Official Link Question and Answer Thread

[AeroLink_the_SoulMaster]

Hope this question is alright for this thread :B

I usually train/practice/play atleast two hours aday, usually each type stacks two hours ( train/practice/play), everyday and am noticing great improvement. My question is how long do you guys train a day, I am guessing being as you are already good you guys don't do the same AT training as me or anything, so mors specifically, when you guys were still getting good to become recognised players, how long and often did you practice?

Well I occasionally play cpu lvl.9 when I have no one else to play. But yeah, playing humans is better. Even if your friends suck, after playing you numerous of times and teaching them, they get better and pretty soon you have yourself competitive friendly matches. Also, having your friends playing different characters and you doing the same with them against each others' mains will help with character matchups. I even know a few ATs of other characters just by doing this. But the best thing for your gameplay is strictly irl tournaments. Hands down. However, you may not have the time to attend tournaments, so friends around your community will help. You can even hold your own little tournaments with enough people. Wifi...meh, I've only played like four matches and the connections were not good, but I can only play online at my friend's house. One more thing, you should give yourself a break in playing, because if you play too long, as I have experienced, you lose your focus and you start playing not as well. If you take a break for a day or two, when you play again you will notice (at least I do) your focus and state of mind at its highest.

P.S. Sorry for the long post.

 

[slickvic]

i have a couple questions. First, on the bombslide topic. For a couple of days, ive been trying to use a bombslide to hit an opponent wit a bomb, then go directly into a jab combo. but, i always seem to get hit wit the bomb too. any suggestions?

Also, on the CPU thing. Is it better to play against 1 cpu or 3? I usually play against 3 lvl 9 cpus, and although i cant practice AT's too much, my reaction time has greatly improved. (I dodge a whole lotta ****). but is it better to just go up against 1??

 

[ArdeS]

i have a couple questions. First, on the bombslide topic. For a couple of days, ive been trying to use a bombslide to hit an opponent wit a bomb, then go directly into a jab combo. but, i always seem to get hit wit the bomb too. any suggestions?

I'm assuming dashing into the explosion is what the problem is for you. I don't really have an answer to this unfortunately. Maybe a jab combo from a bombslide just doesn't work all the time.

Also, on the CPU thing. Is it better to play against 1 cpu or 3? I usually play against 3 lvl 9 cpus, and although i cant practice AT's too much, my reaction time has greatly improved. (I dodge a whole lotta ****). but is it better to just go up against 1??

As usual, it just depends on the type of training you want. If you want to work on dodging and reaction time against enemy attacks, a level 9 will be better than any other level. If you're working on precision and perfecting your ATs, I'd go with a level 3 CPU. I wouldn't train with a level 1 because they're a little less human-like. They rarely attack and you'll want to have SOME resistance when fighting.

 

[slickvic]

I'm assuming dashing into the explosion is what the problem is for you. I don't really have an answer to this unfortunately. Maybe a jab combo from a bombslide just doesn't work all the time.



As usual, it just depends on the type of training you want. If you want to work on dodging and reaction time against enemy attacks, a level 9 will be better than any other level. If you're working on precision and perfecting your ATs, I'd go with a level 3 CPU. I wouldn't train with a level 1 because they're a little less human-like. They rarely attack and you'll want to have SOME resistance when fighting.

hey man. thought id just correct myself. I didnt actully mean a lvl 3 CPU or a lvl 1 CPU. I meant playing against 3 CPUS at level 9, or just 1 CPU at lvl 9. sorry for the mix-up

 

[Swordplay]

1 LvL 9. Its the closest thing to a 1v1......

Why 3...Unless your training for team battles...


There was a thread in the tactical section that named lvl 7 computers as the best lvl to train against because they have human timing.

They said lvl 9 is only good if you want a challenge...


Trust me on this when I say do lvl 7's. You will be able to practice AT's and combo's much more as the computer won't have the inhumanly impossible timing to escape them.



I have decided to take some of those answers and add them to the first question on the FAQ. Thank you

 

[Looticforgothispassword]

You do need to move it very, very slightly upwards (I made a friend watch my fingers, as well as record the vid on my cell phone for confirmation). But essentially, it really doesn't feel as if you press up. It's more sideways than up, but still slightly up. And I've already proved I can bombslide consistently lol.

ok, I cant say I notice myself moving the control stick up when I bombslide, but you are probably right sasook, since I need the warm up before being able to choose bombslide lol

 

[Soldner Kei]

I would like to know if there is an example of this on the boards

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=qC59WVI1w_4

I think arkive, legan or deva said something about this, but I don't see any video showing it, could this be useful to the boards?

thanks for your time

 

[Swordplay]

I would like to know if there is an example of this on the boards

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=qC59WVI1w_4

I think arkive, legan or deva said something about this, but I don't see any video showing it, could this be useful to the boards?

thanks for your time

Good Question. This is nothing knew but I am glad you brought it up but It is VERY USEFUL.

