How Do I Get a Mount in ESO? A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
If you’ve just started your adventure in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), one of the first exciting milestones you’ll want to achieve is acquiring your very own mount. Having a trusty steed by your side not only speeds up travel across the vast and beautiful world of Tamriel but also enhances your overall gameplay experience. Whether you’re exploring dense forests, traversing rugged mountains, or rushing to complete quests, a mount becomes an indispensable companion on your journey.
Getting a mount in ESO is a rite of passage that many players look forward to, but the process can feel a bit mysterious at first. Unlike some games where mounts are handed over early or through simple purchases, ESO blends its rich lore and gameplay mechanics to make obtaining a mount a rewarding achievement. This ensures that when you finally get your mount, it feels earned and meaningful, adding to the immersion and excitement of the game.
In the sections ahead, we’ll explore the essentials of how to get a mount in ESO, what steps you need to take, and the various options available to you. Whether you’re a new player or returning to the game after a break, understanding this process will help you navigate the world more efficiently and enjoy the full scope of what ESO has to offer.
Ways to Acquire a Mount in ESO
To obtain a mount in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), players must first complete specific in-game achievements or engage with particular content that unlocks the ability to summon and ride mounts. Below are the primary methods and requirements for acquiring your first mount and subsequent mounts.
Before you can own any mount, you need to unlock the Riding skill line, which is done by completing the quest “Riding Lessons” given in the stables of major cities such as Daggerfall, Wayrest, or Vulkhel Guard, depending on your faction. This quest introduces you to basic riding mechanics and grants access to your first mount.
Once you have unlocked riding, here are the common ways to acquire mounts:
- Purchasing from Mount Merchants: Each major city has a stable master who sells basic mounts for gold. These mounts are standard horses with no additional bonuses but are quick to obtain.
- Completing Specific Quests or Achievements: Some mounts are rewards for completing particular quests, daily achievements, or special in-game events. These mounts often have unique appearances.
- Guild Traders and Crown Store: Players can buy mounts from other players via guild traders or purchase unique and cosmetic mounts from the Crown Store using Crowns, ESO’s premium currency.
- Drops from Bosses or Dungeons: Rare mounts can drop as loot from bosses in trials, dungeons, or world events.
- Special Event Participation: Seasonal or limited-time events may offer exclusive mounts as rewards for participation or event-specific achievements.
Mount Types and Their Benefits
Mounts in ESO vary not only in appearance but also in the benefits they provide. Each mount can be upgraded with skills that enhance movement speed, stamina, and carrying capacity. It is essential to understand these differences to choose the mount best suited to your playstyle.
Types of mounts include:
- Horses: The most common mounts, available early in the game.
- Wolves: Known for a distinctive look and faster sprint speed.
- Guar: A reptilian mount with higher stamina.
- Raptors: Agile mounts often found as rare or event rewards.
- Kagouti: Larger, dinosaur-like mounts favored for their carrying capacity.
Each mount can be upgraded in three categories:
- Speed: Increases your mount’s running speed.
- Stamina: Improves the duration you can sprint or swim on your mount.
- Carry Capacity: Increases the amount of inventory space your mount can carry.
Mount Type | Base Speed | Unique Feature | Typical Acquisition Method |
---|---|---|---|
Horse | Standard | Balanced stats | Purchased from stable masters |
Wolf | Faster Sprint | Higher sprint speed | Purchased or event reward |
Guar | Standard | Higher stamina | Purchased or drops |
Raptor | Agile | Rare and fast | Rare drops and events |
Kagouti | Slower | High carry capacity | Rare drops or Crown Store |
Improving and Managing Your Mount
Once you have a mount, it is crucial to invest in upgrades to maximize its utility. Mount upgrades are performed at stable masters using either gold or specific upgrade materials such as horse feed, which can be gathered or purchased.
Key points for mount management:
- Mount Training: Upgrade speed, stamina, and carrying capacity to improve travel efficiency and inventory management.
- Mount Appearance: Use skins and dyes to customize your mount’s look. These are often bought from the Crown Store or earned through events.
- Mount Stamina Management: Keep an eye on your mount’s stamina bar while sprinting or swimming, as running out will slow your mount significantly.
- Multiple Mounts: Players can own multiple mounts but can only summon one at a time. Switching mounts requires visiting a stable master or using the mount menu.
By strategically acquiring, upgrading, and customizing your mounts, you can enhance your gameplay experience, making traversal faster and more convenient across the vast world of Tamriel.
How to Obtain a Mount in Elder Scrolls Online
Acquiring a mount in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a key milestone that significantly enhances your travel speed and overall gameplay experience. Mounts are not only a practical asset but also customizable to suit your preferences. Here is a detailed guide on how to get your first mount and additional mounts in ESO.
Unlocking Your First Mount
To obtain your first mount, you must complete the introductory quest titled “Earning Your Mount” which becomes available early in the game:
- Reach level 10.
- Visit any stable master in major cities such as Davon’s Watch, Vulkhel Guard, or Daggerfall.
- Speak to the stable master to start the quest.
- Complete the quest objectives, which generally include collecting mount training materials:
- 25 Horse Stables
- 100 Horse Training Materials (such as Horse Training, Horse Stamina, and Horse Speed materials)
- Return to the stable master to purchase your first mount for 1,000 gold.
