Epona remains one of the most iconic mounts in The Legend of Zelda series, and players exploring Hyrule in Tears of the Kingdom are eager to ride her once again. Unlike standard wild horses found roaming the plains, obtaining Epona requires specific methods tied to hardware accessories or existing save files. Understanding how to spawn and permanently register this legendary steed ensures you can explore Hyrule with maximum stats right from the start.
Using Amiibo to Summon Epona
The primary method to acquire Epona in Tears of the Kingdom is by scanning compatible Amiibo figures. Scanning either the Super Smash Bros. Link Amiibo or the Twilight Princess Link Amiibo will instantly spawn Epona right in front of Link. Make sure you stand in an open field near a stable before scanning to avoid accidentally spawning her in unreachable terrain.
If you scan the Amiibo for the first time after reaching the surface, Epona is guaranteed to appear. In the rare event that another item drops instead, simply save your game before scanning and reload until she appears. Once she spawns, she will already be fully tamed, so you do not need to worry about soothing her.
Transferring Epona from Breath of the Wild
Players who previously registered Epona in Breath of the Wild on the same Nintendo Switch console can take advantage of automatic save data transfer. When you visit any stable in Tears of the Kingdom for the first time, speak with the stable master to check your boarded horses. Your existing horses, including Epona, will automatically transfer over to your new adventure.
This save transfer feature is seamless and requires no extra steps during gameplay. It provides a fantastic reward for returning players who spent time building their collection in the previous game. If Epona does not appear in your list, ensure your old save file is stored on the console's internal memory.
How to Register Epona at a Stable
Once Epona is standing beside you, mounted exploration becomes much easier, but you must register her to keep her permanently. Ride Epona directly to the nearest stable master while staying mounted and select the option to register a horse. The stable keeper will recognize Epona's unique legendary status and prompt you to finish the registration process.
Unlike wild horses, Epona comes with maximum stats across gentle temperament, strength, speed, and stamina. Because of her predefined legendary status, you cannot change her name or customize her bridle and saddle. Completing the registration ensures that if you ever get separated from her, she can be recalled from any stable on the map.
Maximizing Your Journey with Epona
Having Epona early in your journey gives you a massive advantage when navigating the vast terrain of Hyrule. Her maxed-out stamina allows for swift travel across dangerous regions before you unlock all fast-travel shrines. Utilizing her strength makes mounted combat against roaming monsters far more manageable during early-game quests.