Pichu Matchup (Link)

Matchup Summary (Win Condition and Game Plan)

Pichu’s low profile and high mobility make it awkward to hold a fixed line, so Link cannot rely on standing still and waiting for the projectile wall to do all the work.
The matchup becomes much easier once Link keeps a bomb and boomerang in rotation, because Pichu’s light weight and self-damage turn every clean hit into real stock progress.
In close range, do not force reversals after Pichu’s safe-looking Neutral Air, Forward Air, or Down Tilt; only cash out when Up B or Up Smash actually reaches.
Once Pichu is offstage, the recovery line is narrow, so the better plan is to win the landing and ledge route first rather than chase extra damage in the air.

Full Move Frame Quick Reference

Win Condition Checklist

• Keep bomb and boomerang in front so Pichu cannot slip through the main lane for free with low-profile movement.
• Do not force shield punishes after Neutral Air, Forward Air, or Down Tilt unless Up B, Up Smash, or Grab truly reaches.
• Take the landing spot first when Pichu drifts around your projectiles instead of entering a pure air-to-air guess.
• Offstage, track Quick Attack routes separately and punish the moment the recovery line exposes itself.
• Once self-damage starts to matter, keep center control and finish the stock without overextending.

Actions to Avoid

• Falling back too far just because Pichu is slipping under your projectiles and letting the scramble stay point blank.
• Swinging from too far after blocking safe-looking Neutral Air, Forward Air, or Down Tilt.
• Chasing Quick Attack too deep and giving up the landing route that was already under control.
• Overcommitting at the ledge and turning a clear advantage into a reset.