ESO Mounts Guide

Mounts are more than just a way to get from point A to point B in The Elder Scrolls Online. They’re an essential part of your progression, both practically and cosmetically. With hundreds of unique mounts available — from sleek panthers to mechanical spiders — they not only help you move faster across Tamriel but also let you express your personality and character identity.

More importantly, your character’s Riding Skills improve mounted speed and stamina and can expand inventory space, making them indispensable for adventurers, traders, and PvPers alike. Whether you're sprinting across Cyrodiil, chasing world bosses, or just riding around showing off your collection, having the right mount can make a huge difference in your ESO experience.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ESO mounts — from how to get your first one (including ESO free mounts) to the best ways to upgrade and customize them.

How to Get Your First Mount in ESO

Getting your first mount in ESO is a major quality-of-life upgrade that will make exploring the world faster and more enjoyable. While most players start on foot, it won’t be long before you're galloping across Tamriel on your chosen steed — and there are more ways to obtain a mount than you might think.

Mounts can be earned through leveling and events, bought from Stablemasters with gold, or obtained through the Crown Store and Gold Coast Bazaar. Whether you're a brand-new player or a seasoned adventurer starting a new character, you’ll want to get your mount as early as possible to start taking advantage of speed, stamina, and carry capacity bonuses.

Free Mounts

Good news for new players: you don’t have to spend Crowns or gold to get your first ride. Here are reliable ways to look for ESO free mounts:

• Sorrel Horse – Claim this Level Up Advisor reward when your character reaches level 10; it is not a tutorial reward.
• Event rewards – Check the current event’s reward list before pursuing a mount, since rewards rotate.

These free options are perfect for early-game speed boosts, and you can improve your character’s Riding Skills over time.

Stablemasters, Crown Store & Collectibles

Stablemasters sell more than basic horses for gold, while the Crown Store and Gold Coast Bazaar offer other collectible mounts. Availability varies by source and season:

• Senche Tigers, Wolves, and Bears – Often part of limited-time bundles.
• Dwarven, Daedric, or Frost mounts – Themed for specific chapters or holidays.
• Radiant Apex Mounts – Distinctive mounts associated with Crown Crates; check the current acquisition options before planning around one.

You can preview any mount before purchasing, and most are account-wide once unlocked.

How to Summon and Switch Mounts

Once you’ve acquired a mount, summoning it is fast and easy. Simply open your Collections > Mounts tab, where you’ll find all unlocked mounts categorized by type. Select your desired mount, and it will be set as the active one for your character.

To summon your mount in-game, press the default hotkey H (on PC), or the mount button on your platform’s control scheme (console players can check the controller layout in settings). Your mount will appear instantly beneath your character, ready to ride.

Each of your characters can have a different active mount, allowing for thematic variety across your account. However, your entire mount collection is shared across all characters, meaning any new unlock is instantly available on all toons.

You can also switch mounts on the fly — even mid-session — through the Collections menu. For quick access, many players bind the Mounts menu to a shortcut key or create a radial menu for faster switching on controller setups.

Mount Types and Their Appearance

Mounts in ESO come in several thematic categories. While they all function the same once fully upgraded, their appearance, lore, and rarity vary widely. Here’s a breakdown of mount types and what makes them unique:

Type	Description	Common Examples	Rarity/Source
Horse	Traditional mounts, clean look, available early in-game.	Sorrel Horse and other Stablemaster horses	Very Common (Base Game)
Senche	Large feline mounts, often themed or armored.	Black Senche-Panther, Senche of Scarlet Regret	Crown Store / Events
Guar	Lizard-like mounts, usually tied to Argonian themes.	Striated Guar, Shadowghost Guar	Stablemasters / Other sources
Wolf	Canine mounts, often themed with elemental or Daedric effects.	Flame Atronach Wolf, Black Netch Wolf	Crown Store / Crates
Bear	Bulky and powerful-looking, fits Nordic or Warden characters.	Frostbane Bear, Storm Atronach Bear	Crown Store / Crates
Big Cats	Majestic, aggressive styling, often Apex-tier rewards.	Senche-raht, Apex Tiger Mounts	Rare / Apex Crates
Spiders	Mechanical or Daedric, highly unique and intimidating designs.	Dwarven Spider, Crimson Oath Spider	Very Rare (Crates / Events)
Exotic / Magical	Includes unusual magical and spectral designs.	Frost Mare, Azure Blight Steed, Celestial Steed	Crown Store / Limited-Time

Riding Skills and Upgrades

Riding Skills belong to your character and apply to every mount that character uses:

• Speed – Increases your travel speed.
• Stamina – Determines how long you can sprint before dismounting (especially useful in combat zones).
• Carrying Capacity – Adds inventory slots to your character, making it a must for crafters and grinders.

