Spin Attack

The , also known as the Whirling Blade, Whirling Blade Technique, the Big Move,, the Whirling Blade Attack,} and Hurricane Blade, is a recurring special move in .
The attack move was first introduced in , and has since appeared as one of Link's signature moves in all subsequent games of series. To perform it, Link usually gets in a stance to power up his Sword and then spins around once in 360 degrees, damaging all enemies within the sword's radius. This technique is useful in that it deals more damage than a sword strike, and it is also often used to solve puzzles in various games of the franchise. Although the Spin Attack is an iconic but basic attack, a better, upgraded version can often be learned sometime later in the hero's quest, such as the Hurricane Spin in The Wind Waker.
Although not much is known about the history of the Spin Attack, mentions that this ability is a secret sword technique used by the Knights of Hyrule, while describes that the Spin Attack has been "handed down from generation to generation by the family of the hero."
==Uses==
The Spin Attack is mostly used when Link is closely surrounded by several enemies due to the attack's long range. As such, this allows the young hero to quickly and easily dispose of whole groups of nearby enemies with just this technique, making it one of the most useful abilities in the games. This is mostly true in , where, combined with the Cross Formation used by the Links, the Spin Attack allows the young heroes to defend themselves from all four directions.
Other than attacking, the Spin Attack is also used to solve various puzzles in the games. These more often are the ones that require Link to hit more than one switch at the same time, such as in , where Link must perform a Spin Attack to hit all of the switches in the Palace of Twilight in order to make a floating platform appear. Special entrances require this technique to get them to open: in , the Spin Attack is crucial in opening the gate to the Maku Tree. Moreover, in , Link must execute this technique in front of a guard blocking the entrance to Mount Crenel so that he will allow the young hero to proceed to his destination.
Another use, though not as pivotal as the aforementioned uses, is that Link's sword can pick up the items it slashes, such as Rupees (which can be safely retrieved by swinging the sword at them should they land close to an edge, rather than having Link walk over and possibly falling). Because of this, a Spin Attack is an excellent way to way to pick up items all around Link. This same technique applies to the weapons Link can pick up in , as he may also perform a Spin Attack wielding those. If he performs the technique with a Moblin Spear (the longest weapon in the game), he can immediately pick up all of the objects in a very large radius, as well as inflicting great damage. This technique is especially useful for the Treasure Spheres often dropped by larger enemies, as the objects inside disappear rather quickly once they hit the ground.
==Performing the Spin Attack==
The Spin Attack is done in the vast majority of games by holding down the button that the sword is assigned to for a matter of time and then releasing it. This will cause Link to get in a fighting stance while he charges up his sword or, in the case of the 2D Zelda games, just stand still as the sword begins to glow. This method can be done in most 3D games, with the exception of the Wii games Twilight Princess and : since there is no sword button, Link cannot charge a Spin Attack. Instead, Link must perform it by the player lightly shaking the Nunchuk left and right () or swinging the Wii Remote and Nunchuk at the same time ().
A faster way to perform the Spin Attack is to quickly rotate the Control Stick once and immediately press the Sword button afterwards. If timed correctly, this will have the same effect as if Link had charged his sword to execute the Spin Attack, with the advantage being that this method does not consume Magic Power in games like and . In some games, like , Link can also perform this attack by simply using the thrust attack four times, or a combination of such, though this strategy only works if Link is actively attacking something, rather than swinging his sword at thin air. In , if the player rotates the Control Stick right after performing a Jump Attack, Link will execute a Spin Attack upon landing.
In and , Link must quickly draw a circle to perform the Spin Attack. Although in other games Link can carry out an infinite amount of Spin Attacks without getting dizzy, in the Nintendo DS games, the young hero can only execute this technique four times in a row before he gets dazed and vulnerable for a few seconds. In The Wind Waker, if Link performs the Hurricane Spin, which he spins around rapidly for several seconds, he will briefly become dizzy afterwards.
