Overview

Like Link, Young Link is a remarkably balanced brawler with a wide array of options at his disposal. While his overall toolkit makes him effective in most situations and ranges, his main strength comes from his ability to set up projectile-based traps and zoning areas, forcing enemies to either take shield damage or attack him.

Like most sword-wielding fighters, the majority of Young Link’s attacks extend an invulnerable sword hitbox well away from Young Link’s vulnerable body. Young Link’s sword range isn’t as pronounced as some with bigger swords, such as Cloud and the FireEmblem fighters. Overall, his melee-based moves are well-balanced in terms of start-up speed, lag, persistence, and range. His airborne attacks are the most notable. His up and down airs have long active windows, making them easier to connect with, while his neutral air attack boasts an incredibly quick start speed and an impressive active duration.

Young Link’s ground-based attacks—especially his tilt attacks—are all effective in filling their conventional roles. Up tilt is a wide-arc anti-air with a decent horizontal hitbox, side tilt is a moderately powerful frontal attack, and down tilt is a relatively safe launching attack that sets up potential juggle opportunities.

Young Link’s Deku Shield can block most projectiles, including larger ones like Corrin’s charged Dragon Fang Shot. As long as he’s in an established standing, walking, or crouching position and facing the incoming projectile, the Deku Shield totally nullifies it, preventing damage.

Young Link can capitalize on most slow and sluggish foes, particularly those who can’t maneuver in the air well (heavyweight grapplers such as King Dedede, for instance).

Young Link Vitals

Movement Options

Movement Ranks