Gwent, Gold, and Galloping Hooves: A Rider's Guide to the Witig's Novigrad and Skellige Races
So, you’ve bested a griffin, haggled with a dwarven blacksmith, and maybe even won a few rounds of Gwent. But in the sprawling, untamed world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, there’s another test of skill that gets the blood pumping: the thrill of the horse race. Beyond being a side activity, horse racing is a core way to earn top-tier saddles, harnesses, and blinders, significantly boosting your trusty steed's stamina and courage. And while the races in Velen serve as a great introduction, the real challenges—and the most rewarding loot—await in the bustling streets of Novigrad and the treacherous, mountainous paths of Skellige.
Mastering these courses isn't just about mashing the gallop button. It’s about understanding the unique personality of each track, the temperament of your horse, and the subtle art of pacing. Whether you're a seasoned witcher or a fresh-faced rider, this deep dive into the Novigrad and Skellige horse racing tracks will give you the edge you need to cross the finish line first, every time.
The Novigrad Racecourse: Urban Chaos and Cobblestone Turns
After the muddy, war-torn tracks of Velen, arriving at the Novigrad horse racing track feels like stepping into the professional leagues. Located just outside the city's main gates, this course is a test of precision and control over raw speed. The atmosphere is electric, with crowds cheering and the imposing city skyline as your backdrop. The keyword here is finesse.
The track itself is a winding loop that combines hard-packed dirt with perilous sections of cobblestone. This is the first thing you must internalize: cobblestone surfaces in Novigrad races are your nemesis. While they look picturesque, they severely hamper your acceleration and top speed. You’ll feel your horse struggling to find purchase, a subtle but crucial detail that can cost you the race if ignored.
The most challenging aspect of the Novigrad race circuit is its tight, often blind, corners. Right out of the starting gate, you’re funneled into a narrow path with a sharp left-hand turn. The common mistake here is to gallop at full tilt from the beginning. Don't. A better strategy for winning Novigrad horse races is to start with a controlled gallop, saving your horse's stamina for the long straightaways. As you approach a tight corner, a quick tap of the slow-down button (on most controllers, this is the 'A' or 'X' button) will allow you to take the turn smoothly without crashing into the fence and coming to a dead stop. A crashing halt is a race-ender.
Your primary opponent in the Novigrad races is not just the other riders, but the environment itself. You'll navigate under low bridges and between