Editing Zelda (SSB4)

{{disambig2|Zelda's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''|the character in other contexts|Princess Zelda}}

|name         = Zelda

|image       = [[File:Zelda SSB4.png|250px|Princess Zelda]]

|game         = SSB4

|ssbgame1     = SSBM

|ssbgame2     = SSBB

'''Zelda''' ({{ja|ゼルダ|Zeruda}}, ''Zelda'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. She was announced on December 26th, 2013, the date on which ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds}}'' was released in Japan.

Her voice actress is Jun Mizusawa, who voiced her in ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time}}'', and ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}''. Her sound clips were reused from ''Brawl''.

Zelda's character archetype continues to be the same as in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'': she is tall, light and floaty with a rather slow [[falling speed]], low [[gravity]] (though both have become faster since ''Melee'' and ''Brawl''), below average [[walking]] speed and the fifth slowest [[dashing]] speed in the game. Although her [[air speed]] and [[air acceleration]] are both decent, her mobility is still rather subpar overall. When coupled with an arguably poor [[neutral game]], this results in Zelda having a poor approach.

Zelda defies most other character playstyles. While her approaching game is lacking, her out of shield and punish game is quite strong. She is generally played defensive but playing her aggressive without committing too much can offer large benefit. She has an average amount of combo starters such as falling neutral aerial (into grab or up tilt), up tilt (into more up tilts and aerials), down tilt (into tilts, grab or aerials) and down throw (into neutral and up/back aerials). Both her down aerial on grounded opponents and her jab can start combos or tech chases. [[Nayru's Love]] can also start tech chases. Zelda has some powerful KOing options: her up smash, forward smash, all of her aerials except neutral aerial and all of her specials except neutral b and side b can score KOs rather easily. In term of projectiles, she has a decent one in [[Phantom Slash]]. As a chargeable attack, Phantom Slash sports both offensive and defensive capabilities and can even be used for edge-guarding against recovering opponents, as it can KO them surprisingly early if fully charged. It also blocks Zelda from many attacks and projectiles, until the Phantom breaks, resulting in the loss of the move for 9 seconds. Phantom Slash can also be used rather effectively when coming down from the upper corners of the stage to apply pressure to an opponent standing at the ledge. However, its ending lag, its poor reach at the lowest charges and its susceptibility to being [[Reflection|reflected]] may hinder its use if it is not used wisely. [[Din's Fire]] has been nerfed from Brawl (even though it was already a below average projectile in that game) and has very little utility outside of having a chance of getting extra damage on the opponent when edgeguarding. Even then, it is very easy to jump or air dodge even when the player predicts the opponent's movements. However, it can kill at higher percentages.

As already mentioned, Zelda has many ways to punish mistakes out of shield: she can use her fast and strong [[Lightning Kick]]s, her neutral aerial and [[Nayru's Love]]. But her best out of shield option and unarguably her greatest strength is [[Farore's Wind]]. In addition to being long-ranged and virtually unpredictable for the opponent to counter if used wisely, Farore's Wind is now one of Zelda's most viable KOing options due to being heavily buffed. Its powerful disappearing hitbox sends opponents directly upward, and if Zelda follows them straight up with its reappearing hitbox, it can KO characters around as low as 65%. Zelda can also stall herself in midair with [[Nayru's Love]] similarly to {{SSB4|Mario}} while using [[Cape]]. Nayru's Love can also aid Zelda's already great recovery, the technique is commonly referred to as "Nayru's Love Jump". Due to these factors, Zelda has a very reliable recovery, although when landing on the stage with Farore's Wind, she can be easily punished.

As mentioned above, however, Zelda has the inconvenient combination of being light and floaty, making her easy to KO and also being rather slow on the ground. Her main way of dealing with projectiles, [[Nayru's Love]], is rather laggy. [[Phantom Slash]], her other defense against long-ranged pressure, is slightly situational and, along with [[Din's Fire]], do not help her camp very well. She has laggy attacks with a few poorly placed hitboxes, making it a little difficult for her to KO despite her power. Because of this, Zelda's only reliable kill options are her Lightning Kicks, Farore's Wind, and her forward/up smash, all of which, other than her forward smash, are easily punishable. As a result, Zelda has very poor tournament representation, like in all of her previous appearances.

