Zelda Matchup (Samus)

Matchup Summary (Win Condition and Game Plan)

Once Phantom is complete, Zelda’s grounded waiting game becomes much stronger, but her jab, tilts, dash attack, and up smash are easier to punish, so landing a hit before the setup pays off in stage control.
Missiles and Charge Shot should be used to freeze her movement, while Nayru’s Love and Farore’s Wind are best challenged only in guaranteed situations so you do not eat unnecessary reversals.
For kills, it is more reliable to tighten the ledge with Din’s Fire and Teleport recovery routes, then erase escape options with up B and up air.

Full Move Frame Quick Reference

Win Condition Checklist

• When Phantom starts charging, do not trade projectiles in place; close the gap and steal the setup time itself.
• Do not force low-profile approaches; stop her with projectiles first, then land forward air and push her back toward the ledge.
• At the ledge, show up B and up air to narrow both Teleport ledge options and neutral get-up.

Actions to Avoid

• Do not start a projectile exchange after Phantom is complete and hand over the tempo with the trap still active.
• Do not jump carelessly into Nayru’s Love right after it comes out and get reversed.
• Do not stay at the same height on the ledge and take Din’s Fire lingering hitboxes head-on.