Can You Stable a Bear in Tears of the Kingdom? A Comprehensive Guide

No, you cannot stable a bear in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. While you can mount and ride a bear in the game, much to the surprise of many players, the stables are exclusively for horses. Don’t get your hopes up about registering that Grizzlemaw Bear! The stable hands will be quite surprised to see you, but ultimately, they’ll turn you away. This article will delve into the nuances of taming and mounting creatures in Tears of the Kingdom, exploring which animals can be ridden, which can be brought to a stable (albeit unsuccessfully), and what alternatives the game offers for transportation and companionship. We’ll also address common questions regarding animal taming and registration in this vast and engaging open-world adventure.

Creatures You Can (and Can’t) Tame: A Hyrulean Bestiary

Tears of the Kingdom, like its predecessor Breath of the Wild, allows Link to interact with the environment and its inhabitants in remarkable ways. One of the most whimsical aspects is the ability to mount various creatures, although the term “taming” should be used loosely here. While some creatures are easily soothed and ridden, others are a one-time joyride at best.

The Noble Steed: Horses and Registration

The heart and soul of Hyrulean travel lies with horses. These are the only creatures you can legitimately register at a stable. The stable system in Tears of the Kingdom allows you to name your horse, customize its gear, and even retrieve it from any stable across Hyrule. Building a bond with your horse is crucial for smooth riding, requiring gentle soothing techniques and a good supply of apples.

• Wild Horses: Can be tamed by sneaking up and mounting. Requires stamina to soothe.
• Special Horses: Includes unique breeds like the Giant Horse (Ganon’s Horse), Zelda’s Golden Horse and the White Horse, each with distinct stats and locations.
• Epona: A classic Zelda horse, obtainable through amiibo.

The Wild Side: Mountable but Unregisterable

Beyond horses, a selection of other animals can be mounted, offering brief moments of novelty and alternative transportation, but sadly cannot be registered at a stable.

• Bears: Both Honeyvore and Grizzlemaw Bears can be mounted. Find them in forested areas. They can be ridden, but are not the most obedient steeds, often veering off course.
• Deer and Stags: Mounting these majestic creatures requires stealth. They are skittish and difficult to control, offering a fleeting experience.
• Stalhorses: Skeletal horses found in specific regions, particularly in the Depths. They can traverse Gloom but cannot be registered.

The Untamable: Creatures Beyond Riding

Some creatures simply aren’t meant to be ridden, either due to their nature, size, or gameplay mechanics.

• Lynels: While you can mount a Lynel briefly by sneaking or paragliding onto its back, it’s a far cry from taming. It’s a method to get a few free hits in before being bucked off.
• Sandseals: These creatures in the Gerudo Desert are more akin to surfing than riding. You’ll need to use a shield to glide behind them.
• Dragons: While you can technically ride the Dragons (Dinraal, Naydra, and Farosh), it’s not in the traditional sense of mounting and controlling them. You can land on them and collect resources as they soar through the sky.
• The Lord of the Mountain: This ethereal creature can be mounted, but cannot be registered at the stable.

Alternatives to Animal Companionship

Given the limitations on taming and registering diverse creatures, Tears of the Kingdom provides numerous alternative methods for traversing Hyrule.

• Vehicles: The Ultrahand ability allows you to construct vehicles using Zonai devices and environmental objects. Build cars, boats, and gliders to explore the land, sea, and sky.
• Fast Travel: Unlock towers and shrines to establish fast travel points across the map.
• Gliding: The Paraglider remains a core tool for aerial movement, allowing you to cover significant distances from high vantage points.
• Ascend: Scale through solid ground, to reach higher elevations.

These systems ensure that while you can’t stable a bear, you’re far from limited in how you explore the vast world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about taming, mounting, and registering animals in Tears of the Kingdom:

1. Can I register any animal at the stable besides a horse?

No, only horses can be registered at stables in Tears of the Kingdom.

2. What happens if I bring a bear to a stable?

The stable hands will express surprise and amusement, but they will refuse to register the bear.

3. How do I tame a horse?

Sneak up on a wild horse, mount it, and repeatedly soothe it by pressing the L button (or feeding it) until it calms down. A higher stamina is necessary for taming wilder horses.

4. Can I customize my horse?

Yes, at stables, you can change your horse’s gear, including saddles and bridles.

5. Where can I find wild horses?

Wild horses can be found in various locations, particularly in the Hyrule Field and Akkala regions.

6. How do I find the Giant Horse (Ganon’s Horse)?

The Giant Horse can be found in the Taobab Grassland area, south of the Great Plateau.

7. Is Epona in Tears of the Kingdom?

Yes, Epona can be obtained by scanning the Link (Super Smash Bros.) amiibo.

8. Can I revive a dead horse?

Yes, you can revive a dead horse at the Horse God Malanya’s spring, located in the south of the Hyrule region.

9. Where can I find bears to mount?

Bears are commonly found in forested areas, such as the Dalite Forest and Rutile Lake.

10. Are Stalhorses rare?

Yes, Stalhorses are relatively rare and are typically found in specific locations, particularly in the Depths, often at night.

11. Can I breed horses in Tears of the Kingdom?

No, horse breeding is not a feature in Tears of the Kingdom.

12. What is the benefit of mounting a Lynel?

Mounting a Lynel provides a brief window to attack it without retaliation, but it’s temporary and requires skillful execution.

13. Can I tame a dragon?

You cannot tame dragons, but you can ride them temporarily to collect resources.

14. What are Zonai devices and how do they help with transportation?

Zonai devices are ancient technological artifacts that can be used to create vehicles and other contraptions using the Ultrahand ability. This allows for creative and efficient transportation solutions.

15. What other games explore the educational aspects of video games?

The Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, explores the intersection of games and education, researching how games can be used as powerful learning tools. Consider delving into their research to understand the broader educational implications of games like Tears of the Kingdom.

In conclusion, while the dream of stabling a bear remains just that – a dream – Tears of the Kingdom offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration, experimentation, and unconventional travel. Embrace the freedom to build, explore, and discover the many secrets Hyrule has to offer.