How to Get Epona in Ocarina of Time

It can be hard to know how to get Epona in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The game itself is massive, with plenty of quests and side quests to explore. All while you work to rid the land of Ganondorf and his evil. It’s a tale that quite literally transcends time for Link, as he uses the Ocarina on his quest. However, that’s not the only thing that is helping him out. Players can acquire Epona as Link’s trusty steed to help him venture around the land faster. This is incredibly useful for accessing the Gerudo Valley area of the game later on.

How to Get Epona in Ocarina of Time

Players need to get Epona by beating Ingo at Lon Lon Ranch as adult Link. It’s not a simple path to doing so, though. Instead, it starts with players as young Link in the past. It may sound complex, but the steps below aim to make getting Epona that much easier:

1. On the way to Hyrule Castle, talk to Malon and get the Weird Egg. Then continue to sneak to the right side of Hyrule Castle (behind the gates).
2. When you arrive, you will find her father, Talon, sleeping. Wait until the sun rises the next day, and the egg will hatch. Lock onto Talon, equip the hatched chicken, and use the C-button you equipped it to to wake Talon.
3. Progress through the game as young Link until you’re back in Hyrule Field, and go to Lon Lon Ranch in the center of the area.
4. Once here, talk to Malon in the center field of the ranch. Once you exhaust the dialogue with her, pull out the Ocarina. She will teach you Epona’s Song.
5. Next, when you can become adult Link, return to Lon Lon Ranch with at least 80 Rupees.
6. Speak to Ingo and pay 10 Rupees to ride a horse at the ranch.
7. Then, pull out the Ocarina and play Epona’s Song. When Epona comes over to you, walk up and mount her.
8. Next, go talk to Ingo again, and he will challenge you to a race for 50 Rupees. After you win the first race, he will challenge you to one more.
9. Beat Ingo by using your carrots to boost around him on the corners, and then continue to stay in his path so he can’t pass.
10. After you win, Ingo will let you keep Epona but lock you in Lon Lon Ranch. From here, gain some speed on Epona and head toward any outer fence.
11. A cutscene will play, and Link will jump with Epona and escape Lon Lon Ranch.

After you do this, Epona will be your trusty steed for the rest of your playthrough in the game. The main requirement for this is that you have enough Rupees to race Ingo and that you can become adult Link.

Is Epona Required to Beat Ocarina of Time?

No, Epona isn’t required to be able to beat Ocarina of Time. However, she does make traversing different areas that much faster. When it comes to getting into Gerudo Valley, you usually take Epona and jump over the gorge to reach the area. However, if you don’t have Epona, you can use the Longshot to get across the gap. It attaches to wooden objects like the bridge. But having Epona helps you do different activities in the game. One of which is the Biggoron Sword quest, which requires racing against time across long distances. Furthermore, you can do the Horseback Archery game at the Gerudo Fortress area. And for doing this, you get a Piece of Heart and a bigger Quiver. Therefore, if you’re going for 100%, you need to get Epona.

It can take a bit to get Epona in Ocarina of Time, and you unfortunately can’t do so as young Link. So, once you can take the Master Sword and become adult Link, you can get his iconic horse. Besides some mandatory story progression, it doesn’t take all that long to get Epona. Plus, the game feels truly complete when you reunite Link with the horse that has been with him through plenty of adventures.