What is happening is is that the Link player DI's up so he doesn't go as far horizontally.....

Then the Link player uses D-air so he doesn't go as far vertically.


This is combining DI and SDI (Smash DI) with the fact that aerials affect your trajectory. Dair makes Link fall very fast so it is commonly used. Some people also do a b-air fast fall like Arkive Zero.

Here is a video demonstrating that. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qAVsFk9Eug

This is the location of the thread that talks about it. http://www.smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=192522&highlight=aerials+affect+trajectory

Some of the stuff is slighty inaccurate but for the most part its very useful.

 

[4Serial]

the vid Kei posted looks like TL's f-smash just got incredibly stale
b-air is probably the best move to use to stop momentum because it's probably Link's fastest aerial move
it's either b-air or n-air, i'm not sure. anyone have frame data?

 

[Swordplay]

I'm not sure even if nair came out a frame fast though.....you have to consider this.

If you try to fast fall an N-air, you might end up with a Dair. and Bair is faster than D-air.

Thats why most people prefer bair to N-air. At least that is what Arkive and I discussed on AIB chat.

 

[Onomanic]

I use Fair (which I probably shouldn't do) because of it's momentum. So should I use Nair or Bair? Should I stop using Fair?

 

[4Serial]

ah okay, that makes sense

Question: how come whenever I go on AiB, I never see any other link mains there <_< like what time does Arkive and Deva and stuff get on that chat? lmao

i use f-air sometimes too, but i think b-air's best
f-air feels like it doesn't activate soon enough, like u-air and d-air

 

[Onomanic]

Hey go to smash talk! I pop in there some times. Lets chat lol. I'll friend you lol

 

[SonicX580]

I might have a new move that could improve Link's grab ablilty I don't know if it's already posted but if it is my bad I haven't been here for a while anyways you have to press the sheild button them when your opponent is close use the grab button and this works for all characters.

 

[Swordplay]

I might have a new move that could improve Link's grab ablilty I don't know if it's already posted but if it is my bad I haven't been here for a while anyways you have to press the sheild button them when your opponent is close use the grab button and this works for all characters.

Are you talking about shield grabbing???

If so then for Link it is pretty useful. But already known. Its great when pushed back by a D-Smash of F-smash. You can use the grab to punish if it has end lag.

If not, please specify what you are talking about.

at 4serial....

What do you mean, I am ALWAYS on AIB.

 

[Rambo Hayabusa]

Questions, regarding tethering:
Am I avoiding a spike (invincible) in the first moments that the hookshot reaches the ledge? Or in the animation pulling toward the ledge?
If I take too long away from the ledge (mistiming) when avoiding an attack like Ike's up B from off the stage like in Izawa's Art of Link would Ike grab the edge instead of my second hookshot?

Also, is Links hookshot shorter than Samus, Shiek, and Toon Link?

 

[The_Edge]

i have a question for the link pros...
when you do a DAC would it be possible for him to execute an up-b instead of up-c stick?
i've heard people talking about themselves doing it but im not sure....
if it is possible it could be his deadliest AT...

 

[The_Edge]

Rambo Hayabusa

link is only invincible when he pulls himself to the edge...
i experienced that the hard way. i always thought that link recieved invincible frames when he grabbed the ledge with his hookshot. So i tried to do it a couple times to save myself from the edgeguard, and every single time i got spiked...!

 

[Onomanic]

No double posts. And no, you can't use Up B instead of Usmash. I wouldn't know why but w/e. But seriously, no double posts.

 

[Swordplay]

Questions, regarding tethering:
Am I avoiding a spike (invincible) in the first moments that the hookshot reaches the ledge? Or in the animation pulling toward the ledge?
If I take too long away from the ledge (mistiming) when avoiding an attack like Ike's up B from off the stage like in Izawa's Art of Link would Ike grab the edge instead of my second hookshot?

Also, is Links hookshot shorter than Samus, Shiek, and Toon Link?

Sorry Edge you are wrong.
This is the correct answer.

Link is not invincible when He tethers the edge.
Link is not invincible during the pulling animation
Link is invincible when he reaches the edge after the pulling animation.

If you are looking to avoid a spike I have found something cool that I specifically use. Once you tether the edge and are hanging, you can hit down to cancel the tether and go directly into an up special to reach the edge.

i have a question for the link pros...
when you do a DAC would it be possible for him to execute an up-b instead of up-c stick?
i've heard people talking about themselves doing it but im not sure....
if it is possible it could be his deadliest AT...

