This is a guide to fighting Lynels, an enemy in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW). Learn where to find Lynels, materials dropped from Lynels, as well as tips and strategy for defeating them.

Lynel Base Info

Where to Find Lynels

Lynel Locations

The locations shown here are the closest ones that are labelled on the map. The enemy's precise location may be slightly different, so it is best to go to the location named above, then turn on your sensor to try and find the enemy.

Lynel Spoils

Lynel Guts	Lynel Hoof	Lynel Horn

Lynel Tips and Strategies

Sneak Around the Lynel

All Lynels have a large detection radius, and they can hear Link running around even if he's still relatively far away!

A question mark will appear above a Lynel's head if it hears Link. If an you see an exclamation point, it means the Lynel has seen you!

It's always a good idea to sneak when close to a Lynel's hunting grounds so you can get into a better position to attack it!

Get Up Close and Parry

Although Lynels are imposing enemies, your best chance of surviving an encounter is getting up close to it and parrying its attacks. If Link moves too far away from the Lynel, it will start firing arrows - ranging from Frost Arrows to Shock Arrows. Their bow attacks are more dangerous as they can follow up the stun with one of its other attacks.

Link can parry a Lynel's attacks regardless if they are using their signature Lynel Sword or Lynel Crusher. You can even parry its head charge and fireball attacks! The best shields to use against them are Guardian Shield, Lynel Shield, Royal Shield, and the Hylian Shield.

Evade and Flurry!

Alternatively, you can evade the Lynel's attacks to unleash your own flurry of attacks. To do this, make sure Link is locked on to the Lynel. When its about to attack, jump back using X and press the Y button to unleash a flurry!

Parry the Fire Blast

The Lynel's Fire Blast is one of its most dangerous attacks. The monster will roar and then plunge its weapon into the ground, unleashing a powerful blast of flame.

Link can parry this attack though! Parry using the shield as soon as the Lynel plunges its weapon into the ground to avoid getting damaged by the fire blast.

Stun the Lynel and Hop on its Back!

Another effective way of damaging Lynels is by stunning them, then quickly hopping onto its back so you can unleash a flurry of attacks.

To do this, you need to hit the Lynel on the head with an arrow. It will then get stunned, kneeling on the ground, allowing you to mount it.

Mount and Swap!

Once you get to hop on the Lynel's back, quickly swap to a two-handed weapon such as Royal Broadsword or Lynel Crusher. You will get the same amount of hits from the flurry as if you were using a one-handed weapon!

Zelda: BotW Related Guides

Enemies List