Young Link

**Young Link** is a recurring character appearing in *The Legend of Zelda* series that embodies the child stage of Link's life in his adventures from *Ocarina of Time* and *Majora's Mask* as the Hero of Time.

## Biography

### *Super Smash Bros. Melee*

*See SmashWiki's article on Young Link for more information.*
Young Link is an unlockable character in *Super Smash Bros. Melee*. There are two ways to unlock him: by playing 500 vs. matches, or by completing Classic Mode with 10 different characters, including Link and Zelda, at any difficulty and stock. The player will then be challenged by Young Link, and upon defeating him, Young Link will become a playable character. His appearance is based on the young counterpart of Link as seen in *Ocarina of Time*, since he wields the Kokiri Sword and the Deku Shield during combat. Young Link is more agile albeit weaker than the older Link. He has some of the same weaponry and moves as his adult counterpart, but they are usually accompanied with a few changes, like his Hookshot and Boomerang having a shorter reach. Great Bay serves as the home stage of Young Link. Like Link, Young Link can choose different color tunics, including, red, blue, and black (the red and blue costumes are based on the Goron and Zora tunic, which is strange, since Young Link, in his own games, could never wear them.) When he taunts his foes, he drinks a (redesigned) Bottle of Lon Lon Milk before wiping his mouth.

Young Link's special moves are the same as the adult version. He wields the Fairy Bow from *Ocarina of Time* as his neutral special move; however, instead of it shooting normal Arrows like Link's, Young Link's **Fire Bow** shoots Fire Arrows, although they do not travel as far as Link's and actually inflict less damage. Young Link's side special move is the Boomerang, and while it might not have a range as great as Link's, Young Link actually has more control over it. Bombs function as the hero's down special move, while the Spin Attack is his up special move as well as his recovery. Young Link's Spin Attack is weaker than Link's, but it can trap nearby foes in a cyclone of slashes upon performing this move.

### *Hyrule Warriors*

Young Link appears as a playable Warrior in *Hyrule Warriors*. In *Hyrule Warriors*, he is available in the *Majora's Mask* DLC Pack. His class of Weapon is the Mask, with which he can transform into the Fierce Deity Link during his Focus Spirit and Special Attack, although he otherwise uses the Kokiri Sword to attack. He also wears the Keaton Mask over his head, which can be briefly worn by tapping the Strong Attack button when his Magic Gauge is full. Similarly to Link, Proxi speaks on Young Link's behalf.

Young Link is initially weak compared to other Warriors, as the power and range of his attacks are merely adequate. To compensate for this, Young Link possesses a unique trait; the ability to convert his Special Attack Meter into his Magic Meter by playing the Ocarina of Time to empty his Special Attack Meter and fill his Magic Meter with the equivalent amount. By using Focus Spirit, Young Link can then transform into the Fierce Deity and utilize the Fierce Deity Sword, which fires sword beams. Fierce Deity Link also greatly improves his speed, power, reach, and grants him the typical bonuses from Focus Spirit. Young Link can keep restoring his Magic Meter with the Ocarina while using Focus Spirit, potentially allowing him to remain in Focus Spirit indefinitely if a sufficient amount of the Special Attack Meter is recycled periodically. If Young Link has two Fierce Deity Badges crafted and a full Special Attack Meter, he may fill the Magic Meter in one instance by playing the Ocarina.

Young Link's *Strength VI* Strong Attack allows his boots to momentarily grow wings that enable him to slide across the ground while performing repeated slashes, and execute a massive, Triforce-shaped explosion. They resemble both the Pegasus Boots and the Hover Boots.

In *Hyrule Warriors*, Young Link drops the same Materials as his adult counterpart does. However, in *Hyrule Warriors Legends*, Young Link drops his own unique Materials when defeated. He may either drop his Belt as a silver Material, or his Keaton Mask as a gold Material.

### *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate*

After being absent in *Super Smash Bros. Brawl* and *Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U*, Young Link returns as a combatant in *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate*. His newly acquired Final Smash is the Triforce Slash. Young Link also appears as a Fighter Spirit that can be obtained by either clearing "Hyrule Smash!", Young Link's Classic Mode Route, or by purchasing it from the Shop for G 300.