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Young Link
It has been requested that this article be rewritten and expanded to include Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask information.
| Young Link | |
|---|---|
 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate artwork | |
| First appearance | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) |
| Latest appearance | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018) |
| Species | Hylian |
| Counterpart(s) | Link Toon Link |
Young Link, also known as Child Link,[1] is a child incarnation of Link who is designed after his appearance from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. Young Link appears as a standalone character in some of the Super Smash Bros. games and Hyrule Warriors, all of which feature him as a playable character. Young Link has very similar traits to his The Legend of Zelda series counterpart, as shown from his attacks and abilities.
In the Super Smash Bros. series, Young Link's entrance involves him descending from a column of light, similar to ones found at the end of a dungeon in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Link's entrance in the original Super Smash Bros.
History[edit]
Super Smash Bros. series[edit]
Super Smash Bros. Melee[edit]
In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Young Link is an unlockable character, unlocked by beating Classic or Adventure mode with 10 characters, including Link and Zelda/Sheik, or by playing 500 Melee matches, and he then must be defeated on Great Bay. Young Link's moves are similar to Link's, though while Young Link is faster and lighter, he is also weaker. As Young Link is shorter and wields the smaller Kokiri Sword, his attacks do not have as much range. Young Link's Deku Shield is also not as strong as Link's Hylian Shield, as it does not protect against stronger projectiles. Young Link can wall jump, which Link is unable to do. Young Link is voiced by Fujiko Takimoto, who provided his voice clips for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. The theme associated with him is a cover of Saria's Song.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Young Link is one of the five playable characters from Super Smash Bros. Melee who is no longer playable in this game (the other four being Dr. Mario, Pichu, Mewtwo, and Roy), possibly being replaced by Toon Link, who functions very similarly to Young Link. However, he does have a collectible sticker, and is playable in a demo of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U[edit]
While Young Link does not make any appearance whatsoever in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, he is referenced in the trophy "Adult Link (Ocarina of Time)". Young Link is also indirectly referenced via Link's eighth alternate costume, which is almost identical to Young Link's Fierce Deity transformation. Lastly, Toon Link's Hero Bow has a custom variation based on Young Link's Fire Bow.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]
Young Link, after being absent as a fighter in the previous two Super Smash Bros. games (the longest absence of any playable character alongside Pichu), returns as an unlockable playable fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Due to Link's The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild-based changes, Young Link is now considered an entirely unique fighter from him, though his moveset shares a few similarities with Toon Link's. Young Link gains a Final Smash, the Triforce Slash, which he shares with Toon Link. Young Link gains his new on-screen appearance and two new taunts, and Young Link can give a battle cry during a victory animation.
Young Link benefits from universal changes: his overall mobility is faster, his short hop timing is reduced, his aerials have less landing lag, and he can use ground attack out of a run and use his aerials on ladders. Young Link's recovery is better, since his double jump grants more height, while directionally air dodging does not leave him helpless anymore. However, Young Link's air and falling speeds are decreased, unlike fellow veterans; additionally, some of his moves deal less damage and knockback, or more startup and ending lag.
In the World of Light, Young Link's puppet fighter is fought in the Triforce of Courage section of the Sacred Land, referencing his home series. He must be awoken to progress the story, along with Ganondorf, Zelda, Sonic, and Cloud.
Classic Mode route[edit]
Young Link's Classic Mode route pits him against fighters from The Legend of Zelda series.
| Hyrule Smash! | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Opponent(s) | Stage | Song | |
| 1 | Zelda | Hyrule Castle | Hyrule Main Theme | |
| 2 | Young Link (dark costume) | Temple | Song of Storms | |
| 3 | Sheik | Gerudo Valley (Ω) | Gerudo Valley | |
| 4 | Toon Link ×4 | Pirate Ship | The Great Sea / Menu Select | |
| 5 | Ganondorf | Bridge of Eldin (Ω) | Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | |
| 6 | Link | Great Plateau Tower | Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | |
| Final | Ganon | Calamity Ganon Battle - Second Form | ||
Special moves[edit]
| Image | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Fire Arrow | Previously known as Fire Bow in Super Smash Bros. Melee, the Fire Arrow is Young Link's standard special move. It is based on the upgrade of the same name within The Legend of Zelda series. The move deals less damage than Link's Bow, and the arrow does not travel as far, but has a longer hitstun and deals fire damage.
