As a long-time Zelda enthusiast with over 200 hours across Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, I‘ve made it my personal quest to tame all unique horses in Hyrule. But even after accumulating a vast stable of stallions, three steeds stand out from the herd as the absolute best you can ride into battle or adventure.
So if you consider yourself a Horse Connoisseur, allow me to explain what makes the Giant White Stallion, Epona and Golden Horse the definitive top-tier mounts in Tears of the Kingdom. We‘ll analyse their distinct combat utilities, traversal abilities, stamina efficiencies and acquisition methods.
Giant White Stallion: Hyrule‘s Fiercest Warhorse
This colossal stallion is in a tier of its own when battling Tears of Kingdom‘s deadliest foes. Atop this white-maned behemoth, you can fearlessly charge into Hinox dens and Lynel lairs headfirst. The Giant White Stallion provides overwhelming offense for tackling formidable enemies, while shrugging off attacks that would decimate regular horses.
Let‘s analyse what makes this almighty warhorse such a valuable ally.
Demolishing Strength
With its 5-star Strength rating, the Giant Stallion inflicts devastating damage just by trampling over enemies underhoof. I‘ve personally flatten dozens of Bokoblins foolish enough to swarm this rampaging horse. Plus, its giant frame enables a mounted combat move exclusive to the Giant Stallion – the Bone-Crushing Charge.
| Strength | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Speed | ⭐⭐ |
| Stamina | ⭐ |
By sprinting at full gallop before impact, the Giant Stallion unleashes its full might into enemies like a heavy cavalry charge. This violent collision can pulverise Hinox limbs and shred Bokoblin camps in an instant.
Remarkable Durability
Despite its hulking size, the Giant Stallion can withstand enemy attacks that would easily fell other horses. With its vast health pool, feel free to charge headfirst into harm‘s way and stomp adversaries underfoot while evading strikes.
In fact, when attacked the Giant Stallion counters with fiery rage – literally. Its flaming mane singes would-be aggressors, making it especially devastating against ice-wielding foes. I‘ve roasted many careless Ice Wizzrobes who underestimated this beast.
How to Obtain this Heavy Cavalry Horse
To recruit the Giant White Stallion as your hardcore warhorse, complete the following questline:
- Finish The Champions Ballad DLC main quest
- Accept the follow-up Giant Horse Gear side quest at Highland Stable
- Ride northwest across the Horse God Bridge into Guine Plains
- Sneak up and mount the Giant Stallion roaming the plains
- Tame it through button mashing before getting bucked off
Once befriended, this brawny brute will accompany you on sorties against Hyrule‘s most formidable adversaries. Just be sure to pack plenty of Stamina replenishing items!
Epona: Link‘s Fabled Steed of Legend
No list of ultimate Tears of the Kingdom horses is complete without the legendary Epona. As Link‘s iconic noble steed throughout the ages, her balanced attributes and signature design make Epona an instant fan favourite. Whether you‘re a series veteran or newcomer, riding this literal legend is a nostalgic blast.
Epona may not excel in any one area, but has sufficient stats to adapt on the fly across various situations. I‘ve found Epona‘s versatility invaluable on my open-world travels. Let‘s examine her well-rounded capabilities:
Jack of All Trades
With decent Strength, Speed and Stamina attributes without any glaring weaknesses, Epona adapts adeptly to diverse settings whether traversing fields or clashing steel.
| Strength | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Speed | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Stamina | ⭐⭐ |
I often switch to dependable Epona mid-fight if my main horse gets overwhelmed. Her Speed allows swift hit-and-run slashes against slower adversaries, while her Strength plows down weakened foes. It‘s this fluid flexibility that makes Epona so valuable.
Signature Legendary Design
Sporting an iconic chestnut and white palette with intricately-designed reins and saddle bearing the Triforce, Epona looks like she leaped straight out of Zelda mythos. Riding this fabled legend into battle evokes nostalgia and inspiration. Know that you carry ages of heroic legacy on your shoulders!
Swift Acquisition
Unlike other top-tier steeds, getting Epona simply requires loading up any Breath of Wild save data at the Riverside Stable. Alternatively, Legend of Zelda amiibos also instantly summon your legendary companion – handy if you‘re ever in a pinch!
With sentimental value rivalling her performance, the iconic Epona belongs in any true fan‘s Tears of Kingdom stable.
Golden Horse: Cross-Country Sprinting Sensation
This aptly-named elegant stallion lives up to its prestigious branding with outstanding Speed and Stamina. When you need to traverse vast distances rapidly, the Golden Horse allows you to sprint at full gallop tirelessly across Hyrule‘s sweeping plains. I‘ve shaved hours off my usual travel routes thanks to this fleet-footed wonder.
Let‘s examine why the Golden Horse dominates open-field mobility:
Superb Long-Distance Speed
With its stellar ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Speed rating, the Golden Horse dashes across grassy plains swiftly without slowing down. I‘ve been able to outsprint even bloodthirsty Lynels on this horse thanks to its breakneck pace.
| Strength | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Stamina | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Incredible Endurance
Similarly, the Golden Horse‘s ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stamina enables full-tilt galloping for extraordinary distances without pause. I‘ve raced from Gerudo Desert to Akkala Ancient Tech Lab nonstop astride this tireless steed!
Prestigious Regal Rewards
Upon returning the registered Golden Horse to a Stable, you receive a Royal Bridle and Royal Saddle. These gilded accessories further augment speed and stamina respectively. Once equipped, the Golden Horse transforms into an absolute transportation powerhouse without equal.
So when Priority #1 is covering vast terrain rapidly, no mount compares to the Golden Horse‘s explosive sprinting stamina.
Acquiring the Speedy Golden Horse
First, begin the "Gift from a Golden Horse" Stranger quest at Outskirt Stable. After meeting quest requirements, the coveted Golden Horse appears inside northern Tabantha Snowfield.
Use stealth elixirs to silently approach and mount the easily-spooked steed. Once tamed, the Golden Horse offers awe-inspiring mobility across Hyrule‘s farthest corners.
Verdict: Giant White Stallion – Hyrule‘s Supreme Equine Champion
While all three horses featured here represent the pinnacle of equine companions in Tears of the Kingdom, the Giant White Stallion earns the crown as undisputed champion warhorse. Its overwhelming Strength and Durability provides unrivaled offensive and defensive capacity for tackling the deadliest foes. Breathing fire to devastate ice enemies further cements its status as Hyrule‘s Supreme Mount.
For freely exploring the open world, the Golden Horse dominates with its supreme Speed and Stamina allowing unprecedented mobility. And Epona‘s sentimental heritage persisting through generations combined with well-balanced attributes make her an invaluable jack-of-all-trades across various situations.
Ultimately though, the Giant White Stallion‘s sheer peerless battle prowess elevates it above the herd as #1. So rally Hylia‘s mightiest steed today and may our alliance triumph over Hyrule‘s forces of evil!
