Link (SSB4): Difference between revisions

'''Link''' ({{ja|リンク|Rinku}}, ''Link'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. His return to the series was announced during the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] [[Nintendo Direct]] on June 11th, 2013.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13D1I5s236o Nintendo Direct@E3 2013]</ref> He was also among the first wave of [[amiibo]] that are compatible with ''SSB4''. Akira Sasanuma reprises his role as Link's voice actor, albeit via voice clips recycled from ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}''.

Link is currently ranked 31st out of 55 on the [[tier list]], placing him in the D tier. In addition to rendering Link as the second highest ranking mid-tier character, this is a significant improvement over his bottom-tier placement in ''Brawl'', where he was ranked 35th out of 38 and his best placement to date. Link possesses multiple [[projectile]]s in the form of his [[Hero's Bow]], [[Gale Boomerang]] and [[Bomb (Link)|Bomb]], each of which serve as great tools for combos, [[camp]]ing, [[gimp]]ing, and disrupting [[approach]]es. Aside from his projectiles, Link's {{s|zeldawiki|Master Sword}} grants him [[disjoint]]ed range and above average power.

In addition to his retained strengths, his recovery has been greatly buffed from ''Brawl'', thanks to [[Spin Attack]] and [[Hookshot and Clawshot|Clawshot]] covering noticeably more distance, and Bomb's shorter fuse improving its [[Bomb (Link)#Bomb recovery|recovery potential]]. As a heavyweight, his respectable durability allows him to take advantage of the [[rage]] mechanic introduced in ''SSB4'', which further bolsters his already powerful attacks.

However, Link remains held back by his relatively sluggish frame data. He has moves that are quite easily [[punish]]able if they are whiffed, while his heavy weight and slow mobility without [[Glide toss#Dash item throw cancel item throw (DITCIT)|Bomb Sliding]] render him vulnerable to combos, especially from the fast, rushdown-oriented characters that are prevalent in the metagame. Despite Link's new assets, several of his fellow [[veteran]]s gained more significant buffs, which downplays the effects that his own buffs grant him in competitive play.

While Link's early tournament results were mediocre at best, he has managed to attain a dedicated playerbase that consists of professionals such as {{Sm|Izaw}}, {{Sm|Scizor}}, {{Sm|Sova Unknown}} and {{Sm|T}}, who have managed to achieve top 8 and 16 placements more frequently, even at the national level. T, in particular, has demonstrated Link's viability, placing 3rd at [[2GGC: Civil War]], one of the most competitive ''SSB4'' tournaments in the world, and being ranked 46th on the [[PGR 100]], the all-time ranking for ''Smash 4''.

Link is one of the handful of characters in ''SSB4'' with a [[Grab#Tether grab|tether grab]], with his [[Hookshot and Clawshot|Clawshot]] being a useful supplement to not just his recovery, but also his zoning and combo games. Although its damage output has been lowered since ''Brawl'', Clawshot still boasts impressive range, has minimal landing lag, and comes out even faster than before as an attack. It also assists his combo game, due to his down throw's impressive combo potential, while his up throw possesses KO potential. Lastly and most importantly, Clawshot is a pivotal part of Link's recovery, especially due to his sluggish mobility.

Link's special moves all have their uses. [[Hero's Bow]] is a strong option against characters who struggle at [[approach]]ing and is good for providing long-ranged pressure. [[Gale Boomerang]] is a decent spacing option and has follow-up potential upon contact or via its [[wind]]-based drag effect. Gale Boomerang's drag effect also grants it [[gimp]]ing potential in the form of [[Gale Guarding]]. [[Spin Attack]]'s overall recovery distance has noticeably improved since ''Brawl'', while its already impressive power has been further increased, which in turn improves its KO potential or as a way to punish rolls. However, Link's [[Bomb (Link)|Bomb]] is perhaps the most versatile weapon within his arsenal thanks to its utility. Throwing a Bomb at an opponent can cause enough [[hitstun]] to help Link's approach and/or set up combos. Conversely, if the opponent shields it, the Bomb simply bounces off, allowing it to be used for spacing. Even holding a Bomb long enough for it to explode can be useful; while doing so damages Link, it gives him a small vertical boost and removes him from being [[helpless]], aiding his recovery and/or allowing him to break out of combos. Like in ''Brawl'', his bombs can also be used for a technique called [[Glide toss#Dash item throw cancel item throw (DITCIT)|Bomb Sliding]], which noticeably supplements his ground mobility. When combined with the overall fastest [[item throw]] animations in the game, Link's Bomb allows him to pressure opponents at a deceptively fast speed.

