Many open-world games feature expansive maps that make horseback travel an essential and enjoyable mechanic for exploration. Titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 emphasize bonding with a horse to unlock new abilities and deepen the connection, while Ghost of Tsushima and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offer visually stunning worlds where riding enhances immersion. Similarly, Elden Ring’s mount Torrent provides unique mobility options, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 uses horses to carry supplies and ease long-distance travel.
Other games highlight the necessity and pleasure of horseback riding due to their vast environments. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, horses are crucial for reaching key locations before unlocking advanced vehicles, while Shadow of the Colossus uses the horse Agro to traverse its desolate world meditatively. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’s massive map makes horse riding vital for efficient exploration, allowing players to enjoy the scenery and move quickly between objectives. Overall, horses enrich open-world gameplay by combining practicality with emotional engagement and scenic enjoyment.