In , Link has to swing both the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk at the same time to perform a Spin Attack. Because of the game's mechanics, Link is allowed to pick at which direction he spins, an ability first introduced in . However, in it is a pivotal component to sword fighting, as certain enemies will block one side, forcing Link to spin in the direction that strikes his enemy's exposed side. With the directional movement imparted to Link via the Wii Remote, Link is, also for the first time, allowed to perform a vertical Spin Attack by swinging the Wii Remote and the Nunchuck together in a vertical motion, either downward or upward. Much like the horizontal Spin Attack, the direction in which Link needs to perform the spin is dependent on what direction is necessary to damage his foe. In cases where the direction does not matter, the spin attacks have no difference; left Spin Attacks are the same as right ones, and upwards ones are the same as ones going down. All four directions yield the same radius and damage. It also does not matter which direction the Nunchuk is swung; the Wii Remote controls the direction Link will spin. Performing a Spin Attack depletes a portion of Link's Stamina, similar to the restrictions in and . Unusually, a single hit from the Spin Attack in does no more damage than a hit from a regular attack, but it has a similar overall effect to Spin Attacks in other titles because unless it knocks the target out of the way on the first hit it will generally hit twice.
In , the Spin Attack is performed by simply holding the attack button like in most previous games, but its execution changes depending on the used. With a one-handed weapon, the Spin Attack is identical to previous incarnations, being a single, powerful circular attack with a wide range. It can be charged longer for more power and range at the cost of more Stamina. With a spear, the Spin Attack is replaced by a string of powerful consecutive stabs when charged. With two-handed weapons, Link does not charge the Spin Attack but instead begins spinning continuously shortly after the attack button is starting to be held. Link continues to spin until the attack button is released or until Link runs out of Stamina, at which point he finishes the attack with a powerful downward strike that can knock foes away. If Urbosa's Fury is unlocked and activated, any of Link's charged attacks will be accompanied by a wave of lightning that can strike multiple enemies, similar to an Electric Lizalfos's electric attack. 
Like in previous games, a Spin Attack can be done by inputting a circular motion on the left stick and pressing the attack button, but only when using a one handed weapon. This is particularly useful because it doesn't consume stamina and also doesn't have the restriction of needing to be charged. Doing this will also cause Link to slide slightly in the direction of the stick's rotation.
In , Link gains a hidden ability that when charging his spin attack with a one-handed weapon, he can resist normal, weak enemy attacks without being interrupted. However, certain powerful attacks will still knock Link down. If Link charges with a , he will sheathe at waist and charge instead of spinning like other two-handed weapons. When released, Link performs an Iai-style slash. The spin attack can still be done using a circle motion, with the same benefits as in Breath of the Wild. In both and , the one-handed spin attack starts up extremely quickly and hits in a much wider radius than the animation would suggest, so it can function as a faster swing in Link's basic combo. It's also possible to end the spin attack very quickly by jumping in any direction about halfway through the attack, and Link can even activate a Flurry Rush this way.
The Spin Attack can also be performed in , the Legend of Zelda-themed sub-game in the Wii U spin-off title . Miis that use swords can perform a Spin Attack by raising their swords in the air or holding them to a side, as if they were charging a Skyward Strike, and swinging the Wii Remote. The charge lasts until the player performs a Spin Attack, or receives damage. However, charging a Spin Attack is rather time-consuming, and leaves the Miis vulnerable until the charge is complete or canceled.
==Upgrades and variations==
In some games of , Link can learn an upgraded version of the Spin Attack along his journey. Other times, using Masks or Magic Rings will slightly alter the behavior and characteristics of this technique. The alterations as well as the upgrades available are described below.
