Editing Zelda (SSBM)

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{{disambig2|Zelda's appearance in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''|the character in other contexts|Princess Zelda}}{{for|information about Zelda's alter-ego|Sheik (SSBM)}}
:''This article is about Zelda's appearance in [[Super Smash Bros. Melee]].  For other uses, see [[Princess Zelda]].  Also, for information about Zelda's alter-ego, see [[Sheik]].''
 
{{Infobox Character
{{Infobox Character
|name = Zelda
|name         = Zelda
|image = [[File:Zelda SSBM.jpg]]
|image       = [[Image:Zeldamelee.jpg|Princess Zelda]]
|shareslot = {{SSBM|Sheik}}
|caption      =  
|game = SSBM
|universe    = ''[[The Legend of Zelda (universe)|The Legend of Zelda]]''
|ssbgame1 = SSBB
|games        = ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee|SSBM]]''<br/>''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl|SSBB]]''
|ssbgame2 = SSB4
|firstgame    = ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' (1986)
|ssbgame3 = SSBU
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|tier = D
|tier         = Low
|tierPAL = G
|ranking     = 19
|ranking = 24
|rankingPAL = 20
}}
}}
'''Zelda''' ({{ja|ゼルダ|Zeruda}}, ''Zelda'') is a [[starter character]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. She can transform into {{SSBM|Sheik}} by using her [[down special move]] ([[Transform]]), and can transform back. By holding the "A" button at the stage loading screen, Zelda will automatically transform into Sheik at the start of a match.


Jun Mizusawa, Zelda's voice actor from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'', reprises her role in all regions with new voice clips.
'''Zelda''' ({{ja|ゼルダ}}, ''Zerudā'') is one of the more unique characters in the lineup for ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', from creating explosive blasts to wielding a defensive barrier and even possessing a moveset potentially twice the size of other characters. Most notable of Zelda is her wielding of powerful magical attacks, and her unique ability to transform herself into her alter ego, [[Sheik]]. This alter form of Sheik is very different from Zelda, helping to balance her overall weaknesses, and ideally, one would change between the two so to match the flow of battle. However, of the two, Sheik is a far more effective stand-alone character, to the point of being "broken." Thus, many rarely use Zelda at all aside from force of will, gimmicks, or for her better horizontal recovery when Sheik is knocked off the stage. Zelda has poor match-ups, predictable recovery, a poor wavedash, a poor dash-dance, no true combos, but good KO power, high priority attacks, and powerful and fast fair and bair. She is currently ranked 19th.
 
Currently, Zelda is 24th on the tier list, the lowest-ranked character in D-tier. She is one of the more unique characters in the lineup for ''Melee'', with the exclusive ability to transform into her alter ego, Sheik. This alternate form is very different from Zelda, and each was intended to help balance the other's weaknesses, so that ideally one would change between the two based on the flow of battle. Zelda's positives include powerful attacks, with the most notable being her [[Lightning Kick]], and a long range recovery move in [[Farore's Wind]], which can also be angled. Zelda however, is greatly hindered by her poor mobility; similarly to {{SSBM|Jigglypuff}}, she possesses the slowest dash speed in the game, and falls slowly. While lacking the impressive air physics Jigglypuff has to negate this. [[Wavedash]]ing is of little use to her, since her very high [[traction]] and the aforementioned attributes result in her possessing the shortest wavedash in the game (alongside Peach). Additionally, while Zelda's recovery travels a respectable distance in any direction, it lacks a hitbox when she reappears, leaving her vulnerable to punishes when she tries to land and making it easy to edgeguard and/or edgehog. Overall, these factors contribute to Zelda having terrible matchups against most of the cast and being completely overshadowed by Sheik.


==Attributes==
==Attributes==
Zelda does not fall under any specific archetype of characters, due to her unusual properties as a fighter; she has a slew of powerful finishers, such as her Lightning Kick, but possesses average weight. Additionally, Zelda has a slow falling speed and high traction, leading to a very short, albeit fast, wavedash.
[[Image:Zelda.jpg|thumb|right|]]
 
Zelda has powerful, high priority attacks, but she has the slowest dash speed in the game along with [[Jigglypuff (SSBM)|Jigglypuff]]. Her [[wavedash]] and [[dash-dancing|dash-dance]] do not make up for her slow mobility because they are both short. She can be very unpredictable if used well. Her forward aerial and back aerial are fast and powerful. However, Zelda lacks true combos beyond two or three hits due to most of her attacks having high knockback. She also has very poor grabs and throws (excluding her up throw, which can combo). Zelda's up smash and down smash are the fastest in the game. She has a [[projectile]] (Din's Fire), but it's slow. In recovery, her up special move (Farore's Wind) covers much distance, but it's still easily edge-guarded due to it being predictable and laggy. Zelda has the second-slowest falling speed. This means she can immune to many combos, but she is easy to KO off of the top. Zelda can transform into [[Sheik (SSBM)|Sheik]] if the player has a disadvantage as Zelda.  
One of Zelda's strengths is her great overall KO power. Within the air, her forward and back aerials of the Lightning Kick can KO at as low as 50%, and her up air has a large hitbox that can also KO opponents. On the ground, Zelda's up tilt is surprisingly powerful, with its long duration and large radius allowing it to be a versatile move under most circumstances. Zelda's up and forward smash attacks are also powerful and they have high damage output thanks to their multiple hits.
 
In addition, Zelda has some fast attacks, such as her down smash (which is the fastest in the game) and her forward and back aerials, which requires opponents to tread more carefully when used. [[Nayru's Love]] has invincibility at frame 4, which makes it a good move to counterattack fast approaches. Up smash possesses quick startup and can be used as a great out of shield option, as it can lead to a grab if the opponent SDIs out of it. Forward smash has very low ending lag, a good disjointed hitbox, and a quick animation. The very last hitbox is significantly larger than the previous, being able to sometimes reach someone who SDI's in the front of the move. It can be also be thrown out in neutral to read fast approaches without putting herself in a bad spot. As an added bonus, many of Zelda's attacks have [[Priority#Transcendent priority|transcendent priority]]; combined with average reach for most of her attacks, Zelda has potential to stop others' attacks with her own.
 
