Link: Difference between revisions

{{ArticleIcons|ssb=y|melee=y|brawl=y|ssb4=y|ultimate=y}}

|image = {{tabber|width=265px|title1=Breath of the Wild|tab1=[[File:Link BotW.png|250px]]|title2=Hero of the Wild|tab2=[[File:Link Wild Set Breath of the Wild.png|200px]]|title3=Twilight Princess|tab3=[[File:Link_Artwork.png|200px]]|title4=Ocarina of Time|tab4=[[File:Link OoT.png|250px]]}}

|lastappearance = ''{{s|supermariowiki|WarioWare: Get It Together!}}'' (2021)

|voiceactor = Nobuyuki Hiyama (''[[SSB]]''/''[[Melee]]'')<br>Akira Sasanuma (''[[Brawl]]''/''[[SSB4]]'')<br>Kengo Takanashi (''[[Ultimate]]'')

'''Link''' ({{ja|リンク|Rinku}}, ''Link'') is the protagonist of {{uv|The Legend of Zelda}} series. Unlike the majority of Nintendo protagonists, there are several distinct incarnations of Link seen throughout ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, each of whom are destined to become heroes against powerful forces of evil, most notably [[Ganondorf]]/[[Ganon]].

As a member of the "[[List of Super Smash Bros. series characters#"Perfect-attendance crew"|perfect-attendance crew]]", Link has been featured as a playable character throughout the ''{{b|Super Smash Bros.|series}}'' series. Compared to the rest of the crew, however, he holds the distinction of doing so in name only because of three of his incarnations (the {{s|zeldawiki|Hero of Time}}, the [[zeldawiki:Link#Twilight Princess|Hero of Twilight]], and the [[zeldawiki:Link#Breath of the Wild|Hero of the Wild]]<!--as named in Palutena's Guidance-->) appearing as playable characters. By extension, [[Young Link|prepubescent]] [[Toon Link|incarnations]] have also been playable, with the [[Young Link (SSBM)|first instance]] of this occurring in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''.

It is worth noting that while there have been multiple games within ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, it has not always been the same Link who the player controls. This is evident with the fact that there are multiple timelines within the series, wherein many games typically feature a new Link with a new origin. Notable examples include "Hylia's Chosen Hero" (referring to the Link from ''Skyward Sword''), the "{{iw|zeldawiki|Hero of Time}}" (referring to the Link from ''Ocarina of Time''/''Majora's Mask''), the "Hero of Winds" (referring to [[Toon Link|the Link]] from ''The Wind Waker''/''Phantom Hourglass''), and the "Hero of Twilight" (referring to the Link from ''Twilight Princess''). While it has never been confirmed that any of the Links are related by blood, they are related in the fact they possess the spirit of the hero.

In addition, Link, regardless of his age, almost always starts out as unremarkable until learning of his heroic destiny and, as his journey presses onward, gradually progresses into a full-fledged hero. For example, ''Ocarina of Time'' features him as [[Young Link|a young boy]] whose mother entrusted him in the care of the {{s|zeldawiki|Great Deku Tree}} before dying. ''The Wind Waker'' also features him as [[Toon Link|a young boy]], albeit living a happy and carefree life on {{s|zeldawiki|Outset Island}} alongside his grandmother and younger sister {{s|zeldawiki|Aryll}}. In ''Twilight Princess'', he is an ordinary young man working at {{s|zeldawiki|Ordon Ranch}}. ''Breath of the Wild'' is one of the few exceptions to this rule, introducing him as a knight and a descendant of many other knights. Link also traditionally never speaks outright, remaining a silent protagonist. There are instances throughout the franchise to imply that Link is speaking, such as other characters replying to him in conversations despite not saying anything and dialogue boxes with responses occasionally appearing. This is done to make Link a blank slate with minimal personality, which makes it easier for the player to project themselves onto Link and immerse themselves in the game.

Regardless of his origin, each incarnation of Link is tasked with defeating the main antagonist of the story, most frequently [[Ganondorf]]/[[Ganon]], in order to stop them from either taking over the world or, [[Majora's Mask|in other cases]], [[zeldawiki:Malladus|destroying it]]. Other hallmarks shared by the Links are their ability to wield the {{s|zeldawiki|Master Sword}} and their possession of the [[zeldawiki:Triforce|Triforce of Courage]], although these are not depicted universally. Due to the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series giving Link simple and concise answers that the player can pick instead of traditional dialogue, there is very little insight into the personalities of the majority of his incarnations. While the only incarnations to expressively show distinct personalities are the ones from ''Ocarina of Time''/''Majora's Mask'', ''The Wind Waker''/''Phantom Hourglass'', ''Twilight Princess'', ''Spirit Tracks'', ''Skyward Sword'', and ''Breath of the Wild'', universal traits among Link's incarnations are bravery, humility, and politeness.

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Thanks to his buffs, Link is currently ranked 18th out of 26 on the tier list. This places him at the bottom of the E tier, and renders him as the lowest ranking mid-tier character.

As a playable character, Link has three trophies - a normal trophy won beating the {{SSBM|Classic Mode}} with Link on any difficulty, and "Smash Red" and "Smash Blue" trophies are acquired by beating the Adventure and All-Star modes, respectively. His Classic Mode trophy reads as follows:

'''Link'''<br>

''Even in his youth, Link was already becoming the warrior who would carry the destiny of [[Hyrule]] (and many other lands) on his shoulders. His epic struggles against the forces of darkness are written in legend, and he is bound to the [[Princess Zelda]] and the archfiend [[Ganondorf]] by the awesome power of the Triforce.''

