The vast and beautiful world of Where Winds Meet is daunting to traverse on foot. Your basic mobility quickly drains stamina, making exploration and questing a slow process. Securing your first mount is a crucial early-game goal that dramatically improves your experience. This guide will walk you through the two primary methods to get your first horse quickly and efficiently.
Why You Need a Mount Immediately
Before we dive into the “how,” understand the “why.” A mount is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. It significantly increases your travel speed, conserves your stamina for combat and exploration, and makes navigating the expansive game world for main quests and side content far less tedious. Getting a horse should be one of your first priorities after the introductory tutorial segments.
Method 1: The Fastest Way – “Borrowing” a Traveler’s Horse
If you’re looking for the quickest possible way to get on horseback, this is it. It’s straightforward but comes with a minor risk.
Follow the Main Road: After leaving the starting village, stick to the main road.
Find a Traveler: Soon, you will see an NPC traveler riding a horse.
Approach Stealthily: Move towards the traveler from the side or behind to avoid detection.
Use the Dismount Action: When you are close enough, a prompt for a “Dismount” action will appear. Use it to forcefully unseat the traveler.
Claim the Horse: Immediately hop on the now riderless horse. It is now yours to ride.
Note: This action is considered a crime if witnessed. An NPC might report it, giving you a small bounty. However, as an early-game method, the consequences are typically minimal and a fast way to get moving.
Method 2: The Intended Way – Taming a Wild Horse
For a safer and more legitimate approach, taming a wild horse is the way to go. It takes a bit more time but avoids any notoriety.
Locate the Wild Horse Area: Head north from the starting area until you cross a river. Look for wide, open grasslands; this is where wild horses spawn.
Spot a Herd: You will find small herds of horses roaming freely. You can approach any of them.
Sneak Up Carefully: Crouch and move slowly towards the horse you want. If you move too quickly or stand upright, you will spook it, and it will run away.
Initiate the Taming Mini-Game: Once you are close enough, a prompt to “Tame” will appear.
Complete the Mini-Game: A mini-game will initiate, likely requiring you to maintain balance or press specific keys as prompted. Succeed, and the horse will be calmed and become your permanent mount.
This method allows you to choose from different horse colors and types available in the wild area.
Managing Your Mount
Once you have a mount, you can manage it through the game’s menu.
Call Your Horse: Use the radial menu (typically bound to a key like ‘H’ or a button on the controller) to summon your horse almost anywhere.
Manage Appearance: You can change your horse’s mane, tail, and gear from the management menu.
Multiple Mounts: You can tame multiple wild horses. Extra mounts can be released or sold for a small amount of silver, providing an early source of income.
Essential Early Game Mount Tips
Respawn is Key: Wild horses respawn, so don’t worry about “using up” all the horses in an area. You can always go back and tame another.
No Early Maintenance: In the very early game, you do not need to worry about feeding or caring for your mount.
Always Available: Your mount can be summoned in most situations, including after climbing or combat, making it incredibly reliable.
Upgrade Later: The horses you find at the start are basic. More unique and advanced mounts become available through exploration and later quests.
FAQ: Your First Mount in Where Winds Meet
Q: What is the absolute fastest way to get a mount?
A: The fastest method is to “borrow” a horse from a traveler on the main road by using the dismount action.
Q: Is taming a wild horse better?
A: It’s safer and avoids any potential bounty. It also allows you to choose a specific horse color you like from the wild herd.
Q: Where is the best place to find wild horses?
A: Head north from the starting village, cross the river, and look in the open grasslands.
Q: Can I have more than one horse?
A: Yes, you can tame multiple wild horses. You can manage them, swap between them, or sell extras for silver.
Q: What happens if my horse dies or disappears?
A: You can simply summon it again from the radial menu. If you lose a tamed horse permanently, you can always tame another from the wild.
Conclusion
Getting your first mount in Where Winds Meet is a simple yet transformative early-game achievement. Whether you choose the quick and cheeky method of “borrowing” a traveler’s horse or the more immersive route of taming a wild steed, you will unlock a new level of freedom. With a mount at your disposal, the vast world becomes your oyster, ready for efficient exploration and adventure. So, get out there and claim your ride