The Horseback Archery Challenge is a minigame in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. To win, you need to shoot as many targets as possible in 60 seconds while riding a horse. The challenge takes place at the Mounted Archery Camp in the Lake Region.
Before starting the challenge, you need to obtain a bow and arrows. Jini, who runs the challenge, sells arrows, including regular, bomb, and shock arrows. You can also purchase arrows from Jini without participating in the challenge.
During the challenge, you must ride a horse and shoot a series of targets within a time limit of 60 seconds. You are limited to the number of arrows you have and the bows in your inventory. If you get off the horse at any time, you will be disqualified.
To increase your chances of winning, it is recommended to use a bow that fires multiple arrows, such as the Savage Lynel Bow, and equip bomb arrows to hit multiple targets simultaneously. Using a horse with better control, such as the Royal White Stallion, can also improve your performance.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Location | Mounted Archery Camp in the Lake Region |
Cost | 20 rupees |
Time limit | 60 seconds |
Number of targets | 20 |
Reward for hitting 20 targets | Knight's Bridle |
Reward for hitting 23 targets | Knight's Saddle |
Reward for hitting 25 targets | All unique rewards |
Horse | The Royal White Stallion |
Bow | Savage Lynel Bow, Ancient Bow, Falcon Bow, Great Eagle Bow, Twilight Bow |
Arrows | Bomb Arrows, Shock Arrows |
What You'll Learn
Use the right horse
To win the horseback archery challenge in Breath of the Wild, you'll need to use the right horse. While you can complete the challenge with any horse, some are better suited to the task than others.
The Royal White Stallion, for example, is said to offer better control. You can obtain this horse by accepting a side quest from Toffa at the Outskirt Stable. Toffa will tell you to find the stallion, a direct descendant of Princess Zelda's horse, in the Nima Plain, west of the Sanidin Park Ruins.
Another option is Epona, Link's iconic horse from previous games. Epona has four stars in every stat and a gentle temperament, making her easy to ride and direct. However, to obtain Epona, you'll need the Smash Bros. Link Amiibo.
If you don't have access to either of these horses, you can still succeed with a wild horse. The best wild horses can be found in the Ridgeland Tower region, in the grassland above Maag No'rah Shrine, near Serenne Stable. These horses have solid colours and higher stats than spotted horses, with some even having five-star speed.
When choosing a horse, avoid those with spots, as they tend to have lower stats. Additionally, look for a horse with at least four-star speed. This will make it easier to hit the targets and improve your chances of winning the challenge.
Remember, the right horse can make all the difference in the horseback archery challenge. So, take your time, choose wisely, and don't be afraid to explore different options to find the perfect equine partner for this exciting minigame.
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Choose the best bow
The bow you choose for the Horseback Archery Challenge in Breath of the Wild can make a huge difference to your performance. While you can use any bow in the game, certain bows are better suited to the challenge than others.
Firstly, bows that fire multiple arrows, such as the Savage Lynel Bow, are highly recommended. This is because they allow you to hit multiple targets with a single shot, which saves time and arrows. The 5x Lynel Bow is considered the best option here, as it has a wide arrow spread, increasing your chances of hitting the target even if your aim is slightly off. The Swallow Bow, Falcon Bow, and Great Eagle Bow are also good options, as they have rapid-drawing capabilities.
If you are confident in your aiming abilities, however, you might prefer to use a "true-shot" bow, such as the Phrenic, Golden, or Ancient Bow. These bows have excellent range and accuracy, meaning their arrows will usually hit exactly where you aim. This can be advantageous if you are trying to hit targets that are far away. However, they only fire one arrow at a time, so you will need to be confident in your ability to consistently hit the target.
Another option is to use a Rito bow, which one player described as "ridiculously easy" to use in the challenge. The Twilight Bow is also mentioned as a good choice, with its 8000 range making it extremely powerful.
Ultimately, the best bow for you will depend on your personal preferences and playstyle. If you are comfortable with "true-shot" bows and confident in your aiming abilities, then a bow like the Ancient Bow might be the best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer to have a wider margin for error, then a bow that fires multiple arrows, like the Savage Lynel Bow, might be a better option. Experiment with different bows and see which one feels the most comfortable for you.
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Practice makes perfect
First, make sure you have the right equipment. Bring a sturdy bow and a fully bonded horse that will follow the path and not disobey your commands. A slower horse may be preferable, as it will give you more time to adjust your aim. Additionally, consider using a long-range bow with a quick shot bonus, such as the Falcon Bow or the Great Eagle Bow. These bows have a greater range, which means less arrow drop-off to compensate for, and they draw quicker, allowing for faster reactions.
Second, practice your riding and aiming skills. Ride in a steady fashion, as jerky movements will make it harder to aim. Stay on the main path, as it is much easier to rotate the camera than to steer the horse. Ride in straight lines, only turning when required. You can also use motion controls to improve your aiming.