Zelda's [[Character customization|custom moves]] are arguably some of the worst in the game, as they fail to fix her significant problems and only a few that are slightly better than the default. Nayru's Rejection reverses opponents, but has slightly increased starting lag and is overall weaker than Nayru's Love, with the saving grace being its increased intangibility. It also does not have the same benefits as Mario's [[Cape]], as it does not leave the opponent in free fall. Farore's Windfall meteor smashes opponents, but only travels straight up while still halting her momentum while gaining no benefit from a double jump, and does not start KOing opponents regularly until the 400% range and higher, removing her most notable KOing option in the process. She does have a few notable ones, however. Her Phantom Breaker can break shields very easily, although it does less damage and travels a set distance. Din's Blaze fireball moves slower but explodes with much stronger knockback, and if used carefully, it can be a deadly edge-guard tool. Aside from these, her remaining custom moves are only situational at best.

==Changes from ''Brawl''==

Zelda has received a mix of buffs and nerfs in the transition from ''Brawl'' to ''SSB4''. Most of the nerfs she received were mostly to her power, while her down smash, and up tilt had their knockback significantly reduced, her up and down smashes have less range, and Din's Fire is less maneuverable and harder to hit with. Most notably, she has also lost her ability to Transform into Sheik, and due to the latter being significantly buffed in the transition from Brawl to SSB4, Zelda no longer has access to the numerous benefits that her alter-ego now possesses. She still possesses a poor neutral game, and despite the buffs to her slow attacking speed and mobility, they still remain quite slow. However, her buffs and nerfs are about equal, while her nerfs took away some options, the buffs opened up entirely new ones. Overall,  Zelda is no longer considered one of the worst characters by a significant margin, but is still widely considered to be in the lower mid tiers.

However, Zelda has also received some noticeable buffs. Farore's Wind, while risky, is now a very viable KOing option and out of shield option due to the significant increases to its damage output and knockback. Due to losing Transform, Zelda received a new down special in Phantom Slash. In addition to being a fairly strong projectile and capable edge-guarding option, the Phantom itself can block opponents' attacks and enable Zelda to attack from behind it, and also helps her cover almost all [[edge recovery|ledge getup options]]. Lastly, Zelda's combo game, which was practically nonexistent in previous games, has been improved, courtesy of her up tilt's increased speed enabling it to chain into itself much like her down tilt can, while her down throw's altered launching trajectory sets her up for better aerial follow-ups. Her neutral air is now better for combos as well. These changes improve her previously mediocre damage racking capabilities.

*{{change|Zelda once again appears as her ''Twilight Princess'' incarnation, but her overall color scheme is now noticeably brighter to appear in-line with ''SSB4'''s vibrant aesthetics. Her face is also more expressive.}}

*{{change|Most of Zelda's moves have updated visual effects and sound effects.}}

*{{change|Up taunt's animation has changed.}}

*{{buff|Zelda [[Dashing|dashes]] faster (1.224 → 1.3).}}

*{{buff|Zelda [[Walking|walks]] faster (0.8 → 0.87).}}

*{{buff|Zelda [[Falling speed|falls]] much faster (1.13 → 1.35).}}

*{{buff|Zelda's [[gravity]] is slightly higher (0.067 → 0.071), allowing her to reach her maximum falling speed faster.}}

*{{change|Zelda can no longer [[Transform]] into {{SSB4|Sheik}}, with the latter becoming her own separate character.}}

*{{nerf|Due to being separated from Sheik, Zelda can no longer access Sheik's mobility to greatly alleviate her own and she also cannot benefit from the plethora of buffs that Sheik has received.}}

*{{change|Zelda's magically-based moves now have a [[magic]] effect instead of an [[electric]] effect.}}

*{{change|Air dodge and sidestep's animations have changed.}}

*{{buff|[[Neutral attack]] deals 2% more damage (6% → 8%) and its hits connect together better.}}

*{{buff|[[Dash attack]]'s sweetspot has increased base knockback (70/70 → 85/70 (body), 50/70 → 80/50 (hand)). This makes it capable of KOing at medium percents.}}

*{{change|[[Forward tilt]] no longer launches opponents backward. This makes it more of a KOing option when sweetspotted, though it can no longer be followed up by her back [[Lightning Kick]] as a result.}}

