Can You Deck Out the Giant Horse with Ancient Gear in Breath of the Wild?
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The short answer, straight from the stable master’s mouth: No, you cannot equip the Ancient Bridle or Ancient Saddle, or any other gear for that matter, on the Giant Horse in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (and Tears of the Kingdom). This majestic beast, a throwback to Ganon’s steeds of old, is magnificent in its raw power, but its customization options are unfortunately nil. He’s a horse of simple pleasures, apparently uninterested in the cutting-edge technology of the Ancient Sheikah.
Why Can’t I Customize My Giant Horse?
The game itself provides a few hints as to why the Giant Horse is exempt from the usual horse-customization protocols. Firstly, its sheer size is a factor. The Ancient Gear, designed for regular-sized horses, simply wouldn’t fit. Secondly, and perhaps more subtly, the game’s narrative and character interactions imply the Giant Horse possesses a wild, untamable spirit. Even the stable hands remark on his reluctance to be groomed or handled excessively. Essentially, the Giant Horse is meant to be appreciated for his raw, natural power and unique appearance, untouched by modern technology or stylistic flourishes.
This limitation, while disappointing for players keen on maximizing customization, reinforces the Giant Horse’s identity as a unique and powerful creature separate from the more domesticated horses of Hyrule. He’s a force of nature, not a fashion statement. Plus, sometimes, simplicity speaks volumes. He doesn’t need fancy gear to make a statement; his size alone does that.
Appreciating the Giant Horse’s Unique Qualities
So, while you can’t strap Ancient Gear (or any gear) to your Giant Horse, don’t let that deter you from appreciating what he does offer:
- Raw Power: The Giant Horse boasts exceptional strength, making him ideal for traversing challenging terrain and outrunning enemies.
- Intimidation Factor: Riding the Giant Horse makes a statement. Enemies certainly take notice of your towering presence.
- Nostalgic Value: He serves as a visual callback to Ganon’s iconic steeds, adding a layer of lore and connection to the Zelda universe.
- Unique Look: His jet-black coat and fiery orange mane make him visually distinct from other horses in the game.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Horses in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about horses, including the Giant Horse, in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom to enhance your understanding of these equine companions.
1. Can I put the Ancient Saddle on more than one horse?
Yes! Once you obtain the Ancient Saddle and the Ancient Bridle, you can equip them to any registered, non-special horse with a 100 bond. If you have multiple eligible horses, you can indeed equip the same gear to all of them simultaneously. This allows for versatile horse management and convenience.
2. Is Ganon’s horse the Giant Horse?
The Giant Horse is often referred to as Ganon’s Horse due to its striking resemblance to the steeds associated with Ganondorf in previous Zelda titles. He is a massive, black horse with an orange mane, and he stands out significantly from the other horses in Hyrule.
3. Can you get ancient horse armor without DLC?
Unfortunately, no. The Ancient Horse Gear, which includes the Ancient Bridle and the Ancient Saddle, is exclusively available as part of the Expansion Pass DLC for Breath of the Wild. Without the DLC, the quests and locations associated with these items will not be accessible in your game.
4. Will the Giant Horse respawn if it dies?
The good news is that if your registered Giant Horse unfortunately meets its demise, it will eventually respawn. If registered, you can visit the Horse God, Malanya, to have him revived, provided you’ve unlocked Malanya’s Spring.
5. How do you tame Ganon’s horse?
Taming the Giant Horse requires significant stamina. You’ll need just over two full bars of stamina to successfully tame him. You can achieve this by upgrading your stamina at Goddess Statues or by consuming food that temporarily boosts your maximum stamina, such as those containing Endura Carrots. Persistence is key!
6. Where is the EX Ancient Horse Armor located?
The EX Ancient Horse Rumors side quest provides clues to the locations of the Ancient Bridle and Ancient Saddle. The Ancient Bridle is found south of Hyrule Ridge, under a cherry blossom tree on Satori Mountain, a place where many creatures gather. The Ancient Saddle is located at a mysterious spring where a horse spirit resides, referring to Malanya Spring.
7. What is the best horse in Breath of the Wild?
Determining the “best” horse is subjective and depends on your play style. Epona, obtainable through the Smash Bros. Link amiibo, is often considered a top-tier horse due to her stats and temperament. However, various other horses with excellent speed and stamina can be found and trained in the wild.
8. Can you register the Giant White Stallion?
Yes, you can register the Giant White Stallion at a stable. This massive, white horse is found near the Lake of the Horse God in Tears of the Kingdom. He is a unique steed that can be tamed and added to your stable of horses.
9. What are the benefits of using the Ancient Bridle and Saddle?
The Ancient Bridle enhances the horse’s spur count, allowing for additional bursts of speed. The Ancient Saddle grants the ability to summon your horse from almost anywhere on the map, providing unparalleled convenience.
10. Can I change the Giant Horse’s mane or appearance?
Unfortunately, no, the Giant Horse cannot be customized in terms of mane style or appearance. The stable hands will even remark that the Giant Horse may not like being touched.
11. Are there other special horses besides the Giant Horse and Epona?
Yes, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom feature several special horses, including the Royal White Stallion, which has ties to the Royal Family of Hyrule. These horses often have unique characteristics or connections to the game’s lore.
12. How do I increase my bond with a horse?
To increase your bond with a horse, consistently ride it, soothe it with gentle pats and encouraging words, and feed it apples or other treats. A higher bond leads to better responsiveness and performance. The best way to sooth your horse is to repeatedly pat your horse by pressing “L”.
13. Do horse stats matter?
Yes, horse stats such as speed, stamina, and strength directly impact their performance. Faster horses can cover ground more quickly, higher stamina allows for longer sprints, and stronger horses can pull heavier loads.
14. Can I transfer my horses from Breath of the Wild to Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, registered horses from Breath of the Wild will transfer over to Tears of the Kingdom. This allows you to continue your adventures with your favorite steeds.
15. Where can I learn more about games and learning?
If you’re interested in the educational aspects of gaming and how games can be used for learning, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society explores the intersection of games, learning, and education through research, community building, and resource sharing. It’s a fascinating field with the potential to revolutionize how we approach education!
In conclusion, while the Giant Horse remains impervious to the charms of Ancient Gear, he stands as a testament to raw power and untamed spirit within the world of Hyrule. Embrace his unique qualities and enjoy the ride!