Link

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This article is about Link as usually seen in his adult form. For the other versions of Link, see List of fighters debuting in Super Smash Bros. Melee § Young Link and List of fighters debuting in Super Smash Bros. Brawl § Toon Link.

Link
Artwork from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Species	Hylian
First appearance	The Legend of Zelda (1986, The Legend of Zelda series) The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! (1989, Super Mario franchise)
Latest appearance	Super Mario RPG (Nintendo Switch) (2023)
Latest portrayal	Kengo Takanashi (The Legend of Zelda and Super Smash Bros. series, 2017-present) Takashi Ōhara (Super Mario-related media excluding Super Smash Bros. series, 2014-present)

“Champion of Hyrule”

—Boxing Ring nickname, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Link is a crossover character from The Legend of Zelda series, where he is the main protagonist, usually having to protect Hyrule from forces of evil, especially his arch-nemesis, Ganon. Link has made several appearances in the Super Mario franchise, usually cameo appearances, though he notably appears as a playable character in Mario Kart 8, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Mario Maker 2.

History

Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up

Link as a traveling guide

Link's first appearance in the Super Mario franchise is the coloring game Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up. Link first appears on the "Chef" page, where he is shown waiting for a pasta dish cooked by Mario. He later appears on the "Travel Guide" page, showing that he owns a traveling agency.

Club Nintendo

Link as seen in the Club Nintendo comic "Mario in Mariozilla"

Link also makes several appearances in the Super Mario-based comics within the German Club Nintendo magazine, his appearance based upon that in the original The Legend of Zelda. He debuts in "Super Mario: Die Bescherung", celebrating a Christmas party in the Mario Bros.' House. His role in this story is minor, though he has a brief speaking part at the end, mistrusting the realness of Santa Claus.

In "Super Mario: Die Verwandlung", Dr. Light constantly mistakes Mario for Link. One of these confusions also implies that Link has undergone an aesthetic surgery by Light.

In "Warios Weihnachtsmärchen", Link appears in the role of the Ghost of Present. Like in the story it is based on, Link takes Wario to see those he had upset earlier.

In "Mario in Mariozilla", he is seen in the Empire State Building, studying a map together with Dr. Light, who lives there. Link's actual role is unknown, though it appears that he works as Light's assistant. He also comments on a "magic cap" Light gave to Mario in order to make him incognito - actually a simple paper bag pulled over his head - in the way that it "becomes" him.

Link, alongside Kirby, is Mario's ally in the comic "Super Mario in Die Nacht des Grauens". During the events of this story, he lives in a Brooklyn skyscraper and fights against Abigor and his demonic fellows who plan to take over the building. He does so by making use of a magic serum which turns him and his allies into aggressive ghostbusters. In this form, he has green skin, black armor, and a fire sword.

DiC cartoons

The Legend of Zelda

Link received his own television show with The Legend of Zelda. It aired under the The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! syndication, with the animated Mario segments running Monday through Thursday, and being replaced by The Legend of Zelda segments on Fridays. The Legend of Zelda segments still received an accompanying live-action Mario and Luigi short. The series revolved around Link and Princess Zelda protecting the Triforce of Wisdom from Ganon.

Captain N: The Game Master

Link, in between Zelda and Captain N in Captain N: The Game Master

Link and Zelda appear in Captain N: The Game Master, borrowing their appearance and personality from the aforementioned The Legend of Zelda cartoon. Jonathan Potts returned to voice Link in the series. Link was also a major character in the Valiant Nintendo Comics System line of Captain N: The Game Master.

Donkey Kong Country series

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Link comes in third place as one of Cranky's Video Game Heroes

In Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Link is by default ranked third on a podium at Cranky's Video Game Heroes, with Mario coming in first and Yoshi second. He can be removed from the podium by collecting nineteen DK Coins, which replaces him with Diddy Kong.

In the Game Boy Advance version, Link and Yoshi's positions on the leaderboard are swapped. Additionally, Link has obtained 50 DK Coins in total, meaning that Diddy can only shift Link down to third place, therefore removing Yoshi from the podium.

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!

In Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, if the Kongs ask Bazaar who owns the castle in the Northern Kremisphere, Bazaar tells a short story of when Link visited his General Store the week before. Link also asked Bazaar for information regarding the castle even though he had insufficient bear coins, but Bazaar thought him nice enough that he accepted a payment of 500 rupees instead. After being told the information, Link left, grumbling about the seashells being the wrong shape (a nod to the Secret Seashell sidequest in The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening). This dialogue was removed in the Game Boy Advance version, and Bazaar instead discusses what he personally saw at Kastle Kaos.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

Link sleeping at the Rose Town Inn in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.

In Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars and its remake, Link can be found resting at the Rose Town Inn. He does not awaken when spoken to (likely a nod to Link's constant portrayal as a silent protagonist and the recurring trait of him being asleep at the beginning of games), and a The Legend of Zelda melody for when a secret is uncovered plays instead.

In the remake, talking to Link adds "The Slumbering Hero" entry to the Scrapbook. Curiously, his model depicts his sleeves to be more red in color than the standard brown, as depicted in the non-canonical Zelda CD-i games.