===Super Spin Attack===
See also: Great Spin
The Super Spin Attack, also known as the Great Spin or the Magic Spin Attack, is a special technique found in several of games including Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. As its name suggests, it is a Spin Attack with a bigger radius of attack. Usually this attack can only be used when one's life meter is completely filled up or Magic Power has been acquired. It can be differentiated from the normal Spin Attack due to its color, which is usually brownish red in its most powerful form. This is demonstrated in the Nintendo 64 games, where the Super Spin Attack is denoted by the blue or red outlines that the attack makes: the blue Super Spin Attack is weaker and has a smaller radius than its red counterpart. Moreover, the red version makes the Hero of Time spin around twice, but the downside is that Link must charge it longer before he can use it. Although charging it up with the B Button uses up a small fraction of Link's Magic Power, quickly rotating the Control Stick and pressing the Sword button does not consume magic.
In Four Swords Adventures, each Link has the ability to execute a Spin Attack during the game-play in both Overhead and side-scrolling areas. However, the Cross formation enables a powerful Spin Attack in which all four Links will perform the Super Spinning Attack. Unlike the normal Spin Attack, this makes the four Links spin around the center of the Cross formation, making it extremely effective against multiple enemies.
In A Link Between Worlds, the Great Spin is an upgrade of the regular Spin Attack, obtained by returning all of the Lost Maiamais to Mother Maiamai. This doubles the range of the attack, and greatly increases its power.
In Tri Force Heroes, wearing the Spin Attack Attire doubles the range and power of the Spin Attack.
Game	How to Obtain
 	Must visit the Great Fairy of Power in the Great Fairy's Fountain in Death Mountain.
 	For the red variation, Link must retrieve the 15 Stray Fairies in the Woodfall Temple and take them to the Great Fairy of Power in the Fairy's Fountain of Woodfall. In , the and the Great Fairy of Power are instead located in Snowhead Temple and the Snowhead Region respectively.
 	Must be in Cross Formation.
 	Final Hidden Skill learned from the Ancient Hero.
 	Link must return all 100 lost Maiamais to Mother Maiamai.
===Great Spin Attack===
The is an extremely advanced . When used, can spin multiple times, prolonging the use of the Spin Attack and causing far more damage.
===Skyward Strike Spin Attack===
The Skyward Strike can be used to amplify Link's Spin Attack in . This increases its radius and, before obtaining the Master Sword in Hero Mode, will deal more damage due to having the fully-powered Skyward Strike.
===Deku Spin===
In , Deku Link's basic attack is similar to that of a Spin Attack: he spins around on one foot and damages all enemies within the radius created by his hat. Unlike the Spin Attack, however, this move can be performed while Deku Link is running. The Deku Spin is also useful in that it helps the young hero hop farther by Deku Spinning on the surface of the water than by simply running up to it.
===Wolf Spin===
In , Wolf Link uses a type of Spin Attack which is performed in the same way as with a sword. Alternatively, it can be performed partially charging Midna's shadow field, causing Link to attack with his fangs and tail, though it will only work after using the shadow field for the first time.
===Magic Rings===
In and , three Magic Rings alter some characteristics of the Spin Attack. The enables Link to charge up the Spin Attack in a quarter of the time it normally takes. The causes Link to spin twice instead of once. This ability is useful against bosses that can only be hurt with a Spin Attack. Lastly, the enables a spin attack to become a Sword Beam attack instead.
==Spinoff appearances==
======
The Spin Attack serves as Link's Special Attack for the Hylian Sword and Master Sword Weapons in . He raises his Sword to charge energy, much like when charging a Skyward Strike, then unleashes a powerful Spin Attack that spans a wide range. A shorter and less far-reaching Spin Attack can be used by pressing the Strong Attack button, where he does a single spin if using the Hylian Sword, or two spins when using the Master Sword. The button can be held down for a couple of seconds first for increased range and damage. His fourth combo also involves a Spin Attack which takes him into the air, and a Spin Attack similar to the Cyclone Attack can be used if the Strong Attack button is held down after any of his combos. He can move around while charging this attack, and although it is weaker and has less range than his other Spin Attacks, it is useful for causing extra damage to Captains, Warriors and Giant Bosses, depleting their Weak Point Gauge faster.
