Unveiling the Golden Steed: Your Quest for the Golden Horse in Breath of the Wild
For many adventurers in the vast and beautiful land of Hyrule, the journey is made all the more epic with a trusty steed. While most horses are useful companions, a select few players yearn for something… more. They dream of the legendary Golden Horse, a creature of unparalleled beauty and prestige. But how do you actually get this magnificent beast in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? This guide will break down the process, leaving no stone unturned.
The Myth and the Reality: What is the Golden Horse?
First things first, let's clarify what we're talking about. The "Golden Horse" in Breath of the Wild is often referred to as Epona. However, the true, untamed "Golden Horse" that spawns in the wild with radiant, golden fur is actually a specific, rare variant that appears under very particular circumstances. It's not a horse you can simply tame from any stable. This special steed is often confused with the original Epona that Link can acquire through amiibo. For the purposes of this guide, we'll focus on obtaining the wild Golden Horse, as that's the true "how-to-get" challenge many players seek.
The Location: Where to Find This Elusive Creature
The Golden Horse doesn't just wander anywhere. Its primary, and arguably only, spawn location is in the **Taobab Grassland**, situated in the southwestern part of Hyrule, just north of the Faron region. This expansive area is known for its tall grass and rolling hills, making it a perfect, albeit sometimes hidden, home for this unique creature.
To get to Taobab Grassland, you'll typically want to travel south from the Lake Tower or west from the Faron Tower. It's a relatively open area, so once you're in the vicinity, keep your eyes peeled.
The Conditions: When Does the Golden Horse Appear?
This is where things get a little tricky and require patience. The Golden Horse is a **rare spawn**. This means it won't always be there when you visit Taobab Grassland. Several factors influence its appearance:
- Time of Day: While not strictly tied to a specific time, many players report the Golden Horse being more likely to appear during the **daytime**. So, try visiting in the morning or afternoon.
- Blood Moon Mechanics: The game's world respawns enemies and certain creatures after a Blood Moon. While not a direct cause, the period leading up to and immediately after a Blood Moon can sometimes influence creature spawns.
- Clearing Out Other Horses: Taobab Grassland is also home to many regular wild horses. If the area is teeming with them, the Golden Horse might have a harder time spawning. It's often recommended to **tame and register other horses in the area, or even just spook them away**, to make room for the rarer spawn.
- Reloading the Area: If you've visited Taobab Grassland and the Golden Horse isn't there, you can try fast-traveling away to a nearby stable or tower and then returning. This will "reload" the area and potentially trigger a new spawn.
The Taming Process: Capturing the Golden Steed
Once you've located the Golden Horse, the taming process is similar to that of any other wild horse in Breath of the Wild. However, the Golden Horse can be a bit more skittish, so be prepared for a challenge.
- Approach Stealthily: Crouch and sneak up on the horse. The tall grass can be your friend here. Avoid running directly at it, as this will likely spook it.
- Mount the Horse: When you're close enough, press the "A" button to mount.
- Soothe the Steed: Immediately after mounting, you'll need to repeatedly press the "L" button to soothe the horse. You'll see Link's hand gestures and hear him murmuring. The goal is to calm it down before it bucks you off. You'll see a stamina gauge appear; if it depletes faster than you can press "L," the horse will throw you.
- Control its Direction: Once you've calmed it enough, you can use the left analog stick to steer. The horse will try to buck you off periodically, so keep soothing it.
"The Golden Horse is a true testament to patience and observation in Hyrule. It's not handed to you; you have to earn it."
Registering Your Golden Companion
Once you've successfully tamed the Golden Horse, you'll need to take it to a stable to register it. The closest stable to Taobab Grassland is the **Horse God Bridge Stable**, located to the west of the grasslands.
At the stable:
- Talk to the stable owner.
- Select the option to "Register a horse."
- The stable owner will name your horse. You can choose from a list of default names or give it a custom name.
- Pay the registration fee (usually 20 rupees).
Congratulations! You now own the legendary Golden Horse. It will have full stats in terms of speed, strength, and stamina, making it one of the best horses in the game.
Important Notes and Tips for Success
- Stamina is Key: Ensure Link has a good amount of stamina. The initial taming can drain it quickly. Consider upgrading your Stamina Wheel with Spirit Orbs if you're having trouble.
- Be Patient: The Golden Horse is rare. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't appear on your first few visits. Keep checking back, especially after Blood Moons or after riding away and returning.
- Equip the Ancient Saddle: While not required for taming, the Ancient Saddle (obtained from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab after completing certain quests) allows you to summon your horse from anywhere on the map, even if it's not near you. This is incredibly useful!
- Epona vs. Golden Horse: Remember, if you're looking for the original Epona with the distinctive white mane and the special summon ability, that's typically tied to amiibo unlocks. The Golden Horse is a wild spawn with its own unique appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Golden Horse in BotW
How rare is the Golden Horse in BotW?
The Golden Horse is considered a rare spawn. While it has a consistent location, it doesn't always appear when you visit the area. Players often need to reload the area or try multiple times to find it.
Why can't I find the Golden Horse in Taobab Grassland?
Several factors can contribute to not finding the Golden Horse. It might not be the right time of day, the area might be full of other horses, or the game's spawn mechanics simply haven't triggered its appearance yet. Try riding away and returning, or waiting for a Blood Moon cycle.
Is the Golden Horse better than other horses?
The Golden Horse has top-tier stats across the board (speed, strength, and stamina), making it one of the best, if not the best, horses you can obtain through normal gameplay. Its visual appeal is also a major draw for many players.
Can I get the Golden Horse from an amiibo?
No, the wild Golden Horse is not directly tied to amiibo. Epona, a different horse with a white mane and special summoning ability, is usually unlocked through specific amiibo figures like the Link (Super Smash Bros.) amiibo or the Twilight Princess Link amiibo.
What is the best way to tame the Golden Horse?
The best way to tame the Golden Horse is to approach it stealthily, mount it quickly, and then repeatedly press the "L" button to soothe it while gently guiding its direction with the left analog stick. Having full stamina is also highly recommended.