In terms of [[customization]], Link's custom moves benefit him. Power Bow grants Link's arrows incredible power, being able to KO significantly easier. However, this comes at the cost of heavily decreased range and increased charge time, with uncharged arrows lacking any utility. Quickfire Bow fires [[magic]]al arrows at an extremely quick rate that are also unaffected by gravity, granting them spammability. However, they are much weaker and have shorter range. Boomerang removes the [[Wind|wind]] effect from the Gale Boomerange and makes it act like the Boomerang from ''Smash 64'' and ''Melee''; it can now be angled easier, has four hitboxes instead of two and deals damage when returning to Link. However, most of Link's setups are now removed since the Boomerang can no longer pull opponents in. Ripping Boomerang possesses no windboxes, deals less damage and has shorter range, but it hits multiple times, goes through opponents, has four hitboxes similar to Boomerang, and stuns victims, making it good for setups. Shocking Spin is an [[electric]]ally charged Spin Attack with significantly stronger damage and KO potential, and the aerial version semi-spikes. However, the grounded version has increased ending lag, while the aerial version lacks back hitboxes and worsens Link's already sub-par recovery by decreasing its horizontal momentum and vertical distance; additionally, while the aerial version can semi-spike, it only works if the opponent is in front. Whirling Leap drastically improves Link's recovery, granting him significantly improved vertical and horizontal distance, alongside very high aerial control during its duration. However, it is solely limited to being a recovery option due to its lack of any hitboxes. Giant Bomb has Link pull out a massive bomb that has a greater explosion radius and damage. However, it has slightly more startup lag and does not explode upon impact, limiting its tactical use compared to the standard Bomb. Meteor Bomb is a much smaller Bomb with a shorter fuse that meteor smashes anyone it hits with moderate knockback. This gives it unique edgeguarding potential and can set up for interesting combos, but as it also affects Link, this prevents him from extending his recovery unless the bomb is used to interrupt potentially deadly vertical KOs.

Link also benefits from the general physics changes brought about by ''SSB4''. The [[Edge-guarding#Ledge Trump|edge trump]] mechanic combined with the increased speed to [[air dodge]]s immensely improves his recovery allowing him to make much greater use of his new and improved recovery options. The [[rage]] mechanic further boosts his power and can be utilized well, due to his excellent endurance. The changes of [[hitstun canceling]] has also improved his combo potential especially out of back aerial and down throw.  

However, Link has also seen some nerfs. While the removal of hitstun canceling improves his own combo potential, it makes him more susceptible to combos himself and it removes [[momentum canceling]] hindering his endurance especially vertically (although Link does notably benefit from the removal of [[chain grab]]bing). Link also lost access to the advanced techniques he had in ''Brawl'' most notably [[DACUS]] which significantly hinders his approach potential combined with his up smash having more ending lag. He also no longer has access to {{b|Quickdraw|technique}}ing and the removal of [[edge momentum shifting]] has hindered [[Gale Boomerang]]'s utility. As for his more direct nerfs, his overall damage output is lower (although it is higher relative to the cast) with his forward and down smash seeing significant nerfs to their damage and some of his moves have worse overall KO potential due to their alterations such as with down tilt and down aerial. His grab aerial is also worse on stage as while it connects with the strong hit more reliably, it is weaker, launches opponents at a less favourable angle and has more landing lag hindering its use as a spacing tool. Lastly, while his out of shield game has improved due to his faster Spin Attack and the general changes to shields, his [[spotdodge]] is drastically worse going from being one of the best to a very mediocre spotdodge.

Ultimately, Link is considerably better than how he was in ''Brawl'' as his buffs are of greater quantity than his nerfs and while most of his direct changes do not greatly benefit him, the changes to the game's mechanics greatly benefit him overall as they improve his combo and KO potential and most importantly, they make his recovery far better fixing one of his main issues in ''Brawl''. Despite this, his other issues including his poor mobility and frame data were not properly addressed and in some cases, worsened and he did see a few notable hindrances from the changes to the game's mechanics. Nevertheless, he is a significantly more effective character relative to the cast and has seen greater tournament results although he still struggles against the higher tiered characters.  

