How To Get Epona Ocarina Of Time Complete Horse Unlock Guide
Unlocking Link's trusted steed Epona in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of the most rewarding side quests in gaming history. Acquiring Epona makes traveling across Hyrule Field much faster and allows players to access optional secrets with ease. Following the proper steps during both Link's child and adult eras ensures you successfully add this legendary horse to your adventure.
Learning Epona's Song as Young Link
To begin the unlock sequence, visit Lon Lon Ranch located in the middle of Hyrule Field during Link's child era. Walk to the center corral and speak with Malon three times until she mentions the song she is singing. Pull out your ocarina so Malon can teach you Epona's Song, which builds a strong bond with the young foal.
It is crucial to complete this musical lesson before drawing the Master Sword and traveling forward in time. Learning the melody early ensures that Epona remembers Link once he returns years later as an adult. Missing this step will require returning to the child timeline later to learn the song properly.
Challenging Ingo at Lon Lon Ranch
After progressing to the adult timeline, return to Lon Lon Ranch to find that Ingo has taken over the property. Pay Ingo 10 rupees to enter the enclosure and ride one of his rental horses. Once inside the ring, play Epona's Song on your ocarina to summon Epona directly to your side.
Mount Epona and speak to Ingo while riding her to challenge him to a horse race around the track. Stay along the inside lane during the race to minimize distance and defeat Ingo soundly. After your victory, an enraged Ingo will challenge you to a second race with Epona held as the ultimate prize.
Escaping the Ranch with Epona
Defeating Ingo in the rematch forces him to yield ownership of Epona, though he retaliates by locking the ranch gates. To make your getaway, build up top speed on Epona and charge directly toward the surrounding fences. Epona will leap over the barrier effortlessly, escaping into Hyrule Field and completing the unlock process.
Once freed from Lon Lon Ranch, Epona can be summoned anywhere in the open world simply by playing Epona's Song. Riding her provides invincibility against basic field enemies and allows Link to use his bow while moving at high speeds. Mastering this iconic mount greatly enhances your overall journey through Hyrule.