Editing Young Link (SSBU)

|image = [[File:Young Link SSBU.png|x250px]]

'''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 alongside his former successor {{SSBU|Toon Link}} and the rest of the returning roster on June 12th, 2018. Although the changes made to {{SSBU|Link}} were not enough to change Young Link's status as a [[clone]], he is not classified as an Echo Fighter. As such, Young Link is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #22]].

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

 

 

 

Overall, Young Link is often seen as the best of the three Links, and fares very well in the competitive environment thanks to strong results from players such as {{Sm|Toast}}, {{Sm|Kobe}}, and {{Sm|Supahsemmie}}.

With the exception of the third method, Young Link must then be defeated on [[Great Bay]]. In World of Light, he is fought on the [[Ω form]] of [[Temple]].

Young Link is a [[weight|lightweight]] character (weighing the same as {{SSBU|Greninja}} and {{SSBU|Isabelle}}), and is the lightest of the three Links, being 3 units lighter than {{SSBU|Toon Link}}. Compared to his alternate timeline counterparts, he tends to be in the middle in regard to mobility, including his running speed, air speed and acceleration, and jump height. He has the highest fall speed and initial dash of the Links, though his fast fall speed is slower than the original Link thanks to Link's unusual fast fall speed boost. In terms of the rest of the cast, Young Link has an average [[running]] speed, high [[initial dash]] speed, low [[air speed]] and [[air acceleration|acceleration]], high [[falling speed]], and slightly above-average [[jump]] height. Finally, his gravity is average and tied with Link's. Overall, Young Link has middling mobility, with most of his quick movement potential coming from his high initial dash and fall speed.

 

Young Link's moveset is regarded as one of the best and most reliable in the entire game. While even the best characters in the game usually have one or two moves in their moveset regarded as unusually weak or situational, every one of Young Link's moves is strong and flexible, with a mix of versatile ranged combat and robust boxing.

 

Young Link uses the {{iw|zeldawiki|Kokiri Sword}}, the starting weapon from ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time}}'' and ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask}}'', granting him disjointed range and giving him the ability to space out his opponents, as well as making his sword attacks risky to trade with unless the opponent has disjointed range of their own. Unlike many sword users, however, this is coupled with outstanding frame data. Although the Link archetype has been synonymous with laggy frame data up until ''Ultimate'', Young Link has some of the best frame data in the game, with many of his moves being infamous for how quickly they come out and how little cooldown they have. As a result, many moves of his are extremely safe on shield, such as his down tilt, neutral air, forward air, back air, and even his Boomerang. Additionally, the speed of his moveset makes it reliable for one of Young Link’s most notable aspects: his combo game.

 

While the Link archetype is one that has never been known for [[combos]], Young Link subverts this by providing one of the most complex and varied combo games out of the entire cast. His [[up tilt]] and especially [[down tilt]] are well designed to start combos, knocking the opponents up into the air with weak knockback to set up for his [[aerial]]s, while his [[jab]] can transition into a rapid jab for respectable damage, create mixups through his surprisingly fast jab cancels, or be used to jab lock opponents and set up combos with down tilt or finish stocks with an up special or forward smash. However, his aerials are truly what gives him the outstanding combo and boxing game he has. Most of Young Link's aerials are capable of both starting combos as well as continuing them, making their usage very flexible and wide, as well as dealing significant damage.

 

His [[neutral aerial]], perhaps his best aerial, is a simple [[sex kick]]. Its late hit in particular is extremely good for combos, being able to both start and continue them well into high percentages and being able to be followed up with a majority of Young Link's moveset. It can also lead to tech chase situations at high percents when the move causes opponents to go into tumble. Meanwhile, the clean hit is very reliable at warding off opponents, prevents other combo-oriented characters from overwhelming Young Link with combos of their own, has enough power to kill at high percentages, and provides him with a fast, safe and reliable out of shield option. Overall, the sheer utility of this move has caused it to gain a reputation as one of the best aerials in the game.

 

Young Link's [[Forward aerial|forward]] and [[back aerial]]s are both designed similarly. Both are combo attacks that consist of a first weak hit that stuns the enemy in place for a second launching hit. However, these are both meant to be used in different ways. His back aerial is much more geared towards combos as it comes out fast, has very little lag, and deals minimal knockback, making it easy to follow up with another back aerial or another move. His forward aerial is instead a combo finisher as it comes out slower and recovers slower than his back air in exchange for having much more power and knockback, providing significant KO power. Notably, canceling either of these moves by landing after the first hit allows Young Link to combo in to almost any move in his kit depending on the situation.

 

The [[up aerial]] is a thrust above Young Link that comes out very fast for how strong it is and lingers a while, making it useful for covering the space above him. It can be used to juggle opponents, as its large disjoint makes it hard to challenge. Additionally, his up aerial is a powerful KO move and can be comboed into quite flexibly. His [[down aerial]], while not being a combo tool except in relatively rare situations, serves as a reliable landing option or jump callout due to its lingering, disjointed hitbox and considerable power even on the late hit.

 

Young Link's [[special move]]s grant him many more options to work with. Like his normals they tend to be fast, flexible and safe. [[Fire Arrow]] fires a flaming arrow in front of Young Link. It is incredibly fast and quick-recovering, and even an uncharged arrow travels a respectable distance, making it a very persistent poking tool when zoning. The arrow itself also deals low upwards knockback with high hitstun, making them reliable combo starters, provided Young Link is close enough to his opponent or can catch the upward knockback with another projectile (including another arrow). Fire Arrow can also be charged, allowing it to fly further and do more damage than a noncharged arrow, which can be useful for catching landings, mixing up timings against certain reflectors, or pressuring far away targets. However, this charge cannot be stored, unlike moves such as [[Charge Shot]].

[[Boomerang]] is slower than Fire Arrow, but comes with the perks of more damage, lasting much longer, being able to be thrown at different angles, and returning to Young Link after travelling a certain distance, meaning that the opponent must remain aware of the Boomerang’s location even after it has passed them. Boomerang is best used as a lingering trap to grant Young Link stage control and for challenging people above or below you with its many angles. Interestingly, a point blank Boomerang is actually safe on shield against most of the cast, something uncharacteristic of a projectile.

{{b|Bomb|Link}}, Young Link's third and final projectile, is perhaps his most complex and flexible. When used, Bomb functions as a held item, allowing Young Link to throw it forward, backward, up, and down, in addition to Z-dropping it, which may be used to pressure people below him or drop it and have it lie on the ground until it explodes. Bomb grants Young Link a numerous amount of trapping opportunities, such as being able to use dropped Bombs to cover platforms or ledge getup options, as well as setting up for combos if the Bomb hits an opponent.