*{{buff|Link's [[fast fall]]ing speed is faster (2.666 → 3.04), improving his air game and making him less susceptible to juggling although relative to the cast, it has gone from the second highest fast falling speed to the third highest.}}

*{{nerf|[[Spotdodge]] has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frame 2-20 → 3-18) and has increased ending lag (FAF  23 → 28) no longer being one of the best in the game.}}

*{{buff|[[Air dodge]] has decreased startup lag (frame 4 → 3) and ending lag (FAF 50 → 34).}}

*{{buff|Dashing [[item throw]] has significantly less ending lag (FAF 38 → 18), making it the fastest in the game. This slightly improves his [[item]]-based zoning potential.}}

*{{buff|The Hylian Shield now blocks projectiles even while Link is walking. Additionally, it now always protects his front while he is idle, duee to his idle poses' updated animations. Lastly, Link now raises the Hylian Shield when a projectile or an explosion hits it. Altogether, these changes significantly improve its reliability.}}

**{{buff|Forward throw has decreased ending lag (FAF 41 → 36).}}

**{{nerf|Down throw deals less damage (7% → 6%).}}

**{{buff|Down throw has decreased knockback scaling (90 → 85) and its angle has been altered (110° → 83°). Coupled with its lower damage and the changes to hitstun canceling, this significantly improves its combo potential.}}

**{{nerf|The removal of [[edge momentum shifting]] (in version [[1.0.8]]) has hindered Gale Boomerang's approach and egdeguarding potential.}}

*{{change|{{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}}Quickfire Bow and Power Bow now function like they do in the {{GameIcon|ssb4-u}} version.}}

*{{buff|Clawshot's range has been doubled and it now grabs an opponent before falling to the ground.}}

*{{change|{{GameIcon|ssb4-u}}Clawshot now behaves like it does in the {{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}} version.}}

*{{buff|All grabs' ending lag decreased|frame 66/frame 77/frame 79|62/66/67.}}

*{{buff|Grab's start-up lag decreased|frame 14|12.}}

|dtiltdesc=A kneeling inward slash. Has slow startup for a tilt, but low ending lag with vertical knockback, granting it combo potential into aerials (most notably forward aerial, dealing 35% if both hits connect) and making it safe on shield with proper spacing. It also has a hitbox close to the base of the Master Sword that [[meteor smash]]es aerial opponents, but deals weak knockback and is very hard to land due to its small size and lower priority than the other hitboxes, leaving it unable to hit characters hanging on a ledge except for {{SSB4|Charizard}}.

|dashname=Jump Slash

|fsmashname=Sword Slice

|fairname=&nbsp;

|bairdesc=A hook kick followed by a mid-level roundhouse kick. Link's fastest aerial and has very low ending and landing lag, allowing it to combo into itself at low percents, which can be further followed up by a reverse Spin Attack. However, it is one of his least damaging attacks and the weakest back aerial in the game, being unable to KO from center stage even in [[Sudden Death]].

|zairname=[[Hookshot and Clawshot|Clawshot]]

|zairdesc=Fires his {{s|zeldawiki|Clawshot}} forward. Has great range and very low landing lag making ita useful spacing tool, and its low knockback also allows it to combo into most ground attacks. The Clawshot also serves as a [[tether recovery]].

|grabname=Clawshot

|edgedesc=The Crouch Stab from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''. Performs a thrust while climbing up.

|nsc2desc=Fires [[magic]]al arrows that charge quickly and travel in a straight line. Uncharged arrows are decently [[spam]]mable due to being fired faster, but charged arrows have a lower maximum damage output. The arrows also have shorter range.

|ssdefdesc=Throws the {{s|zeldawiki|Gale Boomerang}}, which flies forward and then returns to Link. It damages opponents as it flies away and [[Wind#Pulling attacks|pulls]] opponents toward him during its return. It can be angled up or down, while a [[Item throw#Directions and strength|smash throw]] (which is similar to when performing the input for a smash attack) increases the distance it can travel. Unlike [[Boomerang]], a [[reflection|reflected]] Gale Boomerang is not threatening to Link, as it will only fly past him with its non-damaging windbox. It has set-up potential, albeit only at close range and at low percentages.

|ssc1desc=Functions [[Boomerang|like in ''SSB'' and ''Melee'']], dealing more damage and damaging opponents upon returning. It can also be aimed easier, but deals less knockback.