*{{nerf|Forward tilt deals less damage (13%/12%/11% → 12%/10%) and has slightly decreased range.}}

*{{nerf|[[Up tilt]] deals 3.8% less damage (11% → 7.2%) and has decreased base knockback (65 → 45). As a result, it no longer KOs until around 150% despite its increased knockback scaling.}}

*{{buff|Up tilt has increased knockback scaling (105 → 110) and is faster. It can also chain into itself at low percents and be followed up by an aerial at higher percents.}}

*{{nerf|[[Down tilt]] deals less damage (8%/7% → 5.5%).}}

*{{nerf|Down tilt's trapping qualities were removed due it no longer having a meteor hitbox, though its knockback scaling has been compensated (80 → 120).}}

*{{buff|[[Forward smash]] and [[up smash]] have decreased SDI multipliers, so opponents can no longer escape from any of these moves.}}

*{{buff|Forward smash's last hit is stronger (30/105 → 37/110).}}

*{{buff|Up smash has slightly increased knockback scaling (20/210 → 24/214).}}

*{{nerf|Up and [[down smash]]es have decreased range.}}

*{{buff|Down smash's second hit has increased knockback scaling (85 → 96).}}

*{{nerf|Down smash's first hit comes out 1 frame later (its still the fastest Down smash in the game), lasts 1 frame shorter, and has decreased knockback scaling (95 → 86). Zelda's leg is also no longer intangible during the attack.}}

*{{nerf|[[Neutral aerial]] deals less damage (15% → 11%/7%) and has a smaller hitbox.}}

*{{buff|Neutral aerial has increased knockback scaling (130/120 → 160) and more combo potential.}}

*{{buff|Both [[Lightning Kick]]s ([[forward aerial]] and [[back aerial]]) are easier to land due to altered hitbox placements.}}

*{{nerf|Both Lightning Kicks have decreased base knockback. They also have significantly longer ending lag and landing lag.}}

*{{change|Both Lightning Kicks have had their animations slightly changed.}}

*{{nerf|[[Up aerial]] has decreased knockback scaling (110 → 90).}}

*{{buff|[[Down aerial]]'s sweetspot has a bigger hitbox and can now land on grounded opponents.}}

*{{nerf|Down aerial's sweetspot is weaker (50/90 → 40/65).}}

*{{buff|Up air has less landing lag.}}

*{{nerf|Down throw deals 4% less damage (10% → 6%).}}

*{{buff|[[Down throw]] now launches opponents at 100°, allowing for better follow-ups.}}

*{{change|Down throw's animation has slightly changed. It now has additional fiery effects.}}

*{{buff|[[Up throw]] has decreased base knockback, allowing for better follow-ups.}}

*{{nerf|[[Nayru's Love]] deals 3% less damage (15% → 12%).}}

*{{buff|Nayru's Love has less ending lag.}}

*{{change|Nayru's Love's back hit no longer swirls a trapped target in front of Zelda.}}

*{{nerf|While [[Din's Fire]] has a sweetspot that deals increased knockback, Din's Fire deals less damage (16%/8% → 14%/7%) and has a new sourspot with decreased knockback. The explosion range has been noticeably reduced. The maneuverability and travel distance of the fireball have also been lowered, making it far more unwieldy to control. It must also must travel a set distance away from Zelda before it can be detonated, leaving her open if it misses.}}

*{{buff|Farore's Wind deals more damage (6% → 12%/13%/16%/18%), travels farther, has less start-up lag and has significantly more knockback, capable of KOing heavy characters below 70% and light characters below 50%. Grounded Farore's Wind's first hit launches the opponent directly upward, allowing it to combo into the re-appearance hit, creating a risky but very effective KOing option and out of shield option.}}

*{{nerf|Farore's Wind's reappearance hit now has a sourspot that deals less damage and knockback.}}

*{{change|Farore's Wind's reappearance hit now has a slash effect instead of a fire effect.}}

*{{buff|Zelda has a new down special move, [[Phantom Slash]]. Phantom Slash enables her to summon a {{s|zeldawiki|Phantom}} that shoots forward like a projectile before slashing with its sword. The Phantom can block attacks and the move can be charged to shoot the Phantom further, although the charge cannot be stored.}}

