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.
After being replaced by the Gale Boomerang in Brawl, Link regains the Boomerang in Super Smash Bros. 3DS/Wii U as one of his customized Side Special Moves.
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 |
Link's Custom Special Moves | ||
---|---|---|
Custom 1 | Custom 2 | |
Standard Special | Power Bow | Quickfire Bow |
Side Special | Boomerang | Ripping Boomerang |
Up Special | Shocking Spin | Whirling Leap |
Down Special | Giant Bomb | Meteor Bomb |
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.
Custom Variations
Ripping Boomerang
Ripping Boomerang is one of Link's Neutral Special Moves that can be used via customization. Link throws a gale boomerang at short range, which can hit opponents multiple times.
Link's Custom Special Moves | ||
---|---|---|
Custom 1 | Custom 2 | |
Standard Special | Power Bow | Quickfire Bow |
Side Special | Boomerang | Ripping Boomerang |
Up Special | Shocking Spin | Whirling Leap |
Down Special | Giant Bomb | Meteor Bomb |
Floating Boomerang
Floating Boomerang is one of Toon Link's Side Special Moves that can be used via customization. He throws a high-power boomerang that's slow to return, and will disappear on the way back.
High-Speed Boomerang
High-Speed Boomerang is one of Toon Link's Side Special Moves that can be used via customization. Toon Link throws a fast Boomerang that can pass through opponents, but deals less damage.
Toon Link's Custom Special Moves | ||
---|---|---|
Custom 1 | Custom 2 | |
Standard Special | Fire Arrow | Piercing Bow |
Side Special | Floating Boomerang | High-Speed Boomerang |
Up Special | Hurricane Spin | Rising Slash |
Down Special | Time Bomb | Short-Fused Bomb |
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.