Donkey Kong Land 2

Just like in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Link appears in Cranky's Video Game Heroes in the ending for Donkey Kong Land 2, where he has the same number of DK Coins collected as before.

Super Smash Bros. series

Super Smash Bros. fighter Link
Game appearances
Super Smash Bros. Super Smash Bros. Melee Super Smash Bros. Brawl Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Special moves
Neutral:  Boomerang (64); Bow / Hero's Bow (Melee, Brawl, for 3DS / Wii U); Bow and Arrows (Ultimate) Side:  Boomerang (Melee, Ultimate); Gale Boomerang (Brawl, for 3DS / Wii U) Up:  Spin Attack Down:  Bomb (64, Melee, Brawl, for 3DS / Wii U); Remote Bomb (Ultimate) Final Smash:  Triforce Slash (Brawl, for 3DS / Wii U); Ancient Bow and Arrow (Ultimate)
Battle entrance
Link floats down in a beam of light. (64) Link whirls in via Gale Boomerang. (Brawl, for 3DS / Wii U) Link flies in with his Paraglider. (Ultimate)

Link appears in every Super Smash Bros. game as a default playable character. Most of Link's standard attacks make use of the Master Sword, while his specials are all attacks or items from The Legend of Zelda series.

Super Smash Bros.

Link's artwork from Super Smash Bros.

SmashWiki article: Link (SSB)

In Super Smash Bros., Link is one of the default playable characters. Specifically, he is the "Hero of Time" from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Link is the first character fought in single player mode, on Hyrule Castle.

Link's standard special move in this game is the Boomerang, in which Link tosses a boomerang to damage opponents. His up special move is the Spin Attack, in which he spins around rapidly to deal damage; and his down special is Bomb, in which Link pulls out a bomb to throw. In addition, Link's grab move uses the Hookshot, an item also taking its appearance from Ocarina of Time that can also be used as a wall grapple. Link's up and down aerials are the Jump Thrust and Down Thrust, both of which originated in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.

Two of Link's alternate colorations in this game are based upon the Goron and Zora Tunics from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, while his final coloration is based upon his outfit after collecting the Blue Ring in the original The Legend of Zelda.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Link as he appears in Super Smash Bros. Melee

SmashWiki article: Link (SSBM)

In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Link returns as a playable character, though some of his moves have been changed. His standard special attack has been replaced with the Bow, which lets Link shoot an arrow that can be charged; the boomerang has instead been made his side special move. His other specials are kept the same, as has the Hookshot. This is also the first Super Smash Bros. game to feature Link's ability to use his Hylian Shield to defend himself from projectile attacks while standing still.

In the game's Adventure Mode, Link is fought in the Underground Maze stage. He can be found at fake pedestals for the Master Sword (wearing a different tunic each time) as fighters search for the Triforce to end the level. Young Link, Link's childhood self from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, is also a separate playable character, much in the same manner that Mario and Baby Mario often appear in the same games.

Super Smash Bros. fighter Dark Link
Game appearances
Super Smash Bros. Melee (non-playable) Super Smash Bros. Brawl (non-playable, or playable using one of Link's alternate costumes)
Special moves
Neutral:  Bow / Hero's Bow Side:  Boomerang (Melee); Gale Boomerang (Brawl) Up:  Spin Attack Down:  Bomb Final Smash:  Triforce Slash

Additionally, a doppelganger of Link, known as Dark Link, appears in Super Smash Bros. Melee as the opponent in Event 18: Link's Adventure. In the battle, the player controls a red-clad Link, who has two extra lives. The fighter must defeat Dark Link, who also has two lives. The two swordsmen are fought at the Temple, with no time limit. This Event Match is a reference to the ending of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, where a similar Dark Link served as the game's final boss.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

SmashWiki article: Link (SSBB)

Link was the first character to be announced for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Unlike in previous installments, this Link is the "Hero of Twilight", the descendant of the Hero of Time and the protagonist of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. This Link's moveset also references The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess in a number of ways. The bow (now called "Hero's Bow") and bombs have been aesthetically updated to match their The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess designs, while the boomerang has been replaced with the Gale Boomerang, which generates a whirlwind that can drag in opponents as it returns. The Hookshot has also been replaced with the Clawshot from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, which, when used offstage, can home in on edges and grab them unlike the Hookshot; however, it is now a tether recovery, as opposed to a wall grapple. Link also has a Final Smash called Triforce Slash. Dark Link also appears in the game, both as one of Link's alternative colors and as an opponent in an Event Match. The "Hero of Winds" from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker also appears in the game as a playable character under the name Toon Link, complete with a moveset very similar to Link's.

Dark Link also reappears in this game, where he returns in two Event Matches. The first, Event 18: Dark Link Duel, is similar to the match from Melee, but it is fought on the Bridge of Eldin instead, and is a stamina match rather than using lives. The second, Co-Op Event 7: Battle of the Dark Sides, is the same as Dark Link Duel, but with the addition of Samus and her counterpart assisting Link and Dark Link, respectively.

Versions of Dark Link also appear as palette swaps for both Link and Toon Link. Link's is based on the "interlopers" from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, whereas Toon Link's is based off Shadow Link from The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures.