*{{change|Due to it being able to act as a projectile, Phantom Slash can be [[Reflection|reflected]] or [[Pocket]]ed. The Phantom can also be destroyed, which temporarily prevents Zelda from re-using the move.}}

*{{nerf|[[Light Arrow]] deals 2% less damage (42% → 40%) and has weaker knockback.}}

Zelda began receiving notable buffs beginning with update [[1.0.6]]. The hits of her forward and up smashes now connect together much better, while the latter smash attack has increased knockback and range. Phantom Slash has also received improvements in the forms of decreased ending lag the removal of a blind spot. Her neutral attack, up tilt, and down tilt all deal more damage, while her neutral, up, and down aerials have less ending lag. Additionally, up tilt now has true combo potential and neutral aerial has become better for spacing. She is also slightly benefitted from the changes to the shield mechanics brought about in updates [[1.1.0]] and [[1.1.1]], due to her multi-hit moves and Lightning Kicks being safer on shield, making her hard to punish. However, despite the significant amount of buffs Zelda has received, they do not address her major issues such as her subpar movement and poor neutral game.

*{{buff|Up tilt deals 0.7% more damage|6.5%|7.2%.}}

*{{nerf|Pivot grab's z-offset decreased|-4.0 – -18.7|-4.0 – -15.7.}}

*{{change|Pivot grab's animation altered.}}

*{{change|Some attacks have improved visual effects.}}

*{{buff|Forward smash's SDI multipliers decreased, enabling opponents to be kept in place better.}}

*{{buff|Forward smash's loop hits' angles altered, enabling the move's hits to connect better.}}

*{{buff|Phantom Slash's ending lag decreased.}}

*{{buff|Phantom stays out for roughly a quarter of a second longer.}}

*{{nerf|Phantom's respawn time increased|6 seconds|9.}}

*{{change|Back [[Lightning Kick]] has improved visual effects.}}

*{{Buff|Up smash's knockback increased and it KOs 20% earlier.}}

*{{Buff|Up smash's SDI multipliers decreased, enabling opponents to be kept in place better.}}

*{{Buff|Up smash's multiple hits' hitbox sizes increased|3|3.5.}}

*{{Buff|Neutral, up, and down aerials' landing lag decreased by approximately 3 frames|22/22/21|19/19/18.}}

*{{change|Neutral aerial's front hits and back hits have had their damage outputs reversed: 1% → 2% (front), 2% → 1% (back).}}

*{{buff|Neutral attack deals 2% more damage|6%|8%.}}

*{{buff|Neutral attack's hits connect better and launches opponents at a more favorable angle.}}

*{{buff|Neutral attack's final hit's base knockback increased|24|35.}}

*{{nerf|Neutral attack's final hit's knockback growth decreased (150 → 130).}}

*{{change|Neutral attack's heavy position, bone, angle, size, and weight-based knockback adjusted on all hits.}}

*{{buff|Up tilt's ending lag decreased|32 frames|29. This allows Zelda to perform true combos.}}

*{{buff|[[Phantom Slash]] has a new 0% hitbox that leads into the sword's hitbox at low charges and pushes opponents away at high charges. This essentially removes the move's blind spot.}}

*{{buff|Phantom Slash's ending lag decreased by 5 frames.}}

*{{buff|Neutral aerial's back hits now drag opponents towards the front hits, allowing the move to deal more damage from this position.}}

*{{buff|Farore's Squall's hitbox duration increased by 1 frame.}}

*{{buff|Farore's Squall's ending lag decreased by 6 frames.}}

*{{buff|Nayru's Passion's explosion hitbox start-up decreased by 5 frames.}}

*{{buff|Nayru's Passion's windbox start-up decreased by 2 frames.}}

*{{change|Nayru's Passion's windbox's position altered.}}

|neutralname= 

|neutral1dmg=2.5% (hits 1-2) 3% (hit 3)

|neutraldesc=Sticks her hand out in front of herself and shoots a small blast of magical energy, pushing opponents slightly backward. A decent combo starter at low percents. It hits on frame 11, making it the slowest jab in the game, but has little [[cool down]].

|ftiltname= 

|ftiltdesc=An outward fanning knife-hand strike with her hand surrounded in magical energy. Can be angled. Moderately powerful for a tilt.

|utiltname= 

|utiltdesc=Waves her arm above her head in an arcing motion, with her hand surrounded in magical energy. Due to its speed, it can combo into itself at low percents and into an aerial at medium percents. The back hit has much more combo potential than the front hit.

