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 directly attack. Instead, they are part of specific quests or exploration challenges, such as the "The Horseback Hoodlums" side quest in the DLC or the "Stalhorse: Oho Omae Shrine" quest. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to handle Stalhorses effectively.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics of Stalhorses. These skeletal horses are found in specific locations, such as the Gerudo Highlands or the Tabantha Frontier, and only appear at night. They are not aggressive and cannot be attacked directly. Instead, you must tame and ride them to complete certain objectives. Stalhorses are fragile and will collapse into bones if exposed to sunlight or if you dismount them during the day. This means you must act quickly and plan your route carefully.

To begin, youÔÇÖll need to prepare for the encounter. Since Stalhorses only appear at night, make sure you have a campfire or a way to pass time until nightfall. You donÔÇÖt need any special weapons or armor, but having stamina-boosting food or elixirs can help with taming. Stalhorses are skittish, so approach them quietly by crouching or using stealth-enhancing armor like the Sheikah Set. Once youÔÇÖre close enough, press the A button to mount the Stalhorse. Like regular horses, youÔÇÖll need to soothe it by pressing the L button repeatedly until it calms down. Be mindful of your stamina, as running out will cause you to be thrown off.

Once tamed, you can ride the Stalhorse to complete your objective. For example, in the "The Horseback Hoodlums" quest, you must ride the Stalhorse to a specific location to take a picture. In the "Stalhorse: Oho Omae Shrine" quest, you must ride the Stalhorse to the shrineÔÇÖs location. The key is to avoid dismounting or letting the Stalhorse collapse. If you need to travel a long distance, plan your route to avoid sunlight or areas where the Stalhorse might be exposed to daylight. If youÔÇÖre caught in the sun, the Stalhorse will disintegrate, and youÔÇÖll need to find another one the next night.

One common mistake is underestimating the time it takes to complete the objective. Stalhorses are only available at night, so you must work quickly. Another mistake is not preparing enough stamina-boosting items, which can make taming difficult. Additionally, players often forget to crouch or use stealth, causing the Stalhorse to flee before they can mount it. To avoid these issues, always plan ahead and bring the necessary items.

Advanced techniques include using the environment to your advantage. For example, if youÔÇÖre riding a Stalhorse and need to cross a large area, look for shaded paths or caves where sunlight wonÔÇÖt reach. You can also use fast travel points to save time, but be careful not to dismount the Stalhorse when traveling. Another optimization is to mark the StalhorseÔÇÖs location on your map so you can return to it easily if you fail the first time.

In terms of required items, you donÔÇÖt need anything specific, but having stamina-boosting food or elixirs is highly recommended. Dishes like Endura Carrots or Stamella Shrooms can give you extra stamina, making taming easier. If youÔÇÖre struggling with stealth, consider wearing the Sheikah Set or using stealth-enhancing elixirs.

Alternative approaches include using a regular horse for parts of the journey and switching to a Stalhorse only when necessary. For example, in the "Stalhorse: Oho Omae Shrine" quest, you can ride a regular horse to the general area and then switch to a Stalhorse for the final stretch. This can save time and reduce the risk of the Stalhorse collapsing.

In specific scenarios, such as the "The Horseback Hoodlums" quest, youÔÇÖll need to take a picture of the Stalhorse. Make sure you have the Camera Rune ready and position yourself carefully to capture the image. If youÔÇÖre in the "Stalhorse: Oho Omae Shrine" quest, focus on reaching the shrine quickly and avoid unnecessary detours.

In summary, defeating or completing objectives involving Stalhorses requires careful planning, quick action, and proper preparation. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can successfully handle these unique challenges in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.