Master Link’s double arrow tech in Smash Ultimate: Unlock hidden damage, advanced combos, and competitive edge.
The Double Arrow Tech: Beyond the Basics
A recently highlighted technique for Link in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate reveals a significant, often overlooked damage boost that can shift matchups. This isn’t just a minor trick; it’s a fundamental mechanic that redefines how players should utilize his projectile game.
The competitive landscape of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is built on leveraging every microscopic advantage. For Link mains, a simple yet powerful interaction with his own arrows can literally double the output of one of his key zoning tools, turning pokes into potent threats.
The era of new fighter releases has concluded, with director Masahiro Sakurai confirming Fighters Pass Vol. 2 as the final DLC. This stability shifts the community’s focus from learning new characters to deepening mastery of the existing roster, uncovering hidden depths in veterans like Link.
This deep-dive exploration is perfectly timed. The Hero of Hyrule exists in three distinct forms in Ultimate—Young Link, Toon Link, and the traditional Link—each with unique properties. While this guide focuses on the adult Link, the principle of maximizing your kit applies to all.
All three Links consistently rank highly on community tier lists due to their strong zoning, versatile toolkits, and kill power. However, a gap exists between good and great Link players, often hinging on the mastery of non-obvious tech, such as the double arrow.
Execution Guide & Practical Applications
The core mechanic is deceptively simple yet easy to botch. If Link picks up one of his own loose arrows (by walking over it) and then uses his neutral-B Bow attack, he will fire two arrows simultaneously. The second arrow mirrors the trajectory of the first, effectively doubling the damage and hitstun of a single shot.
Community discovery, as highlighted on platforms like Reddit, shows many players were unaware of this interaction. A user’s post stating, “if you pick up an arrow with Link and shoot it he shoots two arrows,” generated surprise, indicating this tech flew under the radar for a substantial portion of the player base.
This may already be known. But if you pick up a arrow with link and shoot it he shoots two arrows.
byu/slayer_of_gods97 inSmashBrosUltimate
Visually, the result is clear: two arrow hitboxes travel together. This isn’t just about raw damage; it transforms the arrow’s function. A double arrow can:
– Break through weaker opposing projectiles.
– Create safer pressure on shield due to increased shieldstun.
– Enable follow-ups that a single arrow could not, like a dash attack or grab at certain percents.
Furthermore, the community added a crucial follow-up tip: the picked-up arrow can also be thrown as a melee item (by pressing the attack button while holding it). This opens combo routes, such as arrow toss > forward air, or can be used for unexpected close-range punishes.
Common Pitfalls & Advanced Optimization
Mastering this tech requires avoiding common errors. The most frequent mistake is failing to pick up the arrow correctly—you must walk directly over it, not just be near it. Additionally, using the double arrow predictably makes you easy to punish. Smart opponents will power shield or jump over it if they see you always going for the pick-up.
For advanced optimization, consider the frame data. The pick-up animation has a brief commitment. Therefore, the safest way to use this tech is after a failed remote bomb detonation or when you have clear space, not in the middle of a scramble. Use it as a mix-up alongside your standard single arrows and boomerang throws to keep opponents guessing.
The top comment on the original discovery, “You wanna know what I didn’t know? This,” underscores the knowledge gap. The secondary tip about throwing the arrow is equally vital. An arrow toss deals solid damage, has a disjointed hitbox, and can lead into combos or tech-chase situations, making Link’s kit more versatile at close range.
Integrate this into your gameplay by creating arrow pick-up opportunities. Fire an arrow at a distance where you can safely advance to collect it, or use it as a punish tool when an opponent knocks an arrow back toward you. Remember, the double arrow is a powerful conditioning tool; once an opponent respects it, you can fake the pick-up and punish their reaction.
The Future of Link in a Settled Meta
With the DLC pipeline closed, the Smash Ultimate meta is now defined by innovation within the existing framework. Techniques like the double arrow exemplify how a character’s perceived ceiling can rise years after release. For Link players, this means the journey from competent to formidable involves mining these hidden interactions.
Therefore, when you next load into Smash Ultimate, be aware that a skilled Link opponent may wield this subtle advantage. More importantly, as a player seeking improvement, incorporating this tech separates you from the majority. It’s a clear, actionable step toward maximizing one of the roster’s most enduring and powerful fighters.
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No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Simple Smash Ultimate trick lets Link double his damage Master Link's double arrow tech in Smash Ultimate: Unlock hidden damage, advanced combos, and competitive edge.