Despite most of her moves dealing high knockback, she has an acceptable combo game. Her dash attack is her primary combo starter on the ground, all of her tilts are great comboing moves, her forward tilt can send her opponents backwards, allowing for potential combo starters, her up tilt can juggle at low percentages and follow up with an up aerial when it stops comboing and her down tilt can combo into itself until around 95% and can also combo into her down smash. Up smash can also be used a few times in a row at low percentages if the opponent gets caught right above her. In addition to this, Zelda possesses a good grab game. Her up throw can be a kill confirm around 80% as it leads to a guaranteed bair/fair on certain matchups. It also has the potential to chain throw at low percentages, and her down throw has several potential follow-ups, such as a dash attack, Lightning Kick, or even a forward tilt and can set up stage spikes and early edge-guards. Her forward and back throws are quite powerful and can set up edge-guards or even K.O. at high percentages. Neutral air can also be used to guarantee these aerials (on certain matchups) if landed without the last hitbox, which will make the opponent pop up with a set knockback.
 
However, Zelda is strongly held back by having one of the worst approach games in the game. On the ground, Zelda possesses the slowest dashing speed, a short wavedash, and a slow dash dance; combined with decidedly average range in her attacks, Zelda cannot effectively attack on the ground. Zelda doesn't fare much better in the air; despite her above average air speed, Zelda suffers from a low falling speed and a high short hop, leading to a very poor SHFFL. Zelda's lack of an effective projectile also prevents her from attacking from afar; [[Din's Fire]] is far too laggy, weak, and predictable to be an effective projectile, being too situational under most circumstances, even with the help of platforms and wavelanding.
 
Despite her array of powerful moves and decent platform movement, she suffers numerous other flaws. In addition to a poor approach on the ground, most of Zelda's moveset consists of unreliable finishers. Her forward and up smash suffer from SDI problems, as opponents can easily SDI out of it before the last hit. Zelda's up aerial, while powerful, is impossible to land on a grounded opponent, as it has some start-up lag and the hitbox is above her. Her Lightning Kicks need to be sweetspotted to KO effectively. Her forward and back throws can only KO at very high percentages when used near the edge, limiting their utility. As such, Zelda's up tilt and down smash are possibly her only reliable KO moves and even those have their flaws; the former is rather slow for a tilt attack and the latter is rather weak for a smash attack. Lastly, some of her toolkit suffers from a lack of applicable uses, which includes her down aerial, her aforementioned Din's Fire and jab.
 
Zelda also suffers from having generally situational specials (save [[Transform]]). Nayru's Love can only harm attackers in short ranges, and it has high ending lag and it doesn't protect her from attacks above her. Din's Fire, as mentioned earlier, doesn't aid her approach at all and suffers from too much ending lag. [[Farore's Wind]], generally considered her best special move, requires precise timing and angles to reach the ledge, else Zelda might land onstage and could potentially get punished, or worse, self-destruct. Farore's Wind's hitbox is also not generally viable for offensive use barring ledge stalls, and even then it lacks follow-ups on many characters.
 
Overall, Zelda emphasizes a defensive gameplan by trying to find openings for grabs, dash attacks, or lightning kicks. Players must be precise on landing her finishing moves, as their fast startup and strong power can be offset by a difficulty and landing them. She must also try and use wavedashing as well as platforms as much as possible, as her low mobility can prove to be a burden when trying to fight in neutral or against disadvantageous situations. To find success, she has to bait out options and wait for an opponent to make a mistake, else she be overwhelmed by other foes.
 
