Mastering Mounts in Neverwinter: Your Ultimate Guide

In Neverwinter, mounts are more than just a way to get around; they are an integral part of your character’s power and progression. They provide a fixed bonus to movement speed, but, more importantly, they offer a Combat Power that can significantly impact your performance in combat. You select one mount to be your active mount, which makes its Combat Power accessible. These powers have a 1-minute cooldown and improve with the quality of your mount and your bolster. Mounts also contribute to your character’s stats through their Equip Power, adding another layer of customization and optimization. Acquiring, upgrading, and strategically using mounts is crucial for any adventurer looking to conquer the challenges of Neverwinter.

Understanding Mount Basics

Mounts in Neverwinter are accessible through the Character/Mount option in the game menu. Initially, you’ll likely acquire a basic horse. To use it, you must first find the Horse Token in your inventory and “BIND” it. This process links the mount to your character. Once bound, you can access the Mount menu and assign it as your preferred mount. Remember, your choice of mount influences both your speed and your combat abilities.

The power of your mount isn’t static. It improves with the quality of your mount, ranging from Common to Mythic. A higher quality mount means a more potent Combat Power and a better Equip Power. Furthermore, your bolster percentage, influenced by the variety and quality of mounts you own, further enhances your active mount’s combat capabilities. This means collecting a diverse stable of mounts is beneficial, even if you primarily use only one.

Equipping and Utilizing Mounts

Once you’ve bound your mount and selected it as your active mount, it will automatically be summoned when you move. As mentioned, the speed boost provided by the mount is passive, always granting a speed bonus while mounted. However, the true power of mounts lies in their Combat Power.

During combat, you can activate your mount’s Combat Power, unleashing a damaging attack, a buff for your team, or a debuff on your enemies. These powers are unique to each mount and have a 1-minute cooldown. This cooldown necessitates strategic use, saving the power for moments when it will have the most impact. Experiment with different mounts to discover which Combat Powers best complement your playstyle and class.

Upgrading and Customizing Mounts

Neverwinter offers several ways to improve your mounts. Upgrading mounts increases their bolster percentage and the quality of their Combat Powers. This process requires Mount Upgrade Tokens, which can be purchased from the Zen Market or the Tarmalune Trade Bar Store.

Another layer of customization comes in the form of Mount Collars. These items grant benefits to your utility stats. Mount Collars also come in varying qualities, from Common to Mythic, and a mount can only wear a collar of equal or lower quality. Acquiring and equipping the right collar can provide a significant boost to your character’s overall effectiveness.

Acquiring Mounts

Neverwinter offers various ways to acquire mounts, catering to different playstyles and budgets.

• Vendors: Brendon Canter, the mounts merchant located at the Shaundakul Stables in Protector’s Enclave, exchanges common mounts for gold and mount training manuals for Astral Diamonds. This is a reliable way to acquire basic mounts early in the game.
• Free Mounts: Players can obtain free mounts as random rewards for completing any queued content or by opening Juma’s Surprise Bag from Juma in Vallenhas. While the drop rates might be low, the possibility of obtaining a free mount adds an element of excitement to these activities. Some unique mounts can also be acquired through Packs and Promotions.
• Premium Currencies: Many mounts are obtainable only through premium currencies such as Zen and Tarmalune trade bars. These mounts often have unique appearances and powerful Combat Powers.
• Events: The Shadow Wolf is a mount that was a potential drop from the final reward chest in the Call to Arms Skirmish version of Pit Fight. Now it can be obtained during the Winter Festival or as a random reward from any queued content.

Mount Strategies and Tips

• Bolster is Key: Aim to collect a variety of mounts to maximize your bolster percentage. Even low-quality mounts contribute to your overall bolster.
• Synergize Combat Powers: Choose a mount with a Combat Power that complements your character’s class and build. A well-chosen Combat Power can be the difference between victory and defeat.
• Don’t Neglect Collars: Mount Collars provide valuable utility stat boosts. Invest in high-quality collars to enhance your character’s overall performance.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on in-game events and promotions, as these often offer opportunities to acquire unique and powerful mounts.
• Experiment: Try out different mounts and Combat Powers to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to switch things up and adapt to different situations.

Mounts are a core element of the Neverwinter experience, offering more than just a ride from point A to point B. By understanding their mechanics, utilizing their Combat Powers effectively, and investing in upgrades, you can significantly enhance your character’s power and enjoyment of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I assign a mount in Neverwinter?

First, acquire a mount token. Open your inventory, find the mount token, highlight it, and select “BIND”. Then, go to the Option button menu and navigate to Character/Mount. From there, you can assign the mount as your preferred mount.

2. How do I replace a mount?

Go to the same Character/Mount menu and select a different mount from your available collection to be your active mount.

3. Where can I find a Mount Merchant?

Brendon Canter is the mounts merchant located at the Shaundakul Stables in Protector’s Enclave.

4. How much does it cost to upgrade mounts?

To upgrade a mount, you need Mount Upgrade Tokens, which can be purchased from the Zen Market (500 Zen for 75 tokens) or the Tarmalune Trade Bar Store (3 Tarmalune Trade Bars per Token).

5. What is a mount collar?

Mount Collars are items that grant benefits to your utility stats. They come in qualities from Common to Mythic, and a mount can only wear a collar of equal or lower quality.

6. Can you upgrade mounts?

Yes, you can upgrade mounts to improve your bolster and the quality of your powers.

7. How do I claim my companion in Neverwinter?

Complete the tutorial missions through Theft of the Crown. Visit the Rewards Claims Agent, located on the opposite side of the Hall of Justice from Sgt. Knox, and claim the companion.

8. What is the best companion in Neverwinter?

The best augment companion for a Healer is the Polar Bear Cub (Power, Critical Strike, Awareness). The best augment companion for a Tank is the Watler (Combat Advantage, Defense, Awareness).

9. How many companions can you have active in Neverwinter?

You can have only 3 active companions at a time, which can be increased to 5 for 350 Zen per slot.

10. How do you get the wolf mount in Neverwinter?

The Shadow Wolf is a mount that can be obtained during the Winter Festival or as a random reward from any queued content.

11. What is a Combat Power on a Mount?

All mounts possess a Combat Power with a 1-minute cooldown. Using this power deals damage, buffs your team, or debuffs enemies. The strength of these powers scales with the quality of your mount and bolster.

12. What does “bolster” mean regarding mounts?

Bolster refers to a percentage bonus that enhances your active mount’s Combat Power. This percentage increases as you collect more diverse and higher-quality mounts.

13. Is Neverwinter fully free?

Yes, Neverwinter is a free-to-play action MMORPG.

14. What is the level cap in Neverwinter?

When Neverwinter Nights was first released, player characters were limited to character level 20, the highest level supported by the core rulebooks for third edition Dungeons & Dragons. Installing Hordes of the Underdark allows epic levels, raising this limit to 40.

15. How do I get free mounts in Neverwinter?

Players can obtain free mounts as random rewards for completing any queued content or by opening Juma’s Surprise Bag from Juma in Vallenhas. Some unique mounts can also be acquired through Packs and Promotions.

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