How to Make Another Horse Your Main Horse in Kingdom Come: Deliverance
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The straightforward answer is this: you cannot truly “make” a stolen horse your main horse in Kingdom Come: Deliverance. The game mechanics are designed around you purchasing horses from specific vendors or acquiring special horses through quests or DLCs. While you might find a tempting steed wandering around a bandit camp, it will always be a temporary mount. To get a horse that you can permanently own, customize with saddles and armor, and reliably call to your side, you’ll need to buy one. This is a core element of Kingdom Come’s realism, reflecting the difficulty of acquiring and maintaining valuable resources like horses in a medieval setting.
Understanding Horse Ownership in KCD
Kingdom Come: Deliverance’s horse system is more complex than simply riding any animal you find. Pebbles, the horse you receive early in the game, is essentially a starter horse. While you can use Pebbles freely, he lacks the stats and customization options of purchased horses. He remains “yours” in the sense that he won’t be considered stolen, and he’ll generally respond to your whistle, but he’s not your primary horse if you acquire another through legitimate means. Think of him as a reliable, albeit basic, backup.
The key to getting a new main horse is finding a horse trader. These vendors are located in various towns throughout Bohemia, most notably in Neuhof, Uzhitz, and Merhojed. Each trader offers a selection of horses with varying stats and prices. When you purchase a horse, it becomes your primary mount, replacing Pebbles (or any previously purchased horse) as the one that automatically answers your whistle and appears at stables when you fast travel.
Purchasing Your Ideal Steed
Choosing the right horse is a crucial decision, as each one has different strengths. Consider the following factors:
- Speed: Affects how quickly you can travel across the map. The Pegasus and Warhorse Jenda are among the fastest in the game.
- Capacity: Determines how much weight the horse can carry. This is critical for hauling loot and supplies. Trojan and Shadowmere (from DLC) offer the highest capacity.
- Courage: Influences how easily the horse spooks in combat or near danger. A horse with high courage, like Kanthaka, is essential for mounted combat.
- Stamina: Dictates how long the horse can gallop before tiring. Chollima and Warhorse Jenda excel in stamina.
Where to Find the Best Horses
Here’s a quick guide to finding some top-tier horses:
- Neuhof: A good starting point with a decent selection of horses.
- Uzhitz: Another reliable location with a variety of options.
- Merhojed: You can also find horse merchants here.
- DLC Horses: Some of the best horses, like Shadowmere, are available through DLCs.
Customizing Your Ride
Once you’ve purchased a horse, you can further enhance its capabilities by equipping it with saddles and horse armor.
- Saddles: Increase the horse’s carry capacity. Noble Saddles with saddlebags offer the greatest weight bonus.
- Horse Armor: Protects the horse in combat. You can find horse armor at merchants in Neuhof, Uzhitz, and Merhojed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I sell Pebbles after buying a new horse?
No, you cannot directly sell Pebbles. However, when purchasing a new horse, you can often trade in your old one (including Pebbles) for a reduced price on the new horse. It’s not a full refund, but it’s better than nothing.
2. What happens to my old horse when I buy a new one?
Your old horse will essentially be stabled, and the new horse will become your primary mount. Your old horse will not be available to ride, even at stables.
3. Can I own multiple horses simultaneously?
No, you can only have one “main” horse at a time. When you purchase a new horse, it replaces your previous one.
4. Is it possible to steal a horse and keep it?
No, you cannot permanently keep stolen horses. They will always revert to being unowned after a period of time. This also applies to horses you might temporarily acquire during quests.
5. Where can I find the best horse armor?
Zora, the merchant in Neuhof, is known for having a particularly large inventory of horse armor. You can also find armor in Uzhitz and Merhojed.
6. What’s the fastest horse in the game?
The Pegasus and Shadowfax are two of the fastest horses with a speed stat of 42.
7. Which horse has the highest carrying capacity?
Trojan has the highest capacity in the base game, with Shadowmere (from the “From the Ashes” DLC) surpassing it.
8. How does courage affect a horse’s performance?
Courage determines how easily a horse is spooked by danger. A horse with low courage might buck you off during combat, while a horse with high courage will remain calmer and more controllable.
9. Can I lose my horse permanently?
No, you cannot lose your horse permanently. If you leave it behind, you can whistle for it, and it will eventually come to you. If you still can’t find it, check the nearest stable.
10. What is the best all-around horse?
This depends on your playstyle. Sleipnir offers a great balance of speed, capacity, and courage. It’s a solid choice for general use.
11. Can I customize my horse’s appearance?
Beyond saddles and armor, you cannot change your horse’s appearance. You are limited to the specific coat and markings of the horse you purchase.
12. Do DLCs add new horses to the game?
Yes, certain DLCs, such as “From the Ashes,” add new and powerful horses like Shadowmere, Agro, and Shadowfax to the game.
13. Does horse breed matter in Kingdom Come: Deliverance?
Kingdom Come: Deliverance doesn’t explicitly categorize horses by breed in the same way as real life. The game focuses on individual stats like speed, capacity, and courage, rather than breed-specific traits.
14. Is Warhorse Jenda worth the high price?
Warhorse Jenda is an excellent horse with high speed and stamina. If you have the coin, it’s a worthwhile investment, particularly for players who prioritize fast travel and prolonged galloping.
15. Where can I learn more about the historical accuracy of Kingdom Come: Deliverance?
For deeper insights into the historical context and educational value of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Here, you can find research and discussions on how games like KCD can be used as tools for learning and historical understanding. The GamesLearningSociety.org highlights the intersection of gaming and education.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t simply claim any random horse you find, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a robust system for acquiring and customizing your ideal mount. By visiting horse traders, carefully considering stats, and investing in saddles and armor, you can create a powerful and reliable companion for your adventures in Bohemia. Remember, patience and a bit of groschen are key to finding the perfect steed.