Role in The Subspace Emissary

Link's snapshot in the Subspace Emissary

While walking through a forest, Links finds the Master Sword. Taking it in hand, he meets up with Yoshi, forming an alliance. They later meet Mario and Pit, though under circumstances where Mario/Link defeats an evil copy of Zelda/Peach, leading to a fight. The two groups come to an understanding (and Kirby joins up as well) and unite as they see King Dedede driving off with Ness, Luigi, and the captured Princess.

They come to Dedede's base, only to find that Bowser has beaten them to it, taking the Princess off in his Koopa Clown Car. The team grows in size as they meet with Ike, Marth, Lucas, the Pokémon Trainer, and the Ice Climbers. The remaining heroes join them as they enter Subspace. Link is among the many that falls to Tabuu's Off Waves, later revived by Kirby. He and Zelda come across Ganondorf's trophy and revive him, forming a temporary alliance as everyone teams up to defeat Tabuu.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

SmashWiki article: Link (SSB4)

Link reappears in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U as a playable character along with Toon Link. Due to these games' more vibrant aesthetic, Link has a noticeably brighter color scheme than in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, though is still based on his appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Link retains much of his moveset from the previous game, though some of his non-special moves have been altered, such as his down aerial gaining a meteor smash effect and gaining the Jump Slash as his new dash attack. Link's Hylian Shield can also now block projectiles while crouching and walking.

Link retains all of his alternate costumes from Super Smash Bros. Brawl, while gaining two more: one based on the clothes worn by the "Hero of the Skies" during the beginning of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, and another based on Fierce Deity Link, a transformation Link can obtain at the end of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

SmashWiki article: Link (SSBU)

Link's stock icon

Link returns as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, alongside Young Link and Toon Link. This time, the Hero of Twilight has been succeeded by the "Hero of the Wild", the protagonist of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. For the first time in the series, Link joins Mario himself as one of the co-mascots of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, as the two are frequently marketed and paired together to advertise and showcase the game.

Compared to his predecessors, Link takes on many different stances during battle. While this is purely aesthetic in some instances, he also leans further when performing attacks, giving them greater range, yet making his hurtbox more vulnerable to attacks. On a related note, the blade of his Master Sword is longer, increasing the range in his attacks, and his forward smash's first hit is capable of firing a Sword Beam while his damage is at 0%. Like his fellow The Legend of Zelda fighters, Link's victory theme has been changed to a new arrangement of their home series' main theme.

The Hero of the Wild set of clothes from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which resembles Link's classic design, also appears an alternate costume. Although Link uses a regular Boomerang like he does in Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee, his other special moves noticeably deviate from his predecessors': his Bow is capable of firing two arrows at once, he uses the Remote Bomb Rune instead of his Bombs as his down special, and his Final Smash uses an Ancient Bow to fire an Ancient Arrow.

Some of Link's normal moves are also different compared to his predecessors. Due to neither the Hookshot nor the Clawshot appearing in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Link's grab consists of him quickly putting his Hylian Shield on his back in order to reach out with his left hand. Although this makes his grab much faster overall, it also results in his grab having much shorter range and lacking a tether recovery compared to his predecessors. As another reference to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the first hit of Link's forward smash is capable of firing a Sword Beam while his damage is at 0%, granting him yet another projectile (aforementioned above).

Compared to his predecessors, Link sports better mobility, higher jumps, faster short hop timing, less landing lag for his aerials, and a higher overall damage output. The reintroduction of the directional air dodge, the ability to use aerials on ladders, and the improved dash cancel mechanic also indirectly benefit Link to varying degrees. Link's dash attack, up aerial, and down aerials are now referred to their names in-game, while his forward smash is now called Sword Slice.

Classic Mode route

By completing Link's Classic Mode route, it is possible to unlock King K. Rool, the Ice Climbers, Simon, Meta Knight, Snake, Young Link, Richter, or Toon Link. Link's Classic Mode route pits him against characters that are in some way associated with darkness, with the fight against the dark-costumed Link being a reference to Dark Link.

A Quest to Seal the Darkness
Round	Opponent	Rule	Stage	Song
1	Dark Pit		Reset Bomb Forest	Dark Pit's Theme
2	Ridley		Norfair	Vs. Ridley
3	Bayonetta		Umbra Clock Tower	One Of A Kind
4	Dark Samus		Frigate Orpheon	Boss Battle 4 - Metroid: Samus Returns
5	Ganondorf	Team Battle (Ally: Zelda)	Gerudo Valley	Gerudo Valley
6	Link (dark costume)		Temple	Great Temple / Temple
Final	Ganon			Calamity Ganon Battle - Second Form

Mario Golf series

In Mario Golf for the Nintendo 64 and Mario Golf for the Game Boy Color, Link's name appears on the scorechart.

Mario Artist: Paint Studio

His artwork from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time appears as a stamp in Mario Artist: Paint Studio. This includes both his young and adult form, as well as his adult form riding Epona.

Game & Watch Gallery 4

In Game & Watch Gallery 4, Link appears in the Zelda Game & Watch game, which is playable in the Museum after unlocking enough stars.

WarioWare series

Link appears in several WarioWare games. He usually is a playable character in 9-Volt's and 18-Volt's microgames.

Link in The Legend of Zelda microgame

In WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!, Link appears in the Legend of Zelda microgame, based on the original The Legend of Zelda game, in which the player must guide Link into a cave.

