In the world of New World, Amazon's MMORPG, players traverse an expansive and dynamic landscape filled with dense forests, sprawling plains, treacherous mountains, and the always-dangerous wilds of Aeternum. While running across this vast terrain can be exciting at first, the need for faster travel quickly becomes evident as you advance in the game. Mounts, which are a staple feature in many MMORPGs, have been highly anticipated by New World players since its release. In this article, we'll explore how you can acquire a mount in New World, the different methods of obtaining one, and why the addition of mounts enhances gameplay.

The Absence of Mounts in New World at Launch

When New World was first released in 2021, it did not feature mounts. The game's initial design intended to encourage players to focus on the exploration and player-to-player interactions rather than simply bypassing enemies and content through the speed that mounts provide. Instead, players relied on running, fast-traveling, or using other in-game methods to get from one place to another.

While some MMORPGs opt to make mounts a central feature right from the start, New World Coins took a different approach. Players had to adapt to a slower pace, and instead of relying on mounts for fast travel, they relied on the game's travel systems like the Azoth fast-travel mechanic and portals to quickly traverse Aeternum's varied and dangerous territories.

However, as players moved deeper into the game and explored the limitations of the existing fast-travel system, there was a growing desire for faster travel options. This led to the developers' decision to finally bring mounts into the game in 2023.

How to Get a Mount in New World: The Process

1. Mount Introduction in 2023

With the 2023 update, New World officially introduced mounts to the game. This significant update brought a long-awaited feature to the game, allowing players to ride through the world of Aeternum at faster speeds, bypassing obstacles, and reaching key locations with greater ease.

However, the acquisition of a mount is not as simple as just purchasing one in the shop or reaching a certain level. In New World, obtaining a mount is tied to several in-game systems and requires effort on the player's part.

2. Mounts Are Tied to the "Riding" Skill

In New World, mounts are unlocked through the Riding skill, which you need to level up in order to unlock access to different types of mounts. The Riding skill isn't something that can be unlocked immediately, but it's rather a progression tied to gathering, crafting, and combat achievements. Players must unlock this skill and increase it before they can mount their steed.

This skill tree works similarly to other crafting or gathering trees in the game, requiring the player to complete specific objectives. Progression in this system unlocks new abilities or mounts, allowing the player to gain access to faster or stronger steeds as they level up their Riding skill.

3. Mounts Through Faction and Reputation Systems

An important part of the New World gameplay experience is the Faction and Reputation system. As players progress through the game and participate in faction-based activities, they gain reputation points with their faction. These reputation points can be used to purchase various in-game items, such as mounts, from faction vendors.

Each faction has its own unique mounts that can be purchased with faction currency. You'll have to engage in faction-based missions or events and work your way up the reputation ladder to be able to afford and unlock these mounts.

4. Crafting and Gathering for Mount Materials

Like other items in New World, some mounts can be crafted. To craft mounts, players will need to gather specific materials and resources that are scattered across the world. This process involves exploring various territories, collecting raw materials, and refining them to create mount-related components. Once you've collected enough materials, you'll need to head to a crafting station to forge your mount.

For example, you might need rare leather, ores, or crafted components that require high-tier skills in crafting. The crafting recipes for mounts can be unlocked as you progress through the game, with better mounts requiring rarer and harder-to-gather materials.

5. Mounts from the Cash Shop or Store

In addition to the in-game methods of acquiring mounts, New World offers players the option to purchase certain types of mounts from the cash shop, also known as the in-game store. These mounts are usually cosmetic and may not necessarily provide any advantages in terms of speed or combat benefits over the mounts that are earned through gameplay.

Mounts in the store are available through the use of the game's premium currency. While this option provides players with immediate access to mounts, it does take away the need for grinding or progressing through the Riding skill or factions.

These store-bought mounts also often come with unique visual aesthetics or skins that can add flavor to your character's appearance, but some players may feel that purchasing mounts from the cash shop undermines the effort and rewards associated with unlocking a mount through in-game actions.

6. Mounts Through Special Events and Seasonal Rewards

From time to time, New World hosts seasonal events or time-limited activities that reward players with unique cosmetic items, including exclusive mounts. Participating in these events can be a fun way to acquire a mount that is only available for a limited time. These event-specific mounts may not have any gameplay advantage but offer a unique look to your character.

These seasonal or event mounts often require completing specific objectives, tasks, or challenges within the time frame of the event. They might be tied to special holidays, in-game celebrations, or unique story-driven events that encourage players to log in during these periods.

Why Mounts Are Important in New World

The addition of mounts in New World is not just a cosmetic change; it provides several benefits to players:

Faster Travel: Aeternum is vast, and running from one settlement to another can be time-consuming, especially when you're trying to explore new areas or gather resources. Mounts provide players with faster ways to travel, reducing the amount of time it takes to reach key destinations.

Increased Exploration: As New World encourages players to explore the world and uncover new regions, mounts serve as a useful tool for accessing more areas more quickly. Mounts make exploration feel less tedious and more enjoyable.

Improved Efficiency: When gathering materials or completing objectives in different regions, mounts allow players to reach nodes, resources, and locations faster, increasing overall efficiency.

New Content and Gameplay: The addition of mounts expands New World's gameplay mechanics, adding depth to the overall player experience. Mounts make the world feel more alive and accessible, which aligns with Amazon's goal of making New World a rich and immersive experience.

Player Customization: Mounts offer an additional layer of character customization. Players can personalize their steeds to suit their preferences and add a visual distinction from other players. From different mount skins to unique looks for your steed, the possibilities are endless.

Conclusion

The addition of mounts in New World has revolutionized the way players experience Aeternum. While the game initially did not feature mounts, their introduction has helped create a better travel system, added more depth to the gameplay, and provided players with new ways to explore the world. Whether through faction reputation, crafting, or buy New World Gold, players have a variety of ways to unlock a mount. The new Riding skill offers an exciting new challenge for those looking to speed up their in-game progress and enjoy the game from a different perspective.

Ultimately, mounts in New World help players save time and enhance their overall experience, bringing the game closer to the core principles of exploration and efficiency while still allowing for the customization and unique player interactions that make the game so appealing. Whether you choose to unlock your mount through hard work or purchase one from the store, the world of New World is now much more enjoyable with the freedom and speed that mounts provide.