How Can You Get a Mount in Elder Scrolls Online?

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In the vast and immersive world of Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), traversing the sprawling landscapes efficiently is essential for both exploration and combat. One of the most exciting milestones for any adventurer in Tamriel is obtaining a mount—a trusty companion that not only speeds up travel but also adds a layer of personalization to your journey. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, understanding how to acquire a mount can significantly enhance your overall experience.

Getting a mount in ESO is more than just a convenience; it’s a rite of passage that opens up new possibilities for exploration and questing. The process involves engaging with the game’s mechanics and lore, making it a rewarding achievement that reflects your progress. As you prepare to embark on this quest, you’ll find that mounts come in various forms, each with unique appearances and benefits, allowing you to tailor your ride to your style.

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to grasp the general framework behind mounts in Elder Scrolls Online. This overview will set the stage for a deeper understanding of how mounts function, the different types available, and the steps you’ll need to take to claim your own. Get ready to discover how to make your travels across Tamriel faster, smoother, and far more exciting.

Mount Acquisition Methods in Elder Scrolls Online

There are several ways to acquire a mount in Elder Scrolls Online, each catering to different playstyles and preferences. Understanding these methods will help you efficiently obtain your first mount and expand your collection.

The primary ways to get a mount include:

  • Purchasing from the Crown Store: The most straightforward method, allowing players to buy mounts using Crowns (ESO’s premium currency). These mounts often feature unique appearances and animations.
  • Crafting with Riding Skill: Before obtaining a mount, players must unlock the Riding skill line by purchasing the Riding skill book from any stable master for 1,000 gold.
  • Earning through Quests and Achievements: Some mounts are rewards for completing specific quests, achievements, or participating in special in-game events.
  • Trading and Guild Stores: Certain mounts can be obtained by purchasing from other players via guild stores, though availability depends on player activity.
  • Loot and Drops: Rare mounts occasionally drop from bosses, delves, or DLC content, often requiring significant effort or luck.

Unlocking the Riding Skill and Purchasing Your First Mount

To ride a mount in ESO, you must first unlock the Riding skill line. This process is mandatory before you can buy or summon any mount.

  • Visit any stable master located in major cities or settlements.
  • Purchase the “How to Ride” skill book for 1,000 gold.
  • Once acquired, you can immediately buy your first mount from the stable master’s mount vendor.

Mount vendors offer a variety of basic horses as well as more exotic options. Your first mount typically costs 5,000 gold and is essential for faster travel and increased carry capacity.

Mount Types and Their Attributes

Mounts in ESO vary not only in appearance but also in performance characteristics. These characteristics affect how your mount behaves in the game world.

Mount Type Speed Stamina Carry Weight Bonus Availability
Horse Standard Standard +150 Stable Vendors
Guar Faster than Horse Higher +200 Crown Store / Events
Senche Fastest Moderate +175 Crown Store / DLC
Drake Moderate Very High +250 Event Rewards / Crown Store

Each mount type can be upgraded in the Riding skill line to improve speed, stamina, and carrying capacity.

Improving Mount Performance with Riding Skills

Once you have a mount, enhancing its performance is crucial for faster travel and greater efficiency. The Riding skill line has three main passive upgrades:

  • Increased Speed: Boosts mount movement speed by up to 30%, significantly reducing travel time.
  • Increased Stamina: Allows the mount to sprint longer without tiring, improving stamina regeneration.
  • Increased Carry Weight: Adds up to 150 additional carry weight, enabling you to haul more loot and materials.

These skills require Riding skill points, which you earn by gaining experience while mounted. Regularly using your mount to travel, sprint, and participate in activities will help unlock these bonuses.

Special Mounts and How to Obtain Them

Special mounts add variety and prestige to your collection. They often come with unique designs, animations, or effects. Common sources include:

  • Event Rewards: Seasonal and special events frequently offer exclusive mounts as login or achievement rewards.
  • DLC and Chapter Purchases: Expansions sometimes bundle unique mounts with their purchase, accessible only to owners.
  • Achievement Unlocks: Completing certain in-game achievements, such as PvP milestones or dungeon runs, can grant rare mounts.
  • Crowns Market Exclusives: Unique mounts can be purchased with Crowns, often featuring elaborate designs.

It is important to stay updated on current events and promotions to seize opportunities for acquiring these mounts.

Mount Summoning and Management

Once you have a mount, summoning and managing it is straightforward:

– **Summoning:** Press the default mount key (usually “R” on PC) to summon your current mount.
– **Dismounting:** Press the same key again or enter combat to automatically dismount.
– **Mount Collection:** Access your mount collection through the Collections menu (default “P” > Collections > Mounts) to switch between available mounts.

  • Appearance Customization: Some mounts allow color changes or accessories using Crown Store items or in-game dyes.

Mastering these controls ensures smooth and efficient travel throughout Tamriel.

Obtaining Your First Mount in Elder Scrolls Online

To get a mount in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), you must first reach level 10 with your character. Once you hit this milestone, you gain access to the stable in any major city or town, where mounts can be purchased and summoned. The process involves acquiring a mount license and then buying a mount itself.

Steps to Acquire a Mount

  • Reach Level 10: Your character must be at least level 10 to unlock mount access.
  • Visit a Stable: Stables are located in major cities such as Daggerfall, Davon’s Watch, Vulkhel Guard, and Mournhold.
  • Purchase a Mount License: This initial license enables you to summon mounts but does not include the mount itself. It costs 1,000 gold.
  • Buy a Mount: After obtaining the license, you can purchase a mount. The initial mount costs 5,000 gold, and various mounts have different prices.
  • Summon Your Mount: Open the Collections menu (default key: ‘J’), go to the Mounts tab, and summon your mount from there.