|dtiltname= 

|dtiltdesc=Crouches and performs a shin kick. Due to its speed and its ability to slightly pop opponents into the air, it can combo into itself at low percents and then be followed up with a forward tilt or a forward smash. It also has unexpectedly long duration and very low ending lag.

|dashname= 

|dashdesc=A double palm thrust that produces a blast of magical energy from her hands, similar to {{SSB4|Peach}}'s dash attack. Sweetspot is located at the beginning of the move. Can KO at medium to high percents near the edge.

|fsmashname= 

|fsmashdesc=Charges magical energy in her right hand and then performs a palm thrust that produces a blast of magical energy, hitting opponents multiple times before knocking them away. Decently high knockback at high percents, and can KO around 108%. Can also be used to pressure shields.

|usmashname= 

|usmashdesc=Charges magic energy in her left hand and waves it in an arcing motion above her head twice, hitting opponents multiple times before knocking them away. High knockback, but low range. Can KO around 100% when uncharged.

|dsmashname= 

|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|12}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|10}} (hit 2)

|dsmashdesc=A spinning shin kick that hits on both sides, knocking opponents away. The fastest down smash in the game, it is also a [[semi-spike]] and can be used as a set-up for a down air when knocking the opponent off-stage.

|nairname= 

|nairdmg=2% (hits 1-4 front), 1% (hits 1-4 back), 3% (hit 5)

|nairdesc=Zelda twirls with her arms outstretched and emits magical energy along her arms that hits the opponent multiple times around her before knocking them away. Useful for catching opponents off-guard and can be used as a follow-up from her down throw.

|fairname=[[Lightning Kick]]

|fairdesc=Performs a flying kick while emitting magical energy from her foot. Its sweetspot lies at the tip of her foot and deals considerable damage and knockback. The sweetspot is easier to connect if it hits the opponent at the beginning of the move. Otherwise, it deals low damage knockback. Despite its positives, its endlag is considerable enough for Zelda to get punished at low percents, even if the sweetspot connects. Can KO around the 70%-90% range near the edge if sweetspotted.

|bairname=[[Lightning Kick]]

|bairdesc=Performs a flying kick behind herself while emitting magical energy from her foot. Functions almost identically to her forward aerial, with the only differences being that it comes out 3 frames faster and its sweetspot is also a bit stronger, KOing around the 65%-85% range if sweetspotted.

|uairname= 

|uairdmg=15%

|uairdesc=Brings her arm above her head and launches a fiery explosion from her index and middle fingers. Slow and requires precise timing to connect, but it has impressive knockback and can KO starting around 118% on a grounded opponent. It can also clip through the bottom of stage ledges and have the hitbox go slightly above the ledge or narrow areas of the stage.

|dairname= 

|dairdesc=Performs a single foot stomp while emitting magical energy from her foot. It [[meteor smash]]es opponents caught below Zelda's waist; the initial hitbox deals a powerful meteor smash, whereas later hitboxes hit opponents with a weaker meteor smash. A very useful [[edge-guard]]ing option, it can also work well as a follow-up from a down smash.  

|grabname= 

|grabdesc=Waves her left arm down and her right arm up, restraining the opponent in front of her with magical energy. Fairly large grab range.

|pummelname= 

|pummeldesc=Waves her arms quickly in front of the opponent, blasting it with magical energy. A moderately slow pummel.

|fthrowname= 

|fthrowdesc=Spins the opponent in front of her and throws her opponent away. One of the most damaging forward throws in the game. Useful for putting the opponent off-stage.

|bthrowname= 

|bthrowdesc=Spins the opponent and circles them around herself, then throws them behind her. This is her strongest throw and it can KO starting at 135% near the edge.

|uthrowname= 

|uthrowdesc=Forces her opponent above her, throwing it upward. One of the most damaging up throws in the game. On fast-fallers, can be followed up with a neutral aerial or up aerial if timed well enough.

|dthrowname= 

|dthrowdesc=Forces her opponent under her and blasts them with fiery magical energy from her hands, which launches them above her. A reliable combo starter, it can be followed up with a neutral aerial and, if timed precisely, an up aerial or a back aerial. At high percents, Zelda can follow it up with an up aerial or back aerial to score a relatively secure KO.