In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, one of the custom variations for Toon Link's Hero's Bow is the Fire Bow, with a similar effect to Young Link's Fire Bow. |
|
Boomerang | The Boomerang is Young Link's side special move, shared with Link and Toon Link. It is designed specifically after the one used in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. When thrown, the Boomerang damages any opponents it hits and automatically returns to Young Link once it hits an opponent or wall. The player can hold the control stick to make it fly farther, and it can also be thrown diagonally. The Boomerang can also fly up or down while it is active by tilting the control stick just before throwing it. Compared to Link's Boomerang, Young Link's Boomerang does not travel as far, and it is not as powerful, but it can be controlled better. |
|
Spin Attack | The Spin Attack is Young Link's up special move. Shared with Link and Toon Link, the move is based on the Spin Attack move recurring throughout The Legend of Zelda series. When used, the character spins around rapidly with their sword to deal damage. When used in the air, the move also gives the character some vertical and horizontal distance. Unlike Link's Spin Attack, Young Link's version of the move, as well as Toon Link's version, can draw in opponents to deal multiple hits, although Young Link's has less range. |
|
Bomb | The Bomb is Young Link's down special move, shared with Link and Toon Link, and based on the item recurring throughout The Legend of Zelda series. Young Link's Bomb in particular is based on the ones from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. When used, Young Link pulls a Bomb out that can then be thrown at other characters to do damage, exploding on impact. Like other explosives, the bombs also deal damage to the holder; it can also be caught and thrown by opponents, or detonate in the player's hands. Unlike Link and Toon Link's Bombs, the explosion from Young Link's Bombs can hit multiple times. The player cannot use the move while holding another item, as Bombs count as an item. |
|
Triforce Slash | In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Young Link gains the Triforce Slash as his Final Smash. Like with Toon Link (and Link in the previous games), Young Link fires an arrow and traps an opponent between two Triforces. He then rushes forward and repeatedly slashes at them before thrusting and launching them away. |
Hyrule Warriors[edit]
In Hyrule Warriors, Young Link is obtainable as a playable character through the Majora's Mask Pack, and is unlockable in the base version of both reissues. Like normal Link, he is accompanied by Proxi, who speaks for him. His equippable weapon is the Fierce Deity's Mask, though he only actually uses it when performing a Focus Spirit or Special Attack. He normally attacks rather with the Kokiri Sword, and wears the Keaton Mask on the side of his head. Uniquely, he is able to play the Ocarina of Time to transfer the contents of his special attack meter to his magic meter. However, he is by default relatively weak.
Profiles and statistics[edit]
Super Smash Bros. Melee trophies[edit]
| Name | Image | Game / Moves | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Link (Classic) | 
|
The Legend of Zelda 07/87 |
Link's younger incarnation is often considered to be the true Link: he was a young boy in the very first Legend of Zelda game, and he has appeared as a youth in most of the subsequent games. Since his debut on the original NES in 1987, Link's appearance has changed over and over again, each time adding to the mystique of his incomparable story. |
| Young Link (Adventure) | 
|
B: Fire Bow Smash B: Boomerang |
Young Link is lighter and faster than his older self, and his Kokiri sword packs less punch. Even though his Boomerang has a shorter range, he has greater control over it. He's a smaller target, and while his Hookshot has less reach than older Link's, you can still use it in midair as a last ditch attempt to grab a ledge. |
| Young Link (All-Star) | 
|
Up & B: Spin Attack Down + B: Bomb |
With a youthful spring in his step, Young Link can perform amazing wall-jumps. Once he hits a wall, tap the Control Stick in the opposite direction to send him leaping upward; you can practice to your heart's content in Target Test. His Spin Attack can strike multiple times even on the ground, and although it's hard to discern, so do his Bombs. |
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]
Palutena's Guidance[edit]
- Pit: Is it just me, or has Link lost weight?
