In Kingdom Come: Deliverance (KCD), horses are more than just a mode of transportation; they're essential companions for navigating the Bohemian countryside. From escaping bandits and increasing your carrying capacity to simply enjoying the immersive world, a trusty steed is invaluable. This guide covers everything you need to know about acquiring, managing, and maximizing your horse's potential.
Acquiring Your Equine Companion
There are three primary ways to acquire a horse in KCD:
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Purchasing from Traders: Look for question mark icons on your map, which often indicate stables. Once you've discovered a stable, you can browse the available horses and purchase one from the stable owner. Different breeds and individual horses will have varying stats and prices.
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Stealing: While tempting, stealing a horse is generally not recommended. Stolen horses aren't truly yours and may not respond to your commands reliably. They also carry the risk of alerting guards and incurring penalties.
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Progressing Through the Main Quest: The most reliable and recommended method, especially for beginners, is to follow the main storyline. Early in the game, during the "The Hunt Begins" quest after returning from the hunt with Hans Capon, you'll be introduced to Captain Bernard in Rattay. Completing his initial tasks will reward you with your first horse, the dependable Pebbles.
Notable Horses and Their Locations
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Pebbles: Your starting horse, Pebbles, is a good all-rounder, offering a balance of speed and carrying capacity. She's given to you by Captain Bernard as part of the main quest.
- Roach (Easter Egg): A fun Easter egg for fans of The Witcher series! "Roach" can be purchased from the stable owner, Johann, in Merhojed, a small town south of Samopesch and west of Talmberg. Look for the stable icon on your map.
Epona: A high-quality horse with excellent stats, Epona can be found in Neuhof, a village northeast of Rattay. Talk to Zora, the stable owner (a nod to the Zelda series), to purchase her. Epona boasts high speed and a significant carrying capacity.
Understanding Horse Stats and Attributes
Once you own a horse, you can manage it through the "Horse" menu. Here's a breakdown of the key attributes:
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Speed: Determines how fast your horse can move at different gaits (walk, trot, canter, gallop). Speed is affected by the horse's weight load.
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Carrying Capacity: Indicates how much weight your horse can carry. This can be increased by equipping better saddles and saddlebags.
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Courage: Reflects how easily your horse is spooked by loud noises or other unsettling events. A higher courage stat means the horse is less likely to panic and throw you.
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Health: Like your character, horses can take damage. However, they cannot die. When their health is depleted, they will regenerate over time.
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Endurance: Represents how long your horse can maintain a gallop or other strenuous activity. Endurance depletes with exertion and regenerates when the horse rests.
Equipping and Customizing Your Horse
Horses in KCD can be equipped with various items to improve their stats and appearance:
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Spurs: Used to encourage the horse to move faster.
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Saddles: Increase carrying capacity and can offer other benefits.
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Bridles: Affect the horse's handling.
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Armor: Provides protection for your horse.
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Blinders: Help reduce the horse's fear response.
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Horseshoes: Can improve the horse's speed and stamina.
These items can be purchased from traders or looted from enemies and chests. Experiment with different combinations to find the best setup for your playstyle.
Horseback Riding Tips and Tricks
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Calling Your Horse: You can call your horse at any time by pressing the designated button (Triangle/Y/X on controllers). However, stolen horses may not respond.
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Managing Stamina: Be mindful of your horse's stamina. Avoid excessive galloping, especially when carrying heavy loads. Give your horse time to rest and recover.
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Riding Skill: Practice riding to improve your riding skill. A higher skill level unlocks perks that make riding easier and more effective.
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Inventory Management: Use your horse's inventory to store excess loot and supplies, freeing up space in your own inventory.
By understanding the nuances of horse management in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, you can forge a strong bond with your equine companion and make your journey through Bohemia a more enjoyable and efficient experience.
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