In WarioWare: Twisted!, Link appears in another microgame also titled The Legend of Zelda, once again based on the original game. The object is to rotate the handheld to deflect projectiles by red Octoroks with the shield.

In WarioWare: Smooth Moves, three incarnations of Link appear. In the Ocarina of Time microgame, Young Link must draw his sword from its pedestal. This turns him into Adult Link on Level 1, old Link (with a gray beard) on Level 2, and a Cucco on Level 3. In addition, in the microgame The Wind Waker, Toon Link must glide over the sea to a safe landing point with the Deku Leaf. Finally, in the microgame Opening Night, his 8-bit sprite from the original game can be seen playing the violin with the rest of the characters in the orchestra.

In WarioWare: D.I.Y., Link is the main character in the Zelda microgame, appearing in his The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass incarnation. The object is to defeat Chuchus with the sword by tapping them.

In WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase, Link is in the Zelda 2 microgame, based on Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, in which Link must deflect a Goriya's boomerangs with the shield.

In WarioWare Gold, some of the previous microgames in which Link appears return, specifically The Legend of Zelda from Mega Microgame$!, and Ocarina of Time and The Wind Waker, both from Smooth Moves. In addition to those, a new microgame called Phantom Hourglass appears, which is also based on The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. The object is to hit a switch with Link's boomerang by tracing a line for it to follow.

In WarioWare: Get It Together!, Link is seen in a microgame titled The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which is based on the The Legend of Zelda game of the same name.

In WarioWare: Move It!, Young Link appears in the microgame The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. He is seen chasing a Cucco, which is controlled by the player and must run away from Link without getting caught by him.

Nintendo Monopoly

Link appears in Nintendo Monopoly and takes the place of Pennsylvania Avenue, costing $320.

Captain Rainbow

Portraits of Mario and Link above Tracy's throne

Though Link himself does not make a direct appearance in Captain Rainbow, there is a cameo of Link in the form of a portrait of him above Tracy's throne, next to a portrait of Mario. The Link picture depicts his artwork from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

Super Mario series

Super Mario 3D World / Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

In Super Mario 3D World and its Nintendo Switch port, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, before the second Green Star in World Star-1, Rainbow Run, there is a secret area where if the playable characters walk on all the panels, an 8-bit image of Link, which is an enlargement of one of his The Legend of Zelda sprites, is uncovered. After doing so, an arrangement of the main theme of The Legend of Zelda starts to play until the characters leave the area.

Super Mario Maker

Link appears as a Mystery Mushroom costume in Super Mario Maker. Link, Toon Link, and Wolf Link's costumes can be unlocked by scanning their respective amiibo, or randomly by completing the 100 Mario Challenge. The Link Costume is based on his sprites from The Legend of Zelda. The Wolf Link Costume also includes Midna riding on top of Wolf Link.

A special Event Course titled "Tri Force Heroes" allows the player to play as, and unlock, a special Costume Mario called Totem Link, based off of The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes. As Totem Link, players play as all three Links from the game (red, blue, and green), stacked up on top of each other. Additionally, there is also an Event Course titled "Twilight Princess HD", which is based off The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, where players can unlock Wolf Link.

Super Mario Maker 2

In Super Mario Maker 2, the player transforms into Link upon collecting the Master Sword power-up, added in version 2.0.0 of the game. His appearance is based on his sprite from the original The Legend of Zelda, albeit with the shield redesigned to be based on the Hylian Shield. While in this form, Link can attack enemies with his sword, block projectiles with his shield, perform a Dash Attack to charge through enemies, perform a Down Thrust to attack enemies from above, aim and fire an arrow in three directions to obtain distant items, and use a bomb to destroy breakable blocks. Link can also drop bombs beneath him while riding a Koopa Clown Car. In multiplayer, if all four players obtain a Master Sword, they become the green, red, blue, and purple Links from The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords.

While wearing a Goomba's Shoe, Link cannot block Bullet Bills. However, he can still use the shield whilst underwater.

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Link driving a Standard Kart on Mario Circuit in Mario Kart 8

In Mario Kart 8, Link appears as a downloadable playable character in the The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8 downloadable content pack. This marks his first playable appearance of any kind in the Super Mario franchise. Link is one of the lighter heavyweight racers, befitting his much taller size, and he shares his stats with Rosalina, Donkey Kong, Waluigi, and Roy. Although this Link is the Hero of the Skies from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, his proportions have been altered slightly to fit the Super Mario franchise aesthetic: he has a slightly larger head and eyes, and is left-handed as opposed to right-handed like in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

The Master Cycle, a bike based on Link's Master Sword and his horse Epona, appears as one of four additional vehicle bodies, along with a The Legend of Zelda-themed set of tires, the Triforce Tires, and a The Legend of Zelda-themed glider, the Hylian Kite. A The Legend of Zelda-themed course called Hyrule Circuit also appears as part of the Triforce Cup. His kart symbol is the Royal Crest. During his tricks, he wields the Master Sword and shows off the Triforce.

