Breath of the Wild: How to Kill a Lynel
Lynels are quite possibly the strongest type of enemy that Link can go up against in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. In this Zelda Breath of the Wild Lynel guide, we'll be walking you through how to kill a Lynel in Breath of the Wild with as little trouble as possible.
How to Kill a Lynel in Breath of the Wild
Lynels are so tough that they should probably be marked as mini bosses within Breath of the Wild. While the majority of their attacks come at Link from a distance, they can pull off a few area of effect attacks when up close.
First off, it goes without saying that a sturdy set of armour should be used when facing a Lynel, this most likely being the Soldier outfit. You'll also want a strong shield for the fight ahead, as if you do happen to get caught out by a swing of the Lynel's axe, you can at least reduce the damage taken by Link.
While normal, fire and ice arrows will have little to no effect on a Lynel, lightning and bomb arrows can be used to scrape off a little bit of health, although it'd probably be a good idea to focus on close quarters combat in a fight with a Lynel, so bring a weapon that Link can use to get in a few quick hits with, like a sword or spear.
The most standard Lynel around Hyrule, the red Lynels can be found either slightly north east of the tower in the Faron region, or a fair way to the south of Central Hyrule, right in between the Faron and Gerudo regions.
As soon as it catches sight of Link, the red Lynel will prepare to fire a powerful shock arrow, which deals a hefty amount of damage if caught in the blast area. Keeping moving while generally closing the distance between Link and the Lynel is a good tactic to use, and prepare to either jump or get your shield ready every time the beast charges with its axe.
Whenever Link stays close to the Lynel for too long, it'll prepare a jumping, area of effect attack. To counter this, either move out of the considerable blast radius or hold your shield up, being ready to press the attack after the Lynel is back on the ground.
Once the red Lynel has been defeated, it will drop a Lynel spear and Lynel bow, as well as a Lynel horn and hoof, both of which can be used in recipes or sold to merchants.
Two blue Lynels can both be found in the Akkala region, situated in the north east reaches of Hyrule. One can be found about a minute's walk west of the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, and will put up a tougher fight than the red variant of Lynel.
While the blue Lynel uses the same attacks and attack patterns as the red Lynel, the loot dropped afterwards is far more powerful. A Mighty Lynel Spear, Mighty Lynel Bow, 10 shock arrows, and a Lynel hoof and horn will all be waiting for Link after the ordeal is over.
The silver (possibly white) Lynels can be found in the north most reaches of the Hebra area of Hyrule. Having over two times the health of the red Lynels and significantly more health than the blue Lynels, these silver Lynels are the toughest of the toughest, and are undoubtedly one of the hardest enemies to overcome in Breath of the Wild.
However, although Silver Lynel have more health than their red and blue brethren, they still resort to the same attacks and attack patterns, but drop the most valuable items out of the three. Link will get a Savage Lynel Bow, Savage Lynel Crusher, and either one or two star fragments for each silver Lynel defeated.
For more Lynel killing tips, check out the video below.
If you're after any other guides to help you on Link's journey through Hyrule, then look no further than our Breath of the Wild essential guides hub, containing basic information like taming and naming a horse, to Secret Treasure Chest and the Master Sword locations scattered throughout the world.
Now you're all set to tackle any Lynel that tries to take on Link out in Hyrule. Just remember to stick to the tactics provided above, and you'll be farming Lynel weaponry in no time at all.
That's all we have on this subject, but worry not as there's plenty more Breath of the Wild content right here on USG. First off, there's this news story on Twitch Plays beating its first Guardian. After that, be sure to head over to our write-up of the awesome Wind Waker easter egg hidden in the game.