Exploring the expansive kingdom of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers players many ways to traverse its vast landscapes. While wild horses can be found grazing throughout the fields, long-time fans often seek out Link's iconic companion, Epona. Unlocking this legendary steed requires a specific method outside of standard gameplay mechanics.
Using Amiibo to Summon Epona
Unlike standard wild horses scattered across Hyrule, Epona cannot be caught roaming in the open world. To obtain her, players must scan the Super Smash Bros. Link Amiibo or the Twilight Princess Link Amiibo using the console NFC reader. Scanning either of these figures for the first time guarantees that Epona will spawn directly in front of Link.
It is crucial to perform this scan in a location where horses can easily navigate and reach a nearby stable. If you summon her in a harsh environment like Death Mountain or Gerudo Desert, she may become stranded or difficult to transport. Choosing an open field near a stable ensures a smooth transition from summoning to registration.
Registering Epona at a Local Stable
Once Epona has materialized in your game world, approach her carefully and mount her to take control. Since Epona arrives with a maximum bond and maxed-out stats, she will respond obediently without requiring soothing or taming. Ride her directly to the counter of any operational stable across Hyrule to begin the registration process.
Speak with the stable master while mounted or standing nearby to officially register Epona into your collection. The stable master will immediately recognize the legendary horse and offer unique dialogue acknowledging her extraordinary nature. Paying the standard fee completes the registration and ensures she remains safely stored in your horse inventory.
Unique Stats and Customization Limits
Epona stands out among mounts in Breath of the Wild due to her perfectly balanced four-star stats across strength, speed, and stamina. Her gentle temperament and pre-existing max bond make her an exceptional choice for early and late-game exploration alike. These stats give players a reliable companion capable of long-distance travel and enduring tough combat encounters.
However, players should note that Epona comes with strict customization limitations to preserve her iconic appearance. You cannot alter her mane style, change her saddle, or equip different bridles at horse-customizing stables. Her classic leather gear and distinctive coat remain permanently fixed as a homage to her historical design.
Troubleshooting and Resummoning Tips
If you accidentally spawn Epona in a location where she cannot be registered, or if she meets an unfortunate fate before reaching a stable, do not panic. While the first scan guarantees her appearance, subsequent scans of the same Amiibo offer a random chance to spawn her again. You can retry scanning the Amiibo on subsequent real-world days until she reappears.
To avoid losing her before registration, always prioritize riding her straight to a stable immediately after summoning. Keeping a manual save right before scanning your Amiibo is another effective safeguard that allows you to reload if the spawn location is less than ideal. Proper planning guarantees that this legendary steed becomes a permanent asset in your adventure.