Third, manage your time effectively during the challenge. Keep moving at a good pace, not a full gallop, to give yourself the option to use stamina whips or carrots. If you fall too far behind, you will run out of time before you reach all the targets. Remember that you only have 60 seconds to complete the task, so focus on hitting as many targets as possible and move on if you miss.
Finally, don't be afraid to use special arrows and take advantage of the game mechanics. Equip your bow with bomb arrows or shock arrows, which can help you hit multiple targets at once. Also, take advantage of the slow-motion feature by jumping off your horse at the final targets and aiming before you land. This will give you more time to hit the last few targets.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you will improve your performance in the Mounted Archery Challenge and increase your chances of success.
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Slow and steady wins the race
First, let's set the stage. The Horseback Archery Challenge takes place at the Mounted Archery Camp in the Lake Region. To begin, you'll need to ride your horse and speak to Jini, who can be found sitting under a tree at the campsite entrance. Jini will offer to sell you arrows and bomb arrows, which you'll need for the challenge. Each attempt will cost you 20 rupees, so be prepared to invest some money into this endeavour.
Now, let's talk strategy. The key to success in this challenge is to take your time and maintain a steady pace. Jerky or fast movements will make it harder to aim accurately. Instead, focus on riding in a smooth and controlled manner. Stay on the main path as much as possible, as it's much easier to rotate the camera than to steer your horse. Only make turns when necessary, and be mindful of your horse's speed. While you don't need to gallop at full speed, you also don't want to fall too far behind.
When it comes to your equipment, there are a few key considerations. Firstly, equip a bow that fires multiple arrows, such as the Savage Lynel Bow. This will increase your chances of hitting targets, especially when they are clustered together. Secondly, make use of bomb arrows. These can take out multiple targets with a single shot, making them extremely useful for the final five targets, which are grouped closely together. If it's raining, you can also use shock arrows to achieve the same effect.
Another important tip is to take advantage of slow-motion aiming. Although you are required to shoot from horseback, you can leap off your horse at the final targets without being disqualified until your feet touch the ground. This allows you to slow down time and take aim at the last few targets with precision. Make sure to have enough stamina or recovery food/elixirs to make the most of this slow-motion opportunity.
Finally, don't be afraid to take breaks and practise. This challenge can be frustrating, and it may take multiple attempts to succeed. Save your game before starting, and bring along several bows and a plentiful supply of arrows. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. By taking your time, staying controlled, and making smart equipment choices, you'll eventually conquer the Horseback Archery Challenge.
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Manual control
To win the horseback archery challenge in Breath of the Wild, you will need to manually control your horse while shooting at targets. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
Horse Control
- Be prepared to manually control your horse. The horse will automatically try to follow the road, but small unexpected changes in direction can throw off your aim.
- Try to ride directly towards difficult or distant targets. Don't stick too rigidly to the path.
- When turning off-road, stay well away from the path, or constantly add a bit of turn, otherwise, your horse will try to correct its path back to the road.
- Keep moving at a good pace. Not a full gallop, but fast enough that you have the option to use stamina whips or carrots. If you fall behind, you will run out of time.
- Slow down to a trot when you have multiple targets to aim at. But don't spend too much time doing this, as you only have a minute.
Bow and Arrows
- Save your game before you start. You will probably use a lot of bows and arrows, so save beforehand in case you run out. Bring at least 3 bows and 60 arrows if you don't plan on reloading after every few failed attempts.
- Use a bow that fires multiple arrows, such as the Savage Lynel Bow awarded after defeating a Lynel. Bows with rapid reload/fire also work well.
- Equip bomb arrows so that one shot can hit multiple targets at the same time.
- If it's raining, use shock arrows.
- Use slow-mo aiming at the end of the course. You can leap off the horse at the final 5 targets and not be disqualified until your feet touch the ground. This gives you more time to aim.
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Frequently asked questions
To start the challenge, head to the Mounted Archery Camp in the Lake Tower region of Breath of the Wild. From the Highland Stable, ride a horse westward and you'll find Jini and Straia. Speak to Jini while on horseback and he will ask you if you want to do the drill.
To play the challenge, you will need a horse, a bow, and arrows. You will also need to pay 20 rupees to participate.
The goal of the challenge is to shoot as many targets as possible in 60 seconds. You will need to ride a horse while simultaneously shooting arrows at the targets.
Here are some tips to complete the challenge:
- Use a bow with a quick shot perk to increase your firing rate, such as the Eagle Bow or Falcon Bow.
- Ride in a steady fashion and avoid jerky movements, as they will make it harder to aim.
- Stay on the main path and use motion controls to aim better.
- Slow down to a trot when approaching multiple targets, but be mindful of the time limit.
- Use bomb arrows to hit multiple targets at once.