Among the many side activities in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, snowball bowling stands out as one of the most fun and rewarding minigames. Found in the snowy Hebra region, this game offers not just an amusing distraction from combat and exploration, but also a chance to earn hundreds of rupees quickly if played correctly. With just a few tricks and the right timing, players can master snowball bowling and turn it into a reliable rupee farming method. Whether you’re aiming to fund armor upgrades or just want to relax and roll snowballs down a lane, this minigame is worth the detour.
Where to Find Snowball Bowling
Location of the Minigame
Snowball bowling is located in the Pondo’s Lodge area, found in the Hebra Mountains. To get there:
- Start from the Hebra Tower.
- Travel northwest toward the edge of the cliff, where you’ll find a small wooden cabin.
- This location is called Pondo’s Lodge, and you’ll recognize it by the snowy clearing and the large pins set up in the distance.
Pondo, the NPC who hosts the minigame, stands near the edge of the snow-covered slope, ready to introduce you to the sport of snowball bowling. Make sure you’re equipped with cold-resistant gear, like the Snowquill Set, before venturing too deep into the Hebra region.
How Snowball Bowling Works
The Rules of the Game
When you speak to Pondo, he’ll explain the rules of snowball bowling. The objective is simple: roll a large snowball down the slope and knock over as many pins as possible. A perfect strike gives the biggest reward, but you can still earn rupees for spares or near-strikes.
- The first game costs 20 rupees to play.
- Each round consists of a single throw.
- Knocking over all 10 pins in one throw grants the jackpot.
- Hitting most pins rewards a smaller amount of rupees, sometimes less than the entry fee.
Once you get the hang of it, the minigame becomes a consistent way to earn rupees while enjoying a bit of snowy physics fun.
Understanding Snowball Physics
Snowballs in Breath of the Wild behave according to the game’s physics engine. The slope at Pondo’s Lodge is smooth but has minor variations, which means slight adjustments to Link’s position before throwing can make a big difference. A good throw will travel in a straight path and hit the pins cleanly, but a small misalignment can cause it to veer off and miss entirely.
How to Get a Strike Every Time
Perfect Positioning
The key to success in snowball bowling is consistent positioning. Here’s a commonly recommended method:
- After talking to Pondo and getting the snowball, take about two to three steps left from where Link starts.
- Align Link so he’s facing straight toward the center pin adjust the camera to ensure proper aim.
- Do not sprint or run; simply press the throw button while standing still.
Many players find that aiming slightly left of center increases the chance of getting a strike, due to how the slope curves gently to the right. It may take a few tries to find the exact spot that works for you, but once you do, it becomes easy to repeat.
Visual Cues for Success
Because there are no visible lines or markers on the snow, use objects in the environment for guidance:
- Look at the lines in the snow created by previous throws they can act as a guide.
- The shadow of the lodge or nearby trees can help with positioning if the sun is in the right spot.
- Use the edge of Link’s feet relative to the snowball’s shadow for alignment.
These visual cues can make your throws more reliable, especially during repeated runs to farm rupees.
Rewards and Rupee Farming
How Much Can You Earn?
If you score a strike, Pondo rewards you with 300 rupees. Considering the entry fee is only 20 rupees, that’s a massive return. Even a spare can return 50 or 100 rupees, depending on how many pins are knocked down.
Efficient Rupee Grinding
Once you’ve mastered the strike technique, you can farm rupees quickly:
- Each round takes less than 30 seconds once you know the optimal throw.
- With consistent strikes, players can earn over 3,000 rupees in under 15 minutes.
- This method is more entertaining and sometimes faster than selling gems or monster parts.
If you’re saving up for armor upgrades, Sheikah Slate photos, or property investments in Hateno Village, snowball bowling is one of the best side activities to fund your journey.
Other Tips and Tricks
Time of Day and Weather
The minigame can be played at any time of day, but visibility and snow conditions may vary. Avoid foggy weather, as it can obscure your view of the pins and make aiming harder. If needed, sit by the campfire next to Pondo to pass time until the weather clears.
Inventory Space
Since the game provides the snowball, you don’t need to worry about carrying anything special to participate. However, it’s a good idea to have warm meals or elixirs in case you need to restore hearts or cold resistance while spending time in the Hebra region.
Using Motion Controls
Motion controls can sometimes affect the direction of your throw. If you’re struggling with consistent strikes, try adjusting your controller sensitivity or turning off motion controls temporarily for this activity.
Why It’s Worth Playing
More Than Just Rupees
Snowball bowling isn’t just a money-making trick it’s a fun, well-designed minigame that fits naturally into the world of Zelda: BOTW. It breaks up the intensity of shrine quests and combat with a lighthearted challenge that still rewards player skill and experimentation.
A Community Favorite
This activity has become a fan favorite due to its charm and its practicality. Many Zelda players share tips online, discussing how best to hit consistent strikes or how many rupees they’ve farmed in a session. It’s become one of the more memorable minigames in the Zelda franchise’s history.
Zelda BOTW’s snowball bowling minigame is a hidden gem that combines fun gameplay with meaningful rewards. Found at Pondo’s Lodge in the Hebra region, it provides a great way to farm rupees, practice precision, and enjoy a break from combat. With the right positioning and a little patience, anyone can learn how to get strikes consistently and turn this wintery side activity into a major resource. Whether you’re a completionist, a casual explorer, or a rupee-hungry hero, snowball bowling deserves a place in your adventure through Hyrule.