Mastering the vast open world of gaming titles like Crimson Desert often comes down to the quality of your mount. However, as our team at Digital Tech Explorer discovered during our deep-dive testing, working out how to tame a horse can be a frustrating hurdle. From confusing minigames to opaque leveling mechanics, there is a lot the game doesn’t explicitly tell you. This guide will break down how to subdue wild steeds, unlock essential horse skills, and keep your companion in peak condition.
How to Level Up and Unlock Horse Skills
In Crimson Desert, a horse isn’t just a transport method—it’s a partner that grows with you. To unlock advanced maneuvers like the double jump, you need to increase your mount’s trust and level. Based on our hands-on experience, here are the three primary methods to expedite this process:
- Consistent Riding: This is the most organic method. Simply using your horse for travel will slowly but surely increase its experience.
- Physical Interaction: Focus on your horse (CTRL on PC / LB on Controller) and press R to pet it. Note that there is a daily limit on trust gained through affection.
- Strategic Feeding: This is the fastest way to build a bond. You can feed your horse directly from your inventory or drop food on the ground. Be wary of wild horses nearby, as they may attempt to steal the snacks before your mount can reach them.
To help you manage your inventory, we have compiled the most effective items for boosting your mount’s progression:
| Item Type | Examples | Obtained From |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Feed | Oats, Apples, Hay | Looting / Foraging |
| Premium Treats | Sugarbeet, Sugar Cubes | Saddlery Vendors |
| Recovery Items | Horse Tonics | Saddlery / Crafting |
To view your progress, open the horse tab in your inventory and press 5. This menu displays current trust levels and unlocked skills, such as the double jump, which is vital for navigating rocky outcrops and steep inclines.
The Easiest Way to Tame a Wild Horse
Wild horses are frequently found in the lush river valleys to the east and south of Hernand. While the game suggests aligning your movement (WASD or Left Stick) with the horse’s tail, we found this mechanic to be incredibly inconsistent. At Digital Tech Explorer, we recommend a much simpler strategy:
The “Camera-Lock” Method: Position your camera directly behind the horse and hold the S key (or pull back on the analog stick). As the horse spins and bucks, ignore the movement keys and simply use your mouse or right stick to keep the camera glued to the horse’s tail. As long as the camera stays centered, the yellow subduing circle will fill up. Ensure you have enough stamina before starting, or you’ll be bucked off before the process completes.
Once tamed, head to a stable—like the one north of Hernand or the Royal Trading Post—to register your new mount. This allows you to store multiple horses and switch between them as needed.
How to Heal and Revive Your Mount
The world of Crimson Desert is dangerous, and your horse will inevitably take damage. If your mount’s health is low or it has been downed, you have three primary recovery options:
- Horse Tonics: These can be purchased at any Saddlery or occasionally found while exploring. They provide an immediate health boost.
- Stable Services: If your horse is fully incapacitated, visit a stable and select “Retrieve and Revive Horse.” While effective, this requires you to travel to the stable on foot.
- Force Palm: Healing: For players looking for the most efficient tech solution, using the Healing Force Palm skill is the quickest way to restore your horse’s HP in the field without consuming items.
By following these steps, you can ensure your journey through Pywel is supported by the best mounts the game has to offer. For more technical guides and PC gaming insights, stay tuned to TechTalesLeo here on Digital Tech Explorer.
