Can You Keep a Stalhorse in Breath of the Wild? The Undead Truth
No, you cannot permanently keep a Stalhorse in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. While these skeletal steeds are undoubtedly cool and add a unique flavor to Hyrule’s diverse fauna, the game mechanics prevent you from registering them at any stable. This means that once you dismount or the Stalhorse despawns at sunrise, your undead adventure is over until you find another one. Let’s delve into the fascinating details surrounding this spectral creature and explore related aspects of equine ownership in Breath of the Wild.
Understanding the Stalhorse
What is a Stalhorse?
A Stalhorse is a skeletal horse found primarily at night in specific regions of Hyrule. Unlike regular horses, these creatures are undead, sporting a bony frame instead of flesh and blood. They are a rare and intriguing sight, often associated with areas touched by malice or the lingering presence of the undead.
Where Can You Find Stalhorses?
Stalhorses can be found in areas such as the North Tabantha Snowfield, the Hebra region, and the Great Hyrule Forest. They typically appear only at night and will disappear when the sun rises, unless they are in a location sheltered from sunlight, like a cave.
How to Tame a Stalhorse
Taming a Stalhorse is similar to taming a regular horse. Approach it stealthily, mount it, and then repeatedly press the ‘L’ button (soothe) until it calms down and accepts you as its rider. Keep in mind that Stalhorses, like other wild horses, require stamina to tame. Having sufficient stamina or using stamina-boosting items will make the process easier.
Why Can’t You Register a Stalhorse?
The game’s programming explicitly prevents the registration of certain unique mounts at stables. This is a design choice that contributes to the rarity and special nature of these creatures. It might be frustrating, but it adds to the feeling that you are having a fleeting, almost mythical experience. The inability to register reinforces the idea that Stalhorses are not meant to be permanent companions like regular horses. The Games Learning Society often discusses how game mechanics like these influence player engagement and sense of immersion; you can find more insights at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Alternative Mounts and Unique Horses
Regular Horses
The core equine experience in Breath of the Wild revolves around regular horses. You can tame, register, and customize these steeds at stables throughout Hyrule. Different breeds offer varying stats in speed, stamina, strength, and temperament, allowing you to find the perfect horse to suit your playstyle.
The Giant Horse (Ganon’s Horse)
This massive horse, resembling Ganondorf’s steed, can be found in the Taobab Grassland region. It boasts incredible strength but lacks stamina, meaning it cannot sprint for extended periods. The Giant Horse can be registered at a stable, making it a powerful and unique addition to your stable collection.
Epona
The iconic horse from the Zelda series, Epona, is exclusively available through Amiibo usage. Scanning the Super Smash Bros. Link or Twilight Princess Link Amiibo will summon Epona. She possesses excellent stats and a gentle temperament, making her a highly desirable mount. Like the Giant Horse, Epona can be registered at a stable, making her a permanent companion.
Zelda’s Golden Horse
This regal horse can be acquired by undertaking the “Possible Princess Sightings” side quest from the Lucky Clover Gazette. Finding and taming this horse allows you to register it at a stable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Stalhorses and Horses in Breath of the Wild
1. Can you register any special mounts besides horses?
No, only standard horses can be registered at stables. This excludes Stalhorses, Deer, Bears, Lynels, and the Lord of the Mountain.
2. What happens to a Stalhorse when the sun rises?
Stalhorses will despawn when exposed to sunlight. They will crumble into bone dust and disappear. You can prolong their existence by keeping them in shaded areas like forests or caves.
3. Can you revive a Stalhorse if it dies?
No, you cannot revive a Stalhorse at the Horse God Malanya’s fountain. Malanya only revives registered horses. Since Stalhorses cannot be registered, they are permanently gone if they die (though another will eventually respawn in its designated location).
4. Is there any way to make a Stalhorse stay permanently?
Unfortunately, there is no legitimate way to keep a Stalhorse permanently in the game. The game’s mechanics are designed to make them temporary mounts.
5. Can you use the Ancient Saddle to keep a Stalhorse summoned?
No, the Ancient Saddle from the Champion’s Ballad DLC only works on registered horses. It allows you to summon your horse to your location, but it will not work on a Stalhorse.
6. Are Stalhorses faster than regular horses?
Stalhorses generally have comparable speed to regular horses. However, their primary advantage is their unique appearance and the novelty of riding an undead steed.
7. Can you equip a Stalhorse with horse armor?
No, you cannot equip Stalhorses with horse armor. Horse armor can only be equipped on registered horses at specific stables.
8. Do Stalhorses have unique abilities?
Stalhorses do not have any special abilities that regular horses lack. However, they are immune to the cold, which can be helpful in snowy regions. In Tears of the Kingdom, Stalhorses can walk over gloom.
9. Can you find Stalhorses in every region of Hyrule?
No, Stalhorses are primarily found in specific regions such as the North Tabantha Snowfield, Hebra, and the Great Hyrule Forest.
10. How many horses can you register at a stable?
You can register a maximum of five horses at any given stable in Breath of the Wild.
11. What are the benefits of registering a horse at a stable?
Registering a horse allows you to name it, customize its mane and saddle (at certain stables), and retrieve it from any stable in Hyrule. It also ensures that your horse can be revived by Malanya if it dies.
12. Can you sell horses at stables?
Yes, you can release a registered horse at a stable, effectively selling it. However, be aware that you will not receive any monetary compensation for doing so.
13. What happens if you abandon a registered horse in the wild?
If you leave a registered horse in the wild, it will remain in that location until you retrieve it from a stable. You can always track it on your map if you have previously ridden it.
14. Are there any other unique mounts besides Stalhorses, Epona, and the Giant Horse?
While you cannot register them, you can ride deer and bears, but these are very difficult to tame and control. The Lord of the Mountain is another unique mount that appears on Satori Mountain, but it cannot be registered and will disappear after a short time.
15. How does the horse bonding system work?
As you spend time riding a horse, your bond with it will increase. A higher bond level makes the horse more responsive and obedient to your commands. You can increase your bond by feeding it apples and soothing it regularly. The bond level is displayed when you visit a stable.
Conclusion
While the inability to permanently keep a Stalhorse might be disappointing, it reinforces the game’s themes of impermanence and discovery. Breath of the Wild offers a wealth of equine experiences, from taming wild horses to forging bonds with unique steeds. Embrace the temporary thrill of riding a Stalhorse, and appreciate the diverse ecosystem of Hyrule. If you’re interested in the intersection of games, learning, and society, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society.