Sorry that is impossible. The only way to slide your spin attack is if your gale boomerang gets reflected back at you and you do a spin attack...Lol Don't fall off the edge....(It happened to me )

 

[sasook]

I have a question regarding DI. But the question is so general that it could be it's own topic, possibly even a sticky, like a "how to DI with Link the smart way" kinda thread.

Anyways, when recovering, I've heard tons of different things. Use fair, use dair, perpendicular direction, Arkive's picture, DI + zair recovery..........the list goes on.

Let's say I'm hit with Marth's fsmash at 110%. What should I do? I'm so confused by all the different tips people have said.

 

[4Serial]

I dunno if Marth's untippered f-smash could kill you at 110% <_< Can it? Doesn't seem like it can to me if you DI up + towards the stage
If it's a tipper, you can probably try smash DIing down in the freeze frames and go for the z-air recovery, but a tipper at 80%+ is pretty much death
Depends if the move is stale too

 

[sasook]

Well, I'm just using that move as an example. Basically, I'm asking what to do when you are in KO range on your percentage, but are capable to save yourself with proper DI (like how Arkive and Deva always manage to live to 160+). Any move, really, but I'm more curious for horizontally than vertically.

 

[PokemonMaster]

Question about dimishing returns on moves that get spammed too much.

How exactly does it work? How much weaker is my forward smash if I use it too much?

And which moves are easy to make turn stale in a course of a game for Link?

 

[Metro Knight]

I think it only becomes dimishing if you miss, not 100% sure. But, it lowers the knockback and the damage. It generally goes down by like 2-3% each time give or take

 

[Swordplay]

Using air moves to affect your trajectory is slightly different than DI. If sent horizontally bair with C-Stick as it comes out the fastes. Many people Dair or fast fall a bair if hit up.

It really depends

Here is a general rule though Only SDI away to escape a move. (Like pika's D-Smash) You could really hurt yourself if you mess up.

If hit vertically DI Down and away and towards the stage

If hit horizontally DI UP and towards the stage


Stale moves happen when the move connects......and only when the move connects.

 

[lilmister]

I have a question regarding matchups...I would check the matchup guide but Bouse is revising everything so there's no info there.

I need help against a Fox...I've gone against a Fox and I had alot of trouble...maybe it was because it was pretty late at night ...but nonetheless I had a hard time, I still won the match, but barely. What are some things I can do to put the match against a Fox in my favour??

P.S. I'm going to be having a little Saturday Brawl with my friends. It's going to be the day we determine who's the better of us four. I'm currently on top, being a Link and Ness user, then my friend who is an Ike and Samus user, then my other friend who's a Link user, then in last place who is a Fox and Mario user (however he was only put there by default because he didn't fight them...IMO he's the better of the other two and my most competitive matchup so far.)
I'll have some vids up later to show the results.

 

[Swordplay]

grrr....bouse....

This is a hard matchup for Link. Other Link mains will give you some tips I am sure but here is 1 for you.

Fox has a good advantage against Link.
I would suggest a counter pick. If you do go with a counter pick Pick pikachu. Pika and D-throw chaingrab fox till like 100%...and then Smash out of if. Pika also has better priority overall.

The guides on Fox gave Pika a 9:1 advantage over fox....Pick Pika

 

[lilmister]

grrr....bouse....

This is a hard matchup for Link. Other Link mains will give you some tips I am sure but here is 1 for you.

Fox has a good advantage against Link.
I would suggest a counter pick. If you do go with a counter pick Pick pikachu. Pika and D-throw chaingrab fox till like 100%...and then Smash out of if. Pika also has better priority overall.

The guides on Fox gave Pika a 9:1 advantage over fox....Pick Pika

haha yea pikachu is one of my other mains, but Link is how I got famous (if that's the right term to use )..I mean I could beat the living life out of them with Ness or Pikachu (which is very easy to do because I can just gimp them easy) but with Link I have more reason to brag *btw the mini tourney i'm having on Saturday is for bragging rights lol*. When I win with Link I can just go right in their faces and say "YOU SUCK!" with no regrets whatsoever lol.
But counterpicking with Pikachu is a good idea

 

[Kikuichimonji]

If hit vertically DI Down and away and towards the stage

If hit horizontally DI UP and towards the stage

Your DI affects your trajectory the most when it's at a 90 degree angle to the direction you're hit. So, if hit vertically, you should DI to the left or right.

Question about dimishing returns on moves that get spammed too much.

How exactly does it work? How much weaker is my forward smash if I use it too much?

