Conquering the Untamed: A Deep Dive into Lynel Domination in Zelda
Lynels. The name sends shivers down many Hyrule adventurers. These centaur-like beasts are the titans of the Zelda bestiary. They are raging, heavily armed creatures. Anyone who ventures beyond Hyrule’s safe zones faces them. It’s not a matter of “if,” but “when.”
But fear not, brave explorers! You can’t put a saddle on a Lynel and ride into the sunset. Yet, there’s more to them than just running away. We are going to explore Lynels deeply. We’ll look at the different breeds, their brutal combat styles, and strategies to come out on top with some life-saving Lynel loot.
Forget fluffy sheep. This is about mastering monsters. So, gear up. Grab your strongest shield, and let’s get into Lynel wrangling, Zelda-style.
Taming the Beast (Figuratively Speaking): Mounting, “Riding,” and the Illusion of Control
Let’s confront the fire-breathing centaur in the room. Can you *tame* a Lynel? The answer is simply no. You can’t ride a Lynel into the sunset. They don’t have a cooperative spirit. Convincing a creature that can crush boulders to accept a bridle? Good luck with that.
Can Lynels Be Tamed? Spoiler Alert: Not Really (But Mounting is a Thing!)
As much as the image of Link riding a Lynel around Hyrule Field exists in fan fiction, it stays in fantasy. Lynels are wild forces of nature. Anyone saying they’ve “tamed” a Lynel is probably joking or modifying their game. Even then, can one call it taming if it changes the game’s code? We digress.
However, there’s a form of interaction that is loosely seen as “taming-adjacent.” We’re talking about mounting. Yes, you can hop onto a Lynel’s back. But let’s clarify what “mounting” means.
It’s less like taming and more like hitching a ride on a very disgruntled taxi. It’s a temporary tactic, not a path to domestication. But hey, every little advantage counts, right?
For a humorous perspective, check out The Basement’s YouTube video titled “We TAMED a LYNEL and Attacked the Village in Zelda.” The title plays on the fantasy of taming, while showcasing mounting. The description states, “Yes we did it. Hot wow the blue lional is.” It tongue-in-cheek acknowledges the desire to tame these beasts.
Mounting Lynels: A Tactical Advantage, Not a Joyride
So, how do you mount a Lynel? It’s not like approaching a kind pony with a carrot. Lynels don’t react well to friendly gestures. You must catch them off guard. Here are the main methods to get on:
- Stealth Approach: Pretend to be a ninja. Sneak up behind a Lynel undetected. If successful, you’ll get a prompt to mount it. Think sneaking up on a horse but aiming to unleash weapon strikes.
- Aerial Assault: Master the Paraglider. Glide above and land on the Lynel’s back. Timing and placement must be perfect, but it’s stylish and effective. Picture its face – pure Lynel rage, followed by your sword’s swift strike.
Once mounted, the real fun begins. You have a brief window to strike directly at the Lynel. Your weapons don’t take durability hits while mounted. So make every hit count before the Lynel throws you off like a grumpy bull.
Riding Lynels: A Myth for a Reason
Now, let’s shatter dreams of Lynel exploration. You can mount a Lynel and hit it, but “riding” it just doesn’t exist. Once mounted, you control nothing. It won’t gallop gracefully at your command. It’s a wild Lynel, intent on throwing you off quickly and violently.
The facts state, “Unfortunately, the lack of control means that riding Lynels isn’t practical outside battle.” This is the truth. Mounting is a tactic, not transportation or companionship.
Alternative Mounts: When You Need a Ride (That Isn’t Trying to Kill You)
If Lynels aren’t your option for mounts, what about safer rides around Hyrule? The Zelda universe has conventional, less murderous alternatives:
- Horses: The classic choice. Stables dot Hyrule, offering horses to tame and register. They are reliable and won’t try to incinerate you. Plus, you can name them.
- Stalhorses: For those with a taste for the unusual, Stalhorses roam certain areas of Hyrule, especially in colder regions. They are striking mounts but cannot be registered at stables.
- Satori (Lord of the Mountain): The majestic Satori glows on Satori Mountain. You can tame it like other mounts — sneak up and soothe it. Like Stalhorses, Satori disappears if left unattended.
