As is the case with most other games the Lynels are some of the toughest foes you can battle in Breath of the Wild, but, on the other hand, if you manage to beat them they’ll offer great rewards. Also, if wanting an upgraded Barbarian armor you’ll have to hunt down lots of Lynels. So, why trying out to find their weak spots, experimenting with different equipment, and searching the map trying to stumble upon one of them when you can read this guide and make sure you’ll be filled with knowledge the next time one of those beasts appear.
Firstly, let’s see what you’ll need to carry with you for battling Lynels:
- 12+ hearts
- Stasis+
- Shock or Fire Arrows
- Armor upgraded at least twice, preferably three times
- Multiple swords with at least 30 damage
- Great Eagle Bow (obtained after capturing Vah Medoh) – or better
- Mipha’s Grace spell (obtained after capturing Vah Ruta)
- Hearty Fried Wild Greens (obtained by cooking a Hearty Truffle or Hearty Radish) – this will replenish all your hearts, and grant 3 to 5 extra temporary hearts
Next, here’s a working strategy for beating one of the beasts:
- Use Stasis+
- Shoot an arrow into the Lynel’s face, which should stun it once Stasis wears off
- Sprint up to the Lynel and mount it (by pressing A), then attack until you get bucked off
- Repeat
Now, if not wanting to roam the map, here’s where you can find Lynels:
During the eraly game, there are high chances to find one while looking for the Shock Arrows for your assault on Divine Beast Vah Ruta. The problem is that, at the time, you’ll have slim chances of beating it, so it’s best to return with upgraded equipment.
Lynels can also be found on the Tabantha Tundra (One is west of Qaza Tokki Shrine, located in the North Lomei Labyrinth and another is south of Sha Gehma Shrine). Now, white Lynels are tougher to beat than red and blue ones, but if you manage to bring one down it will drop better equipment than its red and blue cousins.
A blue-maned Lynel can be found south of Rok Woods, and a red-maned Lynel is located on Oseria Plains (east of Ishto Soh Shrine).
If you happen to found one somewhere else, feel free to mention the location in the comment section.
Here are a couple of more tips for battling Lynels:
- An alternative to the shield counter is timing a sidestep correctly, which will trigger a Flurry Rush
- When the Lynel starts charging its stomp attack (while stationary), sprint out of the area of effect, or shoot arrows in its face to stun it
- Backflip dodging the Lynel’s swipe attack will trigger a Flurry Rush
- If the Lynel is charging without its weapon drawn, the easiest thing to do is use your shield (hold ZL), and it will back off – buying you more time for your Stasis to recharge
- You can use the Camera rune to identify which color the Lynel is, before you get up close
And, for the end, here’s a list of potential drops:
- Lynel Horn, Lynel Hoof, and Lynel Guts (which you’ll need to upgrade your Barbarian armor)
- Up to 20 Shock Arrows or Fire Arrows
Blue-maned Lynel
- Mighty Lynel Crusher (54 attack)
- Mighty Lynel Sword (30 attack)
White-maned Lynel
- Savage Lynel Bow (3 x 32 attack)
- Savage Lynel Crusher (78 attack)
- Savage Lynel Shield (62 defense)
- Savage Lynel Spear (30 attack)
- Savage Lynel Sword (58 attack)