The Witcher 3: Horse Racing Guide

The world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a vast, breathtaking expanse filled with danger, intrigue, and a host of activities that can easily swallow up hundreds of hours of your time. Among these diversions, horse racing emerges as a surprisingly engaging and rewarding way to not only test your skills but also earn some valuable loot and the bragging rights of being the fastest rider in the Northern Realms. Whether you're a seasoned jockey or a newcomer strapping into your saddle for the first time, this guide will take you through the granular ins and outs of horse racing in The Witcher 3, offering tips, strategies, and insights to help you leave your competitors eating dust.

Horse Racing Basics

Before you dive hoof-first into the world of horse racing, it's essential to understand the mechanics at play. Races are scattered across the different regions in The Witcher 3, with each presenting its own unique challenges and competitors. Your steed in these high-stakes competitions is none other than Roach, Geralt's trusty mare who's a veritable Swiss Army knife of conveniences throughout your journey.

Races are typically broken down into rounds, with each round requiring you to outpace your competitors along a specified course marked by glowing checkpoints. Running through these checkpoints refreshes your horse’s stamina, which is crucial for maintaining top speed. Drifting too far off the course or failing to pass through the checkpoints will result in disqualification, so keep your eyes peeled and your reins tight.

Winning Strategies

Conserve Your Stamina: The key to dominating any race is managing Roach's stamina. Treat the stamina bar like your lifeline, because in many ways, it is. Burst speed by double-tapping and holding the gallop button is your best friend on straightaways, but knowing when to pull back and conserve stamina for the final stretch is often what separates the wheat from the chaff.

Master the Turns: Handling Roach is generally straightforward, but sharp turns can easily become your downfall if you're not careful. Approach turns with a slight reduction in speed and aim to cut the corners as closely as possible without veering off the path. This technique minimizes the distance traveled and conserves precious seconds.

Block and Tackle: Remember, you're not just racing against the clock but also against other ambitious riders. Use Roach’s body to your advantage by positioning her between your closest competitor and the next checkpoint. This tactic effectively blocks their path, slowing them down and giving you some much-needed breathing room.

Rewards

Crossing the finish line ahead of the pack not only inflates Geralt's ego but also his wallet, and occasionally, his wardrobe. Victories in these races often reward players with crowns (the currency of the lands), valuable crafting materials, and sometimes, unique gear such as saddles, blinders, and saddlebags. These pieces of equipment aren't just for show; they directly improve Roach's performance by increasing stamina, preventing fright, and allowing you to carry more loot, respectively.

Advanced Horse Racing Tips

Get to Know the Tracks: Much like a witcher prepares for a hunt, you should familiarize yourself with the racecourses. Spend some time riding through potential race routes at a leisurely pace before the competition to spot any turns or obstacles that might catch you off guard at full speed.

Upgrade Your Gear: Make no mistake - gear matters. Before entering any race, ensure Roach is equipped with the best saddles, blinders, and saddlebags you can afford or have scavenged. These upgrades can significantly affect the outcome of a race, especially in tighter contests where every little advantage counts.

Watch Your Opponents: Just like Gwent, there's a degree of strategy involved in observing and learning from your opponents. Races are not just about speed but also about outsmarting the competition. Notice how they handle turns, where they conserve or expend stamina, and adjust your tactics accordingly.

Unique Horse Races

The Witcher 3 doesn’t just throw generic races at you. Several regions host distinctive races that come with their own sets of challenges and storyline implications.

The Great Erasmus Vegelbud Memorial Derby: This prestigious event in Novigrad is not just about racing; it's a high social affair that attracts the crème de la crème of the region. Winning here not only fattens your purse but also raises your reputation.

The Heroes' Pursuits: These races, scattered throughout Skellige, offer a much wilder, more unforgiving racing experience. Here, the courses are rife with natural obstacles, and the competitors are as fierce as the land itself. These races test both your racing and navigational skills to their limits.

Velen Races: The muddied and marshy trails of Velen provide a stark contrast to the more regulated races found elsewhere. Here, the races feel more like gritty sprints for survival than sporting events, echoing the harsh realities of the region.

In summary, horse racing in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt delivers a compelling mix of strategy, skill, and sometimes sheer luck. By mastering the basics, employing cunning strategies, upgrading your gear, and learning the nuances of each unique race, you can elevate Geralt to legendary status among the racetracks scattered across the Northern Realms. Remember, like any witcher contract, preparation, perception, and a bit of patience are key. Grab your reins, steady your steed, and may the wind always be at your back.