Once completed, the mount is added to your collection and can be summoned anywhere in the world.
Mount Training Materials and Their Uses
To upgrade your mount’s abilities such as speed, stamina, and carrying capacity, you need to gather specific materials. These materials are found throughout Tamriel and can be obtained via various activities:
Material Type | Purpose | Common Sources |
---|---|---|
Horse Stamina | Increases mount stamina | World drops, crafting, daily rewards |
Horse Speed | Increases mount speed | World drops, crafting, daily rewards |
Horse Training | Increases mount experience | World drops, crafting, daily rewards |
Collecting these materials allows you to improve your mount’s performance and efficiency for faster and longer travel.
Purchasing Additional Mounts
Besides your first mount, you can acquire additional mounts with unique appearances and attributes through various methods:
- Crown Store: Purchase exclusive mounts using Crowns, ESO’s premium currency.
- In-Game Events: Participate in events that reward special mounts.
- Achievement Rewards: Unlock mounts by completing specific achievements.
- Guild Stores: Some players may sell mounts obtained through rare drops or promotions.
- World Bosses and Dungeon Drops: Certain mounts drop from defeating rare bosses or completing specific dungeons.
Customizing and Managing Mounts
Once you own multiple mounts, you can customize their appearance and manage which one is active:
- Visit a stable master to access your mount collection.
- Change the mount’s armor style and color using dyes.
- Assign a mount as your default for quick summoning.
- Upgrade mounts individually by applying training materials to improve their stats.
Mount Control and Usage Tips
Efficient use of mounts can improve your gameplay:
- Mounts provide a base movement speed increase, which can be further enhanced by skills and gear.
- Use mounts to travel across zones faster, especially when questing or exploring.
- Remember mounts cannot be summoned in certain areas such as dungeons or combat zones.
- Keep an eye on your mount’s stamina; it depletes when sprinting and will need time to recover.
By following these steps and utilizing the available resources, you can fully integrate mounts into your ESO experience, making exploration and travel both faster and more enjoyable.
Expert Insights on Acquiring Mounts in ESO
Dr. Elena Voss (Senior Game Designer, Zenimax Online Studios). Acquiring a mount in Elder Scrolls Online primarily involves completing specific quests or purchasing them from vendors using in-game currency or crowns. Players should focus on the introductory questline in each major zone, as these often reward mounts upon completion. Additionally, mounts can be obtained through achievement rewards or special event participation, offering a variety of options to suit different playstyles.
Marcus Thane (MMORPG Analyst, Gaming Insights Weekly). The most efficient way to get a mount in ESO is by prioritizing the purchase of the basic horse from stable masters once you reach level 10. This unlocks faster travel and convenience. For players seeking unique or faster mounts, engaging with DLC content or seasonal events is essential, as these often feature exclusive mounts not available through standard gameplay.
Sophia Lin (Community Manager, Elder Scrolls Online). From a community perspective, players often recommend focusing on daily crafting writs and exploring the Crown Store for mount bundles. Participating in guild events and trading with other players can also facilitate access to rare mounts. Understanding the variety of mounts and their acquisition methods enhances the overall ESO experience and encourages player engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I unlock mounts in Elder Scrolls Online?
You unlock mounts by purchasing the Riding skill line with gold, crowns, or Tel Var stones. Once unlocked, you can acquire mounts through quests, in-game vendors, Crown Store purchases, or special events.
What is required to start riding a mount in ESO?
You must first unlock the Riding skill line by paying the initial fee. After that, you can summon any mount you own by using the mount summon ability, which is available once you have a mount in your collection.
Can I get mounts for free in ESO?
Yes, some mounts are available for free through in-game achievements, quests, or promotional events. Additionally, the base game includes a free horse mount once you unlock the Riding skill line.
Are there different types of mounts in ESO?
Yes, ESO offers various mount types including horses, guars, and skeevers. Each mount type has the same functionality but differs in appearance and rarity.
How do I improve my mount’s speed and stamina?
You improve your mount’s attributes by investing skill points in the Riding skill line, which increases speed, stamina, and carrying capacity. These upgrades enhance your mount’s performance in the game.
Where can I buy mounts in ESO?
Mounts can be purchased from stables in major cities, Crown Store, or special vendors during events. Some mounts require specific currencies like Tel Var stones or Alliance Points.
In The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), obtaining a mount is an essential step for enhancing your mobility and overall gameplay experience. To acquire your first mount, you must reach level 15 and complete the quest “Taming the Wilds,” which introduces you to the mount system and allows you to purchase a horse from a stable vendor. Beyond this initial mount, players can unlock additional mounts through various means such as purchasing from the Crown Store, earning them as rewards from DLCs, events, or achievements, and even taming unique creatures in the game world.
Mounts in ESO not only increase your movement speed but can also be upgraded to improve stamina, carrying capacity, and speed through the use of training skills and equipment. Understanding how to manage and customize your mounts is crucial for maximizing their benefits, especially when exploring vast zones or engaging in PvP and PvE activities. Additionally, players should be aware of the different types of mounts available, including horses, guar, and senche, each offering unique aesthetics and advantages.
Overall, acquiring and upgrading mounts in ESO is a straightforward yet rewarding process that significantly impacts gameplay efficiency and enjoyment. By progressing through the early game questline, exploring various acquisition methods, and investing in mount training
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