Spin Attack

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It needs to be updated with information from Hyrule Warriors.

Template:Ability The Spin Attack, also known as the Whirling Blade, is Link's signature move. It was first introduced in A Link to the Past and has appeared in every main Zelda title since. To perform it, Link usually gets in a stance to power up his Sword and then spins around once in a circle, damaging all enemies within the sword's radius. This technique is useful in that it deals more damage than a sword strike, and it is also used to solve puzzles in various Zelda games. The Spin Attack is a basic attack, although a better, upgraded version can often be learned sometime later in Link's quest.

Although not much is known about the history of the Spin Attack, A Link to the Past mentions that this ability is a secret sword technique used by the Knights of Hyrule, while Link's Awakening describes that the Spin Attack has been "handed down from generation to generation by the family of the hero."

Uses

Link performing a Spin Attack to hit four Crystal Switches simultaneously in Phantom Hourglass

The Spin Attack is mostly used when Link is closely surrounded by several enemies due to the attack's long range. As such, this allows the young hero to quickly and easily dispose of whole groups of enemies with just this technique, making it one of the most useful abilities in the game. This is mostly true in Four Swords Adventures, where, combined with the Cross Formation used by the Links, the Spin Attack allows the young heroes to defend themselves from all four directions.

Other than attacking, the Spin Attack is also used to solve various puzzles in the games. These more often are the ones that require Link to hit more than one switch at the same time, such as in Twilight Princess, where Link must perform a Spin Attack to hit all of the switches in the Palace of Twilight in order to make a floating platform appear. Special entrances require this technique to get them to open: in Oracle of Seasons, the Spin Attack is crucial in opening the gate to the Maku Tree. Moreover, in The Minish Cap, Link must execute this technique in front of a guard blocking the entrance to Mount Crenel so that he will allow the young hero to proceed to his destination.

Another use, though not as pivotal as the aforementioned uses, is that Link's sword can pick up the items it slashes, such as Rupees (which can be safely retrieved by swinging the sword at them should they land close to an edge, rather than having Link walk over and possibly falling). Because of this, a Spin Attack is an excellent way to way to pick up items all around Link. This same technique applies to the weapons Link can pick up in The Wind Waker, as he may also perform a Spin Attack wielding those. If he performs a spin attack with a Moblin Spear (the longest weapon in the game), he can immediately pick up all of the objects in a very large radius. This technique is especially useful for the Treasure Spheres often dropped by larger enemies, as the objects inside disappear rather quickly once they hit the ground.

Performing the Spin Attack

The Spin Attack is done in most Zelda games by holding down the button that the sword is assigned to for a matter of time and then releasing it. This will cause Link to get in a fighting stance while he charges up his sword or, in the case of the 2D Zelda games, just stand still as the sword begins to glow. This method can be done in most 3D Zelda games, with the exception of the Wii games Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword: since there is no sword button, Link cannot charge a Spin Attack. Instead, Link must perform it by lightly shaking the Nunchuk left and right (Twilight Princess) or swinging the Wiimote and Nunchuk at the same time (Skyward Sword).

A faster way to perform the Spin Attack is to quickly swing the Control Stick once and press the Sword button afterwards. If timed correctly, this will have the same effect as if Link had charged his sword to execute the Spin Attack, with the advantage being that this method does not consume Magic Power in games like Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. In some games, like The Wind Waker, Link can also perform this attack by simply using the thrust attack four times, or a combination of such, though this strategy only works if Link is actively attacking something, rather than swinging his sword at thin air. In Twilight Princess, if the player rotates the Control Stick right after performing a Jump Attack, Link will execute a Spin Attack upon landing.

In Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, Link must quickly draw a circle to perform the Spin Attack. Although in other games, Link can carry out an infinite amount of Spin Attacks without getting dizzy, in the Nintendo DS games, the young hero can only execute this technique four times in a row before he gets dazed and vulnerable for a few seconds.

