Riding the Rage: Can You Actually Ride a Lynel in Breath of the Wild?
Can you ride a Lynel in Breath of the Wild? The simple answer is yes, you can ride a Lynel, but it’s definitely not the relaxing horseback adventure you might be hoping for. You cannot tame a Lynel or control its movements in any way. What you can do is briefly mount one to deliver a flurry of blows before it inevitably bucks you off. Think of it as less of a noble steed and more of a very angry, unwilling trampoline. This makes the prospect of riding a Lynel less about easy travel and more about combat advantage.
Lynels are some of the most fearsome creatures in Breath of the Wild, powerful centaur-like beasts armed with deadly weapons and the agility to match. Successfully mounting one requires skill, timing, and a good understanding of their behavior. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy that can significantly damage these formidable foes, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Let’s dive into the details of this unique gameplay mechanic.
How to Mount a Lynel: A Guide for Aspiring Riders
Mounting a Lynel isn’t as simple as hopping on a horse. These creatures are aggressive and hyper-aware, requiring a more strategic approach. There are primarily two methods for mounting a Lynel: sneaking up on it or using your Paraglider.
The Stealth Approach
The stealth approach relies on Link’s stealth abilities. By equipping stealth armor or consuming a stealth-boosting elixir, you can reduce the Lynel’s ability to detect you. This method involves carefully approaching the Lynel from behind. If successful, you’ll get a prompt to “Mount” using the A button, allowing you to hop on its back.
The Paraglider Method
The Paraglider method is a bit more dramatic. This involves launching from a high point and using your Paraglider to glide onto the Lynel’s back. This approach often requires precise timing and consumes stamina. It’s crucial to have enough stamina to reach the Lynel and stay on its back long enough to deliver several attacks. You can also jump from your horse and use the paraglider.
What to Expect When Riding a Lynel
Once you’ve successfully mounted a Lynel, Link will be positioned on its back, giving you a brief window to unleash a series of attacks. While mounted, you can repeatedly hit the attack button to deal damage directly to the Lynel’s head. This is particularly effective because Lynels are vulnerable to headshots.
However, your time on the Lynel’s back is limited. After a short duration, the Lynel will buck you off, sending you flying. Be prepared to quickly recover and continue the fight. Stamina management is key, as using your paraglider to land safely after being bucked off will drain your stamina.
Strategic Advantages of Mounting
While you can’t tame or control a Lynel, mounting them offers several strategic advantages in combat.
- Direct Headshots: Mounting allows you to deliver a series of direct headshots, which deal significant damage to Lynels.
- Bypassing Armor: Some Lynels have armored bodies, making them resistant to attacks from the front. Mounting bypasses this armor, allowing you to deal direct damage.
- Brief Stun: The act of mounting and attacking can briefly stun the Lynel, providing a short window to plan your next move.
Limitations and Considerations
While mounting Lynels can be advantageous, there are limitations to consider.
- Lack of Control: You cannot control the Lynel’s movement or direction.
- Limited Duration: Your time on the Lynel’s back is very short, limiting the number of attacks you can deliver.
- Stamina Consumption: Using the Paraglider method consumes stamina, which can be a limiting factor.
- Risk of Injury: Being bucked off can leave you vulnerable to attacks.
Lynels in Tears of the Kingdom
The gameplay regarding Lynels in Tears of the Kingdom remains largely the same. You can still mount them using similar techniques, but again, you cannot tame them. Their attacks are deadlier, they have more health, and they come with some new moves that make flurry rushes trickier to achieve. However, the strategies for mounting and attacking remain effective, making it a useful tactic in combat.
This brief glimpse into the wild world of video games and learning more about their complexities can be explored through resources at the Games Learning Society website or specifically through GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Riding Lynels
1. Can you tame a Lynel in Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom?
No, you cannot tame a Lynel in either Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom. While you can mount them briefly, they will always buck you off after a short time.
2. What is the best way to sneak up on a Lynel?
Use stealth armor or consume a stealth-boosting elixir to reduce the Lynel’s detection range. Approach from behind while crouching and moving slowly.
3. How much stamina do I need to mount a Lynel using the Paraglider?
You need enough stamina to reach the Lynel and stay on its back long enough to deliver several attacks. Stamina upgrades or stamina-boosting food/elixirs are highly recommended.
4. What happens if I shoot an Ancient Arrow at a Lynel?
Shooting a Lynel with an Ancient Arrow will instantly defeat it, but it will not drop any materials or ingredients.
5. Which color Lynel is the hardest to defeat?
Silver Lynels are the most difficult Lynel type in Breath of the Wild. In Master Mode, they are replaced by even stronger Gold Lynels.
6. What weapons are most effective against Lynels?
High-attack weapons like Savage Lynel Crushers and Royal Guard’s Claymores are effective. Weapons with durability bonuses are also helpful, as Lynel fights tend to be lengthy.
7. Can you freeze or shock a Lynel?
While you cannot freeze or shock Lynels to stun them for extended periods, elemental arrows can still inflict temporary status effects, providing brief opportunities for attack.
8. What is the weakest Lynel in Breath of the Wild?
Red Lynels are the weakest Lynel variant. The only red one is the one on Ploymus Mountain
9. Are Lynels harder than Divine Beast bosses?
Yes, Lynels are generally considered harder than the Divine Beast bosses, especially the leveled-up Silver and Gold variants.
10. Do Lynels respawn in Breath of the Wild?
Yes, Lynels respawn after a Blood Moon.
11. Can I use the Master Sword against Lynels?
Yes, you can use the Master Sword against Lynels. The Master Sword is a powerful weapon that deals increased damage to corrupted enemies, including Lynels.
12. What kind of loot do Lynels drop?
Lynels drop valuable loot, including Savage Lynel weapons, Lynel Hooves, Lynel Horns, and other useful materials.
13. Is it possible to defeat a Lynel early in the game?
Yes, it is possible to defeat a Lynel early in the game, but it requires skill, patience, and a good strategy. It is generally recommended to have decent equipment and combat experience before attempting to fight a Lynel.
14. Can you ride other animals in Breath of the Wild?
Yes, you can ride horses, deer, bears, and even Stalhorses (skeletal horses) in Breath of the Wild. However, only horses can be tamed and registered at stables.
15. What should I do if a Lynel is too difficult for me?
If a Lynel is too difficult, consider improving your equipment, upgrading your armor, and practicing your combat skills. You can also use stealth tactics to avoid the Lynel or come back later when you are stronger.