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

Defeating a Stalnox in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild requires a mix of strategy, timing, and resource management. Stalnoxes are skeletal versions of Hinoxes and appear primarily at night. They are large, powerful enemies with a unique mechanic involving their eye, which is their weak point. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to defeat them effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of fighting a Stalnox. A Stalnox has two phases: the first phase involves the eye being exposed, and the second phase occurs when the StalnoxÔÇÖs health is low, and the eye detaches from the body. During the first phase, the Stalnox will attack with punches, stomps, and attempts to grab you. Its eye is its weak point, and hitting it with arrows or melee attacks will deal significant damage. However, the eye is protected by the StalnoxÔÇÖs hands, so you need to wait for the right moment to strike. In the second phase, the eye will detach and bounce around the battlefield. You must chase it down and attack it to finish the fight.

To begin the fight, approach the Stalnox carefully. It is often found sleeping, so you can use this opportunity to deal some initial damage. Sneak up and shoot the eye with an arrow to wake it up and deal damage. Once the Stalnox is awake, it will start attacking. The key to defeating it is to focus on the eye. When the Stalnox raises its hands to protect its eye, wait for it to lower them or attack. This is your chance to shoot the eye with arrows or run in for a melee attack. Using a bow with a high damage output, such as a Lynel bow or a Royal bow, can make this phase easier. Aim carefully, as missing the eye will waste arrows and leave you vulnerable.

During the second phase, when the eye detaches, the fight becomes more chaotic. The eye will bounce around, and you need to chase it down. Use your bow to shoot the eye from a distance, or run up to it and attack it with a melee weapon. Be cautious, as the StalnoxÔÇÖs body will still try to attack you during this phase. Keep moving to avoid its attacks and focus on the eye. If you have a powerful weapon, such as a two-handed sword or a spear, you can deal significant damage quickly.

Preparation is key to defeating a Stalnox. Make sure you have plenty of arrows, especially if you plan to rely on ranged attacks. Stock up on healing items, such as hearty meals or elixirs, to keep your health up during the fight. Wearing armor with high defense, such as the SoldierÔÇÖs Armor or the Ancient Armor, can help reduce the damage you take. Additionally, consider using buffs from food or elixirs, such as attack-up or defense-up effects, to give you an edge in combat.

One common mistake is underestimating the StalnoxÔÇÖs attacks. Its punches and stomps can deal significant damage, especially if you are not wearing strong armor. Avoid standing directly in front of it for too long, as this makes you an easy target. Another mistake is wasting arrows by shooting when the eye is protected. Wait for the right moment to strike to conserve your resources.

Advanced techniques can make the fight easier. For example, using elemental arrows, such as fire or ice arrows, can deal extra damage to the eye. If you have the Stasis+ rune, you can freeze the Stalnox temporarily, giving you a chance to attack the eye without interference. Additionally, using a shield to parry its attacks can create openings for counterattacks.

Alternative approaches include using the environment to your advantage. If the Stalnox is near a cliff or water, you can try to knock it off to deal fall damage or drown it. However, this is not always reliable, as the Stalnox may not fall or may survive the fall. Another approach is to use stealth to avoid detection and deal damage from a distance. This works best if you have a high-damage bow and plenty of arrows.

In specific scenarios, such as the Stalnox in the Hyrule Castle area, you may need to deal with additional enemies or environmental hazards. Be prepared to handle these challenges while focusing on the Stalnox. For example, in Hyrule Castle, you may encounter Guardians or other enemies, so prioritize taking them out first or avoiding them entirely.

In summary, defeating a Stalnox requires careful timing, resource management, and preparation. Focus on the eye, use powerful weapons and arrows, and avoid its attacks. With the right strategy, you can take down a Stalnox and claim its valuable rewards, such as rare monster parts and weapons.