Exploring the vast, beautiful, and perilous lands of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online is an epic journey. From the snowy peaks of Skyrim to the sun-baked deserts of Hammerfell, countless wonders await discovery. While traversing these sprawling landscapes on foot offers a certain immersion, it can quickly become tiresome when distance is a factor. This is where mounts become indispensable companions, not only speeding up travel but also adding a distinct flair to your character’s presence.
Mounts in ESO are more than just swift transportation; they are an extension of your identity, allowing you to showcase personal style while efficiently navigating the world. They also provide practical benefits, such as boosting your carrying capacity. While many mounts are available through the Crown Store for real money, numerous stunning and functional mounts can be acquired entirely for free through various in-game activities. This guide delves into all the methods you can utilize to earn these coveted steeds without spending a single cent, requiring only your dedication and a willingness to explore Tamriel’s many challenges.
Mount at Reaching Level 10
One of the earliest and most straightforward ways to obtain a free mount in The Elder Scrolls Online is by simply progressing through the game. Upon reaching character level 10, new adventurers are automatically granted a complimentary Sorrel Horse. This sturdy, unassuming steed serves as your very first reliable companion, transforming your early exploration experience.
The Sorrel Horse, with its humble brown coat, might not be the flashiest mount available, but it is incredibly practical. It allows players to quickly cover large distances between quests, towns, and points of interest, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing the overall pace of gameplay. This initial gift ensures that every player has access to basic mounted travel without any upfront cost or extensive effort, making the sprawling world of Tamriel much more accessible right from the start of their journey.
Mounts for Gold at the Stablemaster
Beyond the initial Sorrel Horse, players can acquire additional mounts using in-game gold at any Stablemaster found throughout Tamriel. These trusted vendors offer a selection of horses for purchase, providing an accessible pathway to expand your collection of steeds. While these mounts require a significant gold investment, the currency is earned purely through gameplay, making them free in terms of real-world money.
Currently, Stablemasters sell three distinct horses, each priced at 42,700 gold: the Midnight Steed, the Brown Paint Horse, and the Bay Dun Horse. The Midnight Steed boasts a sleek, dark appearance, embodying mystery and elegance. The Brown Paint Horse features a unique, patched coat, giving it a rustic charm. Meanwhile, the Bay Dun Horse exhibits rich, earthy tones with striking black accents, reminiscent of a wilder spirit. Accumulating the necessary gold involves various activities, such as completing quests, selling loot, trading with other players, or engaging in crafting, making these mounts attainable through persistent effort.
Mount from The Antiquities System
The Antiquities System, introduced in 2020, offers a unique and engaging way to unearth forgotten relics and, most notably, a distinctive mechanical mount: the Ebon Dwarven Wolf. Acquiring this elaborate mount is a true test of a treasure hunter’s dedication, as it requires excavating a total of 17 distinct leads scattered across various zones of Tamriel.
The process involves using the Scrying and Excavation skills to locate ancient artifacts. Each piece of the Ebon Dwarven Wolf is a lead, found in different dungeons, public dungeons, world bosses, and even specific rubble piles. Once all 17 fragments are successfully unearthed and assembled at an Antiquarian’s Circle station, the magnificent Ebon Dwarven Wolf is yours. This mount is a masterwork of Dwemeri engineering, crafted from dark metals and capable of emitting electrical surges and howls, making it a visually striking and prestigious reward for those who delve into Tamriel’s hidden past.
Mount from The Sunspire Trial
For players who relish high-level cooperative challenges, the Sunspire Trial presents an opportunity to earn a truly majestic mount: the Champion Senche-Lion. Located in Elsweyr, this 12-player trial pits groups against three formidable dragons—Yolnakhriin, Lokkestiiz, and Nahviintaas—in a series of intense boss encounters. Success demands exceptional teamwork, high damage output, robust healing, and tactical coordination.
