How do I defeat a Stalhorse in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Defeating a Stalhorse in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a unique challenge because Stalhorses are skeletal horses that appear only at night and are not typical enemies you can fight directly. Instead, they are more of a rare encounter that can be tamed and ridden, but they cannot be defeated in the traditional sense. However, if your goal is to deal with a Stalhorse, such as for a quest or to clear an area, here is a detailed guide on how to handle them effectively.

First, it is important to understand the mechanics of Stalhorses. These creatures spawn at night in specific locations, such as the Tabantha Tundra or the Gerudo Highlands. They are skeletal and will collapse into a pile of bones if exposed to sunlight or if you dismount them. They cannot be registered at stables, and they will disappear if you try to take them to one. This makes them temporary mounts, but they can be useful for traversing certain areas or completing specific tasks.

To deal with a Stalhorse, you need to approach it carefully. Stalhorses are skittish, so sneaking up on them is the best way to mount one. Equip stealth-enhancing armor, such as the Sheikah Set, or consume food that boosts your stealth, like Sneaky Elixirs or dishes made with Silent Shrooms or Sneaky River Snails. Crouch and move slowly toward the Stalhorse from behind. Once you are close enough, press the interact button to mount it. You will need to soothe the Stalhorse by pressing the soothe button repeatedly until it calms down. This process is similar to taming a regular horse, but Stalhorses are generally easier to tame.

If your goal is to "defeat" a Stalhorse, you can do so by dismounting it and letting it collapse. Once you dismount, the Stalhorse will fall apart into bones, and you can collect any materials it drops, such as Stalhorse parts. Alternatively, you can use weapons or arrows to attack the Stalhorse, but this is not recommended because it is a waste of resources. Stalhorses are not aggressive and do not pose a threat, so attacking them is unnecessary unless you are specifically required to do so for a quest.

One important tip is to avoid engaging with Stalhorses during the day. They will collapse into bones as soon as the sun rises, making them impossible to ride or interact with. If you need to use a Stalhorse for a specific purpose, such as the "The Horseback Hoodlums" side quest in the Tabantha region, make sure to complete your task before dawn. Additionally, be aware that Stalhorses cannot be used to cross certain areas, such as the Gerudo Desert, because they will collapse in the heat.

A common mistake players make is trying to register a Stalhorse at a stable. This is not possible, as stable owners will refuse to take in a skeletal horse. Another mistake is attacking Stalhorses unnecessarily, which wastes weapon durability and serves no purpose. Instead, focus on using them as temporary mounts or for specific quests.

For advanced players, Stalhorses can be used creatively in combat or exploration. For example, you can ride a Stalhorse to distract enemies or to traverse areas with difficult terrain. However, their limited lifespan and inability to be registered make them less practical for long-term use. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, consider taming a regular horse or using the Master Cycle Zero, which becomes available after completing the "EX The Champions' Ballad" DLC.

In summary, Stalhorses are unique creatures in Breath of the Wild that cannot be defeated in the traditional sense. Instead, they can be tamed and ridden temporarily, but they will collapse into bones if dismounted or exposed to sunlight. To handle a Stalhorse effectively, use stealth to approach and mount it, and avoid wasting resources by attacking it. Use Stalhorses for specific tasks or quests, and remember that they cannot be registered at stables. By understanding these mechanics and strategies, you can make the most of your encounters with Stalhorses in the game.