This diverse projectile kit allow Young Link to play as a zoner, much like regular Link does. However, while most zoners' weaknesses are their poor frame data and inability to get opponents off of them, Young Link is more than capable of fighting up close and actually likes when his opponents get close to him, as it allows him to take advantage of his combo game. Speaking of combos, his last special move, [[Spin Attack]], serves as a surprisingly effective combo starter on the ground, where it knocks opponents up into the air with weak knockback and has little endlag. Starting frame 9 and hitting on both sides, it provides a powerful out of shield option with great damage reward. In the air, it is instead a combo finisher or hard read, reliably KOing opponents at (or beyond) the ledge.

Young Link's [[grab]] game may be the best of the Links and provides him with additional options. Unlike Link, Young Link still retains use of the [[Hookshot]] for his grab, giving him a very long, disjointed grab range in exchange for his grab being laggier than unarmed grabs and thus requiring a more spacing-dependent grappling style, either grabbing at range or using turnaround grabs to create space. Additionally, the Hookshot itself can be used as a [[grab aerial]] attack. It has the longest range of any of his aerials, and can confirm in to a variety of followups, including his neutral air or up smash for KOs at higher percents. This grab aerial attack also provides him with a tether recovery, which is often much safer than his Spin Attack. His forward throw is one of the strongest forward throws in the game, KOing middleweights at the ledge of Final Destination around 130% depending on their [[directional influence]]. Some Young Link players will enjoy trying to forward-throw their oppponents very quickly before they've had a chance to DI. Young Link's grabs also have solid combo potential, as his up and down throws both provide combos at low to mid percents. His back throw is the least useful of his throws, but can set up for an edgeguard.

However, while he has some very potent strengths, Young Link has some notable weaknesses. His range, while disjointed, is significantly lacking when compared to other sword users. As a result, despite having a sword, Young Link is beaten out in range by nearly every other swordfighter in the game, causing his mid-range game to be rather poor as his attacks are too short ranged to hit but his projectiles leave him wide open to attack. Unlike other sword characters, he still needs to get up close and personal if he wants to use any attacks other than his projectiles, which leads into his second issue of his mobility.

While Young Link's mobility is average overall, this average mobility can tend to clash with his combo oriented moveset. This can lead to situations where Young Link is simply too slow to continue a combo he has started. While Fire Arrows can help alleviate this by being used to "hold" opponents in hitstun while Young Link gets over to continue the combo, it is not ideal or even possible in all situations. His low air speed can also limit his ability to approach or escape, making him dependent on his projectiles for setting the terms of engagement.  

Additionally, Young Link's recovery, while much better than in ''Melee'', can be exploitable. His Spin Attack, while having good reach, travels on a predictable arc and only hits to his sides, allowing him to be edgeguarded by characters who can hit his head, or be blocked by characters with counters such as Lucina. Young Link has a variety of options to deepen his recovery potential thanks to his tether recovery and many projectiles he can throw at the stage to cover himself, but in bad situations may be forced to use his up special in a way that's very vulnerable or predictable.

Young Link's KO potential can also be a mixed bag. His up smash gives him excellent kill potential out of shield, but is risky if it misses. While he has many safe moves that kill such as his neutral air, forward air, and forward tilt, they may kill quite late, often requiring the opponent to be past 150%. Young Link is very dependent on his melee hits in order to kill, challenging him to contend with his sometimes-awkward approach game and short reach. As usual, this can be mitigated with projectiles, which provide combos even at very high percents and give Young Link an opening with which to approach. Stale moves can also present challenges--moves like his nair and fair may have been heavily involved in combos and neutral, meaning they may be missing their full power when used for a KO. These factors, when combined with a large number of combos and setups to learn, cause Young Link to have a rather high learning curve, especially at top level play.

In summary, Young Link, despite featuring a very similar moveset to his alternate timeline counterparts, has a unique design and playstyle unlike anybody else in the game. He is regarded as having one of the best combo games and above average zoning tools, giving him the ability to play both hyper defensively and hyper aggressively and switch between the two playstyles on the fly to throw opponents off.

 

==Differences from {{SSBU|Link}}==

The parent Link has received a significant overhaul to his aesthetic design and playstyle wise that references his appearance in ''Breath of the Wild''. As Young Link hails from ''Ocarina of Time'', his moveset is much closer to his adult self's appearances ''[[Link (SSBM)|in ''Melee'']]'' and the [[Link (SSB)|original ''Super Smash Bros.'']], effectively serving as the classic Link archetype for this game. He retains moves and characteristics from ''Melee'' that the Hero of the Wild lacks (most notably a [[flurry attack]] and [[Hookshot]]), yet he has also received a few changes that reference the Hero of Twilight as he appeared [[Link (SSBB)|in ''Brawl'']] and [[Link (SSB4)|in ''Super Smash Bros. 4'']]. While these changes further de-[[clone]] Young Link from Link, he remains a full clone instead of a semi-clone due to his large number of shared attacks (compared to Toon Link, who has roughly as many unique attacks as not). Of note is that with the exception of his neutral infinite, every move that Young Link does not share with Link is instead shared with Toon Link.

*{{change|Young Link wears the {{iw|zeldawiki|Kokiri Tunic}} by default, whereas Link wears the {{iw|zeldawiki|Champion's Tunic}} and {{iw|zeldawiki|Hylian Trousers}} by default.}}

**{{change|Unlike Young Link, Link's alternate costumes include model modifications via the {{iw|zeldawiki|Wild Set}} and its respective variations.}}

*{{change|Young Link wields the {{iw|zeldawiki|Kokiri Sword}} and {{iw|zeldawiki|Deku Shield}}, whereas Link wields the {{iw|zeldawiki|Master Sword}} and {{iw|zeldawiki|Hylian Shield}}.}}

**{{change|Unlike Link, who holds his sword and shield in his right and left hands to reflect ''Breath of the Wild'', Young Link holds his sword and shield in his left and right hands, as seen in ''Zelda'' game's prior to ''Skyward Sword''.}}

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

*{{change|Young Link is shorter than Link. While this does make him harder to hit, it also results in him having less reach in his attacks. Young Link's shield is also smaller than Link's (radius: 10.9 → 10), overall covering him better vertically due to his shorter stature, but worse horizontally.}}