|floorbdesc=Same as her front floor attack, with a different animation.

|floortdesc=Same as other floor attacks, with a different animation.

|edgedesc=Brings herself onto the edge and kicks her opponent away.

|nsdefdmg=2% (loop front), 1% (loop back), 5% (last front), 4% (last back)

|nsdefdesc=Creates a crystal that slashes enemies and reflects projectiles 1.5x their original damage with 1.25x their speed. Has 8 frames of intangibility from frames 5-12.

|nsc1dmg=1% (loop), 5% (last)

|nsc1desc=Weaker overall, but [[reverse]]s opponents and pushes them away. Has more start-up lag in exchange for increased intangibility.

|nsc2desc=Sucks in opponents and explodes. The explosion has high knockback, at the cost of the crystal losing its reflection property.

|ssdefdmg=3%-7% (sourspot), 7%-14% (sweetspot)

|ssdefdesc=Shoots a fireball of magical energy when the special button is held. It can be aimed up or down. Releasing the button causes it to explode. The longer the button is held down, the farther the blast will travel, automatically detonating when it reaches its maximum distance. It will put Zelda in to a [[helpless]] state is used in midair.

|ssc1dmg=7% (sourspot), 14% (sweetspot)

|ssc1desc=The fireball moves faster and has increased range and deals the same damage regardless of how long it is held. However, it can barely be adjusted vertically.

|ssc2dmg=3.8%-9% (sourspot), 7.6%-18% (sweetspot)

|ssc2desc=The fireball has much more vertical movement and an increased explosion size, but it is slower to detonate and travels much slower.

|usdefdmg=6% (hit 1), 10% (ground hit 2 near), 7% (ground hit 2 far), 12% (ground hit 2 near), 8% (ground hit 2 far)

|usdefdesc=Teleports in a given direction, dealing damage at both ends. When combined with a jump, its range is greatly increased. The first hit launches opponents upward, possibly leading in to the second hit if it is aimed up. The second hit possesses very high knockback, being able to KO as low as 50% near the upper blast line depending on weight and DI, making it one of Zelda's most reliable KOing options and a powerful [[out of shield]] option.  

|usc1dmg=0%

|usc1desc=A defensive teleport rather than an offensive one. Instead of dealing damage, it pushes opponents away with a large windbox at the beginning. This wind comes out extremely quick, making it useful for escaping pressure from an opponent. It also travels slightly farther, even more so if extended with a jump, and its slower speed allowing for better maneuverability. The first hit has set knockback, but does no damage. It also takes much longer to start up, and telegraphs where Zelda is going due to it emitting magical particles.

|usc2desc=The teleport can only go straight upward, but it [[meteor smash]]es opponents when Zelda reappears. Unlike the other versions, it gains no benefits when combined with a jump, though there is some horizontal control over Zelda. It also has considerably less KOing power, as it does not start KOing until the 400% range.  

|dsdefdmg=6% (uncharged), 14% (charged), 24%-26% (fully charged), 11% (fully charged hit 1), 13%-15% (fully charged hit 2)

|dsdefdesc=Conjures a {{s|zeldawiki|Phantom}} and propels it forwards, slashing enemies and blocking attacks. A chargeable projectile, charging longer increases the distance covered and the slashing attack is altered. When fully charge, it becomes a two-hit attack. However, since the Phantom is considered a projectile, it can be [[Reflection|reflected]] and [[Pocket]]ed. The Phantom is also considered a physical entity and provides a few benefits as a result; it can slow down players that try to move through it (except for the Zelda that conjured it) and block some non-penetrating hits (due to the Phantom having set health on all charges and customs). Unlike Din's Fire, it will not put Zelda into a helpless state if used in midair.

|dsc1dmg=5% (uncharged), 12% (charge) 20% (fully charged), 9% (fully charged hit 1), 11% (fully charged hit 2)

|dsc1desc=Travels a set distance, which is approximately the distance of a Phantom Slash at its second charge, which results in a minimally charged Phantom traveling farther and a fully charged Phantom traveling less distance when compared to Phantom Slash. As its name implies, it deals more [[shield damage]], but less regular [[damage]].