- Palutena: Yes and no. That's Young Link. He's the child version of the Hero of Time.
- Pit: The Hero of Time?
- Palutena: The Link who mastered the Ocarina of Time and faced Ganondorf. Link's actions as the Hero of Time created parallel worlds, and from there, many different legends were born.
- Pit: I don't follow. What do you mean?
- Viridi: If you were defeated by Medusa, Palutena wouldn't be here today, right?
- Pit: True, but what does that have to do with anything?
- Viridi: We may have triumphed over Medusa in this timeline, but in a different timeline, you lost that fight, leaving Medusa and Hades to rule the world. Every action and inaction creates infinite parallel worlds! You're only in one of them.
- Pit: Wait... I'm not the only me? And nothing I do matters because another me will do the opposite? THEN WHAT'S THE POINT OF DOING ANYTHING!
- Palutena: Breathe, Pit! Focus on Young Link's short reach. He may be fast, but try to outrange him and anticipate his movements.
Super Smash Blog bio[edit]
"He’s back after 17 years! Young Link is faster than Link but he’s also lighter, making him easier to launch."
amiibo[edit]
- Since his debut on the original Nintendo Entertainment System™ in 1987, Link's appearance has changed over and over again, each time adding to the mystique of his incomparable story. This younger incarnation is most often associated with the Legend of Zelda™: Ocarina of Time™ game.
Audio samples[edit]
 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Young Link performing his Spin Attack. (Fujiko Takimoto, 2018; reused from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) | 0:01 File info |
Name in other languages[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | こどもリンク Kodomo Rinku |
Child Link Despite Young Link's Japanese name being roughly pronounced "Kodomo Link", his name is still announced as "Young Link" in the Japanese versions of Super Smash Bros. Melee and Ultimate, unlike Villager and Hero. |
| Spanish | Link niño | Kid Link |
| French (NOA) | Link Enfant | Child Link |
| French (NOE) | Link (Jeune) | Link (Young) |
| Dutch | Jonge Link | Young Link |
| German | Junger Link | Young Link |
| Italian | Link giovane Link bambino |
Young Link Child Link |
| Russian | Юный Линк Yunyy Link |
|
| Korean | 소년 링크 Sonyeon Lingkeu |
|
| Chinese | 年幼林克 Niányòu Línkè |
References[edit]
- ^ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Nintendo 64 instruction booklet, page 34.
[Edit] Super Smash Bros. Melee
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Playable characters and moves | ||
| Link | Bow • Boomerang • Spin Attack • Bomb | |
| Zelda | Nayru's Love • Din's Fire • Farore's Wind • Transform | |
| Sheik | Needle Storm • Chain • Vanish • Transform | |
| Ganondorf | Warlock Punch • Gerudo Dragon • Dark Dive • Wizard's Foot | |
| Young Link | Fire Bow • Boomerang • Spin Attack • Bomb | |
| Non-playable characters | Dark Link • Four Giants • Like Like • Moon • Octorok • ReDead • Tingle • Turtle | |
| Stages | Great Bay • Majora's Mask (Trophy Tussle 3) • Temple • Underground Maze | |
| General items | Bunny Hood • Heart Container | |
| Miscellaneous items | Deku Shield • Hookshot • Hylian Shield • Kokiri Sword • Lon Lon Milk • Master Sword • Triforce | |
| Trophies | Goron • Marin • Majora's Mask • Ocarina of Time | |
| Other | Gallery • Pre-release and unused content • Staff | |
