How to Use Amiibo in Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Unlock Epona & Wolf Link)
Unlock the legendary horse Epona, Wolf Link companion, and exclusive classic armor sets in Breath of the Wild using amiibo. Complete rewards guide.
Quick Start
- Unlock Rune: Complete Great Plateau shrines (first ~45 mins).
- Enable Amiibo: Options > Change setting to 'Use amiibo'.
- Scan: Equip Amiibo Rune (Up D-Pad) -> Press L -> Scan.
Walking everywhere in Hyrule is for chumps. If you aren't scanning amiibo in Breath of the Wild, you are playing a harder, emptier version of the game.
Unlike other titles where amiibo just drop random cabbages, BOTW locks some of its coolest content behind these figures. We're talking about Epona (the best horse in the game), a Wolf Link companion that fights for you, and nostalgic armor sets that you literally cannot get anywhere else. Here is how to unlock the good stuff.
Amiibo Rewards in Breath of the Wild
The loot table in BOTW is massive, but here is the "S-Tier" list you actually care about:
- Epona (Smash Bros Link): Guaranteed spawn on first scan. Max stats (4 Strength, 4 Speed, 5 Stamina). Don't lose her before registering!
- Wolf Link (Wolf Link amiibo): Summons a wolf AI companion. He hunts animals and attacks bokoblins. His hearts are tied to your Twilight Princess data.
- Fierce Deity Set (Majora's Mask Link): Attack Up bonus. The coolest looking armor in the game.
- Twilight Bow (Smash Bros Zelda): Shoots Light Arrows that fly straight forever.
Compatible Amiibo List
- Zelda 30th Anniversary: Drops specific hero sets (Ocarina, Wind Waker, OG 8-bit).
- Smash Bros Line: Link, Zelda, Sheik, Ganondorf all drop exclusive chests.
- Champions: Mipha, Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa drop exclusive divine helms.
- Non-Zelda Amiibo: They drop cooking materials. Useful early game, useless late game.
Step-by-Step: How to Scan in Breath of the Wild
- Unlock the Rune: Play through the Great Plateau until you get your runes. It takes about 45 minutes.
- Enable Settings: Go to Options > use amiibo.
- Equip: Press
Upon the D-Pad and select the amiibo rune (far right). - Scan: Aim at flat ground (L Button) and tap your amiibo. A chest will fall from the sky.
TIP
The Save Scumming Trick: Drop rates for armor pieces are low (~20%). Always Save Your Game before scanning. If you open the chest and get a rusty shield, reload your save instantly and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get multiple Eponas? A: Yes, if you scan the Smash Link amiibo again on a different day, but you really only need one registered.
Q: Why does my Wolf Link only have 3 hearts? A: By default, Wolf Link has 3 hearts. To get 20, you normally need to complete the Cave of Shadows in Twilight Princess HD.
Final Thoughts
Breath of the Wild is a masterpiece, but it's even better when you're riding Epona dressed as the Fierce Deity. These rewards legitimate gameplay advantages that save you time and make combat way more fun. Stop running on foot and start scanning.