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<title>Mountable Animals in Zelda: A Comprehensive Guide</title>
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<h1>Every Rideable Creature in Hyrule: A Zelda Mounting Masterclass</h1>
<p>Hyrule offers more than just scenic vistas and thrilling adventures; it presents a unique opportunity to bond with its diverse wildlife. Mounting creatures is a fun and useful mechanic in both **Breath of the Wild (BotW)** and **Tears of the Kingdom (TotK)**, granting you speed, tactical advantages, and unforgettable experiences. So, what animals can you actually hitch a ride on?</p>
<h2>The Mountable Menagerie: Your Hyrulean Hitches</h2>
<p>While both games offer the ability to mount various creatures, the execution and limitations differ slightly. Generally, you can mount the following animals:</p>
<ul>
<li><b>Horses:</b> The most common and reliable mount. They can be tamed, registered at stables, and customized with various gear. Different breeds offer varying stats for speed, stamina, and strength.</li>
<li><b>Stalhorses:</b> Skeletal horses that only appear at night. While they cannot be registered at stables, they are a unique and eerie way to travel. Their spook factor alone is worth the ride!</li>
<li><b>Deer:</b> A more challenging mount due to their skittish nature. They can't be registered, but offer a quick escape or a novel way to traverse the landscape.</li>
<li><b>Bears:</b> Powerful and surprisingly fast, bears provide a unique and aggressive riding experience. Just like deer, they cannot be registered at stables.</li>
<li><b>Sand Seals (TotK):</b> Exclusive to the Gerudo Desert, these creatures are pulled by Link while sandboarding, offering a rapid and exhilarating way to navigate the dunes.</li>
<li><b>Lynels (Temporarily):</b> While you can’t tame and ride a Lynel permanently, you *can* mount them for a short burst during combat, allowing you to deal extra damage.</li>
<li><b>Dragons (TotK):</b> In Tears of the Kingdom, a truly majestic experience awaits: riding the dragons! This is primarily a gameplay mechanic related to obtaining dragon parts.</li>
</ul>
<p>It's important to note that the mechanics for mounting and controlling these creatures vary. Horses require taming and soothing, while others, like Lynels, are mounted purely for a quick offensive maneuver. Experimentation is key to discovering the nuances of each ride!</p>
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mounting Animals in Zelda</h2>
<p>Still have questions about mounting animals in Zelda? Here's a comprehensive list of FAQs to address your burning queries.</p>
<h3>General Mounting Questions</h3>
<ol>
<li>
<b>Can I register every animal I mount at a stable?</b>
<p>No. Only horses can be registered at stables. Deer, bears, Stalhorses, and other wild creatures elicit humorous reactions from stable owners but cannot be officially registered.</p>
</li>
<li>
<b>What's the best way to approach an animal I want to mount?</b>
<p>Stealth is crucial! Use stealth armor, consume stealth-enhancing food or elixirs, and approach slowly from behind. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises.</p>
</li>
<li>
<b>How do I soothe a wild horse?</b>
<p>Once you've mounted a wild horse, it will buck wildly. Repeatedly press the soothe button (usually L) until it calms down. The amount of stamina required depends on the horse's temperament.</p>
</li>
<li>
<b>Are there any animals I *can't* mount in Zelda?</b>
<p>Yes. While the game encourages experimentation, creatures like moose, dogs, and smaller animals cannot be mounted. This may be a good point to consider ethical considerations in games, an area explored by scholars at the <a href="https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/">Games Learning Society</a>.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<h3>Horse-Specific Questions</h3>
<ol start="5">
<li>
<b>What affects a horse's stats?</b>
<p>A horse's stats (strength, speed, stamina, and temperament) are determined by its breed and coat color. Generally, horses with solid colors tend to have better stats than those with spotted coats. The Giant Horse is an exception, possessing incredible strength but poor speed and stamina.</p>
</li>
<li>
<b>Can I customize my horse?</b>
<p>Yes! At stables, you can change your horse's mane style, saddle, and bridle. You unlock different options by completing specific side quests or tasks.</p>
</li>
<li>
<b>What happens if my horse dies?</b>
<p>In both BotW and TotK, you can revive a deceased horse by visiting the Horse God Malanya. Malanya is located at the Spring of the Horse God, accessible after completing a related quest. However, if the horse dies due to your actions, the Horse God may not revive it.</p>
</li>
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<h3>Unique Creature Mounting Questions</h3>
<ol start="8">
<li>
<b>How do I ride a Sand Seal in TotK?</b>
<p>First, you need to be in the Gerudo Desert and obtain a shield. While standing on your shield, use the “shield surf” action and have a Gerudo character attach the Sand Seal to your shield. After that, you should be able to pull you along the sand.</p>
</li>
<li>
<b>Can I control a Lynel when I mount it?</b>
<p>No. Mounting a Lynel is a temporary combat maneuver. You cannot steer it or tame it. Focus on dealing as much damage as possible before you are bucked off.</p>
</li>
<li>
<b>How do I ride a Dragon in TotK?</b>
<p>The dragons in TotK are essential to some main quests. Link can ride a dragon simply by landing on one in mid-air. Be warned, this action will cause Link to be imbued with that dragon’s elemental power.</p>
</li>
<li>
<b>Are Stalhorses useful?</b>
<p>Stalhorses are useful for their immunity to some enemy attacks and their ability to traverse difficult terrains, but cannot be customized.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<h3>Advanced Mounting Techniques and Secrets</h3>
<ol start="12">
<li>
<b>Are there any hidden horses with special abilities?</b>
<p>Yes! The Royal White Stallion, a descendant of Zelda's horse, can be found in the game. Also, Epona can be obtained if you have the amiibo from *Super Smash Bros*. These horses offer unique stats and historical significance.</p>
</li>
<li>
<b>Can I use mounted combat effectively?</b>
<p>Absolutely. Mounted combat is a powerful strategy. Use bows and arrows to target enemies from a distance, or use melee weapons for close-quarters combat. Mastering the timing of your attacks is key.</p>
</li>
<li>
<b>Do different terrains affect my mount's performance?</b>
<p>Yes. Horses struggle in deep snow or water. Sand Seals are exclusive to the Gerudo Desert, while Stalhorses thrive in the darkness. Choose your mount wisely based on the environment.</p>
</li>
<li>
<b>Are there any moral considerations when mounting animals?</b>
<p>While the game doesn't explicitly address ethical concerns, some players might feel conflicted about taming wild animals or using them for combat. This brings up interesting questions about animal welfare in gaming, potentially relevant to research at <a href="https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/">GamesLearningSociety.org</a>.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>With this knowledge, you're now equipped to become a master equestrian (and bear rider!) in Hyrule. So saddle up, explore the vast landscapes, and forge unforgettable bonds with the creatures of the wild!</p>
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