Editing Zelda (SSBM)

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|rankingPAL = 20
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'''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.
'''Zelda''' ({{ja|ゼルダ|Zeruda}}, ''Zelda'') is one of the more unique characters in the lineup for ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. Zelda's most notable traits are her array of powerful magical attacks and her unique ability to transform herself into her alter ego, {{SSBM|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.


Jun Mizusawa, Zelda's voice actor from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'', reprises her role in all regions with new voice clips.
Jun Mizusawa reprises her role as Zelda from ''Ocarina of Time'' in the game.


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. However, Zelda is greatly hindered by her poor mobility,  possessing the slowest dash speed in the game and a slow fall speed, and lacks Jigglypuff's air physics has to alleviate 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.
Currently, Zelda is 24th on the tier list, the lowest-ranked character in D-tier. Zelda's positive attributes include several powerful attacks, with the most notable being her [[Lightning Kick]]. Zelda's primary weakness, however, is her poor mobility; she possesses (along with Jigglypuff) the slowest dash speed in the game, and is a slow-faller. These attributes, combined with her very high [[traction]], result in her possessing the shortest [[wavedash]] in the game (alongside Peach). Additionally, despite Zelda's long range on her recovery, it is fairly predictable and easily edgeguarded and/or edgehogged due to its awkward endlag. All of these factors contribute to Zelda having terrible matchups against most of the cast.


==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.
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.


