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 like Bokoblins or Lynels. Instead, they are more of a rare encounter that can be ridden or fought, depending on your goals. However, if you want to defeat a Stalhorse, you will need to approach the situation differently than you would with other enemies. Here is a detailed guide on how to handle this encounter.

First, it is important to understand the mechanics of Stalhorses. Stalhorses are undead creatures that spawn in specific locations at night, usually in areas like the Tabantha Frontier or the Hebra Mountains. They are not aggressive by default, but they will flee if you approach them too quickly or make sudden movements. Unlike regular horses, Stalhorses cannot be registered at stables, and they will disintegrate into bones when the sun rises. This means you have a limited window to interact with them.

To defeat a Stalhorse, you will need to engage it in combat. However, since Stalhorses are not inherently hostile, you will need to provoke them. One way to do this is by attacking them directly. Use a melee weapon or a bow to strike the Stalhorse. Once you attack, the Stalhorse will become aggressive and try to attack you by charging or kicking. Be prepared to dodge its attacks, as they can deal significant damage if they connect.

A good strategy is to use a bow to attack the Stalhorse from a distance. This allows you to deal damage without getting too close to its powerful kicks. Aim for the head or body to maximize damage. If you prefer melee combat, use a one-handed weapon so you can keep your shield up to block its attacks. Perfect dodges and flurry rushes are also effective if you time them correctly. When the Stalhorse charges, dodge to the side at the last moment to trigger a flurry rush, which lets you land multiple hits in quick succession.

Preparation is key when fighting a Stalhorse. Make sure you have a strong bow and plenty of arrows, as well as durable melee weapons. Since Stalhorses are tough, you may need to use higher-tier weapons to defeat them efficiently. Additionally, consider wearing armor that boosts your defense or provides other combat advantages, such as the Barbarian Set or the Ancient Set. If you have food or elixirs that increase your attack power or defense, consume them before the fight to give yourself an edge.

One common mistake is underestimating the Stalhorse's speed and power. They are faster than they appear and can close the distance quickly if you are not careful. Avoid standing still for too long, as this makes you an easy target for their charges. Another mistake is not paying attention to the time of day. If the sun rises during the fight, the Stalhorse will disintegrate, and you will not be able to finish it off. Make sure you start the fight early in the night to give yourself enough time.

For advanced players, you can use environmental elements to your advantage. For example, if you are near a cliff or a body of water, you can try to knock the Stalhorse off the edge or into the water to deal extra damage. Additionally, using elemental weapons or arrows, such as fire or ice, can add extra effects to your attacks. Fire arrows can cause the Stalhorse to panic, while ice arrows can freeze it temporarily, giving you an opening to attack.

An alternative approach is to avoid fighting the Stalhorse altogether and instead focus on taming it. Stalhorses can be ridden, and while they cannot be registered, they can be used for transportation during the night. To tame a Stalhorse, approach it slowly and crouch to avoid startling it. Once you are close enough, press the interact button to mount it. You will need to soothe it by pressing the soothe button repeatedly until it calms down. This can be a fun and unique way to interact with the Stalhorse without engaging in combat.

In summary, defeating a Stalhorse requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and timing. Use ranged attacks to keep your distance, or engage in melee combat with strong weapons and perfect dodges. Be mindful of the time of day and avoid common mistakes like underestimating the Stalhorse's speed. Advanced techniques, such as using environmental hazards or elemental weapons, can give you an edge. Alternatively, you can choose to tame the Stalhorse instead of fighting it. Whether you decide to fight or ride, encountering a Stalhorse is a memorable experience in Breath of the Wild.