Overview
White Horn is a massive beast from the White Mountains. Pearl Abyss released a dedicated 7-minute gameplay video on August 19, 2024, and the boss was one of four encounters playable at the Gamescom 2024 demo. He received more dedicated footage than any other boss shown.
PCGamesN described him as "a cross between a yeti, a monkey, and a giant elk, featuring sharp fangs and antlers." He has ape-like fists, white moose horns, and a body large enough to climb. This is a Monster Hunter-style fight where positioning, patience, and reading attack patterns matter more than raw aggression.
Lore
Pearl Abyss's official description: White Horn is "the mountain spirit born from the blizzards of the White Mountains." He is "a figure inspiring both fear and admiration" among the inhabitants of Pywel. "Those caught trekking through his realm soon discover that the only thing more bone-chilling than the mountain cold is the wrath of White Horn himself."
Arena introduction
The encounter does not start with a health bar. Kliff interrupts a bandit ritual that appears to involve sacrificing children. When Kliff interferes, the last bandit standing sprints away, and a cinematic reveals White Horn standing behind him. The arena is a wintry mountain clearing during a blizzard. Screen Rant noted that "piles of snow continually leave trails according to the movements of both combatants."
Attack patterns
Fist pounding Uses its ape-like fists to crush the ground, creating shockwaves.
Charging Lunging grasps that can be punished with well-timed dodges.
Rock throwing Picks up and hurls boulders at the player.
Horn goring Uses its moose-like horns to gore opponents at close range.
Wide swipes Sweeping attacks that can launch and disorient the player.
Devastating shriek A roar that staggers Kliff and punishes players who are not ready to block.
Blizzard concealment Disappears into a whirlwind of snow and wind, then launches quick charges that catch unprepared players.
Ice trapping Freezes Kliff in ice and pounces while he is stunned.
Ice rain A weather event that rains down dangerous ice across the arena.
White Horn becomes more aggressive with each phase, "unleashing devastating attacks with increasing ferocity." The attacks are telegraphed, but the combo input system makes it hard to know when you have a safe window to attack.
Climbing
You can climb on White Horn's back during the fight. PCGamesN called this "the most fun part" of the encounter. Kliff attacks with one hand while holding onto the beast's fur with the other. This is similar to Shadow of the Colossus-style climbing and provides a way to deal damage while avoiding ground-level attacks.
Strategy
Fire damage is effective. This is an ice-based creature in a blizzard arena. Use fire-infused abilities from the Axiom Bracelet.
Dodging is the primary defense. His attacks cover wide areas but are telegraphed enough to avoid.
Explosive arrows deal significant damage during openings when he pauses between attack chains.
Climb his back when he is recovering from a big attack. The mounting damage adds up.
Watch for the blizzard concealment. When he vanishes into the snow, prepare to dodge his charge.
Block the shriek. If you are staggered, he will follow up with a punishing combo.
See Boss Battles for general encounter tips and Boss Strategies for detailed guides.