- Not to be confused with the Jump Strike
The Jump Attack, also known as the Targeted Attack,[1][2] is one of Link's most basic attacks, but it also one of his most reckless sword-based moves. He performs it by leaping forward into the air, then bringing down his sword towards the enemy. The force of the jump forward, the gravitational pull downwards, and the extra push added by using both hands all contribute to a stronger attack. In all cases of this move's appearance, it deals twice the damage of a regular sword strike.[3][4][5] It was first introduced in Template:OOT, and subsequently appeared in all the 3D games. Its only 2D appearance so far has been in Four Swords Adventures.
This technique is effective against most enemies, but some foes, such as Darknuts in Twilight Princess, are able to dodge or counter it if the timing is not right. Moreover, after Link performs a Jump Attack, he will be unable to move for a short while and thus be vulnerable to enemy attacks.[5][6]
Performing a Jump Attack
| Nintendo 64 | Z + A |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Gamecube |  + 
|
| Four Swords Adventures | Tap + 
|
| Soulcalibur II |       
|
| Nintendo DS | Tap with stylus |
To perform this attack in any the 3D Zelda games, Link must have his sword drawn, and he must be targeting the enemy.[4][7][8] When both conditions are met, a simple press of the action button will unleash a Jump Attack.
In Four Swords Adventures, the Jump Attack can be performed by "tapping" the control stick of a GameCube controller, or D-Pad of a connected Game Boy Advance, and simultaneously pressing the sword button. It is much harder to pull off than in other incarnations, but serves less of a purpose now, as the Roll Attack is better at dealing damage from a distance, and multiple regular strikes up close are comparatively equal in dealing damage up close.
Link performs the Jump Attack in Twilight Princess with only one hand instead of two, and this time around less enemies are affected by it. While in mid-air, if the player moves the Control Stick in a circle, Link will do a Spin Attack upon landing.
Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks also feature the Jump Attack. This time it can be performed simply by tapping on an enemy with the stylus, but only while Link is distant from his target.[1][2] At closer range, Link will do a more modest sword thrust instead. In Spirit Tracks, Dark Link is also able to perform this move; however, he jumps much higher and slower than Link does.
In Skyward Sword a Jump Attack can be performed by Z-Targeting, jumping forward and then shaking the Wii Remote. The Jump Attack in Skyward Sword isn't any more powerful than a normal slash.
Non-canon Appearances
Soulcalibur II
In Soulcalibur II, one of Link's moves is similar to the Jump Attack, although it is known as the Running Hack. The young hero can perform it by running up to the enemy and then pressing the vertical attack button. It can deal up to 42 HP worth of damage and is considered to be a mid-attack.
Gallery
Link performs a jump attack on a Flare Dancer in Ocarina of Time
Link performing a jump attack in Majora's Mask
Link's jump attack from The Wind Waker
- Jump Attack (SCII).png
Link performing the Jump Attack in Soulcalibur II
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Let's begin with the targeted attack. I'm going to bring out some targets for sword practice. Far safer than real foes... Just tap a target to lock on and close in for the attack. Try it now." — Oshus (Phantom Hourglass)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "To do a targeted attack, you just tap on the target you want to hit!" — Captain Russell (Spirit Tracks)
- ↑ "If you have your sword ready while (Z) Targeting, you can do a jump attack by pressing (A)! A jump attack does double damage!" — A Kokiri (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Template:Cite book
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "The jump attack does twice as much damage as a normal swing, but it will take a moment to move again afterwards." (Majora's Mask manual, pg. 23)
- ↑ "While holding the sword, press Z + A. Offensive power will double." (Ocarina of Time manual, pg. 20)
- ↑ "And finally, the jump attack. Press (A) after drawing your sword and Z-Targeting with (Z). Begin." — Swordsman (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ Template:Cite book
Template:Abilities