In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” taming, calming, saving, or stealing a horse is a practical skill that can greatly enhance your gameplay experience. As Geralt of Rivia, the world you explore is vast and full of treacherous terrains and lurking monsters. Having a steady steed by your side is invaluable for quickly traversing the landscapes, avoiding or engaging enemies rapidly, and carrying your loot. Though the game’s lore and mechanics don’t explicitly focus on horse taming, understanding how to interact with horses in “The Witcher 3” can enhance your immersion and provide you with strategic advantages. This guide will explore these dynamics in detail.
The Role of Horses in The Witcher 3
First, it’s crucial to understand the basic mechanics of horses in the game. Roach, Geralt’s trusty mare, is more than just a mode of transportation. She accompanies Geralt on his journeys, offering storage space for weapons and loot, and providing a quick escape option when encounters with foes become perilous. Horses can also participate in races, which are not only entertaining but also offer monetary rewards and unique items when won.
Calming a Horse
Whether you’re riding Roach or encountering other horses while questing, ensuring that your steed remains calm is vital for maintaining control, especially in combat situations. Here’s how you can manage and calm your horse, making sure she stays reliable:
- Axii Sign: The Axii Sign, typically used to influence mind and behavior, can also be used on horses. Casting Axii on your horse will calm her and reduce her fear level, which is crucial during combat to prevent her from throwing you off.
- Managing Fear: Fear can impact horse behavior. Avoid riding too close to large groups of enemies or through territories with high monster activities. Keeping your horse’s fear level low will help you maintain control in crucial moments.
- Stamina Management: Your horse’s stamina decreases when galloping or riding fast. Monitor the stamina bar and allow Roach to rest when it nears depletion to prevent an untimely stop during critical moments.
Saving and Using Horses
In the expansive world of “The Witcher 3,” Geralt occasionally encounters abandoned or stray horses. While the game doesn’t actively guide players to ‘save’ these horses, you can still adopt some practices that enhance your experience and involvement with horses in the game:
- Inventory and Gear: Roach can carry additional items even if Geralt’s inventory is full. Regularly transferring surplus items to your horse’s saddlebags can balance your load and improve your combat effectiveness by ensuring speed and agility are not compromised by excess weight.
- Mounting and Riding: Approach horses slowly, preferably from an angle where they can see you, to avoid spooking them. Mount with caution during hostile encounters; quick reflexive reactions can save you from ambushes or surprise attacks if mounting is necessary for a fast retreat.
- Proper Care: While there’s no specific feeding or rest mechanism for horses in the game, taking regular breaks to let your horse rest by the roadside contributes to a more realistic role-playing experience.
Stealing Horses
While “The Witcher 3” doesn’t integrate a traditional horse-stealing mechanic as seen in some other open-world games, you can effectively ‘borrow’ horses you find along your travels.
- Approach and Mount: Occasionally, you might find yourself in need of immediate transport. Provided the NPC owner isn’t present to witness the action, you can mount stray or unattended horses found near villages or camps. Approach the horse calmly to mount without alarming it.
- Discretion and Timing: Timing your approach is crucial. Watching out for potential owners or witnesses can prevent hostile confrontations or negative consequences that arise from your actions.
- Strategic Dismounting: Remember that any horse not named Roach might disappear if you dismount too far from its initial point. Use borrowed horses for quick transitions between short distances.
Participating in Horse Races
Horse races are a popular activity within “The Witcher 3” and offer not only a diversion from questing but also tangible rewards. Mastering horse racing involves more than just speed; it encompasses strategy and timing:
- Understanding the Track: Each race track has its unique layout and obstacles. Familiarizing yourself with the course can help prevent errors that could cost you the win.
- Boosts and Sprints: Use boosts strategically. Conserve stamina for key moments such as overtaking rivals or approaching the finish line, timing sprints to the course’s easier sections.
- Gear Upgrades: Acquiring saddles, saddlebags, and blinders through quests and races improves Roach’s stamina, carry capacity, and fear resistance, respectively. Equipping these items optimally enhances your racing capabilities.
Roach: Your Loyal Companion
Roach is more than just a tool; she becomes a character woven into Geralt’s narrative. Understanding this bond enriches the gameplay and can be appreciated in a few thoughtful ways:
- The Bond: Throughout the game, Roach is present in almost every venture you undertake, responding reliably when called. This inherent bond pushes players to manage and utilize her well.
- Personalization: Customize Roach with unique saddles and gear, reflecting your journey’s story while also boosting functionality. Seek out rare gear associated with specific quests or hidden across the world.
- Roach’s Narrative: Participate in optional dialogues and sequences scattered throughout the game to gain insight into Geralt’s humor and past, conveyed through banter between him and Roach.
Incorporating adept horse management skills into your Witcher 3 gameplay strategy not only aids in better exploration and combat efficiency but also deepens the storytelling experience, showcasing the connection between Geralt and Roach. As a Witcher roaming vast landscapes, utilizing, calming, and engaging with your horse can effectively transform your game narrative, enriching each quest you undertake. With each encounter and journey, Roach not only becomes a necessity but also an inextricable partner in your legendary hunter’s tale.
