Zelda Wiki

Want to contribute to this wiki?
Sign up for an account, and get started!

Come join the Zelda Wiki community Discord server!

READ MORE

Zelda Wiki
Register
Advertisement
TAoL Defeated Link Artwork
This article or section does not meet Zelda Wiki's quality standards.

Please improve it as you see fit. Editing help is available.

Not to be confused with the Jump Strike, a similar attack in Twilight Princess.

Jump Slashes,(BotW)[1] also known as Jump Attacks,(OoT | FSA | SS)[2][3][4] Targeted Attacks,(PH | ST)[5][6] and Running Hacks,(Soulcalibur II)[name reference needed] are a recurring ability in The Legend of Zelda series.

Overview[]

Link performs the Jump Slash by leaping forward into the air, then bringing down his Sword towards the enemy. In all cases of this move's appearance, it deals twice the damage of a regular sword strike.[7][8][9]

The technique is effective against most enemies, but some foes, such as Darknuts in Twilight Princess, are able to dodge or counter it if not timed correctly. Moreover, for a short while after Link performs a Jump Slash, he is vulnerable to enemy attacks.[9][10]

Performing a Jump Slash[]

Nintendo 64 Z + A
Nintendo Gamecube Gamecube Button L + Gamecube Button A
Four Swords Adventures Tap + Gamecube Button B
Soulcalibur II Hold Control PadOpen ParenthesisHold Down RightCommaHold Up RightClose ParenthesisVertical Attack Button
Nintendo DS Tap with stylus
Ocarina of Time 3D L + A
Wii Z + A

To perform this attack in any the 3D Zelda games, Link must have his Sword drawn, and he must be targeting the enemy.[8][11][12] When both conditions are met, a simple press of the action button will unleash a Jump Attack.

Four Swords Adventures[]

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.

Twilight Princess[]

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[]

The Jump Slash can be performed by tapping on an enemy with the Stylus, but only while Link is distant from his target.[5] At closer range, Link will do a more modest Sword thrust instead.

Spirit Tracks[]

The Jump Slash can be performed by tapping on an enemy with the Stylus, but only while Link is distant from his target.[6] At closer range, Link will do a more modest Sword thrust instead. Dark Link is also able to perform this move; however, he jumps much higher and more slowly than Link does.

Skyward Sword[]

In Skyward Sword, Jump Attacks are one of Link's Special Sword Strikes. They can be performed by Z-Targeting, jumping forward and then shaking the Wii Remote. The Jump Attack in Skyward Sword does the same amount of damage than a normal slash.

Breath of the Wild[]

In Breath of the Wild, Link must jump manually with the X Button button and then attack with the Y Button button to execute a Jump Slash. Its execution varies slightly depending on the weapon used, but it always deals double the amount of damage and creates a small shock-wave upon impact.

Other Appearances[]

SoulCalibur II[]

The Running Hack is one of Link's moves in SoulCalibur II. 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.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U[]

Link can perform a Jump Attack in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U. It serves as his dash attack, which is executed by running and pressing the attack button.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[]

The Jump Attack returns as Link's dash attack in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Gallery[]

References

  1. "Jump Slash
    Perform a jump slash by pressing Y Button after jumping or while in the air. The shock wave created when you hit the ground can affect
    " — N/A (Breath of the Wild)
  2. "If you have your sword ready while L Button Targeting, you can do a jump attack by pressing A Button! A jump attack does double damage!" — N/A (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  3. Four Swords Adventures manual, pg. 28
  4. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword — Prima Official Game Guide, Prima Games, pg. 7
  5. 5.0 5.1 "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)
  6. 6.0 6.1 "To do a targeted attack, you just tap on the target you want to hit!" — Russell (Spirit Tracks)
  7. "If you have your sword ready while (Z) Targeting, you can do a jump attack by pressing (A)! A jump attack does double damage!" — Kokiri (Ocarina of Time)
  8. 8.0 8.1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time — Official Nintendo Player's Guide, Nintendo of America, pg. 10
  9. 9.0 9.1 "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)
  10. "While holding the sword, press Z + A. Offensive power will double." (Ocarina of Time manual, pg. 20)
  11. "And finally, the jump attack. Press (A) after drawing your sword and Z-Targeting with (Z). Begin." — Swordsman (Majora's Mask)
  12. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask — Official Nintendo Player's Guide, Nintendo of America, pg. 9
Advertisement