How to play horse races and mounted archery challenges in KCD2. Patch 1.3 horse racing locations

The latest Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 update introduces thrilling equestrian competitions that test both riding prowess and combat skills. Players can now engage in cross-country horse racing and mounted archery contests, adding fresh gameplay dimensions to the medieval experience. These activities provide excellent opportunities to improve your character’s horseback abilities while earning valuable rewards.

Unlike many game updates that require additional purchases, these horseback challenges are completely free for all players. You won’t need the Brushes with Death DLC to access this content, making it accessible to the entire player base. The challenges become available during the early stages of your adventure, specifically after completing the Laboratores mission when the open world becomes fully accessible.

To begin your equestrian adventures, journey to the nomads’ camp located in the first region of the game. Here you’ll encounter two key NPCs: Horsetrader Mikolai specializes in racing competitions, while Bibrek the Archer oversees the mounted target shooting challenges. Engage in conversation with both characters until the horse racing options appear in your dialogue menu.

Successfully unlocking these activities also triggers related side quests that provide additional context and rewards. The activation process typically requires progressing through their dialogue trees rather than completing specific tasks, making it relatively straightforward to access.

Timing is crucial for optimal experience. While available early, attempting these challenges with underdeveloped skills can prove frustrating. I recommend building your character’s core riding and archery abilities through regular gameplay before challenging the experts. The nomads’ camp is generally safe territory, but ensure you’re properly equipped for the journey.

The mounted archery competition demands precision shooting while controlling your steed. You’ll need to hit designated targets from horseback, competing against an opponent’s score. This proves particularly challenging during early gameplay stages when your character’s bow skills may be insufficient for consistent accuracy.

Successful mounted archery requires understanding several key mechanics. Your horse’s speed and movement pattern significantly affect arrow trajectory, while your character’s stance and timing determine shot accuracy. Unlike stationary archery, you must account for momentum, horse animation cycles, and target distance simultaneously.

Advanced techniques include timing shots during the horse’s stride apex for stability, using slower trotting speeds for difficult targets, and practicing leading moving targets. For beginners, focus on maintaining consistent horse speed rather than alternating between galloping and stopping abruptly.

Common mistakes include attempting shots while the horse is turning, underestimating arrow drop at distance, and poor stamina management. I’ve found that practicing in open areas with self-placed markers dramatically improves performance before attempting official challenges.

Cross-country riding competitions emphasize navigation and route planning over pure speed. The objective involves reaching sequential checkpoints marked on your compass in standard mode, with each location visible from distance thanks to distinctive smoke signals. The open-ended nature means you can chart your own course between markers.

Strategic pathfinding separates novice riders from champions. While the most direct route seems obvious, experienced players discover shortcuts through forests, across shallow rivers, and around natural obstacles. The game’s minimal ruleset encourages creative problem-solving and terrain exploitation.

Key success factors include knowing your horse’s stamina limits, recognizing terrain that affects speed, and anticipating checkpoint sequences. Unlike linear races, these events reward players who study the landscape and plan multiple routes in advance.

I recommend scouting the race area beforehand during normal gameplay. Note potential obstacles, identify natural ramps for jumping shortcuts, and memorize terrain features that might obscure visibility during actual competition.

Equipment selection dramatically impacts your performance in both challenge types. For racing, prioritize horses with high stamina and agility stats. For mounted archery, select bows with manageable draw weights that suit your character’s current strength level.

Timing strategies vary between activities. Racing benefits from early-morning attempts when NPC traffic is lighter, while archery challenges may be easier during daylight hours for better visibility.

Avoid these common pitfalls: attempting challenges with exhausted horses, using unfamiliar equipment, neglecting to save before events, and underestimating the learning curve. Many players fail to recognize that these activities serve as skill-building exercises rather than simple minigames.

Progression pacing is essential. Don’t frustration yourself by repeatedly failing early-game challenges. Instead, return after improving relevant skills through main quest progression and regular gameplay.

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