*{{change|Young Link deals less knockback for most of his attacks. Overall, this weakens his KO potential in comparison to Link, but it also grants Young Link access to new combos when combined with his faster frame data.}}

*{{buff|Young Link can [[wall jump]], aiding his recovery and ledge play options on stages with walls.}}

*{{buff|Young Link [[walk]]s faster than Link (1.247 → 1.26).}}

*{{buff|Young Link [[dash]]es faster than Link (1.534 → 1.749).}}

**{{buff|Young Link's initial dash speed is faster than Link's (1.98 → 2.09).}}

**{{nerf|Young Link's dash acceleration is lower than Link's (0.17567 → 0.1342).}}

*{{nerf|Young Link's [[traction]] is slightly lower than Link's (0.113 → 0.105), making it slightly harder for Young Link to punish [[out of shield]].}}

*{{change|Young Link's [[air friction]] is slightly lower (0.0038 → 0.00375).}}

*{{buff|Young Link's [[air speed]] is faster than Link's (0.924 → 0.966).}}

*{{buff|Young Link's base [[air acceleration]] is higher than Link's (0.01 → 0.02), giving him a higher total air acceleration (0.05 → 0.06).}}

*{{change|Young Link [[Falling speed|falls]] faster (1.6 → 1.8) than Link. However, his [[fast fall]]ing speed is slower (3.04 → 2.88).}}

**{{nerf|The difference between Young Link's falling speed and fast falling speed is much lower than Link's (increase: 90% → 60%), which makes it more predictable when landing and gives him fewer options in the air.}}

*{{buff|Young Link [[jump]]s higher than Link (27.8 → 33.66 (jump), 13.38 → 16.26 (short hop), 29 → 33.66 (double jump)).}}

*{{nerf|Young Link is significantly [[Weight|lighter]] than Link (104 → 88). This makes Young Link significantly easier to KO than Link.}}

*[[Neutral attack]]:

**{{buff|Young Link's neutral attack can be followed by a neutral infinite and a finisher, unlike Link's.}}

**{{buff|The first hit has much less startup lag (frame 7 → 4).}}

**{{change|The first hit has a lower [[hitlag]] multiplier (1.6× → 1.5×).}}

**{{nerf|The second hit has more startup lag (frame 5 → 6).}}

**{{buff|The first and second hits have much less ending lag (FAF 25 → 18 (hit 1), 25 → 17 (hit 2)).}}

**{{nerf|The third hit has more ending lag (FAF 35 → 36).}}

**{{nerf|All hits deal less damage (3% → 2% (hit 1), 3% → 1.5% (hit 2), 4% → 3.5% (hit 3), 10% → 7% (total)).}}

*[[Forward tilt]]:

**{{buff|Forward tilt has noticeably less startup lag (frame 15 → 10).}}

**{{nerf|It has a shorter hitbox duration (frames 15-19 → 10-12), which also causes it to have one more frame of ending lag despite the shorter total duration (FAF 40 → 34).}}

**{{nerf|It deals less damage (13% → 12% (base)/11% (tip)) and knockback (55 base/82 scaling → 30/85 (blade), 25/85 (body)), making it considerably weaker than Link's.}}

**{{nerf|It has more startup lag (frame 8 → 9).}}

**{{buff|It has a longer duration (frames 8-12 → 9-14) and less ending lag (FAF 36 → 32).}}

**{{nerf|It deals less damage (11% → 8%) with knockback not fully compensated (30 base/103/111/105/104 scaling → 20 base/130/128/126 scaling), making it weaker than Link's.}}

***{{buff|However, this improves its combo potential when combined with its lower ending lag.}}

**{{change|The sword hit launches at a consistent angle (95°/85° → 85°).}}

**{{change|The body hit launches at a lower angle (85° → 75°).}}  

*[[Down tilt]]:

**{{buff|Down tilt has less startup (frame 10 → 8) and ending lag (FAF 31 → 26), as well as less knockback (90 base/30 scaling → 80/25), making it better for combos.}}

**{{buff|Although it does not reach as far as Link's, it uses three larger, non-extended hitboxes rather than a single small, extended hitbox (2u → 3.4u/3.4u/3.0u). This gives it more vertical range.}}

**{{change|It does not deal consistent damage (9% → 10%/9%/7%).}}

*[[Dash attack]]:

**{{change|Young Link has a different dash attack: instead of performing the {{iw|zeldawiki|Jump Attack}} from ''Ocarina of Time'', he performs a lunging downwards slash.}}

**{{buff|It has much less startup (frame 20 → 8) and ending lag (FAF 57 → 35), making it much safer.}}

**{{nerf|It deals less damage (14% (tip)/13% (blade)/12% (body) → 11% (base)/10% (tip)) and knockback (70 base/85 scaling (tip), 85/85 (blade), 85/77 (body) → 70/70) and the tip of the Kokiri Sword is a sourspot, making it considerably weaker than Link's.}}

*[[Forward smash]]:

**{{nerf|The first hit of Young Link's forward smash cannot fire a {{iw|zeldawiki|Sword Beam}} at 0%.}}

**{{buff|The first hit has less startup (frame 17 → 15) and ending lag (FAF 51 → 48) and has a wider continuability window (frame 23-36 → 21-39 (13 frames → 18)).}}

**{{change|The first hit always deals lower damage (7% (base)/14% (tip) → 6%) and knockback (45 base/12 scaling (base), 30/100 (tip) → 35/40 base/15 scaling). This removes the tip hitbox's KO potential, but allows it to connect into the second hit more consistently.}}

**{{change|The first hit launches at a lower angle than Link's base hit (69°/60° → 60°/50°).}}

**{{nerf|The second hit has more startup lag (frame 10 → 11).}}

**{{buff|The second hit has much less ending lag (FAF 61 → 50).}}

**{{nerf|The second hit deals less damage (13% (blade)/12% (body) → 12% (base)/10% (tip)) and knockback (85 base/89 scaling → 43/115).}}

*[[Up smash]]:

**{{buff|Up smash has noticeably less ending lag (FAF 78 → 70).}}

**{{nerf|The first two hits have a slightly shorter duration (10-15 → 10-14 (hit 1), 25-30 → 25-29 (hit 2)).}}

**{{nerf|The first and third hits deal less damage (4% → 3% (hit 1), 11%/10%/9% → 8%/7% (hit 3)) and the knockback in the third hit is not fully compensated (60 base/96 scaling → 75/108), hindering its KO potential.}}

*[[Down smash]]:

**{{buff|Down smash has less startup (frame 12 → 9) and ending lag (FAF 55 → 50).}}

**{{nerf|Both hits deal less damage (17%/16%/14% → 13%/10% (hit 1), 12%/11%/10% → 10%/9% (hit 2)) and knockback (40 base/88 scaling → 30/90 (hit 1), 80/63 → 25 base/90/70 scaling (hit 2)).}}

**{{change|The first hit launches at a much lower angle (78° → 30°).}}

*[[Neutral aerial]]:

**{{buff|Neutral aerial has less startup lag (frame 7 → 4).}}

**{{nerf|It has a shorter hitbox duration (frames 7-31 → 4-27), which also causes it to have one frame more ending lag despite the shorter total duration (FAF 39 → 36).}}

**{{buff|It autocancels earlier (frame 36 → 32). Unlike Link's, it can autocancel in a short hop.}}

**{{change|The clean hit deals consistent damage (11%/9% → 10%) and has different knockback values (22 base/100 scaling → 20/108).}}

**{{nerf|The late hit deals less damage (6% → 5%).}}

***{{buff|However, it has less base knockback (15 → 10), improving its combo potential when combined with its reduced damage.}}

**{{nerf|The late hit lacks Link's notoriously large lingering hitboxes, with 2 of the 3 hitboxes being shrunk considerably (4.5u → 3u). Combined with Young Link's shorter, wider legs, this reduces the move's disjoint considerably.}}

**{{buff|Forward aerial's first hit has less startup lag (frame 16 → 14).}}

**{{buff|It has much less ending lag (FAF 52 → 41), improving its combo potential at lower percents.}}

**{{buff|It has noticeably less landing lag (11 frames → 6).}}

**{{buff|It autocancels earlier (frame 53 → 41), matching its interruptibility. Unlike Link's, it can autocancel in a full hop.}}

**{{nerf|Both hits deal less damage (8% → 6% (hit 1), 10% → 8%/7% (hit 2)) and the knockback in the second hit is not fully compensated (43 base/120 scaling → 45/125), hindering its KO potential.}}

***{{buff|However, this further improves its combo potential when combined with its lower ending lag.}}

**{{change|The second hit launches at a slightly higher angle (44° → 48°).}}  

**{{nerf|Back aerial's second hit has more startup lag (frame 15 → 18).}}

**{{nerf|Back aerial's first hit's aerial hitboxes deal less set knockback (36 → 20). Combined with Young Link's faster falling speed and the greater delay between the hits, this makes the move connect less consistently.}}

**{{buff|It has less ending lag (FAF 31 → 30).}}

*[[Up aerial]]:

**{{buff|Up aerial has noticeably less startup lag with a longer active duration (frames 11-40 → 5-49), making it safer to use and decreasing its ending lag compared to the hitbox.}}

***{{nerf|However, this also causes it to autocancel later (frame 43 → 56), increasing its ending lag before it can autocancel. Unlike Link's, it cannot autocancel in a full hop.}}

**{{nerf|The clean hit deals less knockback (23 base/93 scaling → 25/82).}}

**{{nerf|The late hit deals less damage (13% → 12%) with knockback not fully compensated (18 base/88 scaling → 25/82), hindering its KO potential.}}

*[[Down aerial]]:

**{{buff|Down aerial has less startup lag with a longer active duration (frames 14-64 → 13-64).}}

***{{nerf|However, the clean hit has a shorter active duration (frames 14-19 → 13-15).}}

**{{buff|It has less landing lag (19 frames → 17).}}

**{{buff|It has a larger initial autocancel window (frames 1-9 → 1-12).}}

**{{buff|It deals more knockback scaling (80/78 → 83) and launches at a higher angle (270°/60° → 70°), improving its KO potential near the vertical blastzone.}}

***{{nerf|However, it does not have a [[meteor smash]] hitbox.}}

**{{nerf|The bounce-off hit deals less damage (11% → 9%) with knockback fully compensated (50 base/80 scaling → 40/100).}}

**{{change|Young Link retains the [[Hookshot]] while Link no longer has a [[tether grab]].}}

***{{buff|Because of this, all grabs have much longer range, as well as a longer duration (2 frames → 7).}}

***{{nerf|However, all grabs have noticeably more startup (frame 6/9/10 (standing/dash/pivot) → 12/14/15) and ending lag (FAF 35/43/38 → 52/60/55), making them riskier to use at close range, and easier to punish if they miss.}}

***{{buff|This gives Young Link a [[grab aerial]] and a [[tether recovery]].}}

*[[Forward throw]]:

**{{buff|Forward throw deals slightly more damage (2.5% → 3% (throw), 5.5% → 6% (total)).}}

**{{buff|It deals drastically more knockback (75 base/85 scaling → 48/184), allowing it to KO under 140% at the edge.}}

**{{change|It launches at a higher angle (33° → 52°).}}  

*[[Back throw]]:

**{{buff|Back throw deals slightly more damage (2.5% → 3% (throw), 5.5% → 6% (total)).}}

**{{buff|It deals more knockback (67 base/110 scaling → 45/140), allowing it to KO under 200% at the edge.}}

*[[Up throw]]:

**{{nerf|Up throw deals less damage (5% → 4% (hit 1), 7% → 6% (total)) and knockback (24 base/230 scaling → 30/210).}}

*[[Down throw]]:

**{{change|It has different knockback values (60 base/125 scaling → 70/115).}}

**{{change|It launches at a slightly higher angle (83° → 86°).}}  

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

**{{nerf|Edge attack has much shorter range.}}

*[[Fire Arrow]]:

**{{buff|Fire Arrow less startup lag (frame 16 → 14) than Link's [[Bow and Arrows]].}}

**{{change|Arrows fly faster when uncharged (speed 2.6 → 2.8), but fly much slower when fully charged (speed 10 → 6.3). The arrows are also floatier (gravity 0.054 → 0.035).}}

***{{change|Overall, arrows have more range at low charge levels, and less range at high charge levels.}}

**{{buff|It deals more knockback (10 base/71 scaling → 45/70) and launches upward instead of away ([[361]]° → 78°), increasing his combo ability and making the move safer on hit up close.}}

**{{change|It deals [[flame]] damage (hence the name).}}

**{{change|Unlike Link's, arrows can not be picked up.}}

**{{buff|Boomerang deals more damage (8% (clean)/6% (late) → 11%/7%), which increases further if used as a smash special move (9.6% (clean)/7.2% (late) → 13.2%/8.4%).}}