Artwork of Link on the Master Cycle holding a boomerang from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Link reappears in the Nintendo Switch game Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, available as part of the base game. He is available from the start, and is still among the lightest heavyweight characters, sharing his statistics with Rosalina, King Boo, and Pauline. The game's July 2018 update also added the Hero of the Wild from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, alongside the Master Cycle Zero, Ancient Tires, and Paraglider parts. Upon being added, the Hero of the Wild became the default Link, while the Hero of the Skies was relegated to being an alternate character. Like the Hero of the Skies, the Hero of the Wild is left-handed despite being right-handed in his respective game; however, they also share the same voice actor.

Despite sharing some of the same part colors for items that change, the two Links have some noticeable differences. In regard to the Hero of the Wild, his kart symbol is the Crest of the Sheikah as it appears on the Sheikah Slate instead of the Royal Crest, and he uses a Guardian Sword++ instead of the Master Sword when performing tricks. The two variants have different horn sounds, which plays when pressing without any items; Link's horn is based on a sound from Hyrule Warriors and Champion's Tunic Link's horn is based on the Sheikah Slate. Before the 2.3.0 update, due to being two distinct incarnations of Link, the Hero of the Skies could also appear in a race if Hero of the Wild had already been selected and vice versa, while both could appear in a race if neither had been selected as well. Additionally, as CPUs, the vehicle combinations they use are almost completely different, with the only exception being the Standard Kart, Standard tires, and Super Glider combination that is shared with most CPUs.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

In The Super Mario Bros. Movie, on the map in the Super Mario Bros. Plumbing commercial, a road in Queens named "Link Street" is shown, which is a reference to Link.

Unused appearances

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Link was meant to appear at Starbeans Cafe along with other non-Mario character cameos. He would have given Mario and Luigi the Triforce. In the final game, all of the Nintendo cameos are replaced with Professor E. Gadd, and the Triforce is replaced with the Great Force.

Super Mario Odyssey

A costume for Mario based on Link seems to have been planned for Super Mario Odyssey, but has not been implemented.

Portrayals

Link has been portrayed by the following people:

• Jonathan Potts voiced Link in DiC's The Legend of Zelda and Captain N: The Game Master cartoons.
• Nobuyuki Hiyama, who later voiced Topper in Super Mario Odyssey, voiced Link's "Hero of Time" incarnation. His voice clips from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time were used in Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee.
• Akira Sasanuma voiced Link's "Hero of Twilight" incarnation. His voice clips from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess were used in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
• Takashi Ōhara voiced Link's "Hero of the Sky" incarnation in Mario Kart 8, reprising his role from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. The Champion's Tunic Link in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe reuses Ōhara's portrayal.
• Kengo Takanashi voiced Link's "Hero of the Wild" incarnation in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, reprising his role from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Profiles and statistics

Mario Kart series

Mario Kart 8

Hero of the Skies Link's emblems from Mario Kart 8

• Weight Class: Heavy
• Stats
  • Speed
    • Ground: 4.25
    • Water: 4.75
    • Air: 4.25
    • Anti-Gravity: 4.5
  • Acceleration: 2.25
  • Weight: 4.25
  • Handling
    • Ground: 2.75
    • Water: 2.75
    • Air: 2.5
    • Anti-Gravity: 3
  • Traction: 3.5
  • Mini-Turbo: 2

Staff ghost time

Course	Staff Name	Country	Time	Vehicle Combination
				Body	Tires	Glider
Hyrule Circuit	Nin★Claudi	United Kingdom	2:11.156	Master Cycle	Triforce Tires	Hylian Kite

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Hero of the Wild Link's emblem from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

• Weight Class: Heavy
• Vehicle Size: Big
• Stats
  • Speed
    • Ground: 4
    • Water: 4.25
    • Air: 4.5
    • Anti-Gravity: 3.75
  • Acceleration: 3.25
  • Weight: 3.75
  • Handling
    • Ground: 3.25
    • Water: 2.75
    • Air: 3.25
    • Anti-Gravity: 3.25
  • Traction: 3.75
  • Mini-Turbo: 3.25

150cc staff ghost time

Course	Staff Name	Country	Time	Vehicle Combination
				Body	Tires	Glider
Hyrule Circuit	Nin★Mitsu	Japan	2:08.616	Master Cycle	Triforce Tires	Hylian Kite

200cc staff ghost time

Course	Staff Name	Country	Time	Vehicle Combination
				Body	Tires	Glider
Hyrule Circuit	Nin★Mark	Netherlands	1:40.394	Master Cycle	Triforce Tires	Hylian Kite

Super Smash Bros. series

Super Smash Bros.

Link in Super Smash Bros.

• Bio: Link is the valiant boy hero of "The Legend of Zelda" series in which he fights against the evil Ganon to recover the Triforce. Though his tools may change with each adventure, his strength and righteousness remain constant. With his trusty sword and a variety of weapons, he takes adventure head on!

Super Smash Bros. Melee

• Bio: A sword-wielding hero who also boasts long-range attacks.

Trophy Link (Classic)
	Game/move: The Legend of Zelda 07/87
	How to unlock: Clear Classic Mode as Link
	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.