And which moves are easy to make turn stale in a course of a game for Link?

The moves that are most likely to become stale are the ones you use the most. This is why most people 'save' good fast KO moves. For Link, his 'kill moves' are the dsmash, the fsmash, occasionally the dair or the spin attack, and the fair every once in a blue moon. Other moves also become stale, but a jab that does 1% less damage is still worth using. Same goes for projectiles.

Stale moves really is only a problem for killing moves.

See http://www.smashboards.com/showthread.php?p=4158733 for details on both stale moves and DI. Also, http://www.smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=162447 is extremely useful for general brawl knowledge.

 

[Swordplay]

Very good info...Well put Kikuichimonji

Horizontal moves usually send you up and away which is why I DI up and towards stage fora 90 degree.

Kikuichimonji is right for the most part I believe. I just DI vertically moves slightly incorrect due to natural instinct.

You also hit the stale move right on the money. I'm quoting you for the FAQ.

 

[LinkSpecialist]

I never thought I'd be asking a question here, but I might as well try.

Q: Is it normal to jump from a break-grab being the one who grabbed in the first place? I don't know how, but I've gotten the hang of jumping from break-grabs, but this is the first time someone broke from my grab, but I'm the one who jumped instead of them. .

 

[NintenJoe]

Q: Is it normal to jump from a break-grab being the one who grabbed in the first place? I don't know how, but I've gotten the hang of jumping from break-grabs, but this is the first time someone broke from my grab, but I'm the one who jumped instead of them. .

Yes, thats normal. It's like a grab release accept you jump instead of being released. It's actually better to jump, it gives you more options and more spacing.

 

[ArdeS]

If you don't jump, there's possibilites of chain grabs and all of that nasty stuff. Jump for your life bruddah, but watch the landing; they'll be waiting for ya. :s

 

[Remzi]

How much better do you guys think Link will do if MK is banned? Its easily Link's worst matchup, and seems to be the only '**** matchup' goign against him.

 

[LinkSpecialist]

Yes, thats normal. It's like a grab release accept you jump instead of being released. It's actually better to jump, it gives you more options and more spacing.

I understand that it's normal to jump from a grab release being the person who got grabbed. That's okay, but what I'm wondering is, is it normal to be the one jumping being the person who grabs in the first place.

EX


L----<M
Link grabs Mario

LM
Link keeps a hold on Mario

L
^? M
Link let's go of Mario, but jumps instead of releasing normally

 

[Onomanic]

Hm how exactly do you do this? I released him, still had the lag and jumped. Can we get some controls lol.

 

[Swordplay]

How much better do you guys think Link will do if MK is banned? Its easily Link's worst matchup, and seems to be the only '**** matchup' goign against him.

He would be better. Not a lot better but better.....maybe low teir instead of bottom. Right now, one of the largest factors in a teir list is how a character does against metaknight as the metagame revolves around him. If he were banned. It would help him out greatly.

But ROB and Falco are still very bad matchups for Link. It's not just meta.

If the new metagame began to revolve around marth (and I think it will) Link may actually become playable as a counterpick character because out of all the top/high teir characters. Links best matchups are snake DDD and somewhat marth (even though he still has a disadvantage here it is not as big as metaknight)

 

[ArdeS]

This isn't really a question, but more on the DI and Smash DI topic. I know this may be common knowledge for some of you, but I wanted your imput.
According to http://smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=192522 , using an aerial with the least frames while flying off the screen is the most efficient way to DI, more so than dodging. Link's aerial with the least frames is is B-air.
Do you guys smash DI with B-air when sent left or right on the screen?

 

[Remzi]

He would be better. Not a lot better but better.....maybe low teir instead of bottom. Right now, one of the largest factors in a teir list is how a character does against metaknight as the metagame revolves around him. If he were banned. It would help him out greatly.

But ROB and Falco are still very bad matchups for Link. It's not just meta.

If the new metagame began to revolve around marth (and I think it will) Link may actually become playable as a counterpick character because out of all the top/high teir characters. Links best matchups are snake DDD and somewhat marth (even though he still has a disadvantage here it is not as big as metaknight)

I agree with the first two, as for the third:

I think that theory of the metagame revolving around Marth is BS tbh. Marth has possibly the steepest learning curve in the game, and the matchups that we have listed on the Marth board assume that the Marth is at the highest level of play. There are SO FEW Marths that are even close to this level, its all theory. And even if Marths were able to play at that level, he still has 2 disadvantages in top tier, 2 advantages, and breaks even with the rest. Not to mention DK may raise to top tier, and Marth is at a disadvantage against him as well.

The metagame will absolutely not revolve around Marth, even after MK is banned.