==Moveset==
''For a gallery of Zelda's hitboxes, see [[Zelda (SSBM)/Hitboxes|here]].''
[[File:ZeldaAerialAttacksSSBM.png|thumb|Zelda's aerial attacks]]
{{MovesetTable
|game=SSBM
|neutralcount=1
|neutralname=Short Flash ({{ja|ショートフラッシュ|Shōto Furasshu}})
|neutral1dmg=2% (hits 1-3)
|neutraldesc=Zaps magic quickly from her palm, in a similar fashion to {{SSBM|Ganondorf}}'s neutral attack. Has [[transcendent priority]]. Slowest neutral attack in ''Melee'', hitting on frame 11.
|ftiltname=Mystic Swipe ({{ja|マジカルカッター|Majikaru Kattā}}, ''Magical Cutter'')
|ftiltdmg=13% (hand), 12% (arm), 11% (shoulder)
|ftiltdesc=Swipes her hand forward with sparks. Has transcendent priority. Can be angled up or down. Second strongest forward tilt in ''Melee'', only beaten by {{SSBM|Bowser}}'s sweetspotted [[forward tilt]]. The hitbox on Zelda's hand sends the opponent behind her.
|utiltname=Protective Sweep ({{ja|バリケーダー|Barikēdā}}, ''Barricader'')
|utiltdmg=11%
|utiltdesc=Waves her hand, filled with sparks, in an arc above her head. Surprisingly powerful and the hitbox lasts for a long time, so it is an excellent anti-air. Has transcendent priority.
|dtiltname=Trip ({{ja|足ばらい|Ashi Barai}}, ''Leg Sweep'')
|dtiltdmg=8% (leg), 7% (foot)
|dtiltdesc=Thrusts her foot out quickly from under her dress. Can [[meteor smash]] opponents who hit her leg and grounded opponents who hit the tip of her foot. Airborne opponents who hit her foot will be launched upwards.
|dashname=Magical Push ({{ja|クイックパームショット|Kuikku Pōmu Shotto}}, ''Quick Palm Shot'')
|dashdmg=13% (clean body), 9% (clean hands), 8% (late body), 7% (late hands)
|dashdesc=Shoves her hands in front, with magic sparks coming out them. Has transcendent priority.
|fsmashname=Shining Palm ({{ja|シャイニングパームショット|Shainingu Pōmu Shotto}}, ''Shining Palm Shot'')
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|1}} (hits 1-4), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|14}} (hit 5)
|fsmashdesc=Sends out a fierce jab of magic in front of her in a similar fashion to Mario's. Hits multiple times, with the final hit having launching opponents away. This attack is powerful, but can be SDI'd out of, which is somewhat difficult to land all 5 hits. Has transcendent priority.
|usmashname=Power Sweep ({{ja|パワースティア|Pawā Sutia}}, ''Power Steer'')
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|1}} (hits 1-11), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|5}} (hits 12)
|usmashdesc=Waves her hand in an arch similar to her up tilt three times. A powerful move if all hits manage to connect. It comes out on frame 5, making it the fastest up smash in the game. This subsequently means that it can good out-of-shield option, but it can be SDI'd out of, similarly to her forward smash, in addition to possessing incredibly short horizontal range.
|dsmashname=Compass Spin ({{ja|コンパスターン|Konpasu Tān}}, ''Compass Turn'')
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|11}}
|dsmashdesc=Quickly kicks both sides of herself. Short range with a slightly disjointed hitbox and poor power, but is the fastest down-smash in the game, coming out at frame 4 and only having 31 total frames. Has transcendent priority. Zelda's leg is intangible when she delivers both kicks.
|nairname=Magic Spin ({{ja|ゼルダスピン|Zeruda Supin}}, ''Zelda Spin'')
|nairdmg=2-3% (hits 1-5), 5% (hit 6)
|nairdesc=Spins in place while emitting magic sparks from her hands. Many hitboxes, good for spacing. Has transcendent priority. It may be DI'd out of.
|fairname=[[Lightning Kick]] ({{ja|稲妻キック(前)|Inazuma Kikku (Mae)}}, ''Lightning Kick (Front)'')
|fairdmg=20% (sweet), 10% (sour)
|fairdesc=Kicks forward. If the opponent is hit with the glowing spark at the tip of Zelda's foot, it zaps them ''very'' powerfully, in a way similar to Captain Falcon's [[Knee Smash]]. Has transcendent priority.
|bairname=[[Lightning Kick|Reverse Lightning Kick]] ({{ja|稲妻キック(後ろ)|Inazuma Kikku (Ushiro)}}, ''Lightning Kick (Back)'')
|bairdmg=20% (sweet), 10% (sour)
|bairdesc=Virtually identical to her forward aerial but in a different direction and with slightly less startup lag. Has transcendent priority. A bit faster than her forward Lightning Kick, so it can be used twice in a short hop.
|uairname=Condensed Blast ({{ja|コンデンスブラスト|Kondensu Burasuto}}, ''Condense Blast'')
|uairdmg=13%
|uairdesc=Releases a giant fireball that causes an explosion above Zelda. Can be used to [[shark]] opponents on the stage when Zelda is recovering. Has very high power, being the fifth strongest up aerial in ''Melee''. Has transcendent priority.
|dairname=Meteor Heel ({{ja|マイルドメテオヒール|Mairudo Meteo Hīru}}, ''Mild Meteor Heel'')
|dairdmg=7% (foot), 8% (leg)
|dairdesc=Thrusts her foot downwards. A very weak [[meteor smash]].
|grabname=Magical Hold ({{ja|ホールディング|Hōrudingu}}, ''Holding'')
|grabdesc=
|pummelname=Hex ({{ja|ホールディングアタック|Hōrudingu Atakku}}, ''Holding Attack'')
|pummeldmg=3%
|pummeldesc=Zaps her foe.
|fthrowname=Levitation ({{ja|フォースムーブ|Fōsu Mūbu}}, ''Force Move'')
|fthrowdmg=12%
|fthrowdesc=Launches her foe forward, above average power.
|bthrowname=Reverse Levitation ({{ja|フォースバックムーブ|Fōsu Bakku Mūbu}}, ''Force Back Move'')
|bthrowdmg=11%
|bthrowdesc=Similar to her forward throw, only directly behind her.
|uthrowname=Levitation Launch ({{ja|フォーストップムーブ|Fōsu Toppu Mūbu}}, ''Force Top Move'')
|uthrowdmg=11%
|uthrowdesc=Thrusts foe to the sky. Has the ability to chain throw fast-falling opponents at low percents.
|dthrowname=Plasma Beat ({{ja|プラズマビート|Purazuma Bīto}})
|dthrowdmg=2% (hits 1-4), 2% (throw)
|dthrowdesc=Drops foe and zaps them, sending the foe behind her with weak knockback.
|floorfname=&nbsp;
|floorfdmg=6% (front hit), 8%/6% (back hit legs/body)
|floorfdesc=Swirls her dress around with foot extended and gets up.
|floorbname=&nbsp;
|floorbdmg=6%
|floorbdesc=Swirls her dress around with foot extended and gets up.
|edgefname=&nbsp;
|edgefdmg=6%
|edgefdesc=Climbs up and swings her legs in a circular motion, while pulling herself up.
|edgesname=&nbsp;
|edgesdmg=10% (arm), 8% (body)
|edgesdesc=Slowly gets up and slaps forward.
|nsname=Nayru's Love
|nsdmg=1-2% (hits 1-5), 4-5% (hit 6)
|nsdesc=Twirls around with magical hitboxes on both sides. A decent "get off me" move. The attack also reflect projectiles.
|ssname=Din's Fire
|ssdmg=7-13%
|ssdesc=Launches a controllable fireball that charges as it travels until it explodes. The fireball can be directed up or down with the [[control stick]]. Knockback angle depends on which side of the enemy is hit, so it can be used to knock opponents toward or away from Zelda. This move puts Zelda in a [[helpless]] state when used in the air.
|usname=Farore's Wind
|usdmg=4%
|usdesc=A yellow ribbon of magic spins around Zelda, causing her to disappear. After that, she will reappear in the direction held on the [[control stick]] (or directly above her original location if the control stick is not moved). It does not have a hitbox upon reappearing and Zelda is locked out of moving for some time if she reappears in the air, leading to the move being somewhat punishable.
|dsname=Transform
|dsdmg=0%
|dsdesc=Transforms into {{SSBM|Sheik}}.
}}
 
