Boomerang (move)

The Boomerang is a Special Move used by Link, Young Link, and Toon Link. In Super Smash Bros., it is Link's Standard Special Move, while in Super Smash Bros. Melee, it is Link and Young Link's Side Special Move. Toon Link uses the Boomerang in Super Smash Bros. Brawl as well. The character throws the weapon of the same name, acting as a projectile.

Overview

One can tap the control stick while doing this move to increase its range, and tilt the stick up or down to aim it towards those directions. If the Boomerang is dodged as it comes back to Link, it will continue going, arcing in the direction the player last dodged in. Link can only have one Boomerang on screen at at time, unless it has been reflected by a perfect shield, Fox's Reflector, or Mario's Cape (Melee only). Trying the attack again while a boomerang is out only results in Link doing his boomerang throwing animation without actually throwing anything.

Link's Boomerang in Super Smash Bros.

Link's Boomerang in Melee.

Toon Link's Boomerang in Brawl.

Young Link's Boomerang in Melee.

Link's Special Moves
	Super Smash Bros.	Melee	Brawl	3DS/Wii U	Ultimate
Standard Special	Boomerang	Bow	Hero's Bow		Bow and Arrows
Side Special	—	Boomerang	Gale Boomerang		Boomerang
Up Special	Spin Attack
Down Special	Bomb				Remote Bomb
Final Smash	—		Triforce Slash		Ancient Bow and Arrow

Toon Link's Special Moves
	Brawl	3DS/Wii U	Ultimate
Standard Special	Hero's Bow
Side Special	Boomerang
Up Special	Spin Attack
Down Special	Bomb
Final Smash	Triforce Slash

Young Link's Special Moves
	Melee	Ultimate
Standard Special	Fire Bow	Fire Arrow
Side Special	Boomerang
Up Special	Spin Attack
Down Special	Bomb
Final Smash	—	Triforce Slash

Gale Boomerang

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Link no longer uses the standard Boomerang, but rather, the Gale Boomerang from Twilight Princess, which pulls enemies towards Link as it returns to him.

The Gale Boomerang has the exactly same use as the normal Boomerang. When it comes back, it additionally drags opponents and small items, such as the Deku Nuts, towards Link. It can also throw large items forward. However, when the boomerang is returning, it does no damage at all. If used properly, players can string a number of different attacks following the boomerang's retrieving tornado. Link's Side Smash would be the most favorable attack of choice, as it would cancel the knockback allowing the second hit to connect. Link's Down Smash, used with correct timing, can also damage opponents with both hits, causing a significantly larger amount of damage (up to 48% if charged).

If reflected, the Gale Boomerang automatically enters the second phase of its attack, meaning Link cannot be hurt by it, only pushed away by it.

The move can be used to perform Gale Guarding. If timed perfectly, one can literally ride on the Gale Boomerang.

Interestingly, the Gale Boomerang seems to cancel the landing lag from any of Link's aerial attacks if it returns to Link while he is on the ground after an aerial attack, most noticeably, his D-air.

Gale Boomerang in Brawl.

Origin

The Boomerang is one of Link's main weapons the The Legend of Zelda series. Boomerangs have been a staple weapon since the very first game. While weaker than the Bow, it is reusable and capable of pulling items back to Link. The design used in Melee is based on its design in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. However, Adult Link in the game couldn't use the Boomerang; only Young Link could.

It is typically used to stun enemies, retrieve items, and trigger switches, making it more of a tool than a true offensive weapon. Some weak enemies could be defeated using the boomerang, and in some games the boomerang was capable of cutting down objects. In The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, the traditional Boomerang is replaced by the Gale Boomerang, which had the ability to summon tornado-like gales. The Gale Boomerang has the same uses as the traditional Boomerangs from the other Zelda games, but the Gale Boomerang could additionally turn fans and put out fires.

Glitch

In Super Smash Bros. Melee (version 1.1), there is a glitch with Link's Boomerang. It causes the Boomerang to get stuck to his arm, causing Link to lose the ability to throw it again.