ArtworkOfficial artwork provided by NintendoModelIn-game modelsSpriteIn-game sprites or icons

TPTwilight PrincessTPHDTwilight Princess HD

TPTwilight PrincessTPHDTwilight Princess HDBotWBreath of the Wild

TPTwilight PrincessTPHDTwilight Princess HDBotWBreath of the Wild

Wolf Link, also known asW. Link, is a recurring character inThe Legend of Zelda series.

Biography

Twilight Princess

InTwilight Princess, Wolf Link is the divine beast thatMidna explains theTwili have long believed would free them.^[1]Link is transformed into this form due to the influence of theTwilight coveringHyrule.^[5] His whole body changes and reforms, leaving only his earrings, his distinctive blue eyes, and theTriforce mark on his paw. The fur on the top of his head and tail has a faint green hue, appearing to resemble Link's cap. Though losing the ability to useItems, this new form grants Link heightened senses and speed, along with many other unique abilities.^[6] In this form, Midna rides on Link's back giving directions, and allows him toWarp using thePortals created across Hyrule.

Link is first transformed into a wolf following the appearance ofBulblins atOrdon Spring.Colin andIlia are carried off, and Link is left lying unconscious in the spring. When he wakes up, Link runs in pursuit of his kidnapped friends, but finds aBlack Barrier blocking his path. Suddenly, the massive arm of aShadow Beast springs from the Twilight, dragging Link inside. As the Shadow Beast clutches Link around the neck, the mark of theTriforce suddenly appears on the back of his hand and bursts forth pure light, driving the creature back. Link falls to his hands and knees and morphs from human to wolf, causing him to pass out from the strain of the transformation. He is then dragged off by the Shadow Beasts and imprisoned within theCastle Sewers, where he meetsMidna, who helps him make his escape.

It is later revealed that anyone engulfed in the Twilight will normally be transformed into a helpless spirit, and that only the power of the Triforce protects Link and enables him to retain his physical form, although considerably altered.^[7][8] Link is eventually able to return to his human form with the aid of theLight SpiritFaron.^[9] Upon entering the other provinces of Hyrule covered in Twilight, Link is again transformed into his wolf form, and can only regain his human form after aiding the Spirits of Light by restoring light to the area.

When Link finds theMaster Sword and receives theShadow Crystal, he is able to change at will by exposing himself to the power of Twilight contained within the crystal by simply talking to Midna.^[10]

Abilities

Senses

One of the most important aspects of Link's wolf transformation is that he gains the use of greatly enhanced senses. This ability, shown as Sense while in wolf form, activates a special combination of enhanced visual and olfactory perception. Visual range is reduced, but Link is able to detect many otherwise hidden things. The Sense ability is notably similar to the power of theLens of Truth from previous titles, though it can be used indefinitely and does not take upMagic Power.

Wolf Link's enhanced Senses have a number of vital applications throughout the game. The first use, taught by Midna while in the Castle Sewers,^[6] is to detect the spirit forms of the people of Hyrule trapped within the Twilight. Appearing as a floating greenish flame, these spirits' true form can be seen by activating the Sense, enabling Link to listen to their thoughts. As Link is unable to communicate directly with the spirits, this enables him to gain useful information from them about recent events. Also, Link needs to use the Senses to see and defeat certain enemies, such asGhoul Rats andPoes.

Another application of the Sense ability is the detection of special patches of ground found all across Hyrule. These appear as patches of sparkling light where Wolf Link can dig, usually unearthing items such asRupees orHearts. Some of the patches are larger, and can lead to different areas within dungeons, or tocaves. This digging ability is always available to Link while in wolf form, but is mostly useless unless combined with the Sense ability.

Scents

An important use of Wolf Link's enhanced Senses is the detection of special Scents encountered during his quest. Upon encountering particular items, Link is able to remember the Scent, which appears as a colored trail while the Sense ability is active. This tracking ability is vital at many points in order to progress though the game. When a new Scent is encountered, the previous scent will be forgotten. Wolf Link can learn a total of six different Scents throughout the game, which can be of enemies or characters.