|dsc1dmg=7-8% (center), 10-11% (outlines)

|fsdmg=1% (hit 1), 3% (hits 2-15), 2% (hit 16), 15% (hit 17)

|fsdesc=Emits a thin beam of light from the [[zeldawiki:Triforce|Triforce of Courage]] symbol on the back of his hand to stun an opponent in front of himself. If the beam comes in contact with an opponent, Link dashes forward and performs a barrage of slashes while they are trapped in a Triforce-shaped energy field before concluding with an outward slash that shatters the energy field and launches them. Although its damage output has lowered since ''Brawl'', it is still among the most powerful [[Final Smash]]es in the game. It can hit multiple opponents, but all non-trapped opponents are launched out the energy field after the penultimate hit.

==[[On-screen appearance]]==

==[[Taunt]]s==

==[[Idle pose]]s==

==[[Crowd cheer]]==

==[[Victory pose]]s==

===Notable players===

<!--If you are planning to add a player you consider to be notable, please provide tournament results in some shape or form in the edit summary (be it a link to a results thread or bracket of them placing high in a tournament of other notable players or a video of them beating a notable player). Winning tournaments without notable players present is generally not enough to warrant a spot. Using that criteria, please refrain from adding Lythero.-->

After T placed 3rd at [[2GGC: Civil War]], one of the most competitive tournaments in ''SSB4''{{'}}s lifespan, Link's perception has further improved, to the point that he is viewed as deserving to be in the upper portion of the mid-tier. This has been reflected in the fourth and current tier list, in which Link is ranked 31st.

:'''Link'''

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Green tunic? Pointy hat? Yep, it's Link, all right! In this game, his sword and shield make for effective attacking and blocking, and his bow, bombs, and boomerang will spice up any battle. He's even brought his Clawshot for grabbing enemies and edges. Jeez, just how much stuff can Link carry?''

::{{flag|pal}} ''Green clothes? Pointy hat? Yep, it's Link, all right! In this game, his sword and shield make for effective attacking and blocking, and his bow, bombs, and boomerang will spice up any battle. He's even brought his Clawshot for grabbing enemies and edges. The hero of Hyrule is really kitted out for a brawl!''

{{Trophy games|console1=nes|game1=The Legend of Zelda (08/1987)|console2=snes|game2=The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (04/1992)}}

 

 

{{Trophy games|console1=nes|game1=The Legend of Zelda (08/1987)|console2=snes|game2=The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (04/1992)}}

 

:'''Triforce Slash (Link)'''

 

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Link makes use of the Triforce of Courage to trap foes, and then he launches a 16-blow combo. The final mighty blow has the power to launch opponents off the stage. When Link prepares the attack, the ray of light he emits must strike a rival, or the attack will fail. Shielding will do nothing to stop this powerful attack.''

 

::{{flag|pal}} ''Link traps a foe in mid-air with the power of the Triforce of Courage, then he delivers a 16-strike sword combo. The final strike has formidable launching power. If the ray of light at the start of the attack doesn't hit, the whole thing ends there. Helpfully, though, the ray of light's range and speed are incredible, and shields won't block it.''

 

LinkTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)

Link and Peach.jpg|Link and {{SSB4|Peach}} on {{SSB4|Battlefield}}.  

[[File:LinkT-PoseSSBU.png|thumb|right|Link's bind pose in {{forwiiu}}.]]

*Even though Link's ''Twilight Princess'' design is reused for this game, prior to the game's release, due to the brighter colors of ''SSB4'''s art style compared to the darker colors used in ''Brawl'', this portrayal of Link was initially mistaken by fans for the ''Skyward Sword'' version of Link, before the other ''Zelda'' characters returning from ''Brawl'' except for Toon Link reusing their ''Twilight Princess'' designs proved otherwise. While both ''Twilight Princess''' and ''Skyward Sword'''s versions of Link look visually similar, such as having chainmail underneath their green tunics, ''Twilight Princess'''s Link sports lighter, almost a dirty blond, hair that is almost unkempt, a more starched-looking tunic, tighter, gray trousers, and is constantly scowling, ''Skyward Sword'''s Link sports honey-colored hair that is shaggier, a looser-looking tunic, baggier, tan-colored trousers, and has a more cheerful expression.

{{reflist|1}}