The Moblin: Variants, Weaknesses, and Drops

Moblins are large, brutish monsters that have appeared throughout Hyrule since the earliest games. Often depicted as pig-like or bulldog-like creatures, they serve as powerful minions for the story’s primary antagonist. As one of the franchise’s most enduring foes, their appearance and function have changed considerably over time.

Moblin Appearances and Evolution

The design and behavior of Moblins have evolved significantly throughout The Legend of Zelda. In their first appearance in the original game, they were bulldog-like goblins that inhabited forests. These early sprites came in red and blue varieties and attacked by throwing spears. This bulldog-inspired design continued in Link’s Awakening, where they were one of the first enemy types encountered.

With the shift to 3D, Ocarina of Time reimagined the Moblin as a massive brute guarding the Sacred Forest Meadow. These Moblins were larger and more powerful than their 2D predecessors, wielding enormous spears and charging on sight. The Wind Waker later introduced a stylized version of the Moblin, returning to a more pig-like appearance with a prominent snout and floppy ears. This design would influence their look in many subsequent games.

The most recent redesign occurred in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. In these titles, Moblins are portrayed with a tall, lanky, yet muscular build, featuring a long snout and a single horn. Their behavior is more complex, as they establish encampments, wield large two-handed weapons, and can throw smaller monsters like Bokoblins at their enemies.

Moblin Variants and Ranks

In recent games, Moblins are organized into a color-based hierarchy that indicates their strength and health. The standard red Moblin is the most common and weakest of its kind. As players progress, stronger versions begin to appear, starting with the Blue Moblin and then the more resilient Black Moblin.

At the top of this hierarchy is the Silver Moblin, which has the highest health and deals the most damage. A distinct variant is the Stalmoblin, an undead skeletal version that appears at night. To defeat a Stalmoblin, one must shatter its body and then destroy its detached skull to prevent it from reassembling.

Combat Strategies and Weaknesses

A Moblin’s large head is a weak point, and a well-aimed arrow will result in a critical hit that knocks them to the ground. This provides an opening to rush in and deal substantial damage while they are incapacitated.

Moblins favor large, two-handed weapons like clubs and claymores, which they swing in slow but powerful arcs. A well-timed dodge can trigger a Flurry Rush for a rapid counter-attack. Using elemental attacks, such as shock or ice arrows, can also stun them and cause them to drop their weapon, leaving them disarmed.

Their large size can be used against them environmentally. Luring a Moblin near explosive barrels can cause significant damage, and their height makes them susceptible to being knocked off cliffs or into deep water. Their tendency to throw objects, including Bokoblins, can be countered by using the Recall ability to send the projectile back.

Notable Moblin Drops and Uses

Upon defeat, Moblins yield several useful monster parts. The most common drops are Moblin Horns and Moblin Fangs, with more powerful variants also dropping Moblin Guts. These materials are ingredients for creating elixirs that provide temporary enhancements, though they cannot be used in food recipes.

These parts are also required for upgrading certain armor sets, like the Flamebreaker and Soldier’s sets, at Great Fairy Fountains. The horns have a distinct use in Tears of the Kingdom, where they can be fused to weapons to increase their attack power, creating effective blunt weapons.