Link performing a Spin Attack in Skyward Sword

In Skyward Sword, Link has to swing both the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk at the same time to perform a Spin Attack. Because of the game's mechanics, Link is allowed to pick in which direction he spins, an ability first introduced in Twilight Princess. However, in Skyward Sword it is a pivotal component to sword fighting, as certain enemies will block one side, forcing Link to spin in the direction that strikes his enemy's exposed side. With the directional movement imparted to Link via the Wii Remote, Link is, also for the first time, allowed to perform a vertical Spin Attack by swinging the Wii Remote and the Nunchuck together in a vertical motion, either downward or upward. Much like the horizontal Spin Attack, the direction in which Link needs to perform the spin is dependent on what direction is necessary to damage his foe. In cases where the direction does not matter, the spin attacks have no difference; left Spin Attacks are the same as right ones, and upwards ones are the same as ones going down. All four directions yield the same radius and damage. It also does not matter which direction the Nunchuk is swung; the Wii Remote controls the direction Link will spin. Performing a Spin Attack depletes a portion of Link's Stamina, similar to the restrictions in Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks. Unusually, a single hit from the Spin Attack in Skyward Sword does no more damage than a hit from a regular attack, but it has a similar overall effect to Spin Attacks in other titles because unless it knocks the target out of the way on the first hit it will generally hit twice.

The Spin Attack can also be performed in Battle Quest, the Legend of Zelda-themed sub-game in the Wii U spin-off title Nintendo Land. Miis that use swords can perform a Spin Attack by raising their swords in the air or hold them to a side, as if they were charging a Skyward Strike, and swinging the Wii Remote. The charge lasts until the player performs a Spin Attack, or receives damage. However, charging a Spin Attack is rather time-consuming, and leaves the Miis vulnerable until the charge is complete or canceled.

Upgrades and Variations

In some Zelda games, Link can learn an upgraded version of the Spin Attack as he travels on his quest. Other times, using Masks or Magic Rings will slightly alter the behavior and characteristics of this technique. The alterations as well as the upgrades available are described below.

Super Spin Attack

Main article: Great Spin

Link performing a Magic Spin Attack in Ocarina of Time

The Super Spin Attack, also known as the Great Spin or the Magic Spin Attack, is a special technique found in several Zelda games, including Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. As its name suggests, it is a Spin Attack with a bigger radius of attack. Usually this attack can only be used when one's life meter is completely filled up or Magic Power has been acquired. It can be differentiated from the normal Spin Attack due to its color, which is usually red in its most powerful form. This is demonstrated in the Nintendo 64 Zelda games, where the Super Spin Attack is denoted by the blue or red outlines that the attack makes: the blue Super Spin Attack is weaker and has a smaller radius than its red counterpart. Moreover, the red version makes Link spin around twice, but the downside is that Link must charge it longer before he can use it. Although charging it up with the B Button uses up a small fraction of Link's Magic Power, quickly rotating the Control Stick and pressing the Sword button does not consume magic.

In Four Swords Adventures, each Link has the ability to execute a Spin Attack during the game-play in both Overhead and side-scrolling areas. However, the Cross formation enables a powerful Spin Attack in which all Four Links will perform the Super Spinning Attack. Unlike the normal Spin Attack, this makes the four Links spin around the center of the Cross Formation, making it extremely effective against multiple enemies.

In A Link Between Worlds, the Great Spin is an upgrade of the regular Spin Attack, obtained by returning all of the Lost Maiamais to Mother Maiamai. This doubles the range of the attack, and greatly increases its power.

In Tri Force Heroes, wearing the Spin Attack Attire doubles the range and power of the Spin Attack.

Game	How to Obtain
Ocarina of Time	Must visit the Great Fairy of Power in the Great Fairy's Fountain in Death Mountain.
Majora's Mask	For the red variation, Link must retrieve the 15 Stray Fairies in the Woodfall Temple and take them to the Great Fairy of Power in the Fairy's Fountain of Woodfall.
Four Swords Adventures	Must be in Cross Formation.
Twilight Princess	Final Hidden Skill learned from the Hero's Shade.
A Link Between Worlds	Link must return all 100 lost Maiamais to Mother Maiamai.