**{{buff|Boomerang can be angled more (max angle change: 26˚ → 33˚).}}

***{{nerf|However, the clean hit has a much shorter duration (frames 27-36 → 27-29).}}

**{{nerf|Boomerang has a shorter max duration (129 frames → 127 (regular), 171 → 163 (smash)).}}

**{{nerf|A smash input has less initial speed (3.1 → 2.9).}}

**{{change|The return speed of the boomerang is slower (3 → 2.8).}}

**{{change|It deals less knockback (80/60 base/40 scaling → 55 base/30 scaling).}}

**{{nerf|The return hitbox deals less damage (3% → 2%).}}

**{{change|The return hitbox deals less knockback (50 base/40 scaling → 40/30) and launches vertically (70° → 90°).}}

*[[Spin Attack]]:

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

***{{nerf|However, the knockback values are barely compensated from Link's clean hit (60 base/88 scaling → 71/85), make it not a viable KO move unlike Link's.}}

**{{buff|The grounded version launches opponents upwards, allowing for more follow-ups.}}

**{{nerf|The aerial version's first and final hits deal less damage (4% → 3%) and knockback (30 base/200 scaling → 40/180).}}

**{{buff|The aerial version grants more height due to being floatier, improving its recovery distance.}}

**{{nerf|Young Link's air speed is restricted slightly more after using the move (air speed multiplier: 0.909 → 0.9), and air acceleration is also reduced more.}}

**{{buff|The aerial version has less landing lag (30 frames → 24).}}

**{{change|Young Link retains Link's original [[Bomb (Link)|bombs]] that detonate automatically, instead of the [[Remote Bomb]].}}

**{{change|It hits four times instead of once.}}

***{{buff|It deals more damage (7% → 8-9.6% (2-2.4% per hit)).}}

**{{change|Young Link's Final Smash is [[Triforce Slash]], which was Link's Final Smash in his previous appearances.}}

**{{buff|It deals drastically more damage (35% → 60%) with multiple hits, improving its KO potential.}}

Young Link has been significantly buffed in the transition from ''Melee'' to ''Ultimate''. His attributes, moveset, and general gameplan have all been significantly improved in the transition, and he has gained a better combo game, whereas the changes to the general pace of ''Ultimate'' have contributed to his benefits.

Young Link's speed has been improved from ''Melee'', both in terms of his mobility and frame data. Many of his attacks have decreased startup and ending lag (such as his [[neutral attack]], [[forward tilt|forward]] and [[down tilt]]s, and [[dash attack]]), and his aerials have heavily decreased landing lag (even compared to their [[L-cancel]]ed counterparts in ''Melee''), improving his ability to land. Some of his moves have also been reworked to make them more reliable and effective, such as his [[up smash]] and his [[forward aerial|forward]] and [[back aerial]]s, and the weakening of [[SDI]] heavily benefits his multi-hit attacks. His grab game has also been improved thanks to the universal changes to tether grabs, as they now have less ending lag and a longer duration. His [[forward throw]] also has increased knockback, giving him a new KOing option.

His special moveset has also seen heavy improvements. [[Fire Arrow]] has less ending lag and increased knockback, [[Boomerang]] deals less knockback as a result of its lower damage, grounded [[Spin Attack]] has less ending lag after its final hit, and aerial Spin Attack's hits link into each other much more consistently. {{b|Bomb|Link}}s were also significantly buffed, as their multi-hits accumulate their damage faster, they travel farther when thrown, no longer deal damage to Young Link if they hit an enemy head-on, and can be "soft-tossed" or slowly Z-dropped without exploding. All of these changes combined together not only grant Young Link a deceptively improved zoning game, but have also further improved his combo ability from mid-distance.

 

The changes to ''Ultimate''{{'}}s engine have also generally benefitted Young Link. The universal increase in mobility, the ability to [[Run cancel|use any attack out of a run]], and the increased [[shieldstun]] have vastly improved Young Link's close quarters combat, as he can now close in on the distance with less issue, and his attacks' above average damage output renders them harder to punish (most infamously his tilt attacks). The universal reduction to landing lag is an especially notable benefit, as not only does this improve his ability to land, but it improves his aerials' safety on shield (despite the reduced shieldstun on aerial attacks), but has also dramatically improved his combo game up-close outside of his [[down throw]] and Bombs, with him now having set-up options by virtue of his [[neutral aerial]]'s late hit and the first hits of his forward and back aerials. The removal of [[edgehogging]], the introduction of [[Edgeguarding#Ledge trumping|ledge trumping]] and the changes to invincibility when grabbing an [[edge]] have also notably improved Young Link's recovery, making him much less vulnerable to getting edgeguarded or getting hit if he doesn't grab the stage's edge.

 

Although he has mostly received buffs, Young Link is not without some nerfs. In exchange for his now excellent combo ability, some of Young Link's attacks deal less damage (most notably his projectiles), now requiring him to string more hits in order to rack up more damage. A few of his attacks also have slightly increased startup and ending lag, while others have shorter durations, bringing them more in line with the rest of the cast. His aerial mobility is also slightly worse (especially when relative to the cast). In terms of gameplay changes, the changes to [[air dodging]] hinder Young Link's mobility, as [[wavedashing]] and wavelanding are significantly less effective due to their increased landing lag. The removal of [[Meteor smash#Meteor canceling|meteor canceling]] has hurt Young Link more than any other returning veteran, as his fast falling speed renders him highly vulnerable to them, while the loss of his own down tilt's and down aerial's meteor smash hitboxes result in him gaining no benefits from its removal.

 

Overall, Young Link's gameplan has radically changed between both games, which has also resulted in a slight increase to his already high learning curve. Young Link now has reliable damage-racking capabilities at all ranges, courtesy of an improved zoning game and a deceptively improved combo game that doesn't rely on his bombs, which now makes it easier for him to close in on the distance against other characters and harder for other characters to keep up with him, and he has less trouble at landing due to his aerials' lower landing lag. However, some of Young Link's weaknesses from ''Melee'' still remain, most notably his below average range for a swordfighter (despite it improving in the transition) and his still limited KOing ability despite the higher knockback on some of his moves and his new hit confirms, meaning Young Link still has to take risks in order to KO the opponent. Regardless, he is a much better character than he was in ''Melee''.

==Update history==

Young Link received a mix of buffs, nerfs and glitch fixes via game updates, but was buffed overall. The nerfs to the shield damage of various projectiles in update 3.0.0 affect Young Link more negatively than most other characters. However, update 7.0.0 gave Young Link increased knockback on a few of his attacks, allowing for more KO options.