Midna's Assistance

While mounted on Wolf Link's back, Midna can use her powers to help Link in a number of ways. In certain situations, she is able to transform her hair into a giant, orange or pink hand. In the Castle Sewers, she will use this arm to draw Link's attention to chains which must be pulled to open grates, raising and lowering the water levels. During the battle withGanon, Midna is able to grapple the enormous beast to the ground as he charges, allowing Link to attack. She also uses this arm to open dungeon doors for Wolf Link.

Midna also grants Wolf Link a unique charge attack, where she raises her hand and summons a growing circle of crackling Twilight energy which will surround any enemies within range. Once released, this power allows Wolf Link to unleash multiple attacks, rapidly darting from one enemy to another, defeating them all simultaneously. This technique is vital to defeat the groups of Shadow Beasts which appear from thePortals across Hyrule. It is also very useful in defeating large groups of enemies.

Midna is also able towarp Wolf Link to any of the Twilight Portals across Hyrule. This ability can also be used to transport different objects throughout Hyrule, such as bridges.

Attacks

In accordance with Link's new Wolf form, the nature of his attacks in this form is also different. The standard Bite Attack is performed in the same way as aSword slice and has a similar effect. The Jump Attack is also performed similarly to when in human form, however, against certain enemies, Wolf Link can repeatedly bite at an enemy's jugular by repeated button presses. Also available is theSpin Attack, again performed in the same manner as in human form. Once completed, Wolf Link's tail will glint in the same manner as Link's Sword, indicating that the Spin Attack can be used again.

Other Abilities

Wolf Link also possesses a number of other miscellaneous special abilities. While running, he is able to dash; pressing the A button will allow him to briefly run more quickly.

In various locations across Hyrule, Link will encounterTightropes which must be crossed to reach other areas. Wolf Link is able to rope walk by balancing carefully and walking slowly across.

In other specific areas without ropes, Link is able to use a long-distance jump. These areas are indicated by Midna, who will then float across to show Link where to find his next foothold. This can extend into a chain of up to a dozen jumps which must be performed in rapid succession in order to reach the other side, sometimes avoiding enemies or falling objects.

Another useful ability is that of communicating withAnimals. In wolf form, Link is able to understand and speak to all types of Animals found across Hyrule, includingEpona. He will be able to glean useful information and hints from them.

Being a wolf, Link in his transformed state is able to howl, which can again be done in specific locations. Patches ofHawk Grass andHorseshoe Grass can be used to howl the tune normally played, summoning aHawk and Epona respectively. More importantly, specialHowling Stones can be used to summon theGolden Wolf, enabling Link to learn the sevenHidden Skills.

Breath of the Wild

Non-Canon Information

The following section is not part of the Zelda canon and should not be taken as such.

InBreath of the Wild, Wolf Link appears as Link's traveling companion when the Wolf Linkamiibo is tapped in via theamiiboRune.

Wolf Link will follow Link wherever he goes, attack enemies andAnimals on sight, and, if theSheikah Sensor is on, will find the nearest object that the sensor is set to locate. If Link travels too far out of Wolf Link's reach, he will warp to Link's side. When Link stands beside Wolf Link, he can command him to "Stay" by pressing the A Button. TheRemote BombRune will deal threeHearts of damage to Wolf Link if he is caught within its blast radius.

Wolf Link's number of Hearts depends on the amiibo's registration withTwilight Princess HD. If the amiibo is unregistered, Wolf Link will have 3 hearts. If registered via theCave of Shadows, his Hearts will depend on the Hearts that remain while finishing the dungeon.