Trophy Link [Smash] (Adventure)
	Game/move: : Bow Smash : Boomerang
	How to unlock: Clear Adventure Mode as Link
	Burdened with a shield, a heavy sword, and plenty of equipment, Link is not a very mobile character. Nevertheless, he's skilled with the blade, and his varied supply of missile weapons makes him a powerful fighter. To master Link, you must control the pace by balancing your long-range attacks with head-to-head swordplay.

Trophy Link [Smash] (All-Star)
	Game/move: Up & : Spin Attack Down & : Bomb
	How to unlock: Clear All-Star Mode as Link
	Link's Bow, Boomerang, and Bombs all take time to wield, so you may want to try drawing them in mid-air to prevent your foes from attacking you while you're vulnerable. The Spin Attack can score consecutive mid-air hits, and the final slash is very powerful. Link's Bombs are his trump card, but he can't pull one out if he's carrying another item.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

• Instruction booklet: A warrior from distant Hyrule. His sword and projectiles make him a versatile fighter.
• Website: The hero of The Legend of Zelda series.
  

The design of this particular Link comes from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

Link wields the Master Sword and a diverse arsenal of equipment.'

Use all of his weapons to adapt to the ebb and flow of battle.

Trophy Link
	Appears in: NES The Legend of Zelda WII The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
	How to unlock: Clear Classic Mode as 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.

Sticker Epona & Link
	Artwork from: Zelda: Ocarina of Time
	Effects in The Subspace Emissary: [Arm, Leg] - Attack +9
	Usable by: Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, Toon Link

Sticker Link
	Artwork from: The Legend of Zelda
	Effects in The Subspace Emissary: [Specials: Indirect] - Attack +17
	Usable by: Anyone

Sticker Link
	Artwork from: Zelda: Link to the Past
	Effects in The Subspace Emissary: [Electric] - Resistance +31
	Usable by: Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, Toon Link

Sticker Link
	Artwork from: Zelda: Twilight Princess
	Effects in The Subspace Emissary: [Slash] - Resistance +27
	Usable by: Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, Toon Link

• Snake's codec
  • Snake: Otacon, who's the guy with the sword?
  • Otacon: That's Link. He's the hero of Hyrule. That blade in his hand is called the Master Sword, also known as the "Blade of Evil's Bane." He also has a whole arsenal of items at his disposal--bombs and arrows, a shield, a boomerang, and a Clawshot. He's a force to be reckoned with.
  • Snake: Gear is only useful when it's used at the right time and place. Just lugging a ton of it around doesn't do you any good.
  • Otacon: ...I, uh... I wouldn't be talking if I were you, Snake.
  • Snake: What's that supposed to mean?
  • Otacon: You tell me, Mr. Utility Belt.
  • Snake: ...

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U

Trophy Link

3DS: Wii U:

Game(s): Both

Category: Fighter

() Appears in: NES The Legend of Zelda (08/1987) SNES The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (04/1992)

() Trophy Box: 24: Twilight Princess

How to unlock: Clear Classic Mode as Link

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. Jeez, just how much stuff can Link carry? (American English)

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! (British English)

Trophy Link (Alt.)

3DS: Wii U:

Game(s): Both

Category: Figther

() Appears in: NES The Legend of Zelda (08/1987) SNES The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (04/1992)

() Trophy Box: -

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 his his side smash—the second blow deals more damage and launches harder. (American English)

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. (British English)

Trophy Adult Link (Ocarina of Time)

Game(s): Super Smash Bros. for Nintedo 3DS only

Category: Series Related

How to unlock: Random

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! (American English)

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! (British English)

Trophy Triforce Slash (Link)

Game(s): Super Smash Bros. for Wii U only

Category: Final Smashes

() Appears in: -

() Trophy Box: 91: Final Smashes 2

How to unlock: Clear All-Star Mode as Link

Link makes use of the Triforce of Courage to trap foes, and then he launches a 16-blow combo. The final, mighty blow has the power to launch opponents off the stage. When Link prepares the attack, the ray of light he emits must strike a rival, or the attack will fail. Shielding will do nothing to stop this powerful attack. (American English)

Link traps a foe in mid-air with the power of the Triforce of Courage, then delivers a 16-strike sword combo. The final strike has formidable launching power. If the ray of light at the start of the attack doesn't hit, the whole thing ends there. Helpfully, though, the ray of light's range and speed are incredible, and shields won't block it. (British English)

• Palutena's Guidance:
  • Pit: Of all the fighters, Link is the one I most want to take down!
  • Palutena: Oh? Why's that?
  • Pit: We were born around the same time, and we both use a bow. He's totally ripping off my style.
  • Viridi: Puh-lease! Comparing Link to you is like comparing a star to a campfire.
  • Pit: What?!
  • Viridi: Just look at those chiseled features! His cheekbones could seriously cut glass.
  • Pit: Uh, earth to Viridi!
  • Viridi: Oh, I'm only kidding. The goddess of nature would never be interested in some hairless monkey!
  • Palutena: Oh, humans aren't all that bad. I could introduce you to him, if you'd like.
  • Viridi: Hmph. If you insist.
  • Palutena: Back to the fight at hand. Pit, you can reflect Link's projectile attacks using your Guardian Orbitars.
  • Viridi: Just watch out for his dreamy Clawshot!

