Is Ganon’s Horse in Breath of the Wild? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, Ganon’s horse, more accurately known as the Giant Horse, is indeed present in Breath of the Wild. It can be found in the Taobab Grassland in the southwest area of Hyrule. This majestic beast is one of the most challenging and rewarding steeds to tame in the game. Keep reading for everything you need to know about finding and bonding with this magnificent creature.
Finding and Taming the Giant Horse in Breath of the Wild
Locating the Giant Horse
The Giant Horse doesn’t just appear anywhere. Its primary location is in the Taobab Grassland, specifically the southern and western areas. The Taobab Grassland borders the Hyrule Ridge region. A good starting point is the Owa Daim Shrine on the Great Plateau; from there, paraglide southwest towards the grassland. The Giant Horse often roams with other horses, making it easier to spot due to its sheer size.
It’s essential to note that the Giant Horse is not always guaranteed to be there. If you don’t find it on your first try, try warping to a different shrine and returning or waiting until the in-game morning.
Preparing for the Taming
Taming the Giant Horse is no easy feat. It possesses immense strength and requires significant stamina to subdue. Here’s what you need to prepare:
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Stamina Upgrades: Prioritize increasing your stamina wheel. Complete shrines and exchange your Spirit Orbs for stamina upgrades at Goddess Statues. Aim for at least two full wheels of stamina, ideally three.
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Stamina-Boosting Meals: Cook meals that temporarily increase your maximum stamina. Ingredients like Endura Carrots and Endura Shrooms are your best friends. Endura meals not only refill your stamina but also grant you temporary bonus stamina, crucial for taming the Giant Horse.
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Stealth Gear (Optional): While not mandatory, wearing stealth-enhancing gear can help you approach the horse undetected. This gives you a slight advantage in mounting it before it runs away.
The Taming Process
Once you’ve located the Giant Horse and prepared adequately, follow these steps:
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Approach Stealthily: Crouch and move slowly towards the Giant Horse. Avoid making sudden movements or noises that might spook it.
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Mount the Horse: As you get close, press the “A” button to mount it. Be prepared for a wild ride!
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Soothe the Horse: Once mounted, Link will struggle to maintain control. Repeatedly press the “L” button to soothe the horse. This will deplete your stamina rapidly. Continue soothing until the horse submits and pink hearts appear, indicating a successful taming.
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Bond with the Horse: Ride the Giant Horse for a while to increase your bond. Offer it apples and pat it to improve its affection for you.
Registering the Giant Horse
After successfully taming the Giant Horse, you’ll want to register it at a stable to make it a permanent part of your collection. Head to the Highland Stable, located just northeast of the Taobab Grassland. Speak to the stable master and register your new steed. Keep in mind that the Giant Horse has unique stats:
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Strength: Maxed out at 5 stars.
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Speed: Very low, at 1 star.
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Stamina: Nonexistent; it has no spurs.
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Temperament: Wild.
Despite its low speed and lack of stamina spurs, the Giant Horse’s immense strength makes it a powerful companion, capable of easily trampling enemies and pulling heavy objects.
Giant Horse in Tears of the Kingdom
The Giant Horse returns in Tears of the Kingdom. It’s located near Hateno Bay, southeast of Hateno Village. Its taming process is similar to that in Breath of the Wild, requiring considerable stamina and strategic soothing. The Giant Horse also plays a role in the “Ride the Giant Horse” Shrine Quest, making it essential for completing all 152 shrines in the game.
FAQs about Ganon’s Horse (Giant Horse)
1. Is the Giant Horse actually Ganon’s horse?
While the game doesn’t explicitly state that the Giant Horse is Ganon’s, its size, dark coat, and powerful build strongly suggest a connection. Some fans theorize it’s a descendant of Ganondorf’s steed. The manual for the Legend of Zelda Chess set refers to Ganondorf’s horse as “Phantom”.
2. Can you revive the Giant Horse if it dies?
Yes, if you’ve registered the Giant Horse and it unfortunately dies, you can revive it by visiting the Horse God, Malanya. Malanya resides in the Malanya Spring, located in the Akkala region. Offering a small fee will bring your beloved Giant Horse back to life.
3. What are the stats of the Giant Horse?
The Giant Horse boasts impressive strength (5 stars) but lacks speed (1 star) and stamina (0 spurs). Its wild temperament makes it challenging to handle initially, but with bonding, it becomes more manageable.
4. Where else can I find rare horses in Breath of the Wild?
Besides the Giant Horse, you can find Epona (via amiibo), the Royal White Stallion (a descendant of Zelda’s horse), and various horses with unique coat patterns and temperaments throughout Hyrule.
5. How much stamina do I need to tame the Giant Horse?
Ideally, you should have at least two full wheels of stamina, and preferably three. Stamina-boosting meals are crucial to supplement your base stamina.
6. Can I customize the Giant Horse at stables?
Yes, you can customize the Giant Horse’s mane and saddle at stables, but you may need to improve your bond with the horse first.
7. Is the Giant Horse worth taming, given its low speed?
Despite its low speed, the Giant Horse’s immense strength and imposing presence make it a worthwhile addition to your stable. It’s perfect for combat and traversing challenging terrain.
8. Does the Giant Horse have a name?
No, the Giant Horse doesn’t have a default name in the game. You can name it whatever you like when you register it at a stable.
9. Can I use the Ancient Saddle on the Giant Horse?
No, the Ancient Saddle and Bridle, which allow you to summon your horse from anywhere, cannot be used on the Giant Horse or Epona.
10. What is the difference between the Giant Horse in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?
The Giant Horse exists in both games, but its location differs. In Breath of the Wild, it’s in the Taobab Grassland, while in Tears of the Kingdom, it’s found near Hateno Bay. Also, in Tears of the Kingdom, the horse is needed to complete one of the many Shrine Quests.
11. Are there any specific weather conditions that make finding the Giant Horse easier?
No, weather conditions don’t affect the Giant Horse’s spawn rate. However, clear weather makes it easier to spot from a distance.
12. Can I sell the Giant Horse?
No, special horses like the Giant Horse cannot be sold to horse traders. Once you’ve tamed and registered it, it’s yours to keep (unless it dies, in which case you can revive it).
13. What are Endura Carrots, and why are they important for taming horses?
Endura Carrots are rare ingredients that, when cooked into meals, provide temporary bonus stamina. They are essential for taming wild horses, including the Giant Horse, as they allow you to soothe the horse for a longer duration.
14. Are there any benefits to having a high bond with the Giant Horse?
A high bond makes the Giant Horse more responsive to your commands and less likely to resist. It also unlocks customization options at stables.
15. Where can I learn more about the impact of games on learning?
For more information on how games can enhance learning and development, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society explores the educational potential of games and game-based learning.
Embrace the challenge, master the taming process, and enjoy the ride with Ganon’s magnificent steed!