:*''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'', 07/87 (NES)

<center><gallery widths="200x200" heights="150">

Link Trophy Melee.png|Main (Classic Mode) trophy

Link Trophy (Smash).png|Smash (Red, Adventure Mode) trophy

Link Trophy 2 (Smash).png|Smash (Blue, All-Star Mode) trophy

Link has a trophy that is awarded each time the {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} is completed with Link on any difficulty. See [[Toon Link]] for the trophies based on ''The Wind Waker'' Link:

'''Link'''

:''A young man who emerged to rescue Hyrule from peril. He's the bearer of the Triforce of Courage who fights to keep Ganondorf from conquering the world. His green outfit is a constant throughout the series. He's a skilled swordsman, horseman, and archer. He's also proficient with bombs and boomerangs.''

{{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=The Legend of Zelda|console2=Wii|game2=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}

{{Trophy games|console1=Wii|game1=Super Smash Bros. Brawl}}

 

'''Wolf Link'''

:''Link's alternate form in the Twilight Realm. In this form, he cannot use weapons such as swords or shields, but he can attack with a ferocious wolf bite. He also has a number of unique skills inherent to his beast form, such as a keen sense of smell, the ability to dig, and a loud wolf howl.''

{{Trophy games|console1=Wii|game1=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}

 

Link - Brawl Trophy.png|Link trophy.

Triforce Slash (Link) - Brawl Trophy.png|Triforce Slash (Link) Trophy.

! Fighters

| {{SortKey|Link Zelda Ganondorf Toon Link}}{{Head|Link|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|Zelda|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|Ganondorf|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|ToonLink|g=SSBB|s=16px|l=Toon Link (SSBB)}}

| {{SortKey|Link Zelda Ganondorf Toon Link}}{{Head|Link|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|Zelda|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|Ganondorf|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|ToonLink|g=SSBB|s=16px|l=Toon Link (SSBB)}}

| {{SortKey|Link Zelda Ganondorf Toon Link}}{{Head|Link|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|Zelda|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|Ganondorf|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|ToonLink|g=SSBB|s=16px|l=Toon Link (SSBB)}}

| {{SortKey|Link Zelda Ganondorf Toon Link}}{{Head|Link|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|Zelda|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|Ganondorf|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|ToonLink|g=SSBB|s=16px|l=Toon Link (SSBB)}}

[[File:Link SSB4.png|thumb|right|Link, as he appears in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''.]]

Thanks to his buffs largely outweighing his nerfs, Link has been able to attain some notable players in tournament play and achieve respectable results, even at the national level. As a result, he is ranked 31st out of 55; in addition to placing him near the top of D tier, this renders him a mid-tier character like his ancestor is in ''Melee''.

:{{Flag|North America}} ''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|Europe}} ''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!''

;Link (Alt.)

:{{Flag|North America}} ''If Link was on a desert island and could only pick one item, it'd be his powerful sword. This weapon is key to his down-air attack, a move with great launching potential and the ability to strike twice. He can also strike twice with his side smash—the second blow deals more damage and launches harder.''

:{{Flag|Europe}} ''Of all of his weapons, Link's sword may be the most lethal. His down air attack has incredible launching power. What's more, he'll bounce up afterwards, allowing for a follow-up strike. His side smash can also be followed up with a more powerful second blow that sends foes flying - just press the button again straight away.''

;Adult Link (Ocarina of Time)

:{{Flag|North America}} ''The children from Kokiri Forest never seem to grow into adults. Just a young boy, Link is entrusted with a quest by the Great Deku Tree. He leaves the forest and eventually finds the Master Sword in the Temple of Time. When he awakes, he is seven years in the future and an adult!''

:{{flag|Europe}} ''Link was once a carefree lad living with the Kokiri in Kokiri Forest, but one day, the Great Deku Tree entrusted him with an important task and he had to leave. His quest led him to find the Master Sword, and when he took it, seven years passed in the blink of an eye. Before he knew it, Link had grown into a young man!''

:{{Flag|North America}} ''Hey, who let a wolf in here? This is the spot for a trophy of Link! The wolf does look cool, though... Oh, oops! That wolf is Link, from Twilight Princess, after he steps into Twilight. It's actually a pretty handy transformation. Maybe the Master Sword can help him transform at will...''

:{{flag|Europe}} ''Hold on a sec! Where's our dashing young swordsman? Oh... This IS him, just...in wolf form. When he steps into the eerie Twilight world, Link becomes this rough-looking beast! Luckily, he turns back into normal Link eventually, but with the Master Sword letting him transform at will, he might feel like going wolf again from time to time.''

 

LinkTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)

LinkTrophyWiiU.png|Classic (Wii U)

LinkAltTrophy3DS.png|Alt. (3DS)

LinkAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)

LinkOOTTrophy3DS.png|Adult Link (Ocarina of Time)

WolfLinkTrophyWiiU.png|Wolf Link

[[File:Link_SSBU.png|thumb|right|Link (Champion's Tunic), as he appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.]]

 

{{clear}}