Diablo IV is set in the vast world of Sanctuary, and while fast-travel is convenient, it won't take you everywhere you need to go. Luckily, the game offers mounts that allow players to swiftly traverse dungeons and side-quests. This guide will walk you through the process of acquiring your very first horse.
Obtaining Your Mount
The process is actually quite simple: Reach Act IV. As you arrive at Kyovashad, the capital of the Fractured Peaks, you will automatically receive the quest "Mount: Doran's Favor." Make your way to the stables, speak to the stablemaster, and then locate Doran at the Cathedral. And just like that, you'll have your very own horse! It sounds easy enough, doesn't it?
However, there is a prerequisite to all this. You cannot embark on this quest until you have completed Acts I through III. Although the order in which you complete them doesn't matter, Act III, in particular, can be quite arduous. If you focus solely on the main storyline, you can reach the beginning of Act IV in approximately 8-10 hours. Once you reach Act IV, you can either immerse yourself in Diablo IV's horse armor microtransaction system or patiently wait for sets to drop randomly from world events. The choice is yours, and both options can be enjoyable.
It is unfortunate that unlocking mounts takes a significant amount of time. The main advantage they provide is reducing the need for backtracking, saving precious minutes that can be spent slaying enemies and discovering more epic loot, rather than running towards the next quest marker. On a positive note, unlocking mounts on one character will grant access to them for all future characters. So, if you decide to start fresh with a new class, you will have enhanced mobility right from the beginning, unless you choose to bypass the main campaign entirely on your alternate characters.
The Role of Mounts in Diablo IV
Mounts introduce a new feature to Blizzard's action-RPG series as it evolves towards a live-service MMO experience. They serve as a means for players to swiftly traverse the areas between fast travel points. However, it's important to note that mounts can be a little finicky. On PC, your horse's speed is directly influenced by the distance between your cursor and your character on the screen. Of course, if you're playing as a Rogue like myself, you have the advantage of effectively becoming your own mount. Pretty neat, right?
Conclusion
In Diablo IV, obtaining your first horse is an exciting milestone on your journey through the vast realm of Sanctuary. While the process of unlocking mounts may take some time, the convenience they bring in terms of faster travel and reduced backtracking is well worth it. Remember, once you unlock mounts on one character, they become accessible to all your future characters as well. So, prepare to gallop across the land and explore the dark corners of Sanctuary with style and efficiency!