• amiibo: Link is the main character in The Legend of Zelda games. A young boy living in Hyrule, Link is often given the task of rescuing Princess Zelda and Hyrule from the Gerudo thief Ganondorf. Humble to the end, Link is known not merely as a hero but as a symbol of courage, strength and wisdom as well.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

• Snake's codec:

(NOTE: Due to the changes to Link's grab, Otacon's mention of the Clawshot was removed.)

• Snake: Otacon, who's the guy with the sword?
• Otacon: That's Link. He's the hero of Hyrule. That blade in his hand is called the Master Sword, also known as the "Blade of Evil's Bane." He also has a whole arsenal of items at his disposal--bombs and arrows, a shield, a boomerang... He's a force to be reckoned with.
• Snake: Gear is only useful when it's used at the right time and place. Just lugging a ton of it around doesn't do you any good.
• Otacon: ...I, uh... I wouldn't be talking if I were you, Snake.
• Snake: What's that supposed to mean?
• Otacon: You tell me, Mr. Utility Belt.
• Snake: ...

• Palutena's Guidance:
• Pit: I can't put my finger on it, but Link seems...different somehow.
• Palutena: Well, this Link is technically a different person from the Link you fought before. This incarnation is known as the Hero of the Wild. He was once Hyrule's Champion, but he fell into a 100-year slumber after using all his strength to fight the Calamity.
• Pit: 100 years might not be a long time to a goddess like you, Lady Palutena, but that's more than enough time for an entire world to change.
• Palutena: You're right, Pit. When Link woke from the slumber of restoration, not only was his world unrecognizable, he also lost his memory.
• Pit: I can't even imagine what that would be like. Lady Palutena, isn't there something the gods can do to help him restore his memory?
• Palutena: Meddling in the affairs of another world is never a good idea. Although I do like Link, and his swordsmanship is quite impressive. The Master Sword, also known as the sword that seals the darkness, reveals its true strength in the presence of the Calamity.
• Pit: Cool! Does that mean it's OP against Ganondorf?
• Palutena: No, Ganondorf is from a different game. You should really do more research before you jump into a fight. If you expect to win, you need to know your opponent's backstory and abilities. Link has a lot of different weapons at his disposal.

• Super Smash Blog bio: "Link has been redesigned to match his appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. He can now pick up arrows he's fired, and his bombs have been upgraded to remote bombs, so you can set them off when the timing is just right!"

Spirits

#	Name	Image	Series / game	Type	Class	Strength / effect(s)	How to obtain	Spirit battle
								Opponent(s)	Battle conditions	Stage	Song
93	Master Cycle		Mario Kart Series	Primary (2)	Legend	Grab Speed ↑	Summoned with a Mach Rider, City Tripper, Excitebike, and attack-type core	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
172	Link		The Legend of Zelda Series	Fighter	N/A	N/A	Classic Mode as Link	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
178	Link (The Legend of Zelda)		The Legend of Zelda Series	Primary (3)	Legend	Neutral Sword Attack ↑	World of Light (Mysterious Dimension); Spirit Board	Young Link	The enemy's melee weapons have increased power The enemy's FS Meter charges quickly The enemy has increased attack power	Find Mii	Overworld Theme - The Legend of Zelda
196	Epona		The Legend of Zelda Series	Support (1)	Ace	Undamaged Attack & Speed ↑	Summoned with a Rapidash and Malon core	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
217	Ricky		The Legend of Zelda Series	Support (1)	Novice	Fist Attack ↑	World of Light (Light Realm); Spirit Board	Little Mac	The enemy loves to jump The enemy has increased jump power	Bridge of Eldin (Battlefield)	Tal Tal Heights
218	Dimitri (The Legend of Zelda)1		The Legend of Zelda Series	Support (1)	Novice	Swimmer	Spirit Board	Yoshi, Young Link	The enemy favors neutral specials	Great Bay	Tal Tal Heights
219	Moosh		The Legend of Zelda Series	Support (2)	Novice	Instadrop	World of Light (Forest Hill); Spirit Board	Bowser	The enemy favors down specials	Garden of Hope (Battlefield)	Tal Tal Heights
223	Wolf Link & Midna		The Legend of Zelda Series	Primary (3)	Legend	Grab Dash Attack ↑	Enhanced from Midna	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
231	Loftwing		The Legend of Zelda Series	Support (1)	Novice	Landing Lag ↓	Spirit Board	Giant Falco	Hazard: Heavy Wind Dangerously high winds are in effect The enemy is giant	Skyloft (Battlefield)	Ballad of the Goddess (original)
233	Wall-Merged Link		The Legend of Zelda Series	Primary (3)	Advanced	Neutral Can be enhanced to Link (A Link Between Worlds) at Lv. 99	World of Light (Sacred Land); Spirit Board	Mr. Game & Watch, Young Link	Reinforcements will appear after an enemy is KO'd	Flat Zone X	Lorule Main Theme
234	Link (A Link Between Worlds)		The Legend of Zelda Series	Primary (3)	Ace	Neutral Weapon Attack ↑	Enhanced from Wall-Merged Link	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
1322	Link (Link's Awakening)2		The Legend of Zelda Series	Primary (3)	Ace	Neutral Water Weakness	Spirit Board (ver. 4.0.0 or later)	Toon Link	Rule: Assist Trophy Enemies (Chain Chomp) Hostile assist trophies will appear	Tortimer Island	Tal Tal Heights

¹ - Originally named "Dimitri" prior to Challenger Pack 5
² - Originally exclusive to the "Return to Koholint" event that ran from June 14, 2019 to June 18, 2019

Super Mario Maker 2

• Play Nintendo: "Transforming into Link using the Master Sword opens up a whole new world of design possibilities for creators. Using his arrows, Link can shoot far off switches that Mario would normally not be able to hit. His new down thrust move with the sword will defeat usually protected enemies like spike-covered Spinies. And with bombs, some walls that would normally be impassable by Mario and friends can easily be blown up."

