As fans of The Legend of Zelda franchise immerse themselves into the world of Tears of the Kingdom, many inquisitive minds wonder about the interactions they can have with the wildlife of Hyrule. With a multitude of creatures to meet, from dogs and foxes to bears and horses, it's no surprise that players would be curious about the extent of their interactions with these animals.

But do players have the opportunity to express their affections and pet these lovely creatures? This article dives into that question and explores the interactions players can have with the animals in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Interaction with Animals in Tears of the Kingdom

Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom boasts a rich, immersive environment that encourages players to explore and interact with all aspects of the game. One such aspect is the plethora of animals found in the world. Players will come across dogs, horses, foxes, bears, and many other creatures during their journey. These animals provide both a sense of realism and add a touch of charm to the game.

In some cases, players can even create bonds with certain animals, such as taming wild horses and feeding treats to dogs, which in turn leads to discovering hidden treasures. However, the question remains, can players pet these lovable creatures?

Can You Pet Dogs in Tears of the Kingdom?

While players might eagerly anticipate petting the adorable dogs found throughout Hyrule, unfortunately, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom does not provide this interaction. As the game stands, there is no direct way or command to pet dogs, despite their willingness to follow, befriend, and assist the player in their adventure. This may come as a disappointment to many who wish to share their appreciation for the canine companions they encounter on their journey.

Interestingly, Link is able to pet horses to soothe them, so the lack of animal petting extends mainly to non-essential interactions with wildlife.

Desire for Animal Interaction Among Gamers

The gaming community has expressed its desire for more animal interactions, particularly when it comes to petting them, in various games – not just The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The trend of allowing gamers to express their affection towards virtual animals has seen an upward trajectory, with games like Hogwarts Legacy incorporating this feature.

This absence of petting in Tears of the Kingdom stands out as an odd exclusion, considering the significant role animals play in the game and the overall enjoyment players derive from interacting with them.

Alternative Ways to Engage with Animals in Tears of the Kingdom

While it may be disappointing that players cannot directly pet the animals found in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, other forms of interaction are still available. Dogs can be followed around, and horses can be tamed and collected – up to a total of six. Additionally, players can take adorable in-game photos with the animals they encounter, serving as a means to capture and share moments of connection with Hyrule's wildlife. These interactions, although not as tactile as petting, still provide an opportunity for players to engage with the animals and appreciate their presence within the game world.

In conclusion, while Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom may not allow players to pet animals within the game, the many other interaction opportunities and the charming presence of wildlife in the game world offer a sense of connection and enjoyment that players seek.