In conclusion, while taming a Lynel is tempting, it’s fantasy. For real transport and companionship, choose horses or enjoy the ephemeral thrill of Stalhorses and Satori. Lynels are foes to conquer, not companions.
Know Your Enemy: Lynel Types, Difficulty, and the Hierarchy of Hurt
Not all Lynels are created equal. Just like house cats are different from Bengal tigers, the Lynel family has diverse breeds, each with its own level of ferocity.
and combat prowess. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for any aspiring Lynel hunter. Charging into a Silver Lynel fight with the same strategy you’d use against a Red Lynel leads to quick defeat.
Lynel Types: From Red to Golden – A Spectrum of Savage
Let’s break down the Lynel lineup, from “beginner-friendly” to apex predators:
- Red-Maned Lynels: The entry-level Lynel experience. These foes are dangerous for newer players. They’re red maned and found in easier areas. Red Lynels are the weakest. The only one that doesn’t scale is on Ploymus Mountain, a fixed spawn. Consider them training Lynels for practice.
- Blue-Maned Lynels: A step up in Lynel encounters. They are tougher than red ones. Blue-Maned Lynels have more health and damage. They appear in mid-game areas. Their blue manes show that you face a more serious threat.
- White-Maned Lynels: Enter the serious Lynel portion. White-Maned Lynels pack a punch and are aggressive. They are stronger than Blue-Maned variants. Their white manes warn of danger – proceed with caution.
- Silver Lynels: Kings of the Lynel family in the base game. These are the strongest enemies in BotW and challenging to defeat. Silver Lynels have massive health. They hit hard and perform devastating attacks. Defeating one tests your skill and preparation.
- Golden Lynels: Exclusive to Master Mode in Breath of the Wild, Golden Lynels are the pinnacle of Lynel difficulty. They surpass Silver Lynels in power, speed, and aggression. Facing a Golden Lynel is an ordeal meant for skilled players.
- Black Lynels: Black Lynels only appear in A Link Between Worlds at the Treacherous Tower. They do not exist in Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom. While formidable, they do not follow the standard progression seen in newer games.
Difficulty Scaling: The Lynel Evolution
Lynels in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom adapt as players progress. Upon defeating Divine Beasts or Regional Phenomena, stronger versions appear. Red-Maned Lynels become Blue-Maned, then White-Maned, and finally Silver Lynels.
“18 of the 22 Lynels in the game will eventually evolve into Silver Lynels.” This highlights the dynamic nature of the Lynel population, constantly increasing difficulty. Most fixed spawns like the Red Lynel on Ploymus Mountain stay at their initial tier.
Which Lynel Reigns Supreme? The Hardest of the Herd
The Silver Lynel takes the crown for sheer difficulty. “Silver Lynel These are by far the strongest in BotW, and the hardest to defeat.” Silver Lynels represent the pinnacle of Lynel challenge in the base game, demanding respect and flawless execution. If you beat them repeatedly, you’ve mastered Zelda combat.
As you explore Hyrule, watch for the distinct manes of these monsters. Identifying the Lynel type helps devise a winning strategy. Strategy matters against a Lynel.
Unlocking Victory: Lynel Weaknesses, Combat Strategies, and Dirty Tricks
Facing a Lynel without a plan leads to defeat. These creatures punish recklessness. However, they have weaknesses that can be used with proper tactics. Let’s explore strategies and tricks that can shift battle momentum.
Stasis: Time is on Your Side (Briefly)
Stasis, especially Stasis+, is vital in fighting Lynels. “Lynels are also vulnerable to Stasis+, which can give time to get out of the way, or even get some free hits in.” Stasis freezes enemies temporarily, allowing repositioning, healing, or launching attacks without retaliation.
Hitting them during Stasis+ stuns them briefly when they come out. This adds utility to Stasis, granting a moment to breathe and strategize amidst chaos.
Urbosa’s Fury: Thunderous Disruption
After completing the Gerudo Divine Beast quest, Urbosa’s Fury changes everything in Lynel fights. “You can use Urbosa’s Fury to stun the Lynel for some damage and enable you to mount it.” This powerful attack deals significant area damage and stuns enemies.
