Young Link


 * This article is about the Link that appears in Super Smash Bros. Melee and Hyrule Warriors. For Link as he appears in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, see Hero of Time.

Young Link is a character appearing in and  that embodies the child stage of Link's life in his adventures from  and  as the Hero of Time.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

 * See article on  for more information.

Young Link is an unlockable character in. There are two ways to unlock him: by playing 500 vs. matches, or by completing with 10 different characters, including Adult 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 Adult Link, Young Link can choose different color tunics, including, red, blue, and black. When he taunts his foes, he drinks a Bottle of Lon Lon Milk then wipes 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 ; however, instead of it shooting normal Arrows like Adult Link's, Young Link's Fire Bow shoots Fire Arrows, although they do not travel as far as Adult Link's and actually inflict less damage. Young Link's is the Boomerang, and while it might not have a range as great as Adult 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. Young Link's Spin Attack is weaker than Adult Link's, but it can trap nearby foes in a cyclone of slashes upon performing this move.

Young Link does not appear in since he is replaced instead by Toon Link. He also appears as various Trophies.

Hyrule Warriors series
In and, Young Link appears as a playable Warrior. 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 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 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.