The damage Wolf Link deals per attack is 10 + 0.25 * (Wolf Link's max Hearts). For example, a Wolf Link with 20 hearts will deal 10 + 0.25 * 20 = 15 damage per hit. If wolf link is fed a high-tier meat item, such asRaw Gourmet Meat or aRaw Whole Bird, then his damage receives a permanent x5 multiplier. For example, a Wolf Link with 20 hearts will now deal (10 + 0.25 * 20) * 5 = 75 damage per hit.^[11]

Wolf Link can be summoned indefinitely as long as he still has Hearts remaining. Once he is defeated, he will not appear from scanning the amiibo until the next real-world day. When out of combat, Wolf Link will eat nearby health-recovering items to recover hearts if he needs to. Wolf Link cannot be summoned in towns or dungeons and will not follow Link to these locations. Wolf Link is a visitor from a separate plane of existence and consequently cannot be seen by normal people.^[12]

Other Appearances

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Non-Canon Information

The following section is not part of the Zelda canon and should not be taken as such.

InSuper Smash Bros. Brawl, Wolf Link appears as aTrophy and aSticker.

#	Trophy	Significant Games	Description	How to unlock
194	Wolf Link	Twilight Princess	Link's alternate form in the Twilight Realm. In this form, he cannot use weapons such as swords or shields, but he can attack with a ferocious wolf bite. He also has a number of unique skills inherent to his beast form, such as a keen sense of smell, the ability to dig, and a loud wolf howl.	RandomCan be obtained via Coin Launcher, in certain rounds of All-Star Mode, or during Subspace Emissary mode

Sticker	Artwork from	Effect inThe Subspace Emissary	Usable by
Midna & Wolf Link	Twilight Princess	[Leg] - Attack +26

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Non-Canon Information

The following section is not part of the Zelda canon and should not be taken as such.

This article is a short summary of Wolf Link inAnimal Crossing: New Leaf.
Nookipedia featuresmore in-depth articles.

W. Link was added as aVillager in theWelcome amiibo update ofAnimal Crossing: New Leaf, alongsideEpona,Ganon, andMedli. If theLink,Wolf Link, orPrincess Zeldaamiibo is scanned into the game, W. Link will show up at theCampground and can be asked to move into theTown. He is aWolf Villager that has aSmug personality, and thus has high self-esteem and values his friendships. His birthday, December 2, references the Japanese release date ofTwilight Princess.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Non-Canon Information

The following section is not part of the Zelda canon and should not be taken as such.

Wolf Link appears as aTrophy inSuper Smash Bros. for Wii U.

#	Trophy		Appears in	Description	How to unlock
215	N/A		Twilight Princess	Hey, who let a wolf in here? This is the spot for a trophy of Link! The wolf does look cool, though... Oh, oops! That wolf is Link, fromTwilight Princess, after he steps into Twilight. It's actually a pretty handy transformation. Maybe the Master Sword can help him transform at will...	RandomCan be obtained in Classic Mode, in All-Star Mode, in Trophy Rush, in Smash Tour, in Crazy Orders or purchased from the Trophy Shop
	Wolf Link

My Nintendo Picross: Twilight Princess

Non-Canon Information

The following section is not part of the Zelda canon and should not be taken as such.

InMy Nintendo Picross: Twilight Princess, the tenth puzzle in thePicross series and the fourth puzzle in theMega Picross series depict Wolf Link.

A version of this puzzle image is used as the game's HOME Menu icon.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Non-Canon Information

The following section is not part of the Zelda canon and should not be taken as such.

Spirit Information

Spirits

Wolf Link & Midna Primary SpiritNo. 223

Type Grab

Rank★★★★ LEGEND

Slot(s)⎔⎔⎔

Lv. 1Lv. 99

Power445811147

Strength21035258

Defense21035258

TraitDash Attack 🠅

---

Increases tackle and dash attack power, and slightly increases move speed.

Wolf Link appears as part of the Wolf Link & MidnaPrimary Spirit inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate. The Spirit is obtained by leveling the Primary SpiritMidna up to level 99 and then enhancing her. Wolf Link & Midna is a Legend class Spirit that holds 3 Slots forSupport Spirits. Wolf Link & Midna has the trait, Dash Attack 🠅, which increases the power of aFighter's dash attacks and tackles while also allowing them to move slightly faster.