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

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

|neutralname=Slash ({{ja|なぎ払い|Nagiharai}}) / Counter Slash ({{ja|返し|Kaeshi}}) / Stab ({{ja|突き|Tsuki}}) / Illusion Slash ({{ja|幻影斬り|Genei Kiri}}) / Illusion Finish ({{ja|幻影フィニッシュ|Genei Finisshu}})

|neutraldesc=A downward slash, followed by an outward slash, followed by a thrust. If button mashed, Young Link instead performs a rapid flurry of slashes before concluding with an upward slash. The standard neutral attack is based on the final series of strikes that his adult self 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 resembles the [[zeldawiki:Targeting#Z-Targeting|Z-Targeting]] slash he uses in ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'' and ''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask''. It comes out on frame 10 with low ending lag, yet it has good power for its speed, making it a reliable KO option. However, the tip of the sword is a sourspot.

|utiltname=Half-Moon Slash ({{ja|半月斬り|Hangetsu Kiri}})

|utiltdesc=An overhead arcing clash. A reliable combo starter that can combo into itself or into Young Link's aerials.

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

|dtiltdesc=A kneeling inward slash. It has minimal knockback and launches the opponent vertically, allowing it to easily chain into all of his aerials at almost any percent, allowing for KO confirms into aerial Spin Attack and forward aerial. One of Young Link's best combo tools. It deals more damage closer to the base of the sword.

|dashname=Splitting Strike ({{ja|たたき割り|Tataki Wari}})

|dashdesc=A lunging downward slash. It comes out quickly at frame 8 without a large amount of ending lag, and it has decent power, giving it some KO potential at the ledge. Just like his other attacks, the tip of the Kokiri Sword deals less damage.

|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'')

|fsmashdesc=A two-handed, lunging downward slash. If the attack button is pressed again, Young Link will perform a single-handed outward slash. The first hit deals almost no knockback but is a natural combo into the second hit, which deals powerful knockback. Is somewhat fast for a forward smash, coming out on frame 15. Can be comboed into from neutral aerial's late hit and aerial Hookshot.

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

|usmashdesc=A series of three overhead arcing slashes, the last of which launches opponents vertically. Unlike in ''Melee'', it is no longer capable of creating long juggles due to its increased lag and knockback, although this also makes it significantly more effective as a KO move. The first two slashes trap opponents, with the third hit launching them vertically. Decently powerful, but the move's long duration makes it easy to punish if whiffed. It was buffed in update 7.0.0, and is now a viable KO option due to being noticeably stronger than before.

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

|dsmashdesc=A kneeling inward slash in front of himself, followed by a kneeling outward slash behind himself. The move is stronger from the front than from the back, and both hits are semi-spikes, making them good for edgeguarding.

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

|nairdesc=A flying kick. It is a [[sex kick]] and one of the fastest aerials in the game at frame 4, making it a very good option to get opponents off of him. Additionally, it has extremely low landing lag, can autocancel in a short hop, and is just as potent when used offensively, as the late hit can function both as a combo starter or in the middle of a combo to lead into a variety of moves. It also has decent power, as it can KO at high percents when edgeguarding. 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=Spinning Sweep ({{ja|回転なぎ払い|Kaiten Nagiharai}})

|fairdesc=Two alternating, spinning outward slashes. The first hit traps opponents into the second hit, which deals reasonably high knockback, making it useful for knocking opponents offstage or KOing 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. It can autocancel in a full hop.

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

|bairdesc=A hook kick followed by a mid-level roundhouse kick. It comes out on frame 6 and has the same very low ending lag as his neutral and forward aerials. Functions similarly to his forward aerial, including the ability to drag down foes with the first hit, but trades range and power for reduced start-up. Despite this, it possesses a somewhat disjointed hitbox, and its first hit can reliably KO into any of his smash attacks.

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

|uairdesc=The {{iw|zeldawiki|Jump Thrust}}. It has a long active duration, and its high damage and knockback allow it to KO at around 130% with the clean hit, but despite that, it has very fast start-up at frame 5. However, its long active duration makes it punishable if not used carefully, and it has a strict autocancel window, as it can only autocancel in a double jump.

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

|dairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|18}} (clean), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|15}} (late), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|9}} (bounce)

|dairdesc=The {{iw|zeldawiki|Down Thrust}}. Unlike Link's similar move, it does not meteor smash even with the clean hit. Deals high knockback, making it one of Young Link's most reliable aerial KO moves, 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 ({{ja|空中フックショット|Kūchū Fukkushotto}})

|zairdesc=Fires his {{iw|zeldawiki|Hookshot}} forward. Can be used to [[Tether recovery|grab stage edges]] and is a very useful spacing option. As of update 7.0.0, it now has above-average hitstun and faster start-up, making it an excellent combo starter at nearly any percent, even allowing for KO confirms into up smash, forward smash, or forward aerial.

|grabname=[[Hookshot]] ({{ja|フックショット|Fukkushotto}})

|grabdesc=Fires his Hookshot forward. It is a tether grab, and thus has higher lag than normal grabs in exchange for much longer range. Has noticeably more ending lag than {{SSBU|Toon Link}}'s grabs.

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

|pummeldesc=Hits the opponent with the Kokiri Sword's pommel. Despite its weak power, its hitlag multiplier matches that of other stronger pummels, giving it only average speed. As a result, it is one of the worst pummels in the game.

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

|fthrowdesc=A front kick. As of update 7.0.0, it is one of the strongest forward throws in the game, starting to KO middleweights around 130% from the edge of [[Final Destination]].

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

|bthrowdesc=A back kick. Launches at a high angle, but has low ending lag and relatively low knockback growth, potentially leading into edgeguard setups. It is also capable of KOing around 180% from the edge of Final Destination.