Toon Link can perform the Hurricane Spin as some of his combos and Special Attack for his Light Sword Weapon. The Special Attack variant causes him to briefly become dizzy, a reference to when he used the technique in .
==Crossover appearances==
=== series===
In the , the Spin Attack is Link's, Young Link;s, and Toon Link's up special move. It proves to be a powerful attack when used on the ground, and when used in the air, it serves as Link's third jump and thus help him from off-stage. Contrary to his home games, where he could charge it in nearly every game since , it is not until its appearance in that the Spin Attack can be charged while on the ground. Young Link and Toon Link's version of the Spin Attack is weaker than its adult Link counterpart; however, the younger Links' attack traps enemies in a cyclone of slashes and can draw in foes if they are relatively close to the Spin Attack's radius. 
Unlike in the Zelda where he only spins once or twice when performing the Spin Attack, in the Smash Bros. games, Link spins around multiple times. His sword will also display some sparkles when charging it, similar to and , or red/blue lights, similar to and .
The yell Link makes when using the Spin Attack will depend on the design he uses in the game, just like his home games; uses his yell from , while uses his yell from .
======
In , Link uses two variations of the Spin Attack. The first version acts much like the Hurricane Spin: Link can charge his sword to spin around several times, although this will not leave him dizzy like in other Zelda games. By completely charging the sword with the Spin Attack, a more powerful attack will be unleashed, demonstrated by the fire that surrounds Link's sword in the process. The second version, called the Cyclone Attack, causes Link to jump into the air while executing a Spin Attack. Like the previous variation, this attack can also be charged by the young hero, which will cause Link to jump higher. The Spin Attack, when fully charged, causes 74 HP worth of damage while the Cyclone Attack deals 71 HP. In this game, the technique makes Link spin around two to four times.
:Spin Attack: 
:Cyclone Attack: 
======
== Trivia ==
* Normally, whenever Link performs the Spin Attack, he spins in a clockwise motion. However, in the 2D games, if he faces east, he instead spins in the opposite direction. This is due to his sprite being flipped horizontally.
* The Minish Cap's artwork of the Spin Attack is a redraw of The Wind Waker's.
==Nomenclature==
==Gallery==
File:LinkSpinAttackALttP.gif|Link performing the Spin Attack in A Link to the Past
File:OoT Spin Attack Artwork.png|Artwork of adult Link performing a Spin Attack from 
File:OoT Link Spin Attack Artwork.jpg|Artwork of child Link performing a Spin Attack to destroy two Deku Babas from 
File:Spin.jpg|Link obtaining a Spin Attack in 
File:Spin Attack MM.jpg|Link performing a Magic Spin Attack in 
File:SSB Link Spin Attack.png|Artwork of Link performing a Spin Attack in Super Smash Bros.
File:Spin Attack (SSBM).jpg|Link using a Spin Attack in 
File:Spin Attack 2 (SSBM).jpg|Young Link performing a Spin Attack in 
File:Spin02.png|Artwork of Link performing a Spin Attack from A Link to the Past & Four Swords
File:Hurricanespin.jpg|Link performing the Hurricane Spin in 
File:SCII Link Performing Spin Attack.png|Link performing the charged Spin Attack in 
File:SCII Link Performing Cyclone Attack.png|Link performing the Cyclone Attack in 
File:Spin Attack (SSBB).jpg|Link performing a Spin Attack in 
File:Spin Attack 3 (SSBB).jpg|Toon Link performing a Spin Attack in 
File:OoT3D Spin Attack Render.png| performing a in 
File:OOT3D Spin Attack.png|Child Link performing a Spin Attack in 
File:SSBfWU Link & Toon Link Spin Attacks.jpg|Link and Toon Link performing Spin Attacks in 
File:Hyrule Warriors Spin Attack Video.gif|Link performing a Spin Attack in 
File:HWAoC Link Artwork.png|Artwork or Link using the Spin Attack from Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
File:CoH Spin Attack Sprite.png|The from