Can You Tame Skeleton Horses in Tears of the Kingdom? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can tame skeleton horses in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, also known as Stalhorses. However, there’s a crucial catch: while you can ride these spectral steeds, you cannot register them at a stable or keep them permanently. They are temporary mounts, offering unique advantages while they last. This article will delve into the intricacies of taming and utilizing these undead equines, along with answering frequently asked questions about them and other rideable creatures in Tears of the Kingdom.
Taming a Stalhorse in Tears of the Kingdom
Taming a Stalhorse is a relatively straightforward process. Unlike regular horses, there’s no need to soothe them with gentle presses of the L button. Here’s the basic procedure:
- Locate a Stalhorse: Stalhorses are rare and typically appear at night in specific locations, often in the Depths or in colder regions of Hyrule above ground. Look for areas with a gloomy atmosphere or where other skeletal enemies congregate.
- Approach Quietly: While you don’t need to sneak in the traditional sense, avoid startling them. You can approach them at a normal walking pace without causing them to flee.
- Mount the Stalhorse: When you get close enough, a prompt will appear, usually an “A” button command. Press it to mount the Stalhorse.
- Ride and Enjoy: Once mounted, you can control the Stalhorse like any other horse. It will gallop and even jump, just like its living counterparts.
Key Differences to Note: Unlike normal horses, you don’t need to soothe a Stalhorse to maintain control. They also do not require food and cannot be equipped with saddles or horse armor. Their main advantage lies in their ability to walk over Gloom without penalty, making them invaluable in the Depths.
Why Ride a Stalhorse?
While they cannot be permanently kept, Stalhorses offer several benefits:
- Gloom Resistance: As mentioned, they can traverse Gloom, which is invaluable in exploring the Depths. Regular horses are severely hampered by Gloom and will refuse to cross it, making a Stalhorse essential for venturing into these areas.
- Unique Aesthetic: Riding a skeletal horse adds a dramatic flair to your adventure. Their ghostly appearance makes them a great mount for those who like a darker aesthetic.
- Temporary Transportation: When you need a quick way to traverse the map, Stalhorses can get you there just as effectively as normal horses, provided you don’t need to access areas with stables.
- No Stamina Required: Unlike taming regular horses, no soothing is needed, so you can use your stamina for other activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I keep a Stalhorse permanently?
Unfortunately, no. Stalhorses cannot be registered at stables and will disappear after you dismount them for a period of time or if you go too far away from them, or even when the day breaks. They are strictly temporary mounts.
2. Where are the best locations to find Stalhorses?
Stalhorses are most commonly found in the Depths, often in areas with Gloom, and in colder regions of the overworld like the Hebra Mountains at night. They will also sometimes spawn in areas where there are Stal enemies. Keep an eye out at nighttime.
3. Can I equip a Stalhorse with a saddle or armor?
No, Stalhorses cannot be equipped with saddles or horse armor. They remain in their skeletal form with no customization options.
4. Do Stalhorses require food or soothing like normal horses?
No, Stalhorses do not require food or soothing to maintain control. Once mounted, you’re good to go.
5. Can Stalhorses walk on Gloom?
Yes, this is their biggest advantage. Stalhorses can walk over Gloom without any negative effect, making them crucial for Depths exploration.
6. Can I breed Stalhorses?
No, Stalhorses cannot be bred. They are undead creatures and do not reproduce.
7. Do Stalhorses despawn if tamed?
Yes, Stalhorses will eventually despawn if you dismount them, go too far away, or if the in-game day cycle progresses to daylight. They do not permanently stick around.
8. What other creatures can Link ride in Tears of the Kingdom?
Besides Stalhorses and regular horses, Link can ride Lynels (temporarily), Sand Seals, Bears, and Deer. However, like Stalhorses, many of these are temporary mounts and are not tamable in the traditional sense.
9. Can I keep a Lynel as a mount?
No, Lynels cannot be tamed permanently. You can briefly mount them to attack, but they will throw you off quickly.
10. Is there a “Ganon’s Horse” in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, there is a unique black horse known as the Giant Horse, also referred to as Ganon’s Horse. It’s a special one-of-a-kind mount you can register at a stable. This is different from the Skeletal horses.
11. Where can I find the Giant Horse and how do I tame it?
The Giant Horse can be found near the Taobab Grassland area. It requires significant stamina to tame, and you can use stamina-boosting meals to help with this. You can tame this horse using the standard method of pressing A, then soothing it.
12. Does having a Breath of the Wild save file give me any horses?
Yes, if you have a save file for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the same console, Epona will automatically be registered at the first stable you visit in Tears of the Kingdom.
13. How many special horses are there in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are six special horses in Tears of the Kingdom that can be added to the stable registry. These are distinct from regular horses and include the Giant Horse.
14. Can skeleton horses burn in sunlight?
No, unlike some undead creatures in other games, skeleton horses in Tears of the Kingdom (and in Minecraft) do not burn in sunlight.
15. Can Link ride a donkey in Tears of the Kingdom?
Unfortunately, donkeys cannot be ridden in Tears of the Kingdom. They exist in the game but are not a mountable option.
Conclusion
While you cannot permanently stable a Stalhorse in Tears of the Kingdom, they offer a unique and valuable experience, particularly for traversing Gloom-filled areas in the Depths. Remember that they are temporary mounts, so make the most of their spectral presence while they last. Understanding their limitations and advantages can enhance your exploration of Hyrule, offering a slightly darker, undead twist on traditional horseback riding. So, venture out, brave the night, and tame yourself a skeletal steed to explore the mysteries of Tears of the Kingdom.