===Stats===
'''NTSC'''
{{Attributes
|cast = 26
|weight = 90
|rweight = 12-14
|dash = 1.1
|rdash = 25
|run = 1.1
|rrun = 25-26
|walk = 0.7
|rwalk = 25-26
|trac = 0.1
|rtrac = 1-4
|airfric = 0.005
|rairfric = 21-26
|air = 0.95
|rair = 10
|baseaccel = 0.01
|rbaseaccel = 25-26
|addaccel = 0.038
|raddaccel = 12
|gravity = 0.066
|rgravity = 25
|fall = 1.4
|rfall = 24-25
|ff = 1.85
|rff = 25
|jumpsquat = 6
|rjumpsquat = 23-25
|jumpheight = 31.262
|rjumpheight = 18
|shorthop = 18.337
|rshorthop = 3
|djump = 21.444
|rdjump = 19
}}
 
'''PAL'''
{{Attributes
|cast = 26
|weight = 90
|rweight = 12-14
|dash = 1.1
|rdash = 25
|run = 1.1
|rrun = 25-26
|walk = 0.7
|rwalk = 25-26
|trac = 0.1
|rtrac = 1-4
|airfric = 0.005
|rairfric = 21-26
|air = 0.95
|rair = 9
|baseaccel = 0.01
|rbaseaccel = 25-26
|addaccel = 0.038
|raddaccel = 12
|gravity = 0.066
|rgravity = 25
|fall = 1.4
|rfall = 24-25
|ff = 1.85
|rff = 25
|jumpsquat = 6
|rjumpsquat = 23-25
|jumpheight = 31.262
|rjumpheight = 18
|shorthop = 18.337
|rshorthop = 3
|djump = 21.444
|rdjump = 19
}}


===[[Announcer]] call===
==Special Moves==
[[File: Zelda Announcer SSBM.wav]]
* [[Neutral B]]: [[Nayru's Love]]
* [[Smash B]]: [[Din's Fire]]
* [[Up B]]: [[Farore's Wind]]
* [[Down B]]: [[Transform]]


===[[Taunt]]===
{{Taunt/SSBM|char=Zelda|desc=Holds her hands together, as if in a prayer.}}


===[[Idle pose]]s===
==Trophy Descriptions==
{{Idle
[[File:Zelda trophy (SSBM).jpg|thumb|100px|right]]
|desc-1=Flips her hair back.
|desc-2=Makes a thinking gesture.
|desc-3=Turns her body away, while putting her right arm on her left. This pose is similar to the one she makes in her artwork, and near the end of ''Ocarina of Time''.
|image-1=Zelda Idle Pose Melee 1.gif
|image-2=Zelda Idle Pose Melee 2.gif
|image-3=Zelda Idle Pose Melee 3.gif}}


===[[Crowd cheer]]===
"The crown princess of Hyrule. Zelda entrusted Link with the future of Hyrule after a revelation came to her in the world of dreams. She knows much about the Triforce; in fact, the only person who likely knows more about Triforce lore is Ganondorf himself, whom Zelda evaded in Ocarina of Time by transforming into her alter ego, Sheik."
{{Crowd
|char=Zelda
|game=Melee
|desc-us=Zel-da Zel-da Hu!
|desc-jp=Zel-da! Zel-da!
|pitch-us=Group chant
|pitch-jp=Male}}


===[[Victory pose]]s===
''Game: [[The Legend of Zelda]]'' [07/87]
{{Victory/SSBM
|victory-theme=ZeldaThemeMelee.ogg
|victory-desc=An orchestrated portion of the main theme from ''The Legend of Zelda'' series.
|desc-1=Praying, she then turns her head upward.
|desc-2=Looks to her left, holding her left arm proudly.
|desc-3=Focuses, then conjures a flame between her hands.
|char=Zelda}}


==In [[competitive play]]==
In addition to the normal trophy about Zelda as a character, there are two trophies about her as a fighter, unlocked by completing the Adventure and All-Star modes respectively with Zelda on any difficulty:
===Most historically significant players===
<!--This character has a ten player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines -->
:''See also: ''[[:Category:Zelda players (SSBM)]]''