Important: A character’s Riding Skills apply equally to all of their mounts — so feel free to choose purely based on style or lore preference.

To improve a character’s Riding Skills, visit a Stablemaster. Choose Speed, Stamina, or Capacity for each training session; Stablemaster training now grants three upgrades to the chosen skill. The skills are character-specific, so train each character separately.

Best Mounts for Style and Utility

Not all mounts are created equal when it comes to flair. Although their functionality is governed by the same character-specific Riding Skills, some mounts stand out thanks to their unique design, animation, rarity, or lore associations. Here are a few of the most beloved and stylish mounts in the ESO community:

• Black Senche-Panther – This mount exudes elegance and stealth. Its sleek, shadowy design makes it especially popular among Nightblade players and stealth-themed characters.
• Guar Mounts – While a bit unconventional, Guar are fan favorites among Argonian players and those who enjoy quirky, lore-rich aesthetics. Their waddling run and playful animations make them charming additions.
• Dwarven Spider Mount – An eye-catching choice for fans of Dwemer lore or those running steampunk or tech-themed outfits. Its mechanical legs and metallic clicking sounds add immersion.
• Frost Mare – Perfectly fitting for Wardens or Nord-themed characters, the Frost Mare combines elemental beauty with wintry presence. Its frosted hooves and icy trails give it a majestic, magical feel.
• Apex and Radiant Apex Mounts – These are the pinnacle of mount design, often featuring elaborate effects like glowing armor, elemental trails, or floating mechanics. Availability varies, so check the current Crown Crate and reward listings.
• Event-Exclusive Mounts – Many limited-time mounts from Anniversary Jubilee or New Life Festival carry prestige and nostalgia, marking a player’s long-term involvement in ESO.

Whether you’re looking for something dark and mysterious or magical and radiant, ESO’s mount variety ensures you’ll find one that fits your character’s identity and leaves a lasting impression wherever you ride.

Tips for Mount Training

Mount training in ESO is more than just increasing your riding speed — it’s a long-term investment in convenience, survivability, and character efficiency. Here are essential tips to help you train your Riding Skills effectively and get the most out of every ride.

• Start as Early as Possible
  You don’t need to wait until you’re high level to start mount training. In fact, you can begin at level 1 by visiting a Stablemaster. Starting early ensures you max out your Riding Skills much sooner and enjoy the full benefits throughout your leveling journey.
• Prioritize Carrying Capacity
  This stat adds extra inventory slots — up to +60 — making it invaluable for crafters, gatherers, and anyone who dislikes frequent vendor trips. More bag space means more loot, more resources, and fewer interruptions.
• Train Stamina Next
  Stamina lets you sprint longer and reduces the risk of getting dismounted when hit. It’s especially useful in PvP zones or when racing past mobs during quests and grinding.
• Speed Comes Last (But Still Matters)
  While Speed doesn’t offer utility beyond movement, it makes getting around towns, delves, and large zones more comfortable. Don’t ignore it entirely, just train it after Carrying Capacity and Stamina are in a good place.
• Train Daily
  A Stablemaster training session now gives three increases in your chosen Riding Skill. Return when your character’s training cooldown expires to keep progressing. This habit pays off massively in the long run.
• Don’t Forget Alts
  Mount training is character-specific. If you play on multiple characters, make sure to rotate training across all of them for maximum account-wide efficiency. Extra inventory on alts can help you manage crafting materials and trade goods.
• Use Mount Training Add-ons (PC Only)
  PC players can install add-ons that track mount training cooldowns, progress, and notify when it’s time to train again — no need to visit the Stablemaster just to check.

Conclusion

Mounts in The Elder Scrolls Online are far more than cosmetic trophies — they’re essential tools for mobility, efficiency, and self-expression. Whether you're speeding through Cyrodiil, hauling crafting materials, or simply showing off your Radiant Apex steed in Daggerfall, mounts enhance every part of your ESO experience. If you're short on time and eager to maximize your character’s Riding Skills quickly, using ESO Boosting Services can ensure your riding skills are fully upgraded without the daily training grind.

With dozens of unique styles, character-specific Riding Skills, and both free and premium options available, every player — from fresh-faced adventurers to veteran collectors — has access to meaningful mount progression. Daily training adds long-term power, while event-exclusive and Crown Store designs let you personalize your journey through Tamriel in unforgettable ways.

If you're just starting out, don’t sleep on the ESO free mounts, and make daily visits to the Stablemaster part of your routine. For collectors and power players, chase down that perfect mount that reflects your character’s story, style, or theme — because in ESO, how you ride is just as epic as where you go.

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Change Log

• 10.04.2025 - ESO Mounts Guide published.