What Happens if Your Horse Dies in Breath of the Wild? A Comprehensive Guide
Losing a beloved horse in the vast world of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can be a heart-wrenching experience. The simple answer to what happens if your horse dies in BotW is this: it’s gone, but not forever. When a horse takes too much damage, it will fall and disappear, leaving you horseless and potentially devastated. However, the game offers a way to resurrect your registered horses through a specific, yet essential, character: Malanya, the Horse God. This process involves a bit of travel and a one-time fee, but it ensures that your loyal steed can return to your side. Therefore, while death isn’t permanent, it’s an event that underscores the importance of horse care and strategy in the game.
How Horse Death Works in Breath of the Wild
The Reality of Horse Mortality
Yes, your horse can absolutely die in Breath of the Wild. This is a crucial point that distinguishes the game from some other open-world adventures where steeds are often invincible. While it’s not particularly easy to kill your horse if you’re diligent about protecting it, various dangers abound. Combat encounters, environmental hazards, and simple falls can all lead to a horse’s demise. This forces players to be strategic about how they use horses, balancing the advantages of fast travel with the risk of losing a valuable companion.
The Impact of Horse Death
The immediate impact of a horse’s death is obvious – you’ll be stranded and without the convenience of faster travel until you either tame a new horse or revive a fallen one. The disappearance of your horse can also be upsetting, especially if you’ve invested time in bonding with it and upgrading its equipment. This emotional attachment makes the option of revival all the more crucial.
The Role of Malanya
The key to bringing your horses back to life is Malanya, the Horse God. This enigmatic character resides in the Malanya Spring, located in the Lake region. She appears within what seems like an ordinary fairy fountain, but is, in fact, her abode. Players must pay her a one-time fee of 1,000 rupees to unlock her services. After this payment, Malanya will revive any registered horses that have died, free of charge. This is vital because the death of a horse is not permanent as long as it was registered at a stable.
The Significance of Registration
Importantly, to revive a horse, it must have been registered at one of the many stables scattered throughout Hyrule. Unregistered horses, even if they’ve been tamed, cannot be brought back from the dead. Therefore, registering a horse soon after taming it is paramount if you wish to be able to recover it after a fatal event. Think of registration as horse insurance, a necessary step for horse-owning adventurers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horses in Breath of the Wild
1. Can I lose my horse permanently in BotW?
No, if your horse was registered at a stable, its death is not permanent. You can revive it by visiting Malanya, the Horse God, after paying her a one-time fee.
2. Where is the Horse God located?
Malanya is located at the Malanya Spring, in a narrow canyon within the Lake region. This is southeast from the Lake Tower and can be found by following the road from the Highland Stable.
3. How much does it cost to unlock the Horse God’s services?
You need to pay Malanya a one-time fee of 1,000 rupees to unlock her revival service. After this initial payment, she’ll revive registered horses for free.
4. Can any horse be revived?
Only horses that were registered at a stable can be revived by Malanya. Unregistered horses cannot be recovered if they die.
5. How many horses can I keep at a time?
You can board up to five horses at the various stables throughout Hyrule. There is a hidden mechanic to increase that number to six.
6. What are the best places to find great horses in the game?
- Taobab Grassland, south of the starting plateau, is a good spot for giant horses with high strength.
- Other horses with better stats are found at varying locations, encouraging you to explore.
7. Can Epona die in Breath of the Wild?
Yes, Epona can die just like other horses. She can only be summoned by scanning the Twilight Princess Link amiibo. Fortunately, she can be revived by Malanya as long as she is registered.
8. Can I ride the Lord of the Mountain as a permanent horse?
The Lord of the Mountain can be ridden, but it is not a permanent steed. This unique horse cannot be registered and will disappear once you dismount.
9. What’s the best stat for a horse?
The best horses have 5 speed. The Lord of the Mountain has maxed out stats, but he is not permanent.
10. Can I tame a skeletal horse in BotW?
Yes, you can tame a Stalhorse if you prefer a skeletal steed.
11. Where can I find the Ancient Saddle?
The Ancient Saddle is found in a buried chest at the Malanya Spring, accessible by crossing the Horse God Bridge. Start from the Lakeside Stable to find it.
12. How do I register a horse at a stable?
To register, target the stable master at his window while riding the horse and give it a name.
13. Is dying in Breath of the Wild a big deal?
There is no real penalty for dying as the autosave system has you covered. It just means you’ll have to fight the enemies again.
14. How do I ensure my horses’ safety?
Be careful when traveling through dangerous areas, try to keep horses clear of enemies, and keep a watchful eye on the horse’s health. Make sure you don’t fall from great heights or lead your horse into enemy camps, as this is where most horse deaths occur.
15. Is there a horse god in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, the Horse God Malanya also appears in Tears of the Kingdom. She offers the same services in that game and can be found in the far northeastern corner of Hyrule.
In conclusion, while horse death is a part of the Breath of the Wild experience, it’s not necessarily a game-ending event. The revival system through Malanya allows you to care for and reconnect with your favorite steeds, underscoring the importance of horse registration. Understanding these mechanics enhances gameplay and adds depth to the bond between Link and his equine companions in the vibrant, often perilous world of Hyrule.