*{{Sm|Kalne|Japan}} - [[Sheilda|Co-mains Zelda and Sheik]]. Has multiple top 8 at Japanese locals such as [[MasterHand]] and was ranked 37th on the [[Japan SSBM Rank 2019]], becoming one of the few times a Zelda player has ranked on a country ranking.
[[Image:Zeldatrophy2 copy.jpg|right|100px]]
*{{Sm|Narcissa|USA}} - A Zelda player who was considered one of the best in North America and peaked at 2nd on the [[Chicago Power Rankings]]. Won [http://challonge.com/sgdq2013melee SGDQ 2013], placed 65th at {{Trn|EVO 2015}}, and placed high at many [[Show Me Your Moves]] locals. She later switched to Roy before becoming inactive from competition.
:'''Zelda''' ''(Smash Red)''
*{{Sm|Rienne|USA}} - Created [https://www.profaneto.me/2017/07/the-profane-tome-index.html The Profane Tome], which is considered a "bible" for Zelda players. Is currently considered to be the best Zelda in the world, having wins over top players such as {{Sm|Aura}}, {{Sm|Nicki}}, and {{Sm|Mekk}}.
:Zelda is a bit slow and, because of her light frame, easy to send flying. On the other hand, her magical skills lend her reliable and explosive attack power. Zelda's easier to use if you focus on waiting and countering rather than pressing attacks. She can use Nayru's Love to reflect projectile attacks or as an offensive weapon. (B: Nayru's Love, Smash B: Din's Fire)
*{{Sm|The Lake|USA}} - Considered the best Zelda player in the world prior to his death. He became a respected player in Pittsburgh, ranking as high as 4th on the [[Pittsburgh Power Rankings]] and has one of the most famous Zelda clips with his 4-stock over {{Sm|Nintendude}} in a tournament match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://youtu.be/8RM-J9V8iP4|title=Nintendude Vs. The Lake}}</ref> He passed away in October of 2022.


===Tier placement and history===
[[Image:Zeldatrophy3 copy.jpg|right|100px]]
Zelda was ranked extremely high on the first [[tier list]], tying for 6th place with {{SSBM|Samus}} and {{SSBM|Luigi}}; however, discussion in [http://www.smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=22623 the MBR average tiers topic] suggests this is an artifact of some tier list contributors grouping her with her top-tier counterpart {{SSBM|Sheik}}, and her placement was not fully based on her prowess as an independent character. The second tier list rectified this and had Zelda tie with Link and Ness for 14th to 16th place. Following this, Zelda fell again to 20th on the third tier list, and has since frequently appeared on the 19th and 20th spots on the tier list. Zelda's position is attributed to a combination of undesirable traits, being floaty, a middleweight yet tall (making her easy to juggle and KO from the upper blast line), having sluggish mobility, a poor [[wavedash]], and poor hitbox placements on most of her moves. However, the most important factor of Zelda’s lack of viability is Sheik’s existence as a top tier, which has deterred many smashers from using her in serious play.
:'''Zelda''' ''(Smash Blue)''
:Zelda's midair Lightning Kick centers immense magical power in the ball of her foot. If she strikes perfectly, the attack is as strong as can be. If her aim is slightly off, it'll be exceedingly weak. Farore's Wind again utilizes Zelda's magical prowess, this time by transporting her great distances. It's vital to know the lay of the land before using this move. (Up & B: Farore's Wind, Down & B: Transform)


Zelda is currently ranked 24th on the thirteenth tier list, in what is her lowest standing on the list thus far. Prior to the ranking, she was ranked 22nd, with some smashers disputing whether this was an accurate assessment; {{Sm|Mew2King}} notably believed that Zelda [http://www.eventhubs.com/news/2014/may/02/kirby-and-zelda-are-two-worst-characters-melee-pichu-highly-underrated-mew2king-discusses-his-super-smash-bros-tier-list-pt-1/ was one of the two worst characters in the game], citing her poor frame data and awful approach in his assessment.
==[[Combos]]==


Zelda has made little impact in tournaments from the start of the metagame, with relatively few dedicated mains. Her only modern players are semi-active at best, and usually do not place high enough to earn money in large tournaments without also using a better character. Additionally, many of the historically best Zeldas, most notably {{Sm|Narcissa}} stopped playing the game entirely, and {{Sm|The Lake}} has since passed away. Usually, the only time when Zelda shows up in top level play is when Sheik players transform into her off-stage to take advantage of her longer [[recovery]] where they would otherwise not be able to recover; if the opponent is aggressive enough, they may be forced to fight as her until an opportunity to transform back is available.
===Fast fallers===
:(First note: These combos are [[directional influence]] based)
#[[Chain throwing]]: Throw them up and attempt to grab again right before they land on your head. If they DI you can Follow a short distance to catch. Stops working around 30-40%.
#Up+throw to lightning kick: Throw them up and connect it with a lightning kick. (Note: Should wait until near the end of the Chain throwing process before doing this) If they DI left jump straight up and kick left. If they DI right jump straight up and kick right. If they don't DI and they try to fall back into Zelda, jump right or left (Depending which edge is closer to Zelda) And connect it that way.
#Up+A (Smash): If caught just right you can connect a series of these at low damage. And Just like in Combo #2 you can depending on DI lightning kick them.
#Down+throw -> lightning kick: If Zelda is facing right Down+Throw and short hop Lightning kick to the left. If Zelda is facing left Down+Throw and short hop lightning kick to the right.
##If the enemy DI's away from Zelda, she can't connect it.
##If the enemy smashes buttons to break out of the grab, might be a good idea to throw down quickly and since they were too busy breaking out. Their chance to DI is gone and it can be connected.
##If the opponent seems to go straight to attempting to DI. Get a few bits of damage by tapping A before throwing. Then it's suggested that Zelda go for Combo #2.(IF they are around the right damage)
#Dash Attack Spam: If your first Dash attack connects too early they will most likely be stunned a bit and pushed away. If you Dash attack as you nearly touch them they will be sent above you. You can dash away and back in for another Dash attack most likely. (Again depends on DI as they rack up damage). If they DI right above you, Change it to a Combo#3  or Combo#2 By grabbing them above you. From this point really you can connect any move Naryu's Love, etc. Just choose the one that deals the most damage or will give you the K.O.
#Tilt spam(Forward+A): If they are too far away when doing a mid aimed tilt, it will send them away. However if you catch them in it close They can DI straight up, or behind you. (Doesn't work too low damage because they can tech out of this, and doesn't work too high So very rare to pull this out). When DI'ing straight up you can do another one. Or Forward Smash, Dash Attack, Grab or anything that seems good for the situation. If they DI behind you. Short hop Lightning kick is a good idea, but so is going for another mid aimed or low aimed tilt if they are close enough.
##Note: This is extremely Damaged based.
#Down tilt: This is useless but possible combo none the less. At really high percentages when the fast faller finally starts popping off the ground to this move. you can connect a few sometimes. (Not really worth while to try and do this)


