Whilst players are exploring the world ofThe Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom, they’re bound to come across Hyrule’s plethora ofenemies. The game features some truly impressive set pieces, with plenty of deadly boss battles and mini-bosses dotted throughout the land for players to take on. However, there are many other enemies players will come across, on a much more regular basis - some of which are even more difficult than the game’s main bosses.
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Players will first come across Solider Constructs onthe Sky Islands, and whilst they can be a small challenge for poorly equipped players getting to grips with the game, it’s clear thatTears Of The Kingdomhas plenty more to offer. With various strengths and weaknesses, and differing abilities,some enemies can be more difficultor annoying to take down than others.
Updated on May 24, 2025, by Bronwyn Lee:Hyrule features an incredibly diverse range of enemies for players to take on in Tears of the Kingdom. Whilst the bosses Link must take on are fearsome, some of the more common enemies can prove to be quite a challenge too. As players have progressed through the game, it’s become clear how much of a threat some of these enemies pose to Link. It’s easy to underestimate certain enemies, but they can often take the player by surprise with their power. Players should make sure to keep an eye out for these enemies in particular, and carefully plan their attacks around them.
8Lizalfos
WhilstLizalfosare one of the more common enemy types inTears Of The Kingdom, they can really trip up players who underestimate them. Lizalfos are incredibly versatile and can be found throughout all of Hyrule. They come in different variations, each with its own unique elemental attacks that often work at a range. Lizalfos arealso remarkably quickand can jump around players who misjudge them. Lizalfos are quite intelligent too; they know how important positioning is, and can really mess with players caught off-guard.
Some cheesy fighting techniques won’t work against Lizalfos, as they’re one of the few enemy types that can swim underwater, making them all the more dangerous to players relying on such techniques. Players who aren’t paying attention to their surroundings can find themselves victim to an ambush - Lizalfos are incredibly sneaky and can camouflage with their environment almost anywhere. Despite their low health and less-than-intimidating demeanor, players would be wise to at least stay on their toes whilst dealing with Lizalfos.
Spear, Sword, Boomerang
7Boss Bokoblin
The name may sound a little misleading, butBoss Bokoblinsaren’t actually bosses. However, they can be a pretty terrifying sight for a player roaming around Hyrulefor the first time, due to their towering size and army of Bokoblins, which will no doubt not be far behind. Players can most often find these enemies roaming around Bokoblin Camps, ready to sound their horn at the first sign of intruders.
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They have a lot more health, and power, than their smaller Bokoblin counterparts. Earlier inTears Of The Kingdom, when Link doesn’t have many hearts, players need to be especially careful fighting the Boss Bokoblins, as theycan wipe Link outin a single hit. The best way to take them out is to deal with their minions first, then the player can focus all of their power into taking out the leader. One of the best points to aim for is its big, pink nose. Whilst relatively simple to beat once players know their way around them, Boss Bokoblins can be a truly threatening encounter for newer players.
Sturdy Thick Stick
6Yiga Blademaster
Yiga Blademasters are one of the rarer enemies in Tears of the Kingdom, but they’re also one of the most formidable. They will usually appear in Yiga Clan locations, preparing to defend them from Link. Yiga Blademasters will use Eightfold Longblades to attack Link and use their Earthquake technique to shut him down. Players can actually learn this Earthquake technique if they manage to sneak into the Yiga Clan Hideout.Tears of the Kingdomplayers should try to keep their distance from Yiga Blademasters and be prepared to parry their attacks.
Eightfold Longblade
5Horriblin
Horriblins can be quite an annoying enemy to deal with inTears of the Kingdom. They can often be found residing in caves, clinging to the ceilings. The real difficulty with these enemies comes if the player finds they’re short on arrows or ranged weapons, as the Horriblins can only be brought down to the floor with a ranged attack.
Horriblins have quite a bit of range, usually wielding a spear, as well as using rocks to throw at Link. An easy way to eliminate them is to use Dazzle Fruits - these will knock the monsters down and stun them briefly, allowing the player to get in a few easy attacks.
Spear
4Moblin
Moblins can often be found alongside Bokoblins. They’re tall and lanky compared to their shorter counterparts and are much slower and clumsier. However, they pack a serious punch, and can even launch Bokoblins at Link if the player isn’t paying attention.
Players should try to keep their distance from Moblins, which is quite easy, given their slow speed. The best way to deal with them is to way for an opening to attack them safely or make use of bows and other ranged weapons.
Spear, Club
3Gibdo
Gibdoscan be found throughout the Gerudo Desert. The first time players encounter them, it might seem like they’re unkillable, as they seemingly don’t take any sort of damage. This can result in the fight ending pretty quickly. However, Gibdos do have a weakness and can be killed using fire and lightning elements. Players can do this by fusing their weapons with Topaz and Ruby or attaching a Flame-Emitter to their melee items. Either that or if they prefer to use a bow, they can fuse elemental items with their arrows to hit them from afar.
Once the Gibdo changes color, players will be able to continue damaging it with their regular weapons. However, this can be pretty difficult to manage if a player is trying todeal with a large groupof them, making them particularly dangerous.
None
2Gloom Spawn
Players coming acrossGloom Spawn(also known as Gloom Hands) for the first time will be in for a really nasty surprise. Mainly dwelling in The Depths, or near pools of Gloom, these terrifying enemies can chase down the player and remove some ofLink’s hearts permanentlyby damaging him. The only way players can get these hearts back is by returning to the surface or consuming a meal made with materials that remove Gloom-effects, such as Sundelions. Sundelions are most commonly found around the Sky Islands, so it’s best for players to stock up on some if they’re planning on fighting some Gloom Hands.
Due to their unpredictability and incredibly powerful attacks, Gloom Spawn can be one of the most dangerous enemies Link will come across. Whilst it’s advisable to avoid these creatures, players can defeat them by aiming for their weak point - their eyes. However, players should be aware that if they don’t kill each of the five Hands quickly enough, they will eventually respawn. Another factor that makes the Hands so dangerous, is that it can actually grab Link in its grasp. Players will have to wriggle themselves out to avoid losing all of their hearts.
1Lynel
The first encounter a player has with aLynelis certainly always going to be a memorable one. Despite Lynels not being a boss, they’re certainly more difficult than a lot of them that players will come across. Lynels are centaur-like creatures, and they have a wide range of attacks that can easily wipe out Link in just a few hits. If players want to take one of these creatures on, they need to come prepared. Players should make sure they have lots of stamina, the best equipment they can find, and plenty ofdodging and parryingpractice.
The strongest Lynel variant is the Armored Gloom Lynel that can be found in The Depths, as its attacks will permanently take away Link’s hearts, making healing during the fight incredibly difficult, without some Gloom-removing meals. Players who are looking to take on this challenge can find it South West of the Kohsustu Lightroot. These Lynels are certainly worth the fight. It’s fair enough that the best loot is protected by the most difficult enemies. They will drop all sorts of goodies, such as Lynel Guts and Lynel Hooves, as well assome powerful weapons. Once players can defeat these beasts, they’ll know they can take on anything.
Weapon(s)
Lynel Sword,Lynel Bow
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis available for Nintendo Switch.
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