How to Win the Horse Race in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2 Nomad Quest Guide)
Image Credits: Warhorse Studios, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2)
Winning the horse race for the Nomads quest is no easy feat. If your horse is swerving all over the road, running out of stamina, or generally behaving like it just got into the ale barrel, you’re not alone. Here’s a simple guide to help you cross the finish line first—preferably without yelling, "Stupid Pebbles!" every five seconds.
Step 1: Don’t Start Right Away
When the challenge begins, don’t rush into the race immediately. Instead, talk to the herb lady (or your opponent’s wife) first. She’ll give you a potion that slows down your rival’s horse. Yes, it’s borderline cheating, but this is medieval Bohemia—we’re not here to play fair.
Step 2: Pick the Right Horse
Look, we all love Pebbles, but let’s be real: she’s not exactly built for racing. If you’re having trouble, consider leveling up your Horsemanship skill or switching to a faster horse. If you’re dead set on sticking with Pebbles, well, you’ll have to work extra hard to manage her stamina.
Step 3: Understand the Course
One of the biggest challenges is the lack of clear direction during the race. You can’t rely on your horse’s auto-follow-road feature—it’s more "drunk villager" than "reliable navigator." You’ll need to manually guide your horse along the course:
Start fast and head down the main path.
Keep an eye on sharp turns and avoid going off-road—it’s a stamina killer.
Know when to let your horse rest (more on that below).
Step 4: Manage Stamina Like a King
Stamina is key. If you gallop nonstop, your horse will tire out, and your opponent will blow past you. Here’s how to stay ahead:
Use Quick Start Perks: If you have the perk that boosts your horse’s speed when starting from a stop, take advantage of it. Whenever you slow down to let stamina recover, come to a full stop, then accelerate for that extra speed boost.
Alternate Speeds: Don’t just sprint the entire time. Use a mix of galloping and cantering to conserve energy.
Use Downhill Sections: Let gravity do the work. Sprint on downhill paths to save stamina while maintaining speed.
Step 5: Practice and Persistence
The second and third challenges in the quest are reportedly easier, so if you’re really struggling, consider skipping the first one for now. Come back after leveling up your Horsemanship skill or unlocking better perks.
Bonus Tips
Slow and Steady Wins the Race (Sort Of): If you find yourself swerving too much, ease up on the sprint and focus on keeping a straight path. Cutting corners might save time, but going off-road drains stamina faster.
Potion Strategy: Use the slowing potion from the herb lady wisely—apply it right before the race starts. Every second counts.
Stay Calm: You might lose a few times before you get the hang of it. Don’t give up. Even Pebbles has her moments of glory (occasionally).
Final Blurb
Winning this horse race requires managing stamina, understanding the route, and maybe sabotaging your opponent just a little. Whether you’re riding Pebbles or a more competitive steed, persistence is your best ally. And if all else fails, remember: Tibor might look smug now, but you’ve got the moral victory of sticking with your trusty horse.
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