Beyond slaying fearsome monsters and navigating intricate political webs, The Witcher Three: Wild Hunt presents a different kind of challenge, a test of skill and horsemanship on the racetrack. The rhythmic pounding of hooves, the wind whipping past your face, the intense competition – horse racing in the Witcher universe offers a welcome change of pace. But more than just a fun diversion, these races hold the key to unlocking some coveted achievements, rewarding players who can master the art of the gallop. If you are seeking to achieve the “Fast and Furious” trophy/achievement, then this is the place for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of Witcher Three horse racing, providing you with the knowledge and strategies you need to conquer the track and claim your rightful place as a champion. The victor of any race will be awarded crowns for their troubles.
Understanding the Horse Race Trophies
The primary goal for aspiring racing champions is the “Fast and Furious” trophy. The quest to collect this trophy is pretty simple, and that is to win all horse races in the game. It sounds easy enough, but you will need to take the time and dedication to find and win all the races available to Geralt. Failing to win a single race means you will not be earning the “Fast and Furious” trophy, so make sure you leave no stone unturned and participate in every event possible.
List of Horse Races
To get the “Fast and Furious” trophy, you’ll need to locate and win every horse race available. Some of the races will require you to progress far enough into the story, while others you can find early on. I will provide a list of the races you can participate in and locations you can find them in.
- Ride to Honor – Located in White Orchard near the Mill. This race is available as soon as you start the game.
- For the Advancement of Learning – Located in The Bits in Velen. This is a part of the quest “Races: Crow’s Perch.”
- The Crookback Bog Challenge – Located in The Bits in Velen. This is a part of the quest “Races: Crow’s Perch.”
- The Fall of Crookback Challenge – Located in The Bits in Velen. This is a part of the quest “Races: Crow’s Perch.”
- Racing the Space Between – Located at the Kaer Trolde Harbor in Skellige.
- Skellige Grand Prix – Located at the Kaer Trolde Harbor in Skellige. This race requires you to do the quest “Racing the Space Between” first.
- Furious Foals – Located at the Vegelbud Residence in Novigrad. This race is a part of the quest “Races: Vegelbud Estate.”
- The Price of Honor – Located at the Vegelbud Residence in Novigrad. This race is a part of the quest “Races: Vegelbud Estate.”
- Swift as the Wind – Located at the Vegelbud Residence in Novigrad. This race is a part of the quest “Races: Vegelbud Estate.”
Tips and Strategies for Victory
Winning horse races in The Witcher Three isn’t just about mashing the gallop button. It requires a combination of strategy, skill, and understanding of Roach’s capabilities. Here are some tips to help you cross the finish line first:
Choosing the Right Gear
Your equipment matters, especially when it comes to your saddle. Different saddles offer varying bonuses, and one of the most crucial stats is Stamina. A saddle with a higher Stamina rating allows Roach to sprint for longer periods, giving you a significant advantage over your competitors. It’s generally agreed that the best saddle in the game is the Zerrikanian Saddlebags, which gives the player plus thirty Stamina.
Beyond the saddle, consider blinders. Blinders reduce Roach’s panic level when near monsters, which can be particularly helpful if a race course passes through monster-infested areas. This will ensure that Roach doesn’t get spooked and throw you off your game. The Racing Saddlebags are one of the best options for the blinders.
While not directly impacting racing performance, saddlebags are essential for carrying the loot you earn from winning races. Choose saddlebags with a high weight capacity to maximize your profits. You can get more saddlebags if you buy the Blood and Wine DLC.
Mastering Roach’s Movement
Roach, your trusty steed, is more than just a means of transportation, she’s your partner in these races. Mastering her movement is key to achieving victory. Understanding the stamina system will be necessary to get the most out of Roach. Stamina can only be refilled once it is fully depleted. Make sure you always keep an eye on your stamina while you’re racing.
Drifting can be difficult to get used to, but when you master it, drifting around corners becomes extremely efficient. There is a slight delay while you are drifting, so make sure you compensate for it and plan ahead of time.
Many races will have obstacles scattered around the course that you will have to maneuver around to avoid slowing down. Some obstacles can be jumped over, so keep an eye on what you can jump over and what you cannot.
Roach’s gallop is your primary means of achieving high speeds, but it consumes stamina. Learn to manage Roach’s stamina effectively by alternating between sprinting and a more moderate pace. Use short bursts of speed to overtake opponents or maintain your lead, and then conserve stamina when possible.
Understanding Opponent AI
Paying attention to how the AI racers behave can give you a competitive edge. Observe their racing lines, identify their weaknesses, and exploit them to your advantage. Use the whip at your disposal to overtake opponents. You can use it to give yourself a slight boost to gain the lead.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any skill, mastering horse racing requires practice. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t win every race on your first attempt. Replay races to learn the track layouts, identify the best routes, and refine your racing techniques.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Occasionally, you might encounter issues that prevent you from participating in a horse race. One common problem is the race not appearing on the map. This could be due to several factors, such as the wrong time of day or a quest that hasn’t been completed yet. Refer to quest logs to see if you need to take care of something first.
The difficulty setting of the game does not have any impact on the horse race AI, so no matter what mode you are playing on, the horse races will have the same level of difficulty.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Horse races are a good source of income in the early to mid game, especially if you are struggling with crowns. In addition to monetary rewards, some horse races are directly tied to quests. Completing these quests can unlock new races, improve Roach’s gear, or provide other benefits that will aid in your quest for the “Fast and Furious” trophy.
Final Thoughts
The Witcher Three horse races offer a fun and rewarding challenge for players of all skill levels. While the “Fast and Furious” trophy may seem daunting at first, with the right knowledge, skills, and strategy, you can achieve this feat in no time. Remember to equip Roach with the best gear, master her movement, and take the time to practice on different tracks. With patience and dedication, you’ll be crossing the finish line first and claiming your place as a Witcher Three racing champion. Now go forth, saddle up, and conquer those tracks. May the wind be at your back, and the competition far behind you. Feel free to share your own tips and experiences in the comments!
