Years after its announcement, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has finally finished development, and its release is right around the corner. Even though the game's release is less than a month away, we're still learning new information about The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, with the latest bit of news revealing that Link may not be able to ride his trusty steed Epona.

This is according to Game Informer, as reported by GameSpot, whose latest magazine has The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild featured on the cover. As part of a blowout on Link's latest adventure, Game Informer broke the news that Epona will not be joining Link in Breath of the Wild, and instead he must find and tame wild horses for transportation.

Ever since Epona's first appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, she has become one of the most recognizable video game pets in history. Considering her popularity, some fans may be disappointed to learn that she reportedly won't be appearing in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but it's worth noting that the report by Game Informer seems to conflict with a statement previously made by The Legend of Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma.

Shortly after Nintendo released Breath of the Wild's epic story and release date trailer last month, Aonuma teased to the press that Epona is indeed in the game in some capacity. However, Aonuma refused to elaborate on Epona's role in Breath of the Wild, resulting in speculation that she may play a role other than simply being a horse for Link to ride through Hyrule.

For now, Epona's role in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a complete mystery. Game Informer's report that she doesn't join Link on his adventure at all seems to directly contradict what series producer Eiji Aonuma said last month. It seems as though Epona's purpose in Breath of the Wild is supposed to be a secret, so perhaps Aonuma let the cat out of the bag when he revealed that she's in the game at all, and the information Nintendo gave Game Informer is its attempt to keep her role a mystery.

At this point, it's hard to say if Epona is in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild at all, and if she is in the game, what her purpose will be. With Link able to tame wild horses and utilize other modes of transportation, such as snowboarding, it's hard to see a need for Epona. Whatever the case may be, fans will find out in less than a month's time if Epona is in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or not.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be available on March 3rd for Nintendo Switch and Wii U.