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. They are found in specific areas, such as the Tabantha Tundra or the Gerudo Highlands, and are often ridden by Stal enemies. While you cannot directly "defeat" a Stalhorse in the traditional sense, you can deal with them effectively by understanding their mechanics and using the right strategies.

First, it is important to note that Stalhorses are not aggressive by themselves. They are usually ridden by Stal enemies, such as Stal Bokoblins or Stal Moblins, who will attack you. The key to dealing with a Stalhorse is to focus on the rider. Once the rider is defeated, the Stalhorse will collapse into a pile of bones and disappear. This is because Stalhorses are tied to the Stal enemies that ride them, and they cannot exist independently.

To begin, you will need to prepare for nighttime combat. Stal enemies, including those riding Stalhorses, only appear at night. Make sure you have a good supply of weapons, shields, and arrows. Weapons with high durability are recommended, as Stal enemies can be tough to defeat. Additionally, consider using weapons that deal extra damage to skeletal enemies, such as those with fire or light-based effects. Fire arrows, for example, can be particularly effective against Stal enemies.

When you encounter a Stalhorse and its rider, the first step is to assess the situation. Stal enemies on horseback are faster and more mobile than their ground-based counterparts, so you will need to be quick and precise. One effective strategy is to use ranged attacks to take out the rider from a distance. Equip a bow and aim for the rider's head to deal critical damage. If you have fire arrows, use them to set the rider on fire, which will cause additional damage over time.

If you prefer close combat, you will need to time your attacks carefully. Stal enemies on horseback will often charge at you, so be ready to dodge or parry their attacks. Use your shield to block their strikes, and then counterattack with a strong weapon. A well-timed flurry rush can also be very effective. To trigger a flurry rush, dodge the enemy's attack at the last moment, and then press the attack button to unleash a series of rapid strikes.

One common mistake is to focus too much on the Stalhorse itself. Remember, the Stalhorse is not the primary threat. It is the rider that you need to defeat. Wasting attacks on the Stalhorse will only deplete your weapon durability without achieving much. Instead, concentrate your efforts on the rider, and the Stalhorse will be dealt with automatically once the rider is defeated.

Advanced techniques can also be employed to make the fight easier. For example, using the environment to your advantage can be very helpful. If you are near a cliff or a body of water, you can try to knock the rider off the Stalhorse and into the hazard. This will often defeat the rider instantly, leaving the Stalhorse to collapse. Additionally, using elemental effects like electricity or ice can stun the rider, giving you an opportunity to land several free hits.

Preparation is key when dealing with Stalhorses and their riders. Make sure you have plenty of healing items, such as cooked meals or elixirs, to keep your health up during the fight. Stamina-restoring items can also be useful if you need to perform a lot of dodges or sprinting. If you are planning to explore areas where Stalhorses are common, consider wearing armor that boosts your defense or provides other combat advantages.

Alternative approaches include using stealth to avoid detection altogether. If you are not in the mood for a fight, you can use stealth gear and sneak past the Stal enemies. Alternatively, you can wait until daytime, when Stal enemies and their horses will disappear on their own. However, this approach is not always practical, especially if you are on a time-sensitive quest or need to pass through the area quickly.

In specific scenarios, such as the "The Horseback Hoodlums" side quest in the Tabantha region, you will need to defeat Stal enemies riding Stalhorses to complete the quest. In this case, the strategies mentioned above will be essential. Make sure to stock up on arrows and healing items before starting the quest, as you will likely face multiple Stal enemies in quick succession.

In summary, defeating a Stalhorse in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild involves focusing on the rider rather than the horse itself. Use ranged attacks, close combat techniques, and environmental advantages to take down the rider efficiently. Prepare adequately with the right weapons, armor, and healing items, and avoid common mistakes like attacking the Stalhorse directly. With the right strategy and preparation, you can handle Stalhorses and their riders with ease.