|dsc2dmg=8% (uncharged), 20% (charged), 28%-30% (fully charged) 14% (fully charged hit 1), 14%-16% (fully charged hit 2)

|dsc2desc=Materializes directly in front of Zelda instead of shooting forward at varying ranges, but deals more damage and reaches its full charge in half the time.

|fsdmg=1% (hit 1), 39% (first opponent), 29% (second opponent), 21% (third opponent)  

|fsdesc=Zelda takes out her [http://zeldawiki.org/Zelda's_Bow bow], which is the same bow she calls upon from the {{s|zeldawiki|Spirits of Light}} in ''Twilight Princess'' to attack [[Ganondorf]] while riding with [[Link]] on {{s|zeldawiki|Epona}}. She then fires a single {{s|zeldawiki|Light Arrow}} that launches opponents at 45° and does significant damage and knockback, though the damage and knockback decrease for each consecutive opponent hit.

*Teleports onto the stage with magic glowing between her hands and sparkles rising up from the floor around her.

|desc-up=Holds one arm straight up, with her hand glowing with magic. Her pose is more elegant than in ''Brawl''.

|desc-side=Turns toward the screen and puts her hands together in front of her torso, conjuring [[Din's Fire|a small magical flame]] between them.

|desc-down=Smiles, waving to the side while leaning forward slightly.}}

|desc-1=Loosely holds one arm and then looks in multiple directions.

|desc-2=Brushes the back of her hair.

|desc-3=With one hand on her elbow, she puts one hand on her neck, puts it back down and then taps her arm with one finger

|cheer-us=Zelda Cheer NTSC SSB4.ogg

|cheer-jp=

|desc-jp=

|pitch-jp=}}

|victory-desc=A flourished remix directly from ''Brawl''. It is a remix of the tune that will play when Link obtained a Triforce Piece in ''The Legend of Zelda'' for the Nintendo Entertainment System.

|desc-1=Clasps her hands together, which glow with magic, as if praying. She then turns her head and looks up towards the sky.

|desc-2=Turns her head to the left and loosely holds one arm with the other to pose in an elegant stance that is identical to her ''Melee'' artwork. At the end of the animation, she will either {{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}}look into the distance or {{GameIcon|ssb4-u}}look at the camera.

|desc-3=Conjures a flare of [[Din's Fire]] between her hands in front of her and stares at it. Appears almost identical to her side taunt.

==In [[Competitive play|Competitive Play]]==

===Notable players===

 

*'''[[All-Star Battle: Melee]]''': Zelda is one of the eight opponents that must be fought in this event. These eight characters debut in ''Melee'', and reappear in ''Smash 4''.

*'''[[Princess Punch-Up!]]''': As Zelda with {{SSB4|Link}} as a CPU ally, the player must defeat a team of {{SSB4|Peach}} and {{SSB4|Mario}}.

*'''[[The Demon King and the Goddess]]''': As {{SSB4|Ganondorf}}, the player must defeat a team of Link and Zelda. After the two are defeated or some time has passed, Giant {{SSB4|Palutena}} appears and the player must defeat her.

*'''[[Unwavering Chivalry]]''': As {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}, the player must defeat {{SSB4|Marth}} without defeating Peach or Zelda. Defeating any of the princesses results in a failure.

 

 

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''This is the namesake of the Legend of Zelda games. Her appearance may change, but she always plays an important role. In Smash Bros., she's quick on the draw when it comes to magic, though a bit slow when moving. She has a new move that summons a Phantom to her aid.''

 

::{{flag|pal}} ''This is the Zelda they're talking about in the titles of all the Legend of Zelda games. Though her appearance can change from game to game, her importance in the story usually doesn't. In this game, she's a bit slow, but her impressive magic skills make up for it. Power up her brand new special, Phantom Slash, by holding down the button.''

{{Trophy games|console1=nes|game1=The Legend of Zelda (08/1987)|console2=wii|game2=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (11/2006)}}

:'''Zelda (Alt.)'''

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Zelda's forward air attack, Lightning Kick, is a valiant kick with a magically charged tip. Striking with just the glowing spot will deal heavy damage and launch your opponent. Din's Fire, her explosive side special, can be guided up and down and has a greater blast if the button is held.''

::{{flag|pal}} ''Zelda's forward air attack, Lightning Kick, is a single-footed, electrically charged strike. Hit your opponent with just the glowing spot to deal heavy damage and launch them. Her Din's Fire side special can be guided up and down, and makes a bigger blast the longer you hold the button. It'll explode as soon as you let go.''