Using Urbosa’s Fury creates an opening for a mount attack. After the blast, quickly mount the stunned Lynel for free weapon strikes. It’s an effective way to gain tactical advantage against Lynels.
Arrows: Headshots Hurt (Even for Lynels)
A shot to the head can disrupt a Lynel. “After you shoot him in a head with an arrow.” This key weakness allows follow-up attacks after stunning a Lynel. Create mounting opportunities by stunning them with headshots, close distance, then mount.
Experiment with arrow types. Ancient Arrows deal significant damage to Guardians and can work against Lynels too. Elemental arrows can provide advantages yet require caution due to some resistances.
Stealth Attacks: The Element of Surprise (Briefly)
Stealth plays a role in Lynel fights, though limited. “The Lynel is weak to stealth attacks … If you can get behind the Lynel without it noticing, you can mount it.” Stealth attacks give an advantage at the start of combat.
However, do not expect long-lived stealth. Lynels are perceptive and will detect you quickly. Stealth helps initiate combat, but excitement begins quickly.
Useful for an initial mount attack, not for prolonged evasion.
Armor-Breaking Tactics: Blunt Force and Explosions
Some Lynels have armor. Higher-tier variants significantly reduce damage from standard weapons. To hurt these Lynels, break their armor first. “Like other armored enemies in Tears of the Kingdom, blunt weapons or explosions are needed before damaging the Lynel.”
Blunt weapons like clubs and hammers break Lynel armor effectively. Charged spin attacks with two-handed weapons help break armor quickly. Explosive damage from bombs or bomb arrows also strips armor. Once armor breaks, Lynels are vulnerable to normal weapon attacks.
Mounting Mayhem: Weapon Durability Savior
Here’s a little perk: “if you mount these guys, handheld weapons take no damage.” While mounted, weapons are invincible. This is a great way to deal damage without worrying about breaks. So, mount up and unleash strong attacks; save weapon durability for later.
Immunities: What Doesn’t Work on a Lynel
Lynels resist many forms of crowd control. “They are impervious to all freeze or shock effects, giving players time to plan their next move.” They are immune to freezing and electric shocks, effective against other enemies. You can’t rely on these tactics to stun-lock a Lynel. Use Stasis and Urbosa’s Fury for stunning.
Understanding Lynels’ weaknesses and immunities is crucial for combat strategies. Experiment with various tactics and weapons to find your best fit. Remember, practice is key. Don’t be upset by early defeats. Learn, adapt, and you’ll master even the toughest Silver Lynels.
Spoils of War: Lynel Drops, Rewards, and Loot Galore
Defeating a Lynel brings more than bragging rights; it offers valuable loot. Lynels drop numerous materials, weapons, and gear. From crafting materials to powerful items, their drops are essential for adventurers upgrading gear and abilities. Let’s explore Lynel hunting rewards.
Common Lynel Drops: The Everyday Essentials
Each defeated Lynel drops common items. “Here’s the drop list: Lynel Hoof, Lynel Saber Horn, Lynel Mace Horn, Arrows.” These staples are consistently found on all Lynel types:
- Lynel Hoof: Useful for crafting and fusing.
- Lynel Saber Horn: Great for crafting and fusing.
- Lynel Mace Horn: Used in crafting and fusing.
- Arrows: Lynels frequently drop arrow bundles.
While these drops seem mundane, they are essential for crafting. Lynel Horns and Hooves enhance weapons and aid in elixir creation.
Rare Lynel Drops: The Coveted Guts
Lynels can also drop rare materials, especially Lynel Guts. “Blue/White/Silver Lynels have a 100% drop rate for guts, or people aren’t getting guts at all.” Drop rates may vary by player. Some see a 100% rate from higher-tier Lynels; others see randomness. Regardless, Lynel Guts remain valuable.
These guts upgrade armor. Many high-level armor sets depend on Lynel Guts for final enhancements, vital for defense.
Weapon Drops: Lynel Armaments
Lynels are not just loot sources; they carry powerful weapons. “First are the Lynel bow and the Lynel shield.” Their weapons boast exceptional stats and durability.
- Lynel Bow: Known for multi-shot capabilities, firing multiple arrows simultaneously. The Savage Lynel Bow, dropped from White-Maned and Silver Lynels, is especially sought after, firing three or five arrows at once. “The Savage Lynel Bow retains its exceptional stats from the previous game.”
