the best Young Link players in the United States. Placed 13th at both {{Trn|Smash Conference United}} and {{Trn|Come to Papa 3}}, 33rd at {{Trn|GENESIS 6}}, and 49th at {{Trn|CEO 2019}}.

*{{Sm|Mr.R|Netherlands}} (#36) - Uses Young Link as a secondary. Placed 2nd at {{Trn|DreamHack Winter 2019}} and 9th at {{Trn|2GG: SwitchFest 2019}} using mainly Young Link. Notably reverse 3-0'd {{Sm|Leffen}} with the character.

*{{Sm|SKITTLES!!|USA}} - The best Young Link player in Nebraska. Placed 1st at [https://smash.gg/tournament/pg-keys-to-evo-smash-ultimate-final-showdown/events PG Keys to EVO: Smash Ultimate Final Showdown], 9th at {{Trn|Paradigm Shift 2019}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Low Tier City 7}}. Ranked 1st on the [[Nebraska Power Rankings#Ultimate|Nebraska Ultimate Power Rankings]] and 24th on the [[Wi-Fi Warrior Rank]].

*{{Sm|Toast|USA}} - One of the best Young Link players in the world. Placed 7th at both {{Trn|Just Roll With It! 11}} and {{Trn|2GG: Run it Back}}, 13th at {{Trn|Let's Make Big Moves}}, 17th at {{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2019}}, 33rd at {{Trn|The Big House 9}}, and 49th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}. Has wins over {{Sm|Raito}}, {{Sm|8BitMan}}, {{Sm|Peabnut}}, and {{Sm|Secret}}.

*{{Sm|Suinoko|Japan}} - Considered one of the best Young Link players in Japan before dropping him in favor of {{SSBU|Peach}}. Placed 9th at {{Trn|KVOxTSB 2019}}, 17th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 4}}, 25th at {{Trn|Umebura Japan Major 2019}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Umebura SP 3}} with solo Young Link.

*{{Sm|T|Japan}} (#47) - Considered one of the best Young Link players in Japan. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|Midwest Mayhem Ultimate}} with solo Young Link, and 17th at {{Trn|2GG: Prime Saga}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 2}} in conjunction with {{SSBU|Link}}. Although he hasn't officially dropped the character, he now only uses Link in brackets, and very rarely uses Young Link or any of his other characters anymore.

*{{Sm|Tweek|USA}} (#2) - Formerly the best Young Link player in the world. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Glitch 6}} and {{Trn|Frostbite 2019}} and 7th at {{Trn|2GG: Prime Saga}}. Has wins over {{Sm|Nairo}}, {{Sm|WaDi}}, and {{Sm|Jakal}}.

=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Hyrule Smash==

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

|1||{{SSBU|Zelda}} {{Head|Zelda|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Hyrule Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Hyrule Main Theme}}''||

|2||Young Link {{Head|Young Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Black}}||[[Temple]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Song of Storms}}''||If the player is using the Dark Young Link costume, the CPU player will be default Young Link {{Head|Young Link|g=SSBU|s=20px}}.

|3||{{SSBU|Sheik}} {{Head|Sheik|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Gerudo Valley]] ([[Ω form]])||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Gerudo Valley}}''||

|4||{{SSBU|Toon Link}} (x4) {{Head|Toon Link|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Toon Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}{{Head|Toon Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}{{Head|Toon Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Purple}}||[[Pirate Ship]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|The Great Sea / Menu Select}}''||The multicolored Toon Links is a references to ''The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords''.

|5||{{SSBU|Ganondorf}} {{Head|Ganondorf|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Bridge of Eldin]] ([[Ω form]]) ||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}''||

|6||{{SSBU|Link}} {{Head|Link|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Great Plateau Tower]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild}}''||

|Final||[[Ganon, The Demon King|Ganon]]||Sacred Realm||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Calamity Ganon Battle - Second Form}}''||

Credits roll after completing Classic Mode. Completing it as Young Link has ''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Termina Field (Remix)}}'' accompany the credits.

