Why Is Roach Black in The Witcher 3? Decoding the Equine Enigma
The burning question on the minds of many Witcher 3 players, especially those experiencing it for the first time, is: Why did Roach turn black? The answer is multifaceted and tied to specific choices you make within the game. In essence, there are two primary ways Roach can become a magnificent, ebony steed:
Option 1: The Nilfgaardian Reward
This is the most commonly encountered scenario. If, after locating Ciri and choosing to bring her to her father, Emperor Emhyr var Emreis, and then refuse the monetary reward offered by the Emperor, Emhyr, impressed by Geralt’s apparent lack of mercenary motivations, will present him with a pure-bred Nilfgaardian black stallion. From this point forward, whenever Geralt calls for Roach, this impressive black horse will answer the call instead of the original, more common bay mare.
Option 2: The Heart of Stone Pact with Gaunter O’Dimm
A less common, and perhaps more aesthetically striking, alternative involves the Heart of Stone DLC. At the conclusion of this expansion’s main questline, Gaunter O’Dimm offers Geralt a reward for his services. If Geralt chooses to ask for a gift that makes him as “fast as the wind,” O’Dimm bestows upon him a saddle with unique magical properties. Equipping this saddle will transform Roach’s appearance. While not strictly “black,” this transformation gives Roach a dark, almost black fur and, most notably, gives her one red eye and one blank white eye. This unsettling appearance is far more visually dramatic than the Nilfgaardian stallion.
In both cases, the underlying game mechanics are simple. The game replaces the default Roach model with a different model, triggered by specific in-game choices and actions. It’s a visual reward system that acknowledges the player’s decisions and adds a bit of flair to their gameplay experience. This demonstrates how video games allow players to immerse themselves in the narrative by making choices that influence the world around them, a principle often explored within Games Learning Society. GamesLearningSociety.org examines how games can be leveraged for learning, and even these small, seemingly cosmetic choices highlight how narrative and player agency can create engaging and memorable experiences.
FAQs About Roach in The Witcher 3
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Roach in The Witcher 3, providing further insights into Geralt’s loyal companion and related game mechanics:
1. What color is the original Roach in The Witcher 3?
The original Roach in The Witcher 3 is typically a bay mare, meaning she has a brown or reddish-brown coat with a black mane, tail, and lower legs.
2. Can I change Roach’s appearance back to her original color?
If you acquired the black Nilfgaardian stallion, you generally cannot revert Roach to her original appearance through in-game means. However, if you are playing on PC, mods can potentially allow you to alter Roach’s appearance. If you obtained the black “Roach” through the Heart of Stone saddle, simply unequipping the saddle will return Roach to her original color.
3. Can Roach die in The Witcher 3?
Roach cannot permanently die in The Witcher 3. If Roach takes too much damage, she will become temporarily unavailable, and Geralt will be forced to travel on foot until she recovers. After a short period, she will reappear when called. This mechanic is in place to avoid forcing players to constantly replace their horse.
4. How do I get the best Roach in The Witcher 3?
“Best” is subjective. Many players prioritize stats over appearance. Focus on acquiring high-quality saddles, blinders, and saddlebags to improve Roach’s stamina, fear level, and carrying capacity. These can be obtained through completing quests, winning horse races, and purchasing them from vendors. There is no one “best” horse in terms of raw stats besides Roach, so focus on the equipment.
5. Does Roach have any special abilities?
Roach’s abilities are tied to her equipment. Saddles increase her stamina, blinders reduce her fear level (making her less likely to buck you off when monsters are nearby), and saddlebags increase your carrying capacity.
6. Can I tame wild horses in The Witcher 3?
Yes, you can temporarily tame wild horses using the Axii sign. This will allow you to ride them for a short period, but you cannot make them your permanent horse. They are purely for temporary transportation.
7. Why does Geralt always call his horse “Roach”?
In the Witcher universe, Geralt names all of his horses “Roach.” It’s a long-standing tradition. It’s implied he doesn’t become overly attached, and he replaces them fairly often. The name itself, Plotka in Polish, is the name of a common fish.
8. What happens if I accept the money from Emhyr?
If you accept the money from Emhyr, you will not receive the black Nilfgaardian stallion. Roach will remain her original color and appearance. You will, of course, receive a substantial sum of crowns.
9. Is Roach male or female?
In The Witcher 3, Geralt refers to Roach as “her,” indicating that, at least in this iteration, Roach is female. However, it is worth noting that across the Witcher saga, Geralt has had multiple horses, all named Roach, and their genders may have varied.
10. Does Geralt have a special bond with Roach?
While Geralt doesn’t express overt affection for Roach, he clearly values her as a reliable and essential companion. He depends on her for transportation and appreciates her loyalty. While he might not outwardly display strong emotions, his consistent reliance on Roach speaks volumes.
11. Can I customize Roach beyond saddles, blinders, and saddlebags?
Besides the changes brought about by the Nilfgaardian reward or the Heart of Stone saddle, customization options for Roach are limited to her equipment (saddles, blinders, and saddlebags). As mentioned earlier, PC players can use mods to alter Roach’s appearance more extensively.
12. Why does Roach sometimes appear on rooftops or in strange locations?
This is a common glitch in The Witcher 3. Roach’s pathfinding can sometimes be erratic, leading her to appear in unusual places. Simply moving away and calling her again usually resolves the issue.
13. Does Roach’s weight affect gameplay?
While carrying capacity affects Geralt’s movement speed, Roach’s weight (whether she is carrying a heavy load) does not directly affect her speed or stamina. Her stamina is solely determined by the quality of her saddle.
14. Is the “black Roach” from Heart of Stone truly black?
The Roach you get from Heart of Stone is more of a very dark brown or charcoal gray than true black. The defining feature is the striking red and white eyes, which make her look quite demonic.
15. How does Axii affect Roach?
The Axii sign can be used to calm Roach when she is frightened, preventing her from bucking you off. This is particularly useful when encountering monsters or in areas with hostile wildlife. It doesn’t permanently alter her behavior, but it provides a temporary calming effect.
By understanding the nuances of these in-game choices and mechanics, players can tailor their Witcher 3 experience to their preferences, whether they prioritize a sleek black steed or simply the most efficient means of transportation across the vast Northern Kingdoms.