To acquire the Champion Senche-Lion, players must achieve the “Sunspire Dragonbreak” achievement. This prestigious feat requires completing the Sunspire Trial on veteran difficulty, defeating all three dragon bosses within a strict 30-minute time limit, and, crucially, suffering no player deaths throughout the entire encounter. The Champion Senche-Lion itself is a regal mount adorned with golden armor, symbolizing the immense skill and dedication required to conquer Sunspire’s ultimate challenge. It stands as a testament to the perseverance and coordinated effort of its rider and their group.
Mount from The Rockgrove Trial
Similar to the Sunspire Trial, the Rockgrove Trial, introduced with the Deadlands DLC, offers another highly sought-after free mount for elite players: the Sul-Xan Fleshripper. This demanding 12-player trial transports adventurers to the perilous realm of Oblivion, where they must confront three powerful bosses: Oaxiltso, Flame-Herald Bahsei, and Xalvakka. Like other veteran trials, Rockgrove requires a meticulously coordinated group with top-tier performance in damage, healing, and survivability.
The Sul-Xan Fleshripper is a fearsome, reptilian mount adorned with intimidating spikes, scales, and horns, perfectly reflecting the brutal nature of the Deadlands. To earn this impressive beast, players must complete the “Xalvakka’s Bane” achievement. This master achievement necessitates the successful completion of all other Rockgrove achievements on veteran difficulty. These include various speed runs, no-death challenges, and specific tactical accomplishments within the trial. Obtaining the Sul-Xan Fleshripper is a clear mark of mastery and perseverance, showcasing a player’s ability to overcome one of Tamriel’s most challenging encounters.
Events and Mounts
Throughout the year, The Elder Scrolls Online hosts various limited-time in-game events, providing another excellent avenue for acquiring unique free mounts. These events, often tied to real-world holidays or seasonal themes, introduce special activities and distinct rewards. Players can earn Event Tickets, a special currency, by completing daily event-related tasks such as defeating world bosses, finishing specific quests, or opening event-specific reward boxes.
These Event Tickets are then used to purchase mount fragments from the Impresario, a special merchant who appears at event exchange pavilions during events and vanishes once they conclude. By collecting all the necessary fragments over multiple events, players can combine them to form a stunning new mount. Examples of past event mounts include the elaborate Indrik mounts, available in several elemental variations, and the spectral Soulfire Dragon Illusion, which could be further evolved into the Scales of Akatosh mount. Participating in these lively events is a fantastic way to expand your mount collection with truly unique additions through consistent engagement.
Oroborus Crates and Senche of Scarlet Regret Mount
Ouroboros Crates represent a unique method of obtaining free items, including a rare mount, through external channels: Twitch drops. These promotional Crown Crates differ from the regular seasonal Crown Crates by typically containing consumables like experience scrolls and potions. However, they also hold a small chance to reward players with exclusive collectibles, such as pets, outfit styles, or even an Apex-level mount.
To acquire Ouroboros Crates, players must link their ESO account to their Twitch account and then watch official Elder Scrolls Online streams or select community streams that have “Drops Enabled.” Watching these eligible streams can grant players one Ouroboros Crate approximately every 15 minutes, with Twitch notifications confirming each drop. The most notable mount exclusively available through these crates is the Senche of Scarlet Regret, a striking red and black senche-lion with glowing eyes and formidable armor. While its drop rate is exceptionally low, persistent watching offers a chance to secure this impressive and unique mount without spending any Crowns.
Conclusion
The Elder Scrolls Online provides a wealth of opportunities for players to acquire an impressive array of mounts without spending any real-world money. From the initial convenience of the Level 10 Sorrel Horse to the strategic pursuit of gold-bought steeds from Stablemasters, and the dedicated archaeology required for the Ebon Dwarven Wolf, Tamriel offers diverse pathways.
Furthermore, challenging trials like Sunspire and Rockgrove reward elite players with prestigious mounts like the Champion Senche-Lion and Sul-Xan Fleshripper, symbolizing their mastery. Consistent participation in in-game events allows for the collection of fragments for unique, themed mounts, while watching Twitch streams offers a rare chance at exclusives like the Senche of Scarlet Regret. Each method, while requiring varying degrees of time and effort, ensures that every player can journey across Tamriel in style, showcasing their accomplishments through their chosen steed.
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