Matchup Summary (Win Condition and Game Plan)
On Toon Link’s side, you want to stop Shulk’s Jab 1, Jab 2, Jab 3, Down Tilt, Dash Attack, and Side B with Up B (6f), OOS Nair (9f), OOS Bair (9f), and Grab (10f), then take control by locking down landings with Bomb and Boomerang.
In Toon Link vs Shulk, it is more stable for Toon Link to place a projectile first and restrict the escape route toward center or the ledge instead of challenging the tipper space of Nair and Fair head-on.
The frame table shows Up B (6f), OOS Nair (9f), OOS Bair (9f), and Grab (10f) reaching Shulk’s Jab 1, Jab 2, Jab 3, Down Tilt, Dash Attack, and Side B, so reckless close-range pressure can be taken back immediately.
At the same time, Toon Link does not get reliable on-the-spot punishes against Shulk’s Nair, Fair, or Uair, and Shield Art can also deny juggle extensions, so you need to stack ledgetraps instead of forcing Up Air kills.
Full Move Frame Quick Reference
| Opponent Move | Startup | On Shield | Toon Link OOS Candidate Moves | Barely Missed Moves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jab 1 | 5 | -17 |
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| Jab 2 | 5 | -25 |
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| Jab 3 | 6 | -32 |
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| Forward Tilt | 12 | -19/-20 |
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| Up Tilt | 11 | -18/-19 |
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| Down Tilt | 10 | -12/-13 |
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| Dash Attack | 12 | -16/-18 |
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| Forward Smash | 14/23 | -35/-36 |
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| Up Smash | 18/30 | -28 |
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| Down Smash | 18/23/28/35/41 | -/-56/-51/-52/-47/-48/-41/-42/-36/-37 |
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| Neutral Air | 13 | -2/-3 |
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| Forward Air | 14 | -6/-7 |
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| Back Air | 19 | -6/-7 |
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| Up Air | 14/24 | -6/-5/-5 |
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| Down Air | 14/23 | -11/-9/-10 |
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| Neutral B | — | — | ||
| Side B | 22 | -29/-30/-25/-27 |
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| Up B | 10 | ** | ||
| Down B | 7 (Start of Counter) | — | ||
| Grab | 7 | — | ||
| Dash Grab | 10 | — | ||
| Pivot Grab | 11 | — |
Win Condition Checklist
- Toon Link should place either Boomerang or Bomb first and restrict Shulk’s path or landing before Shulk gets to swing Nair or Fair.
- When Toon Link blocks Shulk’s Jab 1, Jab 2, Jab 3, Down Tilt, Dash Attack, or Side B, immediately pick the punish that reaches: Up B (6f), OOS Nair (9f), OOS Bair (9f), or Grab (10f).
- If Shulk switches to Shield Art, Toon Link should stop forcing early kills with Up Air or Up Smash and instead keep stage control with Dash Attack, repeated landing traps, and Bomb coverage at the ledge.
- Edgeguards should be limited to situations where Shulk is recovering without Jump Art or where the ledge grab point is clear; otherwise, stay onstage and layer returning Boomerang with Bomb detonation.
Actions to Avoid
- Toon Link should not dash or jump in with Fair straight into the tipper range of Shulk’s Nair and Fair and voluntarily play into the long sword hitboxes.
- Toon Link should not block Shulk’s Jab 1, Jab 2, Jab 3, Down Tilt, Dash Attack, or Side B and then fail to answer with Up B (6f), OOS Nair (9f), OOS Bair (9f), or Grab (10f).
- Toon Link should not force Up Air, Up Smash, or offstage Fair kills into Shield Art and then give up center stage after the juggle is denied.
- Toon Link should not chase Jump Art or Speed Art Shulk too far offstage and hand over a reversal with Fair, Bair, or Up B.