==In 1-P Mode==
===Average weight & floaty===
===In {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}===
#Down+throw -> lightning kick: If Zelda is facing right Down+Throw and short hop Lightning kick to the left. If Zelda is facing left Down+Throw and short hop lightning kick to the right.
In Classic Mode, Zelda can appear in ordinary one-on-one battles, on a team with either {{SSBM|Link}}, {{SSBM|Marth}}, {{SSBM|Young Link}}, {{SSBM|Peach}} or {{SSBM|Bowser}}, or in the game's metal battle. In her appearances, Zelda usually appears on [[Temple]], though she also appears on Great Bay when with Young Link, and on Battlefield when with Bowser and in the metal battle. Unusually, Zelda will never appear as an ally in team and giant fights.
##If the enemy DI's away from Zelda, she can't connect it.
##If the enemy smashes buttons to break out of the grab, might be a good idea to throw down quickly and since they were too busy breaking out. Their chance to DI is gone and it can be connected.
##If the opponent seems to go straight to attempting to DI. Get a few bits of damage by tapping A before throwing.
#Dash Attack -> Up+A: Around usually 0-10% depending on the character, if the player can get a Dash attack connected this early. (Near your enemy.) They'll fly just right above Zelda. Up+Smash or Up+tilt is good after this. Some characters(ex: Ganondorf, Roy), After Up+Smash, Zelda could jump to the side and lightning kick the opposite direction based on the enemies choice of DI.
#Dash Attack -> Grab: Same concept as the second combo listed for floatys, only if they go up right above Zelda's head. You can sometimes nail a grab. Only works around 0-10%.
#Forward Tilt-> Choice: If they are too far away it'll send the opponent away. If close enough to Zelda they usually end up behind her or sent right above her(DI based). At this point, any move the player chooses could be connected. Lightning kick, Another Tilt, Jab-> to Smash, Dash Attack. If they DI above, Zelda could grab(If they don't fly too far away.), Up Tilt, Up Smash.
##Note: Some characters can spam a move to get out of these. Like Link or Samus' sex kicks can take out the Up DI Scenario.


===In [[Adventure Mode]]===
==Ledge game==
Zelda's sole appearance in the [[Adventure Mode]] is in the second portion of Stage 3, the Underground Maze. The player has to fight against her on the Temple stage to progress in the mode.
*Down+A(Smash): Quick, and punishes characters who failed to sweet spot. Best against Ganondorf, and Captain Falcon.
*Down+A Air(Meteor): Weak Meteor Smash, But can get the job done with good timing.
*Forward+A (Smash): If timed correctly, it can punish a Fox or Falco player that attempted to Forward+B past you into the stage. Or any character who Up+B's over the ledge(Unlikely scenario If your opponent can Sweet spot well).
*Forward+A Air(Lightning kicks): Time it well with your opponents Up+B. You can land your lightning kick really close to ground level.
*Forward+B ([[Din's Fire]]): With great accuracy, you can destroy Samus's Bombs making it hard for her to recover. Or often set up a opponent for another lightning kick.(Note: Only good against players you know are going to make it back. Otherwise Ledge Hogging is a better choice.


===In [[All-Star Mode]]===
==Princess tricks==
In All-Star Mode, Zelda and her allies are fought on the [[Temple]] stage.
===Baiting===
Concept of watching your opponent and baiting them to make the first move so you can either Dash dance away, short hop away, Shield to Lightning kick, or anything to make them miss. Zelda as a character shouldn't be too offensive since a lot of her moves leave her vulnerable when missed, even if L-canceled.
#Long High Heels: Short hopping Away from  your opponent when you anticipate an attack against you. And C-sticking toward your enemy.
#I'm back: Fox Trot away, and come back in after a missed attack. Dash attack, Crounch Canceled smash, or Lightning Kick is usually the best Idea.
#I'm open!: Zelda's short dash dance is actually useful in this baiting. Zelda appears kinda vulnerable, but she has tricks. Shield against long lag moves like Links+Up B, Marths Forward Smash, and Punish them buy kicking out of the shield.
#Reverse Shield Grab?: Again short dashdancing helps out with this. This only works on opponents who tend to try and land behind the player, after an Aerial. Dash dance, and as they wonder what the hell the player is doing they come in for a Aerial move. Dash dance and end it with Zelda facing away from the enemy and bring up the shield, after they land behind you hitting the shield, the player should grab them.
##Note: Doesn't work on everybody especially not Space animals who even if they land behind Zelda, they can just L-cancel it into a shine, and get away.
#Teleport: Realistically if your opponent is well aware, the shift of the screen zooming in and out or left and right can tell them where you are going whether you have a game tag on or not. However Teleport is an OK baiting move if Zelda at the right distance. Knowing how to space Zelda is important here. Teleporting in place or quite a bit away from your enemy can bait them into thinking your so gonna be open when your Teleport is done. Zelda's Teleport is pretty laggy but that's why it can bait. Most opponents don't know when the lag ends making it easy to punish.
#Naryu's Love: When Zelda is fighting an opponent who has a ranged base of attacks, she can bait them by simply just reflecting their attacks, or dodging them, until they come to Zelda.
##Note: Link, hard because right after a boomerang is thrown he can chuck a bomb he was already holding so it hits you after Naryu's Love is finished.
##Note: Won't work on Falco or Fox, their projectiles are just too fast.
##Note: Samus, a lot easier to use against. Just be sure she doesn't have an already charged up Beam. A thing to watch out for is when Samus starts spamming missiles and also has a saved up charge beam. There is a good chance where the Samus user wants you to use Nayru's Love on the missiles, since there is a slight delay you finish Nayru's Love. During the delay, Samus can use this to her advantage and fire a fully-charged beam. Avoid the missiles instead since they don't travel far for very long. Overall, use caution when fighting a Samus user.
##Note: Peach, Easiest to bait. Catch her turnips or reflect them to your liking until she comes to you. However, be wary of the possible Bob-omb she pulls out.


