If you're a fan of the Super Smash Bros. series, you've probably heard of Super Smash Flash 2 (SSF2), an incredibly popular fan-made game that replicates the feel of the official games. Among the diverse roster of characters, Link stands out as a balanced and versatile fighter, perfect for both newcomers and seasoned players. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to master Link's moves, combos, and strategies in SSF2, ensuring you become a formidable opponent on the battlefield.
Understanding Link
Link, the hero of Hyrule from The Legend of Zelda series, comes with a kit designed for zoning, controlling space, and dealing significant damage once opponents are within reach. Here are some key aspects of Link:
- Attack Range: Link has excellent reach thanks to his swordplay and ranged weapons.
- Survivability: With recovery moves like Spin Attack, Link can live longer in matches.
- Versatility: From projectile spam to close-quarters combat, Link adapts to various playstyles.
Link's Basic Moves
Normal Attacks:
- Jab: A quick three-hit combo that ends with an upward slash, useful for starting combos.
- F-tilt: A horizontal slash that keeps foes at bay.
- U-tilt: An upward thrust, fantastic for juggling opponents.
- D-tilt: A low swipe, good for setting up grabs or poking grounded enemies.
Aerial Attacks:
- N-air: The Spin Attack, a multi-hit move that serves both offensively and for recovery.
- F-air: A horizontal sword slice, excellent for edgeguarding.
- B-air: A backward swing, effective for opponents behind Link.
- U-air: An upward swing, critical for aerial combos and finishing off aerial enemies.
- D-air: A downward stab, can meteor smash if timed right.
Special Moves:
- Hero's Bow (Neutral B): Fires an arrow that can be charged for more damage.
- Boomerang (Side B): Throws a boomerang that returns to Link, pulling items or foes towards him.
- Spin Attack (Up B): A recovery move that can be charged for extra hits and horizontal movement.
- Bomb (Down B): Pulls out a bomb which can be thrown or detonated in hand for explosive damage.
Combos and Advanced Techniques
Combos:
- Jab Combo: Start with a jab to push enemies upward, then use U-tilt, followed by U-air to juggle enemies skyward.
- Arrow → Grab: Shoot an arrow to stun, then approach for a grab. Follow with D-throw and an immediate aerial.
- B-Air → U-air: Hit with a B-air to send enemies up, then combo into U-air for finishing damage.
Advanced Techniques:
- Dash Dancing: Quickly switch between running left and right without fully committing to attacks, controlling space effectively.
- Wave Dashing: Although not as potent in SSF2, it can still be used for quick movement and positioning.
- Short Hop Aerials: Use short hops to maintain aerial presence with quick, punishing aerials.
Tips:
- Use Projectiles: Link’s Hero's Bow and Boomerang are excellent for zoning and controlling stage space.
- Edge Guarding: Link’s extended reach and powerful aerial attacks make him an excellent edge guarder.
- Recovery Management: Don't over-rely on Spin Attack; combine it with ledge grabs or aerial maneuvers for safer recovery.
<p class="pro-note">🧙♂️ Pro Tip: Link's recovery isn't invincible, so mix up your recovery options to keep opponents guessing.</p>
Strategies for Link
Stage Selection
Certain stages can amplify Link’s effectiveness:
- Battlefield: The platforms are perfect for juggles, combos, and escape routes.
- Final Destination: With ample room for running, you can zone effectively with arrows and boomerangs.
Playing Against Different Characters
Against Ranged Fighters:
- Use arrows to match their projectiles. Keep moving and use the environment to your advantage.
Against Melee Fighters:
- Maintain distance with arrows, then approach with cautious shield-grabbing or baiting out their attacks before countering.
Against Projectile-Spammers:
- Reflect Arrows: If they use arrows, reflect them back with your sword. For others, dodge and weave through projectiles, closing the distance.
<p class="pro-note">🛡️ Pro Tip: Link's shield has strong defensive potential; use it to bait out and punish aggressive moves.</p>
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
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Over-Reliance on Projectiles: While Link’s ranged weapons are key, don't fall into a pattern, making it easy for opponents to predict your actions.
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Recovery Mishaps: Avoid predictable recoveries; mix ledge-grabs with aerial recoveries to be less predictable.
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Forgetting Grab: Link's grab game is strong; utilize grabs to bypass defensive tactics like shielding.
Final Thoughts
Link in SSF2 is a blend of strategy, precise execution, and adaptability. Whether you're spacing with arrows, juggling with aerials, or defending with your shield, Link can handle a plethora of situations with style. Continue to practice his moves, incorporate the advanced techniques, and remember the counter-strategies against different fighter types.
To master Link, keep exploring tutorials and guides. Adapt to the ever-evolving meta-game of SSF2, and above all, enjoy the process of becoming a true hero of Hyrule.
<p class="pro-note">⚔️ Pro Tip: Link's neutral game can be improved with proper stage selection, so consider stage advantages when choosing where to fight.</p>
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What are the best stages for Link in SSF2?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Stages like Battlefield, with its multiple platforms, offer Link great opportunities for juggles and aerial combos, while Final Destination provides room to space out opponents with projectiles.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I handle characters with longer reach than Link?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Focus on using projectiles to disrupt their attacks, go for quick aerials, and utilize defensive techniques like shielding and dodging to close the distance safely.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What's the best way to utilize Link's recovery?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Mix ledge-grabs with Spin Attack and short hop aerials. Vary your recovery paths to keep opponents guessing.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>