Phantom Slash

Phantom Slash is Zelda's down special move in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It replaces her Transform move from Super Smash Bros. Brawl, as Sheik became a separate fighter from Zelda.

The move involves Zelda summoning a Phantom that dashes forward to attack opponents before it disappears, based on Zelda's spirit being able to possess Phantoms in The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. Phantom Slash can also be charged by holding the special move button, which results in the Phantom traveling greater distances. When fully charged, the Phantom's jab is followed by an upward swing for a second hit. The Phantom is treated like a projectile and as such is vulnerable to reflectors, and if the Phantom takes at least 13% damage, it shatters and the move cannot be used for nine seconds. A purple cloud aura appears over Zelda's hand for the duration of this recharge period.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Phantom Slash has four discrete stages depending on how long the player holds down the special move button. The Phantom is also now physically constructed next to Zelda as she charges up the move, and can be sent out mid-construction to attack at one of the earlier stages. In the first and second stages, only the arms and legs are built; in the first, the Phantom performs a punch, while in the second, it performs a kick. In the third stage, the Phantom is given a sword and performs a side slash, and in the fourth and fully charged stage, the full armor is built and the Phantom performs an upward swing with the sword.

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, the Phantom Slash's first custom variant is Phantom Breaker, which travels a set distance and deals more shield damage. The second is Phantom Strike, which is stronger, but can only be cast right next to Zelda instead of at a distance from her.