Young Link was one of the many imprisoned fighters that fell under [[Dharkon]]'s control upon Galeem's first defeat. He is unlocked in the Sacred Realm sub-area on the bottom right corner of the land which makes up the Triforce of Courage. The player must rely on the owl statues which will guide the player to Saria's spirit battle. Unlocking her spirit clears out a tree stump that blocked access to his unlock battle. Once Young Link is unlocked, the Triforce of Courage appears in the center of the map. If {{SSBU|Zelda}} is unlocked, the path leading to {{SSBU|Cloud}}'s unlock battle and the Master Sword clears out.

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

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

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

! Name

! Type

! Power

! Stage

! Music

| 22

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

| {{SSBU|Young Link}}

| {{color|#17ba17|Grab}}

| 10,300

| [[Temple]] ([[Ω form]])

| ''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Saria's Song}}''

{{-}}

Young Link's Fighter Spirit can be obtained by completing [[Classic Mode]]. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 500 coins. Unlocking Young Link in World of Light allows the player to preview the first spirit below in the Spirit List under the name "???". As a Fighter Spirit, it cannot be used in Spirit Battles and is purely aesthetic. Each Fighter Spirit has an alternate version that replaces them with their artwork in ''Ultimate''.

Additionally, this incarnation of Link makes an appearance in a few Primary and Support Spirits under other forms.

Young Link Spirit.png|176. '''''Young Link'''''

Deku Link.png|207. Deku Link

FierceDeityLinkSpirit.png|208. Fierce Deity Link  

==In Spirit battles==

|{{anchor|Link (The Legend of Zelda)}}[[Link]] (The Legend of Zelda)

|''The Legend of Zelda series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeNeutral.png|20px|center|Neutral]]

|

|{{anchor|Fairy Bottle}}[[Fairy Bottle]]

|''The Legend of Zelda series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|•All fighters take serious damage<br>•The enemy has increased defense

|{{anchor|Kaepora Gaebora}}Kaepora Gaebora

|''The Legend of Zelda series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|{{anchor|Happy Mask Salesman}}Happy Mask Salesman

|''The Legend of Zelda series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]

|•Timed battle<br>•All fighters have increased jump power<br>•All fighters have increased move speed after a little while

|{{anchor|Kafei}}Kafei

|''The Legend of Zelda series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|•Timed battle<br>•The enemy tends to avoid conflict

|{{anchor|Ravio}}Ravio

|''The Legend of Zelda series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]

|•Timed battle<br>•The enemy favors special moves<br>•The enemy is easily distracted by items

|{{anchor|Poppy Bros. Jr.}}Poppy Bros. Jr.

|''Kirby series''

|•{{SSBU|Young Link}} {{Head|Young Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Cyan}} (×2)

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|{{anchor|Cut Man}}[[File:Cutman.png|center|64x64px]]

|''Mega Man series''

|•{{SSBU|Young Link}} {{Head|Young Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Orange}} (x2)

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|{{anchor|Bomb Man}}[[File:BombMan.PNG|center|64x64px]]

|''Mega Man series''

|•{{SSBU|Young Link}} {{Head|Young Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Orange}} (×2)

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|{{anchor|Diskun}}[[File:Diskun.png|center|64x64px]]

|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Nintendo|Famicom Medley}}

|Link (''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' for the Famicom Disk System)  

|{{anchor|Donbe & Hikari}}[[File:Donbe hikari.png|center|64x64px]]

|Donbe & Hikari

|''Famicom Mukashibanashi series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeNeutral.png|20px|center|Neutral]]

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Nintendo|Shin Onigashima Medley}}

|{{anchor|Prince Richard}}[[File:Prince Richard Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]

|[[File:SpiritTypeNeutral.png|20px|center|Neutral]]

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Kirby|Castle Lololo}}

|{{anchor|Tethu}}[[File:Tethu.png|center|64x64px]]

|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Nintendo|Struggle Against Chaos}}

|{{anchor|Musashi}}[[File:Musashi Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|{{anchor|Young Zelda}}Young [[Zelda]]

|''The Legend of Zelda series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]