Hey everyone! Let's dive deep into the world of Zelda in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. We’re going to explore everything from her basic moves to advanced strategies, so you can dominate the battlefield with the Princess of Hyrule. Whether you're a seasoned Smash veteran or a newcomer, this guide has something for you. Get ready to level up your Zelda game!

Understanding Zelda's Strengths and Weaknesses

When playing Zelda in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, it's crucial to understand her strengths and weaknesses to maximize her potential. Zelda is a character known for her zoning and setup abilities, making her a formidable opponent in the right hands. However, she also has some glaring weaknesses that you need to be aware of.

Strengths

• Zoning Capabilities: Zelda's primary strength lies in her ability to control space with her projectiles and traps. Her Neutral Special, Phantom Slash, allows her to summon a customizable phantom that can zone opponents effectively. This move is fantastic for controlling the pace of the match and keeping enemies at bay.
• Edge Guarding: Zelda excels at edge guarding due to her teleport move, Farore's Wind, and her powerful aerial attacks. She can quickly recover from precarious situations and punish opponents trying to get back on stage. This makes her a nightmare for characters with poor recovery options.
• KO Potential: While she may not seem like a heavy hitter, Zelda has several moves with high KO potential. Her Up Air is a reliable kill option at higher percentages, and a well-placed Forward Smash can send opponents flying off the stage. Additionally, her Final Smash, Triforce of Wisdom, is a guaranteed KO if it connects.
• Recovery: Farore's Wind is an excellent recovery move that can get Zelda out of tricky situations. It allows her to teleport a significant distance, making it difficult for opponents to edge guard her. However, it's essential to use it wisely, as it can be predictable if overused.

Weaknesses

• Slow Movement: One of Zelda's biggest weaknesses is her slow ground movement. She struggles to keep up with faster characters and can be easily punished if she's caught off guard. This makes it crucial to play defensively and rely on her zoning tools.
• Vulnerability to Rushdown: Zelda can struggle against aggressive, rushdown characters who can close the distance quickly. Her defensive options are limited, and she can be easily overwhelmed by relentless attacks. It's essential to maintain your spacing and use projectiles to keep these characters at bay.
• Reliance on Setups: To be effective with Zelda, you need to set up your attacks and control the stage. This can be challenging against experienced opponents who know how to disrupt your plans. It's crucial to be adaptable and think on your feet.
• Predictable Recovery: While Farore's Wind is a good recovery move, it can be predictable if you use it the same way every time. Opponents can anticipate your teleport and punish you for it. Try to mix up your recovery options and use different angles to keep your opponents guessing.

By understanding these strengths and weaknesses, you can tailor your gameplay to exploit Zelda's advantages and mitigate her disadvantages. Playing smart and strategically is key to mastering Zelda in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Mastering Zelda's Key Moves

To truly excel with Zelda in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, you need to master her key moves. These moves are the foundation of her gameplay and will allow you to control space, punish opponents, and secure KOs. Let's break down each of these essential moves and how to use them effectively.

Neutral Special: Phantom Slash

The Phantom Slash is arguably Zelda's most important move. It allows her to summon a customizable phantom that can be launched in various directions. By holding the special button, you can delay the phantom's attack and change its trajectory. This move is excellent for zoning, controlling space, and setting up combos.

• How to Use: Use Phantom Slash to keep opponents at a distance and control their movement. Vary the timing and direction of the phantom to keep your opponent guessing. You can also use it to cover your approach or punish predictable recovery attempts.
• Advanced Tip: Experiment with different timings and angles to find the most effective setups. A delayed phantom can catch opponents off guard, while a quick release can interrupt their attacks.

Side Special: Din's Fire

Din's Fire is a projectile that travels in a straight line and explodes upon impact. This move is great for edge guarding, punishing landings, and creating space. However, it's also slow and easily telegraphed, so use it wisely.

• How to Use: Use Din's Fire to cover your opponent's recovery or punish them for approaching carelessly. It's also effective for forcing opponents to shield, allowing you to close the distance and apply pressure.
• Advanced Tip: Predict your opponent's movements and aim Din's Fire accordingly. A well-timed shot can disrupt their plans and give you an advantage.

Up Special: Farore's Wind

Farore's Wind is Zelda's teleport move, allowing her to quickly move across the stage. This move is crucial for recovery, but it can also be used offensively to surprise opponents. However, it's important to use it strategically, as it can be predictable if overused.

• How to Use: Use Farore's Wind to recover from off-stage or to reposition yourself during a fight. You can also use it to punish opponents who are camping or trying to zone you out.
• Advanced Tip: Mix up your teleport destinations to keep your opponents guessing. You can teleport behind them for a surprise attack or teleport to a safe distance to reset the neutral game.

Down Special: Nayru's Love

Nayru's Love is a reflector that can deflect projectiles and damage opponents who get too close. This move is useful for countering projectile-heavy characters and punishing aggressive approaches.

• How to Use: Use Nayru's Love to deflect projectiles and turn them against your opponent. It can also be used as a defensive option to protect yourself from incoming attacks.
• Advanced Tip: Time your reflector carefully to maximize its effectiveness. A well-timed Nayru's Love can disrupt your opponent's combos and create an opening for you to attack.

Aerial Attacks

Zelda's aerial attacks are essential for both offense and defense. Her Neutral Air is a quick, multi-hitting attack that can be used to interrupt opponents or start combos. Her Forward Air is a powerful kick that can knock opponents away. Her Back Air is a strong attack with good range. Her Up Air is a reliable kill option at higher percentages, and her Down Air can spike opponents who are recovering below the stage.

