Receiving my first mount in New World was a profoundly memorable experience. Confronting me was a figure I had delved into extensively over the years, exploring the annals of history and the Mongol Conquests of the Middle Ages. Jochi Khan, the eldest son of the great Genghis Khan, stood in a felt tent before me, sharing tales of his communion with the untamed beasts of Aeternum, particularly the horses, and the profound bond he shared with them.
For players who have embarked on their New World journey since its inception, attaining a mount has been a highly sought-after feature. In an MMO set on a mystical and eternal island, the variety of mounts can extend beyond horses, but the decision to introduce a steed as the initial option is an inspired choice. Horses have historically played an essential role in shaping empires, kingdoms, and the journeys of adventurers, and their presence offers a compelling thematic connection.
Mounts were initially absent from New World at its launch, with the in-game lore providing a rationale for their absence: animals in Aeternum could not be tamed and would revert to a feral state. This lore explanation neatly justified the absence of mounts in the game, even though adventurers likely arrived with steeds in tow. Rise of the Angry Earth, however, challenges the established lore rules by transforming First Light into Elysian Wilds through the actions of Adiana and awakening the Beast Lords in the Abyssal Realm, providing an opportunity to reestablish the connection with mounts.
During the introductory mount quest featuring Jochi Khan, players witness a moment of profound significance when he rekindles his connection with these majestic creatures. For Jochi, who has been on the island for centuries, the opportunity to tame and ride horses again represents a long-cherished dream.
In planning how mounts would be introduced, starting with horses aligns with historical significance, as horses have often been the cornerstone of civilizations and the foundations of empires. The expansion introduces three types of mounts: horses, direwolves, and lions, each contributing to the diverse gameplay experience. The choice of a Mongolian theme for the horse mount resonates with the history of an empire built upon the power of these creatures.
Mounts become accessible in New World starting at level 25, with each type requiring completion of a specific quest. At level 45, players unlock the direwolf mount quest, while the lion mount quest becomes available at level 60. Each mount exhibits unique animations, with horses moving majestically, direwolves bounding more freely, and lions conveying a sense of weight in their movements.
Incorporating mounts also introduces the new riding trade skill, which directly influences a player’s ability to control their mount. Higher skill levels result in increased mount speed, and the skill adds a sprinting mechanic to enhance the MMO’s gameplay.
Experiencing that moment of climbing onto a horse for the first time in New World is profoundly exciting for players, as it fulfills a long-standing request since the game’s 2021 launch. Mounts not only expedite travel across the world but also make it more efficient. Riding on roads offers the same passive speed bonus as running, and while off-road riding remains faster than traveling on foot, the speed diminishes as players veer away from the beaten path.
The introduction of mounts also introduces new considerations for players. Engaging in resource gathering activities such as mining or collecting materials might be more efficient on foot, as dismounting and remounting a mount can create opportunities for other players to claim resources. Additionally, as towns become more populated with mounted players, their streets may become more crowded and present unique challenges.
Mounts in New World are not merely a means of transportation but also offer opportunities for cosmetic customization. Players can unlock various cosmetics, altering the overall appearance of their mounts, from selecting different horse breeds to outfitting armored lion mounts. Equipping items enhances the mount’s speed and stamina, and vittles can be used to improve these attributes while on the move. Players can also personalize their mounts with shields or flags, providing a distinct visual identity for their steed. Furthermore, mounts can be renamed, paving the way for a creative array of monikers.
The addition of mounts also introduces a new in-game activity—racing. Races are dispersed across Aeternum in the Rise of the Angry Earth expansion, and successful completion of these races yields rewards, including vittles to enhance mount speed. Participating in a race is a timed challenge, where players must navigate a series of checkpoints to extend their timer. Missing a turn can easily lead to failure, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach to win.
Mounts not only streamline the New World experience but also enhance it, offering a newfound sense of efficiency in exploring the vast land. It eliminates one of the more laborious aspects of the game, making journeys between points of interest more engaging and dynamic. The introduction of mounts provides opportunities for players to engage in exciting activities, such as chest runs and races, fostering camaraderie and competition in the New World – win New World Gold Coins in-game. This, in turn, enriches the narrative by tapping into the historical significance and cultural nuances of characters like Jochi Khan and further enhancing the player’s connection with their trusty mount.