Mounts & Travel

Navigating the vast landscapes of Norway and England in Assassin's Creed Valhalla efficiently is crucial for any aspiring Jomsviking. While Eivor is a formidable warrior on foot, understanding the various travel options and how to optimize them will save you countless hours and enhance your exploration.

Acquiring and Customizing Your Mount

Your journey with a trusty steed begins early in the game. After completing the initial quests in Norway, specifically during the "Honor Bound" and "A Seer's Solace" arcs, you'll gain access to your first mount. This initial horse, often a sturdy Fjord Horse, is provided automatically as part of your equipment.

Summoning Your Mount: To call your horse, simply hold down the "Down" button on the D-pad (console) or press 'Z' (PC). Your mount will appear nearby, ready for travel.
Mount Customization: As you progress and establish your settlement, Ravensthorpe, you'll unlock the Stable. This building, constructed early on, allows you to purchase new mounts and customize your current one.

Stable Location: The Stable is typically one of the first buildings you'll construct in Ravensthorpe, located near the longhouse.
Purchasing New Mounts: Speak to the Stable Master. You can acquire several horses, from common breeds to more exotic ones, using Silver. Some mounts, like the "Hati" wolf mount, can be obtained through the Helix Store or special events.
Mount Training: The Stable Master also offers training options. Investing Silver here can improve your mount's stamina and health, making long journeys less arduous.
Cosmetic Customization: You can change your mount's saddle, bridle, and mane/tail styles, allowing for a personalized look. These cosmetics are often found as rewards from quests, exploration, or purchased from merchants.

Efficient Travel Methods

Beyond your loyal steed, Valhalla offers several other ways to traverse its expansive world. Combining these methods strategically will make your travels seamless.

Longship Travel

Your longship, the Drakkar, is not just for raiding; it's your primary mode of transport across large bodies of water and rivers. It's essential for reaching new regions and moving your crew.

Summoning Your Longship: Approach any designated dock or shoreline and hold down the "Down" button on the D-pad (console) or press 'Z' (PC).
River Navigation: When on a river, your crew will automatically row. You can steer with the left stick/WASD keys.
Open Sea Navigation: In open waters, you can raise the sail for faster travel. Use the 'Y' (Xbox) / Triangle (PlayStation) / 'R' (PC) button to raise/lower the sail.
Crew Songs & Stories: While sailing, you can instruct your crew to sing or tell stories, adding to the immersion. Press the "Up" button on the D-pad (console) or 'C' (PC) to cycle through options.
Autopilot: For longer journeys, set a waypoint on your map, then activate autopilot by holding the "Up" button on the D-pad (console) or 'C' (PC). Your crew will navigate to the destination automatically, allowing you to enjoy the scenery or plan your next move.

Fast Travel

Fast travel is your quickest option for revisiting previously discovered locations. It's invaluable for completing quests, collecting resources, or returning to your settlement.

Synchronization Points: The most common fast travel points are Synchronization Points (viewpoints). These tall structures, often marked by a glowing eagle, must be climbed and synchronized with to unlock them for fast travel. Once synchronized, you can instantly warp to them from your map.
Settlement Fast Travel: Your settlement, Ravensthorpe, is always a fast travel option from anywhere on the map. This is useful for managing your settlement, upgrading gear, or accessing merchants.
Dock Fast Travel: Any dock where you can summon your longship also serves as a fast travel point.
Limitations: You cannot fast travel while in combat or during certain quest sequences.

Odin's Sight and Raven Scouting

While not direct travel methods, Odin's Sight and your raven, Synin, are crucial for planning your routes and identifying points of interest, making your travel more efficient.

Odin's Sight: Press the 'R3' (console) / 'V' (PC) button to activate Odin's Sight. This highlights enemies, loot, and interactive objects in your immediate vicinity, helping you avoid unnecessary detours or discover hidden paths.
Synin (Raven Scouting): Hold 'Up' on the D-pad (console) / 'V' (PC) to send Synin into the air. From Synin's perspective, you can scout large areas, identify quest objectives, enemy patrols, and valuable resources like Wealth and Mysteries. Use Synin to plan your approach to enemy camps or to find the quickest route to a distant objective.