Great Spin Attack

Not to be confused with the Great Spin, a sword technique entirely different from this technique. That technique is covered in the section above.

The Great Spin Attack, also known as the Hurricane Spin, is an extremely advanced Spin Attack. When used, Link can spin multiple times, prolonging the use of the Spin Attack and causing far more damage. It also leaves Link invincible to most attacks. However, it causes Link to become dizzy and vulnerable to enemy attacks for a few seconds after being used, unless he collides with an obstacle during the attack. In The Wind Waker and the Game Boy Advance version of A Link to the Past, this powerful maneuver consumes Magic Power. A version of this move is first displayed by Ralph when he is practicing with sword fighting with Link in the ending credits of Template:OOA.

Game	How to Obtain	How to Perform
The Wind Waker	Must bring 10 Knight's Crests to Orca on Outset Island.	Must charge Link's sword until it glows yellow.
A Link to the Past/Four Swords	Obtained after collecting the ten Medals of Courage via the extra mission in Four Swords and then completing the Riddle Quest.	Must hold the B-Button until the sword flashes for a second time.
Four Swords Anniversary Edition	Obtained after completing the Hero's Trial.	Must hold the B-Button until the sword flashes for a second time.
Four Swords Adventures	Collecting 2000 Force Gems to empower the Four Sword in the current stage.	Must hold the B-Button until the sword flashes for a second time and Link holds the sword backwards.
The Minish Cap	Taught to Link by Swiftblade I in the southwest side of Castor Wilds.	Must tap the sword button repeatedly after performing a Spin Attack.
Phantom Hourglass	Must complete the Phantom Hourglass Trading Sequence to obtain the Swordsman's Scroll.	Must use a Spin Attack three times in a row.
Spirit Tracks	Learned after obtaining 20 stamps and talking to Niko, who will give Link one of the Swordsman's Scrolls.	Must use a Spin Attack three times in a row.

Skyward Strike Spin Attack

The Skyward Strike can be used to amplify Link's Spin Attack in Skyward Sword. This increases its radius and, before obtaining the Master Sword in Hero Mode, will deal more damage due to having the fully-powered Skyward Strike.

Deku Spin

In Majora's Mask, Deku Link's basic attack is similar to that of a Spin Attack: he spins around on one foot and damages all enemies within the radius created by his hat. Unlike the Spin Attack, however, this move can be performed while Deku Link is running. The Deku Spin is also useful in that it helps the young hero hop farther by Deku Spinning on the surface of the water than by simply running up to it.

Wolf Spin

In Twilight Princess, Wolf Link uses a type of Spin Attack which is performed in the same way as with a sword. Alternatively, it can be performed partially charging Midna's shadow field, causing Link to attack with his fangs and tail, though it will only work after using the shadow field for the first time.

Magic Rings

File:OOX Energy Ring.png

File:OOX Charge Ring.png

File:OOX Spin Ring.png

In the Template:OoX, three Magic Rings alter some characteristics of the Spin Attack. The Charge Ring enables Link to charge up the Spin Attack in a quarter of the time it normally takes. The Spin Ring causes Link to spin twice instead of once. This ability is useful against bosses that can only be hurt with a Spin Attack. Lastly, the Energy Ring enables a spin attack to become a Sword Beam attack instead.

Other Appearances

Non-Canon Information

Super Smash Bros. Series

For more in-depth information, see SmashWiki's Spin Attack article.

The Spin Attack in Super Smash Bros. Brawl

In the Super Smash Bros. series, the Spin Attack is Link, Young Link, and Toon Link's Up Special Move. It proves to be a powerful attack when used on the ground, and when used in the air, it serves as Link's third jump and thus help him recover from off-stage. It is not until its appearance in Super Smash Bros. Brawl that the Spin Attack can be charged while on the ground. Young Link and Toon Link's version of the Spin Attack is weaker than its adult Link counterpart; however, the younger Links' attack traps enemies in a cyclone of slashes and can draw in foes if they are relatively close to the Spin Attack's radius.