{{Trophy games|console1=nes|game1=The Legend of Zelda (08/1987)|console2=wii|game2=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (11/2006)}}

:'''Light Arrow (Zelda)'''

::''In many of the Legend of Zelda games, the sacred Light Arrows are required to defeat the final boss. In this game, Zelda fires one straight across the screen for her Final Smash. If it passes through multiple foes, the ones hit first will take the most damage. The Light Arrow has a lot of launching power, making it great for getting KOs!''

ZeldaTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)

ZeldaAllStarTrophy3DS.png|Alt. (3DS)

ZeldaTrophyWiiU.png|Classic (Wii U)

ZeldaAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)

LightArrowZeldaTrophyWiiU.png|[[Light Arrow]]

Zelda Smash.4 Reveal.jpg|The pic of the day shown during Zelda's reveal.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-1.jpg|Zelda's appearance.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-10.jpg|Zelda and {{SSB4|Link}} in the 3DS version.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-2.jpg|Zelda using [[Phantom Slash]] to strike {{SSB4|Fox}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-3.jpg|Zelda next to {{SSB4|Link}} summoning a fairy.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-4.jpg|Zelda in [[Skyloft]].

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-5.jpg|Zelda and {{SSB4|Donkey Kong}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-6.jpg|Zelda teetering in front of {{SSB4|Rosalina}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-7.jpg|Zelda's pose when she charges [[Phantom Slash]].

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-8.jpg|Zelda near a knocked down {{SSB4|Link}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-9.jpg|Zelda behind {{SSB4|Link}} and {{SSB4|Peach}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-11.jpg|Zelda's forward tilt.

Smash.4 - Zelda wave Taunt.jpg|Zelda performing her down taunt to {{SSB4|Mario}} and {{SSB4|Mega Man}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-12.png|Zelda with {{SSB4|Toon Link}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-13.PNG|Zelda using [[Farore's Wind]].

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-14.png|Zelda's side taunt.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-15.png|Zelda's neutral aerial.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-16.png|Zelda watching {{SSB4|Link}} and {{SSB4|Peach}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-17.PNG|Neutral aerial with {{SSB4|Samus}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-18.png|Down taunt with {{SSB4|Toon Link}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-19.png|Neutral aerial with {{SSB4|Rosalina}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-20.png|Zelda's neutral attack.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-21.PNG|Posing with {{SSB4|Donkey Kong}} and {{SSB4|Samus}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-22.png|Zelda and {{SSB4|Link}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-23.png|Being attacked by {{SSB4|Marth}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-25.png|With {{SSB4|Olimar}} and a Yellow Pikmin.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-26.png|Zelda and {{SSB4|Mega Man}}'s forward smash attacks.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-27.png|Zelda with {{SSB4|Peach}} and {{SSB4|Rosalina}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-28.png|Zelda jumping away from {{SSB4|Mario}}.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-29.png|Zelda's default stance.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-30.png|Beginning of [[Din's Fire]].

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-31.png|Laying down with a Purple Pikmin.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-33.jpg|Zelda in the 3DS version.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-34.jpg|Another 3DS screenshot.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-35.jpg|Posing in the 3DS version.

SSB4 - Zelda Screen-37.jpg|End of forward smash.

SSB4 - King Dedede Screen-10.jpg|Zelda with King Dedede and Peach.

Smash.4 - The Elf Princess and The Cute Penguin King 01.jpg|"''Curiouser and curiouser ...''"

Smash.4 - The Elf Princess and The Cute Penguin King 02.jpg|"''Ah--soft and squishy.''" [https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAADMUKlhLmjSyg]

Smash.4 - Viridi Stage Hazard.jpg|Battling {{SSB4|Rosalina}} as [[Viridi]] approaches from the background.

Smash.4 - Dins Fire.jpg|Zelda using [[Din's Fire]] on {{SSB4|Toon Link}}.

SSB4 - Yoshi Screen-2.jpg|Zelda using [[Phantom Slash]] only to miss {{SSB4|Yoshi}} doing his forward tilt.

SSB4 - Sheik Screen-9.jpg|Back-to-back with {{SSB4|Sheik}}.