Geralt's trusty steed, Roach, is more than just a mode of transportation in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt; she's a vital companion throughout your adventure. Choosing the right Roach can significantly impact your gameplay experience, depending on your preferred playstyle. While there isn't a single "best" horse, understanding the subtle differences between the available mounts will help you make an informed decision. This guide will cover the various Roach variations and help you determine which one best suits your needs.
What are the different Roach variations in Witcher 3?
The core of your Roach experience centers around three key aspects: speed, stamina, and handling. While the initial Roach is serviceable, upgrades become available throughout the game, each boasting unique attributes. These upgrades aren't always immediately apparent, but they significantly alter how Roach performs in the long run. Let's explore the key differences.
Roach's initial attributes
At the start of the game, you’re given a basic, un-upgraded Roach. This version offers a decent balance between speed, stamina, and handling, suitable for exploring the early game areas. However, as the game progresses and you face longer distances and more challenging terrains, you'll feel the limitations of this initial mount.
How do I get better horses/Roaches?
You don't actually "choose" different horses in the traditional sense. The game organically provides access to Roach's upgraded attributes, essentially providing you with a better version of the same steed. These upgrades generally occur as the game progresses, often tied to story progression or specific events. While visually, she remains the same trusty Roach, her underlying stats are noticeably improved.
Does Roach's appearance change?
No, Roach's appearance remains consistent throughout the game. There aren't different breeds or colors of horses that you get to select. The only differences are in her performance stats (speed, stamina, and handling), which improve as you progress.
What are the key differences between upgraded and the initial Roach?
The upgraded Roach boasts improvements across all key attributes:
- Increased Speed: Roach will cover greater distances in less time, making traversing the vast map of The Witcher 3 much more efficient.
- Enhanced Stamina: You can ride for longer periods without Roach tiring, crucial for extended journeys and high-speed chases.
- Improved Handling: Roach's responsiveness and maneuverability will improve, enabling smoother navigation through challenging terrain and dense forests.
These improvements are gradual and cumulative, subtly enhancing your experience without feeling jarring. You won't suddenly switch to a completely different horse; instead, you'll notice Roach becoming increasingly more capable as you progress through the storyline.
What is the "best" Roach?
The "best" Roach is subjective and dependent on your gameplay preference. However, the organically upgraded Roach you receive as the game progresses is arguably the best overall. The consistent improvements ensure she's always a reliable and capable mount.
Do I need to make any choices to get the best Roach?
No, no explicit choices need to be made. The game naturally progresses Roach's abilities, effectively giving you the "best" version organically as you play.
Conclusion
Ultimately, there's no difficult decision to make regarding which horse to choose. Focus on enjoying the game, exploring the world, and letting Roach's natural upgrades enhance your adventure. By understanding the incremental improvements throughout the game, you can fully appreciate the journey with your trusty steed.