===In [[Event Matches]]===
===Offense===
Zelda is featured in the following event matches:
Zelda's Defense/baiting technique is normally better. But she has some tricks up her sleeve when on the offensive.
*'''[[Event 9: Hide 'n' Sheik]]''': The player is pitted against two Zeldas on Great Bay; to win, however, players have to wait for Zelda to transform into Sheik and then KO them. Upon getting KO'd as Sheik, the CPU will be removed from the game; KOs against Zelda, however, merely cause her to respawn as normal.
#Double Air: Short hop with a Lightning kick. If the opponent is facing Zelda have her aerial land behind them, and go for a L-canceled neutral+A or another Lightning kick. Good to know if your first kick was countered with a shield, so it isn't as easy to shield grab the Zelda player.  
*'''[[Event 15: Girl Power]]''': The player, with two stocks, has to fight against {{SSBM|Samus}}, Peach and Zelda, all of whom also have two stocks; the player, however, is tiny, and must KO all three, who are on the same team. Friendly fire is turned on in the match, easing it slightly for the player.
#Jab Jab Grab: Good Idea to mix these up when Zelda is forced with a close encounter. So you opponent is thinking more about not getting grabbed or jabbed or which is coming.
*'''[[Event 20: All-Star Match 2]]''': Zelda is the third opponent the player must fight in this series of staged battles. Their character battles her on the [[Temple]] stage, and the player's character has 2 stock while Zelda has 1. With a timer of four minutes, the player must defeat her and the other four characters with the overall time and life they have: {{SSBM|Samus}}, {{SSBM|Link}}, {{SSBM|Captain Falcon}}, and {{SSBM|Fox}}.
##Note: They can defiantly shieldgrab your jab if they are a quick grabber. Point is if they expect a jab, they will most likely shield and you can grab. If they expect a grab they background dodge or some other alternative like try and hit Zelda first since she's a slow grabber. Jab is rather quick, and can sometimes lead to a Forward Smash.
*'''[[Event 29: Triforce Gathering]]''': The player plays as Link with Zelda as their partner, both of whom have one stock. They face {{SSBM|Ganondorf}} on the [[Temple]] stage, who has two stocks. Clearing the event allows the player to unlock Ganondorf.
#Up+B out of shield: If Zelda is being overwhelmed with a barrage of attacks and the player needs Spacing this is a good idea to try. The beginning animation even stuns them momentarily. If it doesn't, a fast character like Captain Falcon can follow Zelda anyway. Depends on opponents character.
*'''[[Event 44: Mewtwo Strikes!]]''': In this event, the player is initially placed on Battlefield, against Zelda. After fifteen seconds, however, {{SSBM|Mewtwo}} appears on stage and will fight the player. The player's goal is to KO Mewtwo; while Zelda can be attacked, KOing her will result in failure.


===Ending images===
===Priority===
Zelda and Sheik share ending images for the one-player modes, as well as the same cinematic; clearing the mode with one also gives the player both of their trophies.
Many of Zelda's attacks have great priority; meaning large, extending(disjointed) hitboxes. This includes her Fsmash, Usmash, Fair/Bair, Uair, and even Dair. Her tilts also have decent priority. Other notes include:


<gallery>
#Up+Smash has Priority over Ganondorf and Captain Falcon's Forward+B if Zelda starts it just after they start their attack.
ZeldaSheikClassicMode.jpg|Classic Mode.
#Down+Air can be used for edgeguarding from the ledge, to at least disrupt the opponents sweetspot (should be done just a split second before they reach Zelda). Can be followed up by a Fsmash if/once they meteor cancel it and aren't about to sweetspot again. An alternative could be to place a kick (fair/bair) at the ledge while on the stage as the opponent nears the edge.
ZeldaSheikAdventureMode.jpg|Adventure Mode.
#Forward Smash has priority on a lot of aerial moves that are at the end of their leg. (Ex: Captain Falcon's Knee has more priority at start, but as the move nears the end, Zelda's Forward Smash has better Priority. Which is why Baiting is a good Idea to get the last leg of the aerials coming your way. Always exceptions; e.g. Marth or Ganon's F-air.)
ZeldaSheikAllStarMode.jpg|All-Star mode.
#Naryu's Love: Just has a lot of priority in general. Multi-hit, additionally to it's nice range. Zelda is open after this move however. So if blocked, or even just missed, she's most likely in trouble. Works on a lot of horizontal approaching moves. Examples:
</gallery>
##Dash Attacks with the body of the character, like Fox, Ganon, Mario.
 
##Forward+B of Fox, Falco, Captain Falcon, Ganondorf, Peach.
==[[Trophies]]==
##Priority over Projectiles of course.
In addition to the normal trophy about Zelda as a character, there are two trophies about her as a fighter, unlocked by completing the [[Adventure]] and [[All-Star]] modes respectively with Zelda or Sheik on any difficulty:
 
{{Trophy/Fighter
|name=Zelda
|image=Princess Zelda Trophy Melee.png
|mode=Classic
|desc=The crown princess of Hyrule. Zelda entrusted Link with the future of Hyrule after a revelation came to her in the world of dreams. She knows much about the Triforce; in fact, the only person who likely knows more about Triforce lore is Ganondorf himself, whom Zelda evaded in Ocarina of Time by transforming into her alter ego, Sheik.
|gamelist={{Trophy games|game1=The Legend of Zelda|release1=7/87}}
|game=Melee
}}
{{clrl}}
 