Soulcalibur II

In SoulCalibur II, Link uses two variations of the Spin Attack. The first version acts much like the Hurricane Spin: Link can charge his sword to spin around several times, although this will not leave him dizzy like in other Zelda games. By completely charging the sword with the Spin Attack, a more powerful attack will be unleashed, demonstrated by the fire that surrounds Link's sword in the process. The second version, called the Cyclone Attack, causes Link to jump into the air while executing a Spin Attack. Like the previous variation, this attack can also be charged by the young hero, which will cause for Link to jump higher. The Spin Attack, when fully charged, causes 74 HP worth of damage while the Cyclone Attack deals 71 HP.

In a rather ironic real-world twist, the move combination to execute the standard spin attack is commonly known to fighting game fans as the "Fireball Motion," as the same combination is commonly used for projectile techniques in some fighting games such as the game the motion originated in, Street Fighter II.

Spin Attack:

Cyclone Attack:

Hyrule Warriors

Template:Sectstub In Hyrule Warriors, the Spin Attack serves as Link's Special Attack. He raises his sword to charge energy, much like when charging a Skyward Strike, then unleashes a powerful Spin Attack that spans a wide range. A shorter and less-reaching Spin Attack can be used by pressing and holding the strong attack button, and the Cyclone Attack appears in one of his combos.

Toon Link can perform the Hurricane Spin as some of his combos and Special Attack. The Special Attack variant causes him to briefly become dizzy, a reference to when he used the technique in The Wind Waker.

Gallery

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  Artwork of Link performing a Spin Attack from A Link to the Past

• LA - Spin Attack.png

  Artwork of Link performing a Spin Attack from Link's Awakening

• Spin Attack Ocarina of Time.png

  Artwork of adult Link performing a Spin Attack from Ocarina of Time

• Spinattack.jpg

  Artwork of child Link performing a Spin Attack from Ocarina of Time

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  Artwork of Link performing a Spin Attack from The Wind Waker

• TMC Spin Attack.png

  Artwork of Link performing a Spin Attack from The Minish Cap

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  Link obtaining a Spin Attack in Ocarina of Time

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  Child Link performing a Spin Attack in Ocarina of Time 3D

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  Link performing a Magic Spin Attack in Majora's Mask

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  Link performing the Hurricane Spin in The Wind Waker

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  Link using a Spin Attack in Super Smash Bros. Melee

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  Young Link performing a Spin Attack in Super Smash Bros. Melee

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  Link performing a Spin Attack in Super Smash Bros. Brawl

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  Toon Link performing a Spin Attack in Super Smash Bros. Brawl

• Spin Attack (SCII).png

  Link performing the charged Spin Attack in Soulcalibur II

• Cyclone Attack.png

  Link performing the Cyclone Attack in Soulcalibur II

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  Link performing a Spin Attack in Hyrule Warriors

References

Names in Other Regions
Language		Name	Meaning
	Japanese	回転斬り (Kaiten Giri)	Spin Cut
	FrenchCA	Attaque tourbillon Template:ExpGame Attaque circulaire Template:ExpGame	Whirlpool attack Circular attack
	FrenchEU	Attaque Tornade Template:ExpGame Grande Tornade	Tornado Attack Great Tornado
	Italian	Attacco Vortice Template:ExpGame Grande Vortice	Whirlwind Attack Great Whirlwind
	SpanishLA	Ataque circular Template:ExpGame Ataque giratorio Template:ExpGame Ataque Huracán Template:ExpGame Gran ataque giratorio Template:ExpGame Ataque Giratorio Especial Template:ExpGame	Circular attack Spin attack Hurricane Attack Great spin attack Special Spin Attack

Template:Abilities