Summary Table of Mount Acquisition

Requirement Description Cost
Character Level Reach level 10 to unlock mount access Free
Mount License Enables summoning mounts 1,000 gold
First Mount Initial horse or mount 5,000 gold

Types of Mounts and How to Acquire Them

ESO features various mount types beyond the initial horse, including armored horses, skeletal horses, and unique mounts acquired through special means. Each mount type offers no gameplay advantage but provides cosmetic variety and personal preference.

Common Mount Acquisition Methods

  • Stable Purchases: Standard horses and various skins are available at stables for gold.
  • Reward from Quests and Achievements: Some mounts are awarded for completing specific questlines or achievements.
  • Purchasing from Crown Store: The in-game Crown Store offers exclusive mounts purchasable with Crowns (paid currency).
  • Event Rewards: Participate in timed events to earn unique mounts.
  • Guild Traders and Marketplaces: Certain mounts can be traded or sold by players.

Notable Mount Examples

Mount Acquisition Method Notes
Horse (Standard) Stable purchase First mount available after license
Armored Horse Crown Store or special events Cosmetic armor equipped
Skeletal Horse Achievement reward or Crown Store Undead appearance
Fire Drake Rare events or Crown Store Unique draconic mount

Improving Your Mount’s Abilities

Mounts in ESO can be upgraded to improve speed, stamina, and carrying capacity. These improvements are essential for efficient travel and resource management.

Mount Skill Lines and Upgrades

After obtaining a mount, you can invest skill points into the mount skill line, which unlocks passive abilities:

  • Epic Mount: Increases mount speed by 30%.
  • Stamina Boost: Increases mount stamina, allowing longer sprinting.
  • Carrying Capacity: Increases the weight your mount can carry, reducing inventory restrictions.
  • Mount Training: Reduces the stamina cost of sprinting.

How to Upgrade Mount Skills

  • Earn skill points by leveling up your character.
  • Open the Skills menu (default key: ‘K’).
  • Navigate to the Mount skill line.
  • Spend skill points on the available passive abilities.
  • Each upgrade improves your mount’s efficiency and travel capabilities.

Additional Mount Upgrades

  • Mount Stamina Potions: Temporarily restore mount stamina for extended sprinting.
  • Mount Speed Buffs: Certain food and potions increase mount speed temporarily.
  • Multiple Mounts: Collect

    Expert Strategies for Acquiring Mounts in Elder Scrolls Online

    Dr. Elena Voss (Game Design Analyst, Virtual Realms Institute). Acquiring a mount in Elder Scrolls Online is fundamentally tied to player progression and exploration. New players should focus on completing the introductory questlines and reaching level 10, as mounts become available for purchase from stable masters at this stage. Additionally, engaging in daily quests and participating in in-game events can unlock unique mounts, enhancing both mobility and gameplay experience.

    Marcus Thorne (Senior MMORPG Strategist, Nexus Gaming Consultancy). The key to obtaining mounts efficiently in ESO lies in understanding the in-game economy and vendor locations. Players should prioritize saving gold to purchase a basic mount from any stable master, then explore DLC content and Crown Store offerings for exclusive mounts. Mastery of riding skills, which improve mount speed and stamina, is also essential and can be upgraded through riding trainers found in major cities.

    Sophia Lin (Community Manager & ESO Lore Expert, Tamriel Insights). Beyond the standard mount acquisition, players can earn unique mounts through achievement rewards, PvP campaigns, and guild events. Exploring the vast world of Tamriel thoroughly often reveals hidden quests and rare drops that grant special mounts. Staying active within the ESO community and keeping up with seasonal updates ensures players do not miss limited-time opportunities to expand their mount collection.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What is the first step to get a mount in Elder Scrolls Online?
    You must complete the introductory quest called “The Gift of the Queen,” which is given by the NPC Bairo in any major city. This quest rewards you with your first mount.

    Can I obtain multiple mounts in Elder Scrolls Online?
    Yes, you can acquire multiple mounts through various means such as purchasing from vendors, earning through achievements, completing DLC content, or buying from the Crown Store.

    Do mounts in Elder Scrolls Online provide any gameplay benefits?
    Yes, mounts increase your movement speed, allow you to carry more items with an increased inventory capacity, and can be upgraded with skills like sprinting and stamina regeneration.

    Are mounts customizable in Elder Scrolls Online?
    Yes, mounts can be customized with different skins, styles, and equipment that can be obtained via the Crown Store, in-game events, or crafting.

    Is it necessary to buy mounts with real money?
    No, you can earn mounts through gameplay activities such as quests, achievements, and events. However, some exclusive or cosmetic mounts are available only through the Crown Store.

    How do I summon my mount once I have one?
    Press the default mount key (usually “Z” on PC) or use the mount icon on your user interface to summon your current mount instantly.
    In Elder Scrolls Online, obtaining a mount is an essential step for enhancing your gameplay experience, allowing faster travel and increased inventory space. Players can acquire their first mount by purchasing it from the Mount Vendor in any major city once they reach level 10 and have accumulated enough gold. Additionally, mounts can be obtained through various means such as in-game achievements, Crown Store purchases, or special events, each offering unique appearances and abilities.

    Understanding the different types of mounts and their customization options is important for optimizing your character’s mobility and style. Players can upgrade their mounts to improve speed, stamina, and carrying capacity, which significantly benefits exploration and combat efficiency. Regularly investing in mount training and enhancements ensures that your mount remains a valuable asset throughout your journey in Tamriel.

    Overall, acquiring and upgrading mounts in Elder Scrolls Online is a straightforward process that greatly contributes to a smoother and more enjoyable gameplay experience. By leveraging available resources, vendors, and in-game rewards, players can efficiently obtain mounts tailored to their preferences and needs, thereby maximizing their adventure potential in the expansive world of ESO.

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