Link (SSB)

This article is about Link's appearance in Super Smash Bros. For other uses, see Link.

Link
Link
Universe	The Legend of Zelda
Appears in	SSB SSBM SSBB
Availability	Starter
Tier	Bottom (12)

Having many disjointed melee attacks and two projectile weapons, Link (Japanese: リンク, Rinku) can be a hassle to approach. However, his lack of speed and maneuverability cause Link even more problems in approaching an opponent. In fact, much of Link's strategy consists of standing back, throwing a few projectiles, and waiting for an opening. Due to his slow ground movements and attacks, it is imperative that Link players be able to not only short hop but be able to input an attack immediately afterwards.

Description

Link is the valiant boy hero of "The Legend of Zelda" series in which he fights against the evil Ganon to recover the Triforce. Though his tools may change with each adventure, his strength and righteousness remain constant. With his trusty sword and a variety of weapons, he takes adventure head on!

Works: The Legend of Zelda (NES), The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES), The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Long reach
• Two good projectiles
• Powerful attacks
• Ranged grab
• Unusual hitboxes

Cons

File:Link ssb.PNG

• Slow attack speed
• Slow grab if he misses
• Slow dash
• Easily juggled and comboed
• Recovery is short and easily intercepted, especially with spikes

Normal Moves

Weak attacks

• A Sword Swipe, 2-5%
• AA Double Sword Swipe, 2-3%
• AAA Stab 2-4%
• Rapid A Quick Sword Stab, 1% each

Strong attacks

• ↔ Sword Up to Right, 7-18%
• ↑ Tilted Sword, 4-10%
• ↓ Sword Poke, 5-12%

Smash attacks

• ↔ Elongated Sword, 5-20%
• ↑ Triple Up Sword, 3-7%, 2-3%, then 5-12%
• ↓ Breakdance, 6-16%

Aerial attacks

• A Sex Kick, 3-10%
• → Spin Sword, 5-20%
• ↑ Upwards Thrust, 6-16%
• ← Double kick, 4-10%, 4-10%
• ↓ Down Thrust Sword 6-16%

Throws

• → Kick, 11-14%
• ← Kick back, 12-16%

Other

• Dash attack Running Sword Swipe 4-16%

Special Moves

• Neutral B: Boomerang 3-9%
• Up B: Spin Attack 3-16%
• Down B: Bomb 3-13%

Bomb damages

• Explosion: 5%
• Throws
  • Tilt: 5%
  • Tilt Up: 5%
  • Tilt Down: 0%+5% (5%)
  • Dash: 9%+5% (14%)
  • Smash: 8%+5% (13%)
  • Smash Up: 8%+5% (13%)
  • Smash Down: 0%+5% (5%)
• Air Throws
  • Tilt: 7%+5% (12%)
  • Tilt Up: 8%+5% (13%)
  • Tilt Down: 8%+5% (13%)
  • Smash: 9%+5% (14%)
  • Smash Up: 11%+5% (16%)
  • Smash Down: 11%+5% (16%)

Strategies

Extended Boomerang

Link's boomerang (neutral B attack) goes farther if it is treated as a smash attack. Quickly tap the control stick to the side while hitting B to extend the range.

Bomb Recovery

Like Samus, Link can use his bombs to aid his recovery. However, unlike Samus, Link must use a bit of technical skill and timing. While recovering, pull out a bomb and drop it slowly below Link. Continue to DI toward the stage and then use his bair. This will cause Link to explode toward the platform. Use his Up B and land back safely. Note that Link will not be able to grab the edge because the explosion causes him to face the other direction. To counter this, throw his boomerang before using his Up B. This technique is extremely situational, and poorly helps to recover in very few cases.