The Cyclopean Threat: Understanding the One-Eyed Monsters in Zelda
The one-eyed monster in The Legend of Zelda universe most commonly refers to the Hinox. These hulking cyclops-like creatures are a recurring mini-boss throughout several Zelda titles, most notably in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Hinox are characterized by their immense size, single large eye, and the fact that they are often found sleeping, providing a strategic advantage for the player who is prepared to plan an attack. They are a formidable foe, but with the right knowledge and tactics, they can be defeated, and valuable rewards can be obtained. They come in various forms, with different strengths and weaknesses, but their core features are instantly recognizable across games. This article delves into the world of Hinox and similar one-eyed enemies in Zelda, providing insights into their behaviors, strategies for defeating them, and the rewards they offer.
Hinox: A Deep Dive
Characteristics and Behavior
Hinox are among the largest monsters in Hyrule. They typically reside in forested areas and are usually found sleeping when Link approaches. This provides a key opportunity to plan an attack, rather than facing them at their full alertness. They often sport necklaces made of various weapons, hinting at their brute strength and propensity for combat. The basic Hinox is relatively straightforward to fight, but different variations such as the Blue Hinox and Black Hinox increase the challenge by adding armor or more aggressive attack patterns. They are known to try to cover their eye when under heavy assault, making precision shots more difficult. This highlights their adaptive nature, forcing the player to constantly re-evaluate their fighting style.
Combat Strategies
The most effective way to engage a Hinox is by exploiting their one weakness: their eye. Hitting a Hinox in the eye with an arrow will stun them, providing a window for melee attacks. The use of a bow and arrows is, therefore, crucial when fighting these monsters. Another popular approach is to use heavy two-handed weapons to focus on their legs, dealing large amounts of damage. When facing off against the more advanced Hinox variants, it is essential to remain agile and avoid direct, powerful attacks. Knowing when to switch between melee and ranged attacks, especially when dealing with the Black Hinox, can make the difference between victory and defeat.
Rewards for Victory
Defeating a Hinox yields a variety of loot, including monster parts, which are crucial for crafting, upgrading armor, and making elixirs. You may also find weapons that they carry around their necks. In addition, defeating every type of Hinox in Breath of the Wild will earn Link a special medal from Kilton, the monster parts merchant, solidifying the accomplishment of clearing these menacing foes.
Stalnox: The Skeletal Variation
Another prominent one-eyed monster is the Stalnox. These are the skeletal versions of the Hinox that are encountered more frequently in Tears of the Kingdom. Unlike their fully fleshed-out counterparts, Stalnox appear only at night and have a more sinister, skeletal look. Although there are fewer Stalnox than Hinox in the game, they still present a unique challenge. Their skeletal structure offers similar, but slightly different, opportunities for attack.
Stalnox Behavior
A key thing to remember about the Stalnox is their night-time exclusivity. Unlike the standard Hinox, you will only encounter them when the sun is not shining. Additionally, a Stalnox needs to be loaded into the game at night in order for them to activate, so there is a chance one might not engage if you approach too quickly.
Stalnox Combat Tactics
Similar to the Hinox, the Stalnox’s eye is a vulnerable point. Players can use arrows to stun them, and melee attacks to deal damage. Stalnox are slightly different, with a few attacks that Hinox do not possess. A major difference between the Hinox and Stalnox, is that melee attacks to the legs work far better on Hinox than on Stalnox.
Stalnox Rewards
Like Hinox, Stalnox also drop various items upon defeat. These can be monster parts or materials useful for fusing with weapons and crafting. One unique reward from a Depths Stalnox in the Akkala House of Bones is the Biggoron’s Sword. This makes it a worthy monster to farm for powerful rewards.
Other One-Eyed Foes
While the Hinox and Stalnox are the most prevalent one-eyed monsters in Zelda, it is worth mentioning that certain bosses also follow this pattern such as the final boss Ganon’s eye attack. It isn’t a monster in the traditional sense, but this one-eyed threat requires unique strategies for defeat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the different types of Hinox?
There are four main types of Hinox: the standard Hinox, Blue Hinox, Black Hinox, and Stalnox. Stalnox are the skeletal version that appear at night and have slightly different attacks.
2. What is the easiest way to defeat a Hinox?
The easiest way to defeat a Hinox is to shoot it in the eye with an arrow to stun it, and then follow up with melee attacks, particularly on the legs, with a strong, two-handed weapon.
3. What are the best weapons to use against Hinox?
A bow and arrows are essential for hitting the Hinox’s eye. Two-handed melee weapons are great for dealing heavy damage to their legs.
4. How do you defeat the stronger versions like the Black Hinox?
Black Hinox are more aggressive and are also more susceptible to electric attacks, so using those will greatly improve your odds of survival.
5. What is the reward for defeating all Hinox in Breath of the Wild?
After defeating all Hinox types in Breath of the Wild, Kilton will reward you with a medal to honor this achievement.
6. What is the difference between Hinox and Stalnox?
Stalnox are the skeletal versions of Hinox that only appear at night. They have a slightly different attack pattern and vulnerabilities.
7. What do Stalnox drop when defeated?
Stalnox drop a variety of consumables, weapons, and items that can be used for fusing. The Depths Stalnox in the Akkala House of Bones can also drop Biggoron’s Sword.
8. Why might a Stalnox not wake up at night?
The Stalnox needs to be loaded at night in order to engage in battle. If you approach too quickly, it may fail to trigger correctly.
9. How many Hinox are in the Depths in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are 29 Hinoxes lurking in the Depths of Hyrule in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. They are often Gloom-infected, making them harder to fight.
10. What are Hinox balls used for?
Hinox balls are orbs carried by the Hinox that are used to activate the platforms and unlock the Shrine above Taran Pass.
11. Are Hinox Guts rare?
Yes, Hinox Guts are a scarce monster part that is essential for upgrading the Soldier’s Armor Set at a Great Fairy Fountain.
12. Can you beat a Stalnox without using arrows?
Yes, while arrows are helpful, you can also defeat a Stalnox using melee attacks to its ankles and by being precise.
13. Where can you find Kilton?
Kilton can only be visited at night. He is located in the Skull Lake area. Be sure to state to him that you like monsters, or he won’t open shop.
14. What is the hardest monster to defeat in Zelda?
Lynels are generally considered the hardest monsters, especially the Golden Lynels.
15. What is the hardest boss fight in Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
The hardest boss in Breath of the Wild is Monk Maz Koshia, who is found in the Champion’s Ballad DLC.
By understanding the behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses of these one-eyed behemoths, you can navigate the challenges of the Zelda universe and emerge victorious. Happy hunting!