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

|uthrowdesc=Tosses the opponent up into the air and performs a spinning upward slash. Has very minimal KO potential, even on platforms, as it 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. Unlike {{SSBU|Link}} and Toon Link's up throws, it can combo reliably into up aerial at low percents due to his up aerial coming out much faster than theirs.

|dthrowname=Elbow Strike ({{ja|ヒジ打ち|Hiji Uchi}})

|dthrowdesc=Pins the opponent to the ground and performs an [[wikipedia:Professional wrestling attacks#Elbow drop|elbow drop]]. A very reliable a combo starter, even in spite of its combo potential being toned down since ''Melee''.

|nsdesc=Wields his {{iw|zeldawiki|Fairy Bow}} to fire a {{iw|zeldawiki|Fire Arrow}}. It can be charged up for more power and range. The arrows send opponents at an upwards angle with low knockback and high hitstun, making it a good aerial combo starter. In addition, it has low start-up and ending lag, making it an excellent combo/spacing tool all around.

|ssdesc=Throws his {{iw|zeldawiki|Boomerang}} forward. It flies forward and then returns to Young Link. On the way forward, it launches enemies vertically with low base knockback, and on the way back, it launches them towards Link with slightly 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. Like the other Links' Boomerangs, it is slow to throw but is very safe on shield.

|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 rapidly with the Kokiri Sword outstretched]]. The grounded version is a series of outward slashes, whereas the aerial version is a series of inward slashes. It has very quick start-up, making it a potent out of shield option. On the ground, it can be charged to inflict 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, Young Link's version of the Spin Attack is different than the variants the other Links have: instead of dealing strong horizontal knockback, Young Link's Spin Attack deals weak vertical knockback, making it 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 {{iw|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, though it can also be left lying on the ground to run out its fuse as a hazard if lightly dropped a short distance from the ground. The Bomb's weak knockback makes it a useful combo starter. It can be used to extend Young Link's recovery, as the damage from the explosion will take him out of helplessness.

|fsdmg=1% (trapping), 3% (hits 1-14), 2% (hit 15), 15% (final)

===Stats===

 

===[[Announcer]] call===

{{audio|Needs announcer calls from other languages.}}

 

*Descends from a column of light and unsheathes the Kokiri Sword. This is akin to [[Link (SSB)|his older self]]'s on-screen appearance in ''Smash 64''. Based on the end-of-dungeon teleports from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time]]''.

YoungLinkOnScreenAppearanceSSBU.gif|Young Link's on-screen appearance

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

*'''Up taunt''': Holds the {{iw|zeldawiki|Kokiri Sword}} overhead triumphantly in the air.

*'''Side taunt''': Places the {{iw|zeldawiki|Deku Shield}} on his back and holds out his hand, watching {{iw|zeldawiki|Navi}} fly around him. The pose of his hand is the same one he makes in one of his [https://zeldawiki.wiki/wiki/File:MM_Link_Tatl_Artwork.png artworks] from ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask}}'', only using Navi instead of Tatl. Similar to {{SSBB|Link}}'s side taunt from ''Brawl'' and ''Smash 4''.

*'''Down taunt''': Sheaths the Kokiri Sword and places the Deku Shield on his back and takes a drink of {{iw|zeldawiki|Lon Lon Milk}}. Significantly shortened from ''Melee''.

*'''Left:''' While holding the Kokiri Sword in a reverse grip, he adjusts his belt and flicks his nose. It is based on one of his idle animations in ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''.

*'''Up:''' Thrusts the Kokiri Sword in front of himself, then brings it near his face before thrusting it upward while giving off a battle cry. It is nearly identical to one of Link's poses, albeit with a different camera angle and Young Link being left-handed.

*'''Right:''' Sheathes the Kokiri Sword, dusts his hands off, and then 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 ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda|Game}}'' and has since become the main theme of ''The Legend of Zelda'' series.]]

==In [[competitive play]]==

<!--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 -->

 

''See also: [[:Category:Young Link players (SSBU)]]''

 

*{{Sm|Jdizzle|Australia}} - One of the best players in all of Oceania, winning or being the highest-placing Australian player at many Australian events, including winning {{Trn|Battle Arena Melbourne 12}} and placing 2nd at {{Trn|Phantom 2020}}. He is also the most successful Australian player at international events, with several noteworthy performances such as placing 7th at {{Trn|Gen 1.0}} and 17th at both {{Trn|Let's Make Big Moves 2022}} and {{Trn|Ultimate WANTED 4}}, in addition to securing wins over players such as {{Sm|KEN}} at [https://www.start.gg/tournament/winner-19/details WINNER! 19] and {{Sm|Gackt}} at both Gen 1.0 and {{Trn|GENESIS 9}}.

*{{Sm|Kobe|USA}} - One of the best Young Link players in North America who was the definitive best in 2021. He is best known for his many great superregional performances that include winning {{Trn|CIRQUE du CFL}} after defeating {{Sm|Zomba}} and {{Sm|Kola}} twice, placing 4th at {{Trn|InfinityCON Tally 2021}} and 5th at {{Trn|CEO 2024}}, and defeating {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}} at {{Trn|MomoCon 2024}}. Though less successful at majors, he has still seen several great runs, including placing 13th at {{Trn|Riptide}} and 17th at {{Trn|Let's Make Big Moves 2022}}.

*{{Sm|skittles|USA|p=Iowa}} - First known for being one of the best players in the online metagame, he has since established himself as one of the best Young Link players in the post-pandemic metagame, especially in 2022 where he double-eliminated {{Sm|Zomba}} twice at back-to-back events {{Trn|Frosty Faustings XIV 2022}} and {{Trn|LEVELUP Arena 4}}, in addition to his runs to 5th at {{Trn|Riptide 2022}} and 9th at {{Trn|Rise 'N Grind}}.  

*{{Sm|Suinoko|Japan}} - The best Young Link player in Japan. In spite of his inconsistency in competitive play, he is the second Young Link player to place top 8 at a major, doing so by placing 7th at {{Trn|Seibugeki 13}} defeating {{Sm|Kaninabe}}, {{Sm|Kome}}, and {{Sm|Jagaimo}}, and has also seen some other noteworthy peaks, including placing 13th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 10}} and 17th at {{Trn|Kagaribi 9}}.

*{{Sm|Supahsemmie|Netherlands}} - One of the greatest Young Link players of all-time and by far the best Young Link player in Europe. Though best known for eliminating {{Sm|MkLeo}} at {{Trn|Sunrise 2023}}, where he ultimately placing 7th, he has also seen a variety of other strong performances throughout Europe, including regularly placing single-digits at or winning [[Netherlands|Dutch]] events and placing 5th at {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2024}} and 9th at both {{Trn|Temple: Hermès Edition}} and {{Trn|Ultimate WANTED 4}}.

*{{Sm|Toast|USA}} - One of the greatest Young Link players of all-time, mainly due to having the best peaks out of any other Young Link player. He especially was known for his performances during the ill-fated [[Spring 2020 PGRU]] season, where he became the first Young Link player to place top 8 a major by defeating {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}, {{Sm|Samsora}}, and {{Sm|Kameme}} to finish 7th at {{Trn|Frostbite 2020}}; this remains the only time a Young Link player placed top 8 at a supermajor as well. In addition, he is also the highest-placing Young Link player at a major after placing 3rd at {{Trn|CEO 2022}} defeating {{Sm|Sonix}} and {{Sm|Tweek}}.