Trivia

• The idea of Link transforming into a wolf came from a dream by the game's directorEiji Aonuma. During a work trip, Aonuma dreamt he was a wolf trapped inside a jail, similar to the scene where Link meets Midna as a wolf.^[13]
• Unused text fromTwilight Princess indicates that Magic Power was originally going to be a requirement to turn into Wolf Link.^[14] As there is no Magic Meter in the game, this concept was scrapped.
• In theA Link to the Past comic byShotaro Ishinomori as well in theA Link to the Past manga byAkira Himekawa, Link is shown to begin a transformation into a wolf-like creature in theDark World, before he reverts to human form.
• InHyrule Warriors, there is a statue of Wolf Link in the garden maze near theTemple of Souls.
• W. Link's birthday inAnimal Crossing: New Leaf is December 2nd, the day thatTwilight Princess was first released in Japan. This also makes his astrological signSagittarius, the half man half animal archer.
• In a bonus session regarding the making ofBreath of the Wild, art director Satoru Takizawa explains why Wolf Link is his favorite character. Aside from thinking Wolf Link is adorable, Takizawa also notes how the game can be lonely, so having a companion to travel with is nice.^[15]

Nomenclature

Names in Other Regions
Language	Names
EnglishBRBritish	Wolf Link[16]
Japanese	ウルフリンク (Urufu Link)[17]
ChineseTRTraditional	林克狼 (Línkèláng)[18]
ChineseSISimplified	林克狼 (Línkèláng)[19]
Dutch	Wolf-Link[20]
FrenchEUEuropean	Link loup[21]
FrenchCACanadian	Link loup[22]
German	Wolf-Link[23]
Italian	Link lupo[24]
Korean	울프 링크[25]
PortugueseBRBrazilian	Link Lobo[26]
Russian	Линк-волк[27]
SpanishLALatin American	Link lobo[28]
SpanishEUEuropean	Link Lobo[29]
This table was generated from Zelda Wiki'stranslation data.

Gallery

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  Twilight Princess

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  Wolf Link as he appears on the cover
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  Twilight Princess

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  Wolf Link's silhouette from the logo
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  Twilight Princess

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  Midna riding Wolf Link
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  Twilight Princess

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  Midna's Dark Energy Attack
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  Twilight Princess

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  Wolf Link jumping from a rooftop in Kakariko Village
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  Twilight Princess

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  Wolf Link howling at a Howling Stone
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  Twilight Princess

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  Pre-release image of Wolf Link and Midna fighting a Shadow Beast
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  Twilight Princess

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  Wolf Link concept art
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  Twilight Princess

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  Wolf Link concept art
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  Twilight Princess

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  Concept art of Midna atop Wolf Link
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  Twilight Princess HD

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  Wolf Link stamp
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  Twilight Princess HD

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  Wolf Link howling to the Golden Wolf
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  Breath of the Wild

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  Artwork acknowledging Thanksgiving
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  Breath of the Wild

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  Artwork acknowledging Christmas
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  Breath of the Wild

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  Artwork acknowledging Valentine's Day
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  Breath of the Wild

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  Wolf Link's model
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  Breath of the Wild

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  Wolf Link's icon
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  Breath of the Wild

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  Wolf Link accompanying Link
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  Breath of the Wild

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  Wolf Link's Life Meter
• 

  My Nintendo Picross: Twilight Princess

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  Wolf Link sprite
• 

  The Legend of Zelda Series

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  Wolf Link amiibo from theTwilight Princess series
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  Super Mario Maker

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  Wolf Link costume
• 

  Animal Crossing: New Leaf

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  Wolf Link villager
• 

  Animal Crossing: New Leaf

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  Wolf Link villager icon
• 

  WarioWare Gold

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  Wolf Link and Midna

Video Gallery

See Also

White Wolf

White Wolf

References

• Animals
• Followers
• Link Transformations
• Wolves
• Characters
• Characters in Twilight Princess
• Characters in Twilight Princess HD
• Characters in Breath of the Wild

• Articles lacking files
• Articles lacking models
• Twilight Princess HD articles lacking files
• Articles lacking sprites
• Book citations using quotes
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