Dark Link Moveset
Neutral attack: A simple downward and outward slash followed by a quick thrust. Primarily used to get opponents away from Dark Link, with a useful semi-spike angle. (8%)
Forward tilt: A somewhat sharp stab in front of Dark Link of average speed. Based on the same animation of its and Link's attack in Zelda II. (9%)
Up tilt: An upward slash similar to the other Links, but different in animation, looking somewhat like forward tilt, yet vertical. Can combo into itself at early percents. (6%)
Down tilt: A quick swipe of the sword downwards that launches the opponent upwards. Can combo into aerials, yet is weak. Safe on shield if spaced properly. (8%)
Dash attack: Dark Link briefly teleports during startup, and does a downward slash against the opponent a set distance ahead. Long duration for a dash attack when including endlag, but the teleport provides a bit of intangibility. (11%)
Up smash: An arcing slash aimed upwards, similar to Toon Link's. Covers a decent amount around Dark Link, and works great for KOs at moderately high percents. (12%)
Forward smash: Dark Link leans back a bit before swinging downwards, with this being one of its best finishers. Only hits once, also like Toon Link. Can be used to punish opponents who space their approaches poorly. (16%)
Down smash: Dark Link spins around itself while slashing outwardly, with the earlier hit being stronger than the later hit. Unsafe on shield, but perfect for hard punishes against careless opponents. (15% early hit/12% middle hit/9% later hit)
Up aerial: Also known as the Jump Thrust, Dark Link thrusts its sword out to attack opponents from above. Strong, and owns a long-lasting hitbox that can bypass airdodges. KOs opponents at percents similar to Link's up aerial. (14%)
Forward aerial: A stab similar to forward tilt, preceded by a brief disappearing of Dark Link's shadow. Does not allow for recovery aid despite the shadow, but is still fairly strong, like with the other Links. (13%)
Neutral aerial: Dark Link swings its sword in a 180° arc in front of it. Allows for excellent coverage of its body, but is fairly weaker than the other Links and a bit slower. (7%)
Down aerial: Also known as the Down Thrust, Dark Link thrusts its sword downwards to launch opponents away. Strong, and functions similarly to Young Link's, but allows Dark Link to bounce off enemies, like both Link and Young Link. (16% early/13% late/10% bounce)
Neutral special: Mirror. When used against an opponent's attack, Dark Link initiates a quick attack at the same time to initiate a clash. Only works effectively on weaker attacks, preferably those at or below 10% damage. If missed, this move carries a hefty amount of endlag that leaves Dark Link vulnerable. (Varies; depends on opponent's move)
Up special: Evanesce. Acts similar to Sheik's Vanish, with a strong and weak hitbox during the teleport. Dark Link is followed by a cloud (heh) of dark smoke (heh heh) before and after the disappearance. Travels a little further than Sheik's. (14% strong/3% weak)
Side special: Shadow. Activates like a counter, but when used against an attack, Dark Link takes damage from it, but reappears behind the opponent, which can be followed up immediately with a move of its own. (0%)
Down special: Doppelgänger. Dark Link takes the form of the opponent close/closest to it, and therefore gains their moveset, excluding specials, although up special reverts it back to original. The transformation takes a while to start, but the process can be cancelled afterwards at any time. Can find even more utility in doubles. (Varies; depends on opponent's move)
FS: Thunderbird. Within the Great Palace, a horde of shadowy figures stab at the victim, leaving them visibly exhausted. The Thunderbird soon appears, and fires a barrage of fireballs that inflict heavy knockback afterwards. This FS is powerful, but requires Dark Link to be able to able to get a swipe on someone in front of it. (60%; 2% initial hit and followed 9 stabs; 8% per each of 5 fireballs)
Honestly, unless something similar to Samus losing her Dark Samus alt happens, I'm neutral on the character. Even that will not mean too much if it was just to get a new one.