• How to Use: Use your aerial attacks to control space in the air and punish opponents who are trying to approach. Mix up your attacks to keep your opponent guessing and create opportunities for combos.
• Advanced Tip: Learn the timing and spacing of each aerial attack to maximize its effectiveness. Practice using them in different situations to become more comfortable and confident in your abilities.

By mastering these key moves, you'll be well on your way to becoming a formidable Zelda player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Practice each move individually and then integrate them into your overall gameplay to see the best results.

Advanced Strategies for Zelda Players

Once you've mastered Zelda's basic moves, it's time to delve into some advanced strategies that will take your gameplay to the next level. These strategies involve combining her moves in creative ways, exploiting your opponent's weaknesses, and controlling the stage to your advantage.

Phantom Slash Setups

The Phantom Slash is a versatile move that can be used in a variety of setups. By varying the timing and direction of the phantom, you can create opportunities for follow-up attacks and combos. Here are a few examples:

• Phantom Slash into Forward Air: Launch the phantom towards your opponent and then follow up with a Forward Air as they approach. This can catch them off guard and lead to a combo.
• Phantom Slash into Grab: Use the phantom to force your opponent to shield and then follow up with a grab. This is a great way to punish defensive players.
• Phantom Slash into Up Air: Launch the phantom upwards and then follow up with an Up Air as your opponent jumps over it. This can KO them at higher percentages.

Edge Guarding with Farore's Wind

Zelda is an excellent edge guarder, thanks to her teleport move, Farore's Wind. By using it strategically, you can disrupt your opponent's recovery and secure KOs. Here are a few tips:

• Teleport Behind: Teleport behind your opponent as they're recovering to intercept them with an aerial attack. This can catch them off guard and send them falling to their doom.
• Teleport Low: Teleport low to the stage and then use a Down Air to spike your opponent as they're trying to recover. This is a risky move, but it can be very effective if you time it correctly.
• Mix Up Your Timing: Vary the timing of your teleports to keep your opponent guessing. If they know when you're going to teleport, they can punish you for it.

Mind Games and Conditioning

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, mind games are just as important as execution. By conditioning your opponent to expect certain moves, you can create opportunities for unexpected attacks. Here are a few examples:

• Din's Fire Conditioning: Use Din's Fire frequently to condition your opponent to shield. Then, when they expect it, approach and grab them instead.
• Farore's Wind Mix-Ups: Vary the timing and destination of your Farore's Wind teleports to keep your opponent guessing. This will make it harder for them to predict your movements and punish you.
• Phantom Slash Fakes: Charge the Phantom Slash but don't release it. This can bait your opponent into making a mistake, allowing you to punish them with a different move.

Stage Control

Controlling the stage is crucial for Zelda, as it allows her to dictate the pace of the match and set up her attacks. Use your projectiles and traps to control space and keep your opponent at a distance. Here are a few tips:

• Use Phantom Slash to Zone: Use the Phantom Slash to control space and keep your opponent at bay. Vary the timing and direction of the phantom to keep them guessing.
• Control the Center: Try to control the center of the stage, as it gives you more options for movement and attack. This will also make it harder for your opponent to approach.
• Use Platforms to Your Advantage: Use platforms to create advantageous positions for yourself. You can use them to set up aerial attacks or to escape from pressure.

By mastering these advanced strategies, you'll be able to take your Zelda gameplay to the next level and dominate your opponents in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Remember to practice these strategies regularly and adapt them to your playstyle for the best results.

Matchups and Counterpicks

Understanding Zelda's matchups against other characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is crucial for competitive play. Some characters are naturally more difficult to deal with, while others are easier to exploit. Here's a brief overview of some common matchups:

Favorable Matchups

• Heavy Characters: Zelda can often exploit heavy characters with her zoning tools and edge guarding abilities. Characters like King K. Rool and Bowser can struggle to approach Zelda and are vulnerable to her Farore's Wind edge guards.
• Projectile-Reliant Characters: While it might seem counter-intuitive, Zelda's Nayru's Love can shut down projectile-heavy characters like Samus and Link. Reflecting their projectiles back at them can turn the tables in these matchups.

Unfavorable Matchups

• Rushdown Characters: As mentioned earlier, Zelda struggles against aggressive rushdown characters like Fox and Sheik. These characters can close the distance quickly and overwhelm Zelda with relentless attacks.
• Characters with Good Mobility: Characters with excellent mobility, such as Pikachu and Greninja, can be difficult for Zelda to deal with. They can easily evade her projectiles and punish her slow movement.

Counterpicking

Counterpicking involves selecting a character that has a favorable matchup against your opponent's character. If you're struggling against a particular character with Zelda, consider switching to a character that can better exploit their weaknesses. Some good counterpicks against rushdown characters include characters with disjointed hitboxes, such as Marth or Lucina.

Adapting Your Playstyle

Regardless of the matchup, it's essential to adapt your playstyle to the situation. Against favorable matchups, you can play more aggressively and try to control the stage. Against unfavorable matchups, you may need to play more defensively and focus on punishing your opponent's mistakes.

Practicing and Improving Your Zelda Gameplay

To truly master Zelda in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, you need to practice regularly and actively work to improve your gameplay. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Practice Mode: Spend time in practice mode to familiarize yourself with Zelda's moves and combos. Experiment with different setups and timings to find what works best for you.
• Watch Replays: Watch replays of your matches to identify your mistakes and areas for improvement. Pay attention to your spacing, timing, and decision-making.
• Learn from Pros: Watch professional Super Smash Bros. players who specialize in Zelda. Pay attention to their strategies, techniques, and decision-making.
• Play Against Others: The best way to improve is to play against other players. Challenge your friends, join online tournaments, and compete against players of all skill levels.

By following these tips and putting in the time and effort, you can become a formidable Zelda player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Good luck, and have fun!