- Lynel Shield: Incredibly durable with excellent defensive stats, resisting even brutal attacks.
- Lynel Crusher: They also drop powerful crushers (two-handed clubs). “Mighty Lynel Crushers rank as the second most potent weapon type.” The Savage Lynel Crusher is the ultimate in Lynel power. “With a base strength of 78 and an upgraded max power of 108, its power level is remarkable.” These crushers deal massive damage, especially to armored foes.
Uses for Lynel Drops: Crafting, Fusing, and Armor Enhancement
What do you do with Lynel loot? Many useful options exist:
- Fusing: Lynel Horns and Hooves fuse well. “Lynel Hoof grants double fuse power and armor-piercing when attached to arrows.” Fusing Lynel Hooves to arrows increases damage and penetrative power. Horns can boost weapon attack power.
- Elixirs: Cook Lynel Horns with critters to create longer-lasting elixirs. “Combine them with critters for increased elixir durations.”
- Armor Dyeing: Lynel Horns serve as dye ingredients at Kochi Dye Shop in Hateno Village. “Use them to dye armor in Hateno.”
- Armor Upgrades: Lynel Guts enhance high-level armor sets. “They are essential for armor upgrades.”
Lynel drops are critical for progression in Zelda games. Hunting them offers both a rewarding combat experience and essential materials for greater challenges.
The Lynel Mask: A Momentary Truce (and Not Much More)
If you want a non-confrontational approach to Lynels, try the Lynel Mask. This mask, found in select Zelda games, mimics a Lynel’s appearance and may trick others into thinking you’re one of them.
Mask Effect: Deception with an Expiration Date
Does the Lynel Mask work? Yes, to an extent. “Lynels are some of the smartest monsters in Hyrule; the mask might fool them temporarily.” Wearing the Lynel Mask (or Majora’s Mask), Lynels may be less aggressive. They approach cautiously but won’t attack right away.
This truce is temporary. Lynels will figure out you’re not one of them. The disguise will fail, and you’ll face hostility. The Lynel Mask isn’t a way to avoid combat; it merely gives you a chance to observe before the inevitable fight.
Consider the Lynel Mask a novelty item, allowing brief interaction without immediate aggression. Don’t depend on it in crucial moments. With Lynels, fighting becomes inevitable.
Lynel Hotspots: Where to Find These Fearsome Foes
You’re geared up and ready to hunt Lynels. But where do you find these monsters? Lynels aren’t randomly scattered; they patrol specific areas. Knowing their locations is vital for hunting success.
Specific Lynel Locations: Pinpointing the Prey
While locations vary by game, certain areas are reliable Lynel hotspots. Here are examples:
- Lanayru Heights:
- “A Blue-Maned Lynel is in Lanayru Heights at (2726,-0962,0238).” This spot is perfect for finding a Blue-Maned Lynel. The coordinates guide players to its exact location on the map.
- Floating Coliseum (Depths): “The Floating Coliseum lies in the Depths below the Coliseum Ruins in Hyrule Field.” This arena features many Lynels. It presents a challenge for skilled hunters.
- Ukuku Plains: “A White-Maned Lynel is seen in Ukuku Plains at (3883, 0957, 0248).” This area has plenty of Lynel activity, focusing mainly on White-Maned Lynels. Coordinates are available for accuracy.
General Lynel Areas: Broad Hunting Grounds
Lynels usually roam specific areas within Hyrule:
- Hyrule Field: “Hyrule Field.” This large region often hosts Lynels of various types. They patrol widely.
- Central Hyrule Depths: “Central Hyrule Depths.” The Depths below Central Hyrule, surrounding the Floating Coliseum, are rich with Lynels. Expect intense combat in this zone.
- Lanayru Great Spring: “Lanayru Great Spring.” This region, including Lanayru Heights, is a known habitat for Lynels.
These examples highlight some typical locations. Lynels also appear elsewhere. Explore Hyrule and the Depths to find more. Use your scope to identify Lynel types before engaging. Be ready for a tough fight.
Lynel Armory: Wielding Their Weapons Against Them
We discussed Lynel weapon drops previously, but let’s