===Tier placement and history===

However, as time went on, players began discovering his weaknesses, which include inconsistent KO power and a linear, slow recovery, making him relatively easy to edgeguard. In addition, most players who used Young Link at a top-player level, including Tweek, used the character as a secondary, and these players eventually phased Young Link out of their character pool. Despite these shortcomings, Young Link's representation in the first year still remained strong at a regional level thanks to buffs received in update 7.0.0 that improved his KO power, as well as the efforts of players such as {{Sm|skittles|p=Iowa}}, {{Sm|Supahsemmie}}, and {{Sm|Toast}}, the latter of whom was beginning to pick up steam by the end of 2019, and ultimately saw a top 8 finish at the supermajor {{Trn|Frostbite 2020}}. These consistently strong results from Young Link players carried over to the post-online metagame, where many Young Link players continued to place well at majors. As a result, despite opinions on the character mellowing out, Young Link was initially still considered a high-tier character, which is reflected in his placement on the first tier list, where he was ranked 29th.

However, the period following the first tier list saw a great decline in Young Link's results due to the lower activity and consistency from most of his North American players. Although Supahsemmie continued to perform well during this period, even defeating {{Sm|MkLeo}} at {{Trn|Sunrise 2023}}, his performances were still overall weaker than in previous years. Finally, {{Sm|Suinoko}} was able to find some success in the early months of 2023, including placing 7th at {{Trn|Seibugeki 13}}; however, his results remained incredibly inconsistent, and he was rarely able to get anywhere close to that placement. With Young Link's representation on a decline, it correlated with a decline in community opinions on the character as his weaknesses, especially his exploitable recovery and underwhelming range for a swordfighter, became more apparent. As a result, Young Link dropped to 38th on the second tier list, ranking in the B+ tier and marking one of the largest drops between the two tier lists.

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

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

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

|2||{{CharHead|Young Link|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=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 the {{Head|Young Link|g=SSBU|s=20px}} default Young Link.

|3||{{CharHead|Sheik|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Gerudo Valley]] ([[Ω form]])||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Gerudo Valley (Remix)}}''||Items do not appear.

|4||{{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}} {{SSBU|Toon Link}} (x4)||[[Pirate Ship]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|The Great Sea / Menu Select}}''||The multicolored Toon Links are a reference to ''The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords'' sub-series.

|5||{{CharHead|Ganondorf|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Bridge of Eldin]] (Ω form) ||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}''||Items do not appear.

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

|Final||[[Ganon]]||[[Sacred Land]]||''{{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 a necessary unlock found in the [[Sacred Land]] 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 [[List of spirits (The Legend of Zelda series)|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" style="width:100%;"

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

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

!Name

!Type

!Power

!Stage

!Music

|22

|[[File:Young Link SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]

|Young Link

|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>

|10,300

|[[Temple]] ([[Ω form]])

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

{{clr}}

Young Link's fighter spirit can be obtained by completing {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} as Young Link. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 300 Gold, but only after Young Link has been unlocked. 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. His fighter spirit has an alternate version that replaces it with his artwork in ''Ultimate''.

Additionally, Young Link makes an appearance in a few primary spirits under other forms.

SSBU spirit Young Link.png|176. '''''Young Link'''''

SSBU spirit Deku Link.png|207. Deku Link

SSBU spirit Fierce Deity Link.png|208. Fierce Deity Link

==In Spirit Battles==

|{{SpiritTableName|Link (The Legend of Zelda)|customname=[[Link]] (The Legend of Zelda)|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Neutral}}

|Link (Red Ring equipped)

|{{SpiritTableName|Fairy Bottle|link=y|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Grab}}

|•All fighters take serious damage<br>•The enemy has increased defense<br>''•The enemy starts the battle with a Fairy Bottle''

|{{SpiritTableName|Kaepora Gaebora|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Grab}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Happy Mask Salesman|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Shield}}

|•Timed battle (1:30)<br>•All fighters have increased jump power<br>•All fighters have increased move speed after a little while

|{{SpiritTableName|Kafei|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Grab}}

|•Timed battle (1:30)<br>•The enemy tends to avoid conflict

|{{SpiritTableName|Ravio|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Shield}}

|•Timed battle (2:00)<br>•The enemy favors special moves<br>•The enemy is easily distracted by items

|{{SpiritTableName|Poppy Bros. Jr.|size=64}}

|''Kirby'' Series

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

|{{SpiritType|Grab}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Cut Man|size=64}}

|''Mega Man'' Series

|•{{SSBU|Young Link}} {{Head|Young Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Orange}}×2 (80 HP)

|{{SpiritType|Grab}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Bomb Man|size=64}}

|''Mega Man'' Series

|•{{SSBU|Young Link}} {{Head|Young Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Orange}}×2 (80 HP)

|{{SpiritType|Grab}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Diskun|size=64}}

|{{SpiritType|Attack}}

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Famicom Medley}}

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

|{{SpiritTableName|Donbe & Hikari|customname=[https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Donbe Donbe] & [https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Hikari Hikari]|size=64}}

|''Famicom Mukashibanashi'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Neutral}}

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Shin Onigashima Medley}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Prince Richard|size=64}}

|{{SpiritType|Neutral}}

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Kirby|Kirby Retro Medley}} (Castle Lololo)

|{{SpiritTableName|Tethu|size=64}}

|{{SpiritType|Attack}}

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Struggle Against Chaos}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Musashi|size=64}}

|{{SpiritType|Grab}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Young Zelda|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Shield}}

|Young Link (Ocarina of Time)

|{{SpiritTableName|Saria|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Shield}}

|Young Link (Ocarina of Time)

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

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|•{{SSBU|Villager}} {{Head|Villager|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Cyan}}{{Head|Villager|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Purple}}{{Head|Villager|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}<br>•{{SSBU|Young Link}} {{Head|Young Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}

|{{SpiritType|Grab}}

|•Defeat the main fighter to win<br>•All fighters move faster and can't stop quickly after a little while<br>•The enemy loves to taunt

|Link (Majora's Mask)

|{{SpiritTableName|Dimitri (The Legend of Zelda)|customname={{s|zeldawiki|Dimitri}} (The Legend of Zelda)|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Shield}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Wall-Merged Link|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Neutral}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Hilda (The Legend of Zelda)|size=64}}

|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Shield}}

|•Assist Trophy Enemies ([[Nightmare]])