Open World Games With The Best Mounted Combat

Key Takeaways

Mounts offer unique utility and personality in various games, enhancing the gaming experience beyond just traversal.
Different games offer mounts for combat or traversal, with standout titles like Middle-Earth: Shadow of War and Mount and Blade: Bannerlord.
Games like Horizon: Forbidden West and Red Dead Redemption 2 provide slick mounted combat experiences, adding depth and satisfaction.

As a seasoned gamer with decades under my belt and miles upon miles traversed on various mounts, I can confidently say that the integration of mounts into gaming has elevated my experiences beyond mere travel mechanics. They’ve become loyal companions, integral parts of the game world, and even tactical assets in combat.

As I navigate the vast expanse of an open-world game, the thrill of swift transportation via driving mechanics is undeniable. Yet, mounts offer so much more than just speedy travel. They’re woven into the fabric of the game world, enhancing its theme and visual appeal. In certain instances, they even function as faithful companions, guiding me through hazardous quests and risky missions, adding a layer of immersion that driving alone can’t match.

In many games where you can use mounts, these options frequently fit distinct roles. For instance, some mounts may excel at traversal, but they might not be effective in combat, even with armor designed specifically for them. Conversely, certain open-world games successfully blend mounts into their fighting systems. Among these, there are several games that shine particularly brightly when it comes to mounted combat. Here’s a list of top games where players can join the fight on horseback.

5 Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War

Graugs And Carragors And Drakes, Oh My!

In “Shadow of War,” the combat, reminiscent of the “Arkham” series, forms the foundation for two renowned games developed by Monolith studios. Compared to its predecessor, this game’s branding has been broadened, and players notice this primarily in the diverse array of orcs that can be enlisted, but also in the assortment of creatures that can now be marked.

In this game, Carragors, Graugs, and Drakes behave differently when branded, either by incorporating narrative elements or granting new skills in the skill tree. It appears that these mounts are primarily designed for mass destruction. They often prioritize raw damage over precision and offer area-of-effect attacks to ensure a high number of Orc grunts succumb to Talion. The brutal mechanic of crushing enemies with gruags or tearing them apart with carragors aligns perfectly with the game’s overall tone.

4 Mount And Blade: Bannerlord

The Freedom Of Mount And Blade Is Only Bolstered By Mounted Combat

Horses play a vital role in the game “Mount & Blade: Bannerlord,” contributing significantly to combat, transportation, and social standing. When recruiting mercenaries, it would be foolish not to include a group riding on battle-ready steeds. At the very least, this could provide an advantage in upcoming battles. Riding into combat feels smooth and rewarding, and slicing through infantry offers a therapeutic means of accumulating experience as a knight or mercenary.

In Bannerlord, each horse has its unique characteristics. Some steeds are designed for battles, like the charger, while others excel at traversal. Keep in mind that most horses are bred for speed or cargo capacity instead of combat, so it’s crucial to pick the right mount according to the specific scenario you find yourself in.

3 Elden Ring

Torrent Is A Trusty Companion In The Lands Between

Torrent serves as an excellent guide through the Lands Between. This trusty mount sticks by the player character, the Tarnished, regardless of which among the numerous endings they aim for, and it subtly influences the allegiances of other characters. At first glance, Tornt’s main function might seem to be navigation, but there is much more this steed can offer players.

Navigating the expansive areas of the game on horseback with Torrent provides an efficient and gratifying approach. This method enables the Tarnished to gain speed, inflict substantial damage, and retreat when necessary. In certain battles, particularly the final boss battle (now accessible for Torrent due to a recent update), this mount serves as a swift means of bridging the distance and delivering heavy blows to the enemy.

2 Horizon: Forbidden West

Overriding These Mounts Is A Rewarding Experience

In the game “Horizon: Forbidden West,” the robotic adversaries are among the toughest and most formidable enemies currently encountered in gaming. Overcoming their relentless aggression requires players to hone Aloy’s abilities, as they grow stronger by gaining experience throughout the storyline.

In Forbidden West, I’ve found the selection of mounts at my disposal has significantly grown from the initial game. As a gamer, let me tell you, these aren’t just rides; they’re game-changers when it comes to tackling those formidable foes. Whether I’m harnessing the power of the Charger or Clawstrider with an override, or soaring through the skies on the Sunwing, each mount adds a whole new dimension to Aloy’s combat prowess and her ability to take down other monstrous beasts. The way these mounts move, pulsating with energy and vitality, makes every battle feel electrifying. And trust me, taking down enemies with them is a brutally satisfying experience!

1 Red Dead Redemption 2

Horseback Combat Is Slick And Satisfying

Red Dead Redemption 2 showcases an astonishing amount of detail and design almost everywhere in its vast open-world, and this is especially true when it comes to the diverse range of horses available in the game. Each horse has its own distinct characteristics, featuring unique strengths and weaknesses.

In this lawless, gun-slinging game, riders might find the horseback combat remarkably intuitive and seamlessly integrated with its rewarding gunfights. Every bullet fired has a noticeable, tangible impact on the environment. Dead Eye Targeting enhances aiming from horseback, further emphasizing the “epic western” atmosphere that permeates every corner of the game.

2024-09-16 01:05