Overview
Learn the basic art of mounting, dismounting, putting your steed on the gallop, firing from horseback and various other aspects related to combat. Once you've learned the basics, master the art of horseback riding as those brave gentlemen once did. You'll have a much easier time doing so should you give a quick read to what follows.
Riding On Horseback
Hussars, Cuirassiers and Dragoons all spawn readily mounted. Once you've had your pick at one of these classes, you'll find yourself on horseback. It is not a simple feat to handle these beasts but you'll get used to their ins and outs as you go. Practice makes perfect.
Movement (Build Momentum)
- PC: Hold W
- Console: Push Left Stick Up
Holding the movement key or stick will take the horse from one gait to the other, gradually building up momentum. An indicator to the left of your steed's health bar will reflect the pace at which the horse is moving.
Full Gallop (Sprint)
- PC: Press Shift
- Console: Press Left Stick Click (L3)
Pressing the sprint button once your steed reaches a full gallop will take it into a sprint, further increasing its speed. While at a sprint, your movement is limited as you grab the reins tightly. Tread carefully: this can place you at a disadvantage in battle, as you can only strike forward and cannot use your firearm.
Turning (Left & Right)
- PC: A and D
- Console: Left Stick Left/Right
The responsiveness of your turn is often dictated by your current speed.
Strafe Mode
- PC: Z (Toggle)
- Console: D-Pad Down (Toggle)
Horses travelling at a slower gait can enter strafe mode. While toggled, your horizontal inputs will cause the horse to step sideways rather than turn. This is perfect for "dressing the gaps" to keep your regiment in a neat, professional formation.
Slowing Down & Moving Backwards
- PC: S
- Console: Pull Left Stick Down
Holding this input will reduce your gait; if held long enough, your steed will eventually begin moving backwards at a slow pace.
Slow Stop
- PC: Hold Ctrl
- Console: Ease back on the Left Stick
This allows you to reduce speed without the risk of accidentally reversing. Once the horse reaches its lowest speed, it will come to a complete halt and remain stationary.
Jumping
- PC: Space
- Console: A / Cross
Navigate smaller defensive emplacements, fallen logs, and fences by jumping. Carefully time your approach and press the jump button at the right moment to clear the obstacle.
Halting the Horse (Rear)
- PC: Hold F
- Console: Hold B / Circle
Firmly hold this input to pull on the reins. This will cause the horse to rear up and come to an immediate, complete halt. Useful for emergency stops but leaves you momentarily vulnerable.
Swimming
Go for a swim whilst remaining mounted. Controls remain as usual but you are unable to engage in combat.
Useful Steering — About Face
About Face (180° Turn)
- PC: S + Space
- Console: Left Stick Down + A / Cross
Hold the backward input long enough for your steed to start moving at a slow pace. Once your steed is moving back, hit the jump button. Your steed will perform a complete 180° turn. This is vital for making quick escapes or repositioning in the heat of battle.
Mounting & Dismounting
There are times where staying on horseback becomes detrimental, hence all cavalrymen are able to mount and dismount at will. Note that cavalrymen aren't the only ones that have the ability to ride horses — Infantry Officers are also able to mount any riderless horse.
- Dismounting: Ensure your horse is moving at a slow gait and press the Interact button. Keep your steed at a safe distance, as you never know when you may need to retreat.
- Mounting: Look at an ownerless horse and press the Interact button to climb back into the saddle. If your original horse is lost, any riderless horse on the battlefield is fair game.
Important Notes:
- Only classes with the Horseback Riding ability (Cavalry and Officers) can mount steeds. Standard Infantry will not see the prompt to mount.
- You will be forcefully dismounted if your steed makes contact with certain defence structures such as the Chaveux De Frise (S)!
Control & Notes Reference
| Action | PC Control | Xbox Control | PlayStation Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount / Dismount | E | X | Square |
| About Face | S + Space | LS Down + A | LS Down + Cross |
| Rear Up / Jump | Space | A | Cross |
| Kick (Horse) | F | B | Circle |
| Change Gait (Speed) | W / S | LS Up / LS Down | LS Up / LS Down |
Mounted Combat
Cavalrymen possess high mobility, swiftness, and lethality. Whether it's with a sword or firearm, the cavalry brings swift and sudden death to the battlefield. Each cavalry class brings its own speciality: Cuirassiers and Dragoons are skilled with carbines (firearms with a shorter range than your average musket), while Hussars are quicker and proficient in melee.
| Action | PC (Keyboard & Mouse) | Console (Controller) |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | W, A, S, D | Left Stick |
| Look / Aim Direction | Mouse | Right Stick |
| Equip Sword | 3 or Mouse Wheel | D-Pad Down or Y Button |
| Attack (Strike/Stab) | Left Click (Hold to wind up) | RT (Hold to wind up) |
| Cancel / Switch Attack | Right Click | LT |
| Gallop / Sprint | Left Shift | Left Stick (Press) |
Mounted Swordsmanship
If you favour the Hussar class, you'll find yourself engaged in close-quarters combat more often than not. Success on horseback requires timing your swings with the momentum of your horse.
Equipping Your Weapon
Draw your blade with 3 or Mouse Scroll Wheel on PC. On consoles, use D-Pad or Y / Triangle to cycle to your melee weapon.
Striking and Stabbing
Once your sword is drawn:
- Direct your strike: Move your mouse or right stick in the desired direction (Left, Right, or Up for an overhead).
- Wind up: Hold Left Click or RT.
- Release: Let go of the button as you pass an enemy to deliver the blow.
Tip: Speed increases your damage. A strike delivered at full gallop is significantly more lethal than one delivered while stationary.
Cancel/Switch Attack
If you misjudge your approach or an enemy moves, you can cancel your current wind-up to readjust your angle. Press Right Click or LT to reset your stance, allowing you to quickly choose a new striking direction.
Mounted Marksmanship
For Cuirassiers and Dragoons, your horse serves as a mobile firing platform. Carbineers make use of their firearm on horseback as you would whilst playing an infantryman.
- Aiming: Hold Right Click or LT to steady your carbine or pistol.
- Firing: Press Left Click or RT to fire.
- Reloading: Press R or X / Square to begin the reload process. The speed at which you travel on horseback will be restricted to slower gaits whilst reloading.
Note: Mounted or not, you will still be restricted to a slow gait/walk while reloading. You also cannot block with your sword in a traditional way if you're on horseback.
Trampling Infantrymen
Horses are mighty beasts! Blocking their path is of little to no use and you'll find yourself injured or killed in the process. Horses travelling at a faster gait will deal greater damage to those unfortunate infantrymen.
Key Points:
- Trampling over infantry will slow the speed of your horse.
- Players trampled will have their weapons unequipped. They will have to wait for a brief moment to equip their weapon again using the number keys or mouse scroll wheel on PC, or D-Pad / Y / Triangle on console.
- Should you be fortunate enough to survive a trampling as infantry, you will no longer have your weapon equipped. Wait a short while to come to your senses after the knockback.