A Guide to Mounts in Neverwinter Online

In the sprawling, enchanting world of Neverwinter Online, your journey through the Forgotten Realms is fraught with peril and brimming with adventure. It’s a universe where the clashing of swords, the chanting of arcane spells, and the forging of alliances are your day-to-day. But amid the chaos and camaraderie, there lies an often underestimated aspect that can significantly sway the tide of your journey: Mounts. These noble creatures and incredible machines serve as not just a means of swift traversal across the lands, but as a testament to your prowess and progression in this massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). Today, let's embark on a comprehensive odyssey through the realm of mounts in Neverwinter Online.

Understanding the Importance of Mounts

At the outset, mounts in Neverwinter Online may seem merely as vehicular conveniences designed to expedite your travels across the sprawling zones of the game. However, they are far more crucial than one might initially believe. Having the right mount can dramatically elevate your gameplay experience, offering you speed to evade threats, endurance to withstand challenges, and artistry to signify your status and achievements.

There exists a plethora of mounts in Neverwinter, each with unique attributes and elegant flair. From the majestic yet perilous dragons to the humble but steadfast horses, the variety is dizzying. But more than just transportation, mounts contribute significantly to your character's overall power through Insignia Bonuses, which we'll dive into in detail later. Understanding these creatures' pivotal role in your adventurer's journey is the first step to mastering Neverwinter.

Choosing Your First Mount

Embarking on your journey through Neverwinter, the first mount you obtain will likely be through the game's questline or as a purchase from the game's Zen Market. While these beginner mounts won't turn heads with their speed or impress with awe-inspiring bonuses, they mark the beginning of your mount collection and are a rite of passage for any adventurer.

The Questline Approach

For those who prefer earning their keep, following the main questline will eventually reward you with your first mount. This approach not only saves your precious Astral Diamonds but also introduces you to the importance of mounts through the game's story.

The Zen Market

For adventurers with a few coins to spare or those gifted with Zen (the game's premium currency) from friends or events, the Zen Market offers a selection of starter mounts. Although they cost real money, these creatures often come with refined or minor gameplay advantages over their freely-acquired counterparts.

Choosing your first mount from either option should be based on personal preference and play style. Are you the type to invest real cash for a slight edge and unique look early on, or would you rather immerse yourself in the tale and gameplay to earn your mount? The path you choose is part of what shapes your Neverwinter saga.

Mount Training and Upgrades

As you progress through the game, the importance of enhancing your mount's capabilities becomes increasingly apparent. Mount Training and upgrading their quality, from Common all the way up to Mythic, not only boosts their speed but also unlocks additional Insignia slots. These slots are crucial for activating Insignia Bonuses, which can significantly impact your character's performance in both PvE and PvP scenarios.

Mount Training

Mount Training is straightforward. You'll need Mount Training Manuals, available through gameplay or purchase, to embellish your mount's quality. It's a grind, requiring an increasing number of these manuals with each quality level, but the payoff in speed and bonuses is well worth the effort.

Insignia Bonuses

Insignias, slotted into your mounts, provide minor stat boosts and can activate powerful Insignia Bonuses. These bonuses range from critical strike increases to healing effects, and much more, facilitating diverse build strategies. Experimenting with different Insignia combinations to find the set that complements your playstyle is key to maximizing your character's capabilities.

Advanced Mount Tactics

Mount Powers and Equip Powers

At higher qualities, mounts offer Equip Powers and Mount Powers - passive and active abilities, respectively. Equip Powers provide constant benefits as long as the mount is equipped, from stat boosts to utility effects. Mount Powers, on the other hand, are abilities that can be activated in combat, offering strategic advantages ranging from direct damage to healing or buffs.

Combat Mounts

Certain mounts are classified as Combat Mounts, capable of attacking enemies or providing defensive maneuvers. When engaged in battle, these mounts can turn the tide with their powerful abilities, making them invaluable companions in both PvE and PvP.

Understanding and mastering these advanced tactics by carefully selecting and enhancing the right mount can be a game-changer. It’s not just about having the fastest mount but the one that best complements your character's build and your personal playstyle.

Profiting from Mount Trading

The market for mounts in Neverwinter Online is vibrant and lucrative. With the right knowledge and technique, trading mounts can earn you a considerable amount of Astral Diamonds, the game's primary currency.

Flipping Mounts

"Flipping" involves purchasing mounts at a low price and selling them at a higher rate. The key to success in flipping mounts lies in your market awareness - understanding which mounts are in demand, what the current trends are, and predicting how these trends might shift with upcoming content or events.

Crafting and Upgrading for Profit

Mount Crafting and upgrading present another avenue for profit. By crafting high-demand mounts or upgrading popular mounts to higher qualities, you can cater to the top-tier player base's needs - those looking for the best bonuses and the most impressive cosmetics.

Trade House Mastery

Mastering the nuances of the Trade House, Neverwinter's player-driven market, is essential. Timing your sales, understanding the ebb and flow of prices, and knowing when to hold back or flood the market can make the difference between profit and loss.

Traversing the complex world of mount trading requires patience, research, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Yet, for those who master it, the rewards can be substantial, providing a wealthy treasure trove to fund your adventures or expand your mount collection even further.

In conclusion, the world of mounts in Neverwinter Online is as unfathomable and tortuous as any dungeon found within the game. From selecting your first companion to mastering the art of mount trading, there exists a multitude of layers to probe and strategies to deploy. Whether you’re a casual player seeking to augment your traveling efficiency or a veteran adventurer looking to maximize your character's power, understanding and utilizing mounts effectively can greatly enrich your Neverwinter experience. Embrace the journey, for the next mount you acquire could very well be the key to unlocking new heights of power and prestige in this ever-expanding universe.