TL;DR
- Epona requires Breath of the Wild save data or Link Amiibo for stable access
- New Serenne Stable northwest of Lookout Landing offers Epona to qualified players
- Amiibo scanning provides instant summoning regardless of game progress
- Epona has exceptional stats but cannot pull carts or objects
- Multiple backup options exist for players without Epona access
Epona represents Link’s legendary equine companion throughout the Zelda series, offering players a reliable transportation method across Hyrule’s vast landscapes. This iconic mount brings both nostalgia and practical advantages to your Tears of the Kingdom adventure.
Acquiring Epona early provides significant mobility benefits, though specific prerequisites determine availability. Understanding these requirements beforehand saves valuable exploration time and ensures you can secure this premium mount through the most efficient method.
The fastest approach to obtaining Epona involves scanning compatible Link Amiibo figures using your Nintendo Switch. Any Amiibo depicting Link in various forms—including Twilight Princess, Super Smash Bros., or Ocarina of Time versions—can potentially summon Epona when scanned.
To utilize this method, access the Amiibo function through your ability wheel and place the physical figure on your right Joy-Con. Success rates vary daily, but persistence typically rewards players with Epona’s registration within their stable roster.
This approach bypasses geographical requirements entirely, allowing Epona acquisition immediately after gaining Amiibo scanning capabilities. The summoned horse automatically registers at any visited stable, enabling future retrieval even if initially obtained remotely.
For players preferring in-game methods, New Serenne Stable serves as the primary location for claiming Epona. Situated northwest of Lookout Landing, this hub becomes accessible early through main story progression or direct exploration.
Upon arrival, speak with the stable proprietor to access the horse selection menu. Players meeting specific prerequisites will find Epona automatically available for borrowing, indicated by the NPC recognizing Link as a “good customer.”
Critical Requirement: Epona only appears at stables for players possessing either Breath of the Wild installed on their system, a completed BotW save file, or previous Amiibo acquisition. Without these conditions, the option remains unavailable regardless of progression.
New Serenne Stable’s proximity to the starting area makes it easily reachable early in your adventure.
New players lacking these prerequisites should prioritize the Amiibo method or explore alternative mounts. The stable’s strategic location near Lookout Landing and connection to Impa’s Geoglyphs quest makes it worth visiting regardless of Epona availability.
Epona boasts impressive base statistics that outperform most wild horses, featuring maximum bond potential and responsive handling. However, her specialized design includes notable functional restrictions that impact certain gameplay aspects.
The most significant limitation involves Epona’s 0 Pull stat, preventing her from hauling carts, sleds, or other towable objects. This restriction significantly affects transportation puzzles and cargo-moving challenges throughout Hyrule.
Despite this constraint, Epona’s superior speed, stamina, and temperament make her ideal for combat situations and long-distance travel. Her immediate bond maximum eliminates the typical taming and bonding process required for wild horses.
Players unable to meet Epona’s requirements have numerous alternative options for securing reliable transportation. Hyrule’s wilderness contains various horse breeds with different stat distributions, some rivaling Epona’s performance in specific areas.
Special mounts like the Giant Horse offer unique advantages for specific playstyles, while standard horses provide adequate mobility for most exploration needs. Our comprehensive mount acquisition guide details all available options and their respective strengths.
For broader gameplay assistance, explore our guides hub covering numerous mechanics and systems throughout Tears of the Kingdom. New players particularly benefit from understanding stable mechanics through our dedicated stable overview guide.
Strategic horse capture in specific regions can yield mounts with nearly identical performance to Epona, minus the nostalgic appeal. Focus on areas with solid-colored horses for the best stat potential.
Action Checklist
- Check for Breath of the Wild save data on your system
- Acquire compatible Link Amiibo for instant summoning
- Travel to New Serenne Stable northwest of Lookout Landing
- Speak with stable proprietor and check horse selection menu
- Explore alternative mount options if prerequisites aren’t met
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom – How To Get Epona Complete guide to acquiring Epona in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom with proven methods and requirements