Can You Get the Ancient Saddle in Tears of the Kingdom? The Definitive Guide
The burning question on every Hylian adventurer’s mind: Can you get the Ancient Saddle in Tears of the Kingdom (TotK)? The straight answer, unfortunately, is no, you cannot. The Ancient Saddle and Ancient Bridle, beloved equipment from Breath of the Wild (BotW), are not available in Tears of the Kingdom through normal gameplay. They were part of The Champions’ Ballad DLC for BotW, which does not transfer over to TotK. While the Sheikah technology is significantly less prevalent in TotK, leaving many wondering about their favorite horse customization options, they’ve been replaced with new and exciting ways to bond with and equip your equine companions.
What Happened to the Ancient Gear?
The absence of Guardians, Divine Beasts, and the majority of Sheikah Shrines in TotK is a significant plot point. The Ancient Bridle and Saddle, intrinsically linked to that era of Hyrule’s history, seem to have vanished along with them. While remnants of Sheikah technology exist, such as the Guardian atop Hateno’s Research Lab, the focus has shifted towards the Zonai and their more ancient and mysterious power.
Alternatives for Equipping Your Horse in Tears of the Kingdom
Don’t despair, fellow adventurers! Tears of the Kingdom offers a robust system for customizing your horses. You can acquire various saddles and bridles by redeeming Pony Points at stables throughout Hyrule.
- Pony Points: Earn Pony Points by staying at stables, boarding horses, and completing stable-related quests.
- Stable Rewards: The Traveler’s Saddle and Bridle are early rewards, providing a comfy and stylish look for your steed.
- More Elaborate Gear: As you accumulate more Pony Points, you can unlock more elaborate and functional gear, enhancing your horse’s stats and capabilities.
- Unique Monster Gear: By completing Kilton’s quests at Tarrey Town, you unlock the Monster Saddle and Bridle, giving your horse a unique, monstrous appearance.
Tears of the Kingdom’s Best Horses and How to Find Them
While you might miss the Ancient Saddle, finding and taming the best horses in Hyrule is still a thrilling pursuit.
- Zelda’s Golden Horse: Arguably the best horse, obtainable through a side quest.
- Epona: If you have the Smash Bros. Link Amiibo, you can summon the legendary Epona. Note that you cannot change Epona’s gear.
- Giant Horse (Ganon’s Horse): This massive horse, resembling Ganon’s steed, can be found near Hateno Bay. Taming it requires significant stamina.
- Royal White Stallion: A rare and powerful horse with maxed-out stamina.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
H3 FAQ 1: Where do I find the Traveler’s Saddle?
The Traveler’s Saddle is obtained by redeeming Pony Points at any stable’s Pony Points Ledger. It’s one of the first rewards you can unlock.
H3 FAQ 2: How do I earn Pony Points?
You earn Pony Points by staying at stables, boarding horses, and completing stable-related quests. The more you interact with stables, the faster you’ll accumulate points.
H3 FAQ 3: Can I get Epona in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes! By scanning the Smash Bros. Link Amiibo, you can summon Epona into the game.
H3 FAQ 4: Can I customize Epona’s gear?
No. Due to her unique nature, you cannot change Epona’s saddle or bridle.
H3 FAQ 5: Where can I find Ganon’s Horse (Giant Horse)?
Ganon’s Horse is located near Hateno Bay, southeast of Hateno Village. Look for the area that resembles a crab’s claw on the map.
H3 FAQ 6: What is the strongest war horse in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Giant Horse, also known as Ganon’s Horse, is one of the strongest horses due to its strength stat. It has unlimited strength which makes it useful for towing. But you can’t equip gear on him.
H3 FAQ 7: Is there a black horse in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, the Giant Horse is a Giant Black Stallion. It’s found near Hateno Bay and requires significant stamina to tame.
H3 FAQ 8: What is Zelda’s horse’s name?
In some lore, Zelda’s horse is named Storm. However, in Tears of the Kingdom, you can obtain Zelda’s Golden Horse through a specific side quest.
H3 FAQ 9: Where can I find the Ancient Bridle in Breath of the Wild?
If you still play Breath of the Wild and have the Champions’ Ballad DLC, the Ancient Bridle is located on Satori Mountain, south of Hyrule Ridge. Use Magnesis near the large tree at the top of the mountain to find the chest.
H3 FAQ 10: Where can I find the Ancient Saddle in Breath of the Wild?
Again, within Breath of the Wild’s Champions’ Ballad DLC, the Ancient Saddle is found in a buried chest at the Malanya Spring, behind the Horse God Bridge.
H3 FAQ 11: Can I revive Epona if she dies?
Yes, Epona can be revived by Malanya (the Horse God) as long as she is registered at a stable.
H3 FAQ 12: What is the Monster Saddle and how do I get it?
The Monster Saddle is a unique piece of gear obtained by completing the quest “A Monstrous Collection IV” for Kilton in Tarrey Town.
H3 FAQ 13: What are the best horses ranked in Tears of the Kingdom?
Horses can vary by preference but generally the list is as follows:
- Zelda’s Golden Horse
- Epona
- Giant Horse (Ganon’s Horse)
- Giant White Stallion
- Spot
- Wild Horses
- Stalhorses
H3 FAQ 14: Is Ganon’s horse the Giant Horse?
The Giant Horse is often referred to as Ganon’s Horse due to its resemblance to his steed. It’s a massive, powerful horse with a black coat and orange mane.
H3 FAQ 15: Where can I learn more about game-based learning?
For resources and research on the intersection of games and learning, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: Embracing the New
While the absence of the Ancient Saddle might be disappointing for some, Tears of the Kingdom offers a wealth of new experiences and customization options for your horses. Explore the vast landscapes of Hyrule, tame wild steeds, earn Pony Points, and equip your companions with the gear that best suits your adventures. The spirit of exploration and discovery remains at the heart of the game, and there’s always something new to find in the ever-evolving world of Hyrule.