Audio samples

Super Smash Bros. Melee - Link performing his Spin Attack. (Nobuyuki Hiyama, 2001; reused from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Super Smash Bros.)

File infoMedia:Link voice sample SSBM.oga ​

Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Link performing his Spin Attack. (Akira Sasanuma, 2008; reused from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess)

File infoMedia:Link voice sample SSBB.oga ​

Mario Kart 8 - When selected. (Takashi Ōhara, 2014)

File infoMedia:Link voice sample MK8.oga ​

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Link performing his Spin Attack. (Kengo Takanashi, 2018)

File infoMedia:Link voice sample SSBU.oga ​

Help:Media • Having trouble playing?

List of Super Mario appearances

Title	Description	Year	System/format
Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up	Cameo on Chef/Waitress and Travel Guide pages	1992	MS-DOS
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest	One of Cranky Kong's Video Game Heroes	1995	Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Donkey Kong Land 2	One of the Video Game Heroes	1996	Game Boy
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars	Cameo in Rose Town Inn	1996	Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Super Smash Bros.	Playable character	1999	Nintendo 64
Super Smash Bros. Melee	Playable character	2001	Nintendo GameCube
Game & Watch Gallery 4	Playable in port of Zelda	2002	Game Boy Advance
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!	Cameo in microgame	2003	Game Boy Advance
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$!	Cameo in microgame	2003	Nintendo GameCube
Donkey Kong Country 2 (GBA remake)	One of Cranky Kong's Video Game Heroes	2004	Game Boy Advance
Super Smash Bros. Brawl	Playable character	2008	Wii
Super Mario 3D World	Cameo in Rainbow Run	2013	Wii U
Mario Kart 8	Downloadable playable character	2014	Wii U
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS	Playable character	2014	Nintendo 3DS
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U	Playable character	2014	Wii U
Super Mario Maker	amiibo Costume	2015	Wii U
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe	Playable character	2017	Nintendo Switch
WarioWare Gold	Cameo in microgame	2018	Nintendo 3DS
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate	Playable character	2018	Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Maker 2 (version 2.0)	Playable character via Master Sword power-up	2019	Nintendo Switch
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury	Cameo in Rainbow Run	2021	Nintendo Switch
WarioWare: Get It Together!	Cameo in microgame	2021	Nintendo Switch
Super Mario RPG	Cameo in Rose Town Inn	2023	Nintendo Switch

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Link.

• 

  Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

• 

  Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

• 

  Mario Kart 8

• 

  Super Mario Maker

• 

  Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

• 

  Link using the Boomerang in Super Smash Bros. Melee

• 

  Link using the Hero's Bow in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

• 

  Link using the Hero's Bow in Super Smash Bros. Brawl

• 

  The Gale Boomerang in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

• 

  The Gale Boomerang in Super Smash Bros. Brawl

• 

  Link using the Spin Attack in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

• 

  Link using the Spin Attack in Super Smash Bros. Brawl

• 

  Link with a Bomb in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

• 

  Link using the Bomb in Super Smash Bros. Brawl

• 

  The Triforce Slash in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

• 

  Link's Triforce Slash in Super Smash Bros. Brawl

• 

  The Ancient Bow and Arrow in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Names in other languages

Link

Language	Name	Meaning	Notes
Japanese	リンク[?] Rinku	Transliteration of international name
Chinese	林克[?] Línkè	Transliteration of international name
Dutch	Link[?]	-
French	Link[?]	-
German	Link[?]	-
Greek	Λίνκ[?] Link	Transliteration of international name
Italian	Link[?]	-
Korean	링크[?] Ringkeu	Transliteration of international name
Portuguese	Link[?]	-
Russian	Линк[?] Link	Transliteration of international name
Spanish	Link[?]	-

Dark Link

Language	Name	Meaning	Notes
Japanese	ダークリンク[?] Dāku Rinku	Dark Link
Chinese	暗黑林克[?] Ànhēi Línkè	Dark Link
French	Link Noir[?]	Black Link
German	Schatten-Link[?]	Shadow Link
Italian	Link Ombra[?]	Shadow Link
Russian	Дарк Линк[?] Dark Link	Dark Link
Spanish	Link Oscuro[?]	Dark Link

Trivia

• According to an interview in 2009, Charles Martinet, Mario's previous voice actor, told Shigeru Miyamoto that he wanted to voice Link in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, though Miyamoto told him that he would remain without a speaking voice. In the final game, his grunts and yells were portrayed by Nobuyuki Hiyama.

External links

• Link on Zelda Dungeon Wiki
• Link on Triforce Wiki