{{Trophy/Fighter
|name=Zelda
|image=Princess Zelda Trophy (Smash).png
|mode=Adventure
|desc=Zelda is a bit slow and, because of her light frame, easy to send flying. On the other hand, her magical skills lend her reliable and explosive attack power. Zelda's easier to use if you focus on waiting and countering rather than pressing attacks. She can use Nayru's Love to reflect projectile attacks or as an offensive weapon.
|gamelist=:B: Nayru's Love
:Smash B: Din's Fire
|game=Melee
}}
{{clrl}}
 
{{Trophy/Fighter
|name=Zelda
|image=Princess Zelda Trophy 2 (Smash).png
|mode=All Star
|desc=Zelda's midair Lightning Kick centers immense magical power in the ball of her foot. If she strikes perfectly, the attack is as strong as can be. If her aim is slightly off, it'll be exceedingly weak. Farore's Wind again utilizes Zelda's magical prowess, this time by transporting her great distances. It's vital to know the lay of the land before using this move.
|gamelist=:Up & B: Farore's Wind
:Down & B: Transform
|game=Melee
}}
{{clrl}}


==[[Alternate costume (SSBM)#Zelda|Alternate costumes]]==
==In Single-player==
{|style="margin:1em auto 1em auto;text-align:center"
In the game's single-player Adventure mode, Zelda is fought after completing the [[Underground Maze]] on the [[Temple|Great Temple]] stage.
|-
|colspan=5|[[File:Zelda Palette (SSBM).png]]
|-
|{{Head|Zelda|g=SSBM|s=25px}}
|{{Head|Zelda|g=SSBM|s=25px|cl=Red}}
|{{Head|Zelda|g=SSBM|s=25px|cl=Blue}}
|{{Head|Zelda|g=SSBM|s=25px|cl=Green}}
|{{Head|Zelda|g=SSBM|s=25px|cl=White}}
|}


==Gallery==
Zelda is featured in the following Event Matches:
<center>
<gallery>
Zelda SSBM Artwork.png|Official artwork of Zelda.
SSBMWebsiteZelda1.jpg|Using her [[neutral aerial]] on [[Fountain of Dreams]].
SSBMWebsiteZelda2.jpg|Using [[Din's Fire]] on {{SSBM|Bowser}} on [[Yoshi's Story]].
FaroresWindMelee.png|Using [[Farore's Wind]].
SSBMWebsiteZelda4.jpg|Using her [[up smash]] on [[Pokémon Stadium]].
NLoveMelee.jpg|Using [[Nayru's Love]] on {{SSBM|Samus}} and {{SSBM|Captain Falcon}} on [[Jungle Japes]].
ZTransMelee.jpg|Using [[Transform]] on [[Temple]].
</gallery>
</center>


==Trivia==
*'''[[Event 9: Hide 'n' Sheik]]''': The player faces two Zeldas on the [[Great Bay]] stage. However, the KO will only count if Zelda is Sheik.
*Zelda is the only starter character in ''Melee'' who was not revealed at [[E3]] 2001. Instead, she was revealed when her page was added to [[Smabura-Ken]] on November 6.
*'''[[Event 15: Girl Power]]''': the player is tiny and faces Zelda alongside [[Peach]] and [[Samus]] on the [[Fountain of Dreams]] stage with two stock each.
**In [[Media:Betameleescreen.jpg|a screenshot]] of the character select screen in ''Melee'', from Smabura-Ken, Zelda's portrait is missing from the character select screen. This seems to have been done to hide the surprise of Zelda being playable, as Sheik was revealed first.
*'''[[Event 20: All-Star Match 2]]''': Zelda is the third opponent you must fight in this series of staged battles. Your character battles her on the [[Temple|Great Temple]] stage, and your character has 2 stock while Zelda has 1. With a timer of four minutes, you must defeat her and the other four characters with the overall time and life you have: [[Samus]], [[Link]], [[Captain Falcon]], and [[Fox]].
*Zelda is the only character in ''Melee'', along with {{SSBM|Peach}}, to have 3 [[idle poses]]. The majority of the cast only have either one or two.
*'''[[Event 29: Triforce Gathering]]''': As Link and teamed with Zelda, the player faces Ganondorf on the Great Temple stage.
**Additionally, her official artwork and character select portrait is based on one of her idle poses.
*'''[[Event 44: Mewtwo Strikes!]]''': Although Zelda appears, she is NOT the one the player must KO. After 15 seconds, Mewtwo will appear and you must avoid KOing Zelda at all costs.
*Zelda has the largest amount of moves with transcendent priority in ''Melee'', with 13.
*Despite her design being based on her ''Ocarina of Time'' incarnation, her brodice is pink instead of purple, and if one looks closely, Zelda wears high-heels instead of brown boots as seen in her ''Smash'' trophies (which are retained in her later designs/appearances).
*Oddly, a CPU Zelda in Training mode set to the "Stand" CPU mode will still occasionally transform into Sheik.
*Although not considered a clone, several of Zelda's non-attack animations are taken directly from Peach, such as her idle, crouching, walking, shielding, rolling, [[screen KO]], and jumping animations.


==References==
==Costume Gallery==
{{reflist}}
[[image:alt-zelda.jpg|frame|center|Zelda's changeable clothing in SSBM]]
==External links==
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_nalj/smash/flash/1106/index.html Zelda's page at Smabura-Ken]


*[[smashwiki:26TP/Zelda|Translation]]
{{SSBMCharacters}}
{{SSBMCharacters}}
{{EnemiesAdvSSBM}}
{{Zelda universe}}
{{Zelda universe}}
[[Category:Zelda (SSBM)| ]]
[[Category:The Legend of Zelda universe]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSBM)]]
[[Category:Characters (SSBM)]]
[[es:Zelda (SSBM)]]

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