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.
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.
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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.
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. While Zelda has a lot of finishers, an equal amount suffer from being difficult to land. 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.
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.
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 their difficulty in 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, a player must bait out options and wait for an opponent to make a mistake, else she be overwhelmed by other foes.
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==
==Moveset==
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|neutral1dmg=2% (hits 1-3)
|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.
|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'')
|ftiltname=Mystic Swipe ({{ja|ミスティックスワイプ|Misutikku Suwaipu}})
|ftiltdmg=13% (hand), 12% (arm), 11% (shoulder)
|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.
|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'')
|utiltname=Protective Sweep ({{ja|プロテクティブスイープ|Purotekutibu Suīpu}})
|utiltdmg=11%
|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.
|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'')
|dtiltname=Trip ({{ja|トリップ|Torippu}})
|dtiltdmg=8% (leg), 7% (foot)
|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.
|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'')
|dashname=Magical Push ({{ja|マジカルプッシュ|Majikaru Pusshu}})
|dashdmg=13% (clean body), 9% (clean hands), 8% (late body), 7% (late hands)
|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.
|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'')
|fsmashname=Shining Palm ({{ja|シャイニングパーム|Shainingu Pōmu}})
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|1}} (hits 1-4), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|14}} (hit 5)
|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.
|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'')
|usmashname=Power Sweep ({{ja|パワースイープ|Pawā Suīpu}})
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|1}} (hits 1-11), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|5}} (hits 12)
|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.
|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'')
|dsmashname=Compass Spin ({{ja|コンパススピン|Konpasu Supin}})
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|11}}
|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.
|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'')
|nairname=Magic Spin ({{ja|マジックスピン|Majikku Supin}})
|nairdmg=2-3% (hits 1-5), 5% (hit 6)
|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.
|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)'')
|fairname=[[Lightning Kick]] ({{ja|稲妻キック|Inazuma Kikku}})
|fairdmg=20% (sweet), 10% (sour)
|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.
|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)'')
|bairname=Reverse Lightning Kick ({{ja|逆稲妻キック|Gyaku Inazuma Kikku}})
|bairdmg=20% (sweet), 10% (sour)
|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.
|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'')
|uairname=Condensed Blast ({{ja|コンデンスブラスト|Kondensu Burasuto}})
|uairdmg=13%
|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.
|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.
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|dairdmg=7% (foot), 8% (leg)
|dairdmg=7% (foot), 8% (leg)
|dairdesc=Thrusts her foot downwards. A very weak [[meteor smash]].
|dairdesc=Thrusts her foot downwards. A very weak [[meteor smash]].
|grabname=Magical Hold ({{ja|ホールディング|Hōrudingu}}, ''Holding'')
|grabname=Magical Hold ({{ja|マジカルホールド|Majikaru Hōrudo}})
|grabdesc=
|grabdesc=
|pummelname=Hex ({{ja|ホールディングアタック|Hōrudingu Atakku}}, ''Holding Attack'')
|pummelname=Hex ({{ja|ヘックス|Hekkusu}})
|pummeldmg=3%
|pummeldmg=3%
|pummeldesc=Zaps her foe.
|pummeldesc=Zaps her foe.
|fthrowname=Levitation ({{ja|フォースムーブ|Fōsu Mūbu}}, ''Force Move'')
|fthrowname=Levitation ({{ja|浮上|Fujō}})
|fthrowdmg=12%
|fthrowdmg=12%
|fthrowdesc=Launches her foe forward, above average power.
|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'')
|bthrowname=Reverse Levitation ({{ja|逆浮上|Gyaku Fujō}})
|bthrowdmg=11%
|bthrowdmg=11%
|bthrowdesc=Similar to her forward throw, only directly behind her.
|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'')
|uthrowname=Levitation Launch ({{ja|浮上打ち上げ|Fujō Uchiage}})
|uthrowdmg=11%
|uthrowdmg=11%
|uthrowdesc=Thrusts foe to the sky. Has the ability to chain throw fast-falling opponents at low percents.
|uthrowdesc=Thrusts foe to the sky. Has the ability to chain throw fast-falling opponents at low percents.
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:''See also: ''[[:Category:Zelda players (SSBM)]]''
:''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.
*{{Sm|Kalne|Japan}} - [[Sheilda|Co-mains Zelda and Sheik]]. Has multiple top 8 at Japanese locals such as [[MasterHand]], and a win over {{Sm|Takuwan}}. Ranked 37th on the [[Japan SSBM Rank 2019]].
*{{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.
*{{Sm|Narcissa|USA}} - Peaked at 2nd on the [[Chicago Power Rankings]], won [http://challonge.com/sgdq2013melee SGDQ 2013] and placed high at many [[Show Me Your Moves]] locals, later switched to Roy and became inactive.
*{{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}}.
*{{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 generally considered to be the best Zelda in the world at the moment. Has wins over {{Sm|Aura}}, {{Sm|Nicki}}, and {{Sm|Mekk}}.
*{{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> In addition, he placed 33rd at {{Trn|Revival of Melee 3}}, which is Zelda's highest result for a supermajor/major. He passed away in October of 2022.
*{{Sm|The Lake|USA}} - The best Zelda player in the world prior to his death. Placed 9th at {{Trn|Fight Pitt VI}} and 25th at {{Trn|The Big House}}. Ranked 8th on [[Pittsburgh Power Rankings]] in 2017, peaked at 4th; 4-stocked {{Sm|Nintendude}} in a tournament match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://youtu.be/8RM-J9V8iP4|title=Nintendude Vs. The Lake}}</ref>
*{{Sm|UmbreonMow|USA}} - Considered the best Zelda in the early meta. Currently inactive.


===Tier placement and history===
===Tier placement and history===
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 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 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 believing that she deserved to be slightly lower; {{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.
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.


Zelda has made little impact in tournaments from the start of the metagame, with very few dedicated mains able to player her at a high-level. Her only modern top representatives are semi-active at best, and usually do not place high in majors and even regionals without using better characters. 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, Sheik players may be forced to fight as her until an opportunity to transform back is available.
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.


==In 1-P Mode==
==In 1-P Mode==
===In {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}===
===In {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}===
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.
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, however, Zelda will never appear as an ally in team and giant fights.


===In [[Adventure Mode]]===
===In [[Adventure Mode]]===
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*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.
*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.
**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.
**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.
*Zelda and Sheik are the [[fighter ability|only characters with the ability]] to transform into another character (each other) in ''Melee'', and the first to do so in the ''Smash Bros.'' series.
*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.
*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.
**Additionally, her official artwork and character select portrait is based on one of her idle poses.
**Additionally, her official artwork and character select portrait is based on one of her idle poses.
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*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).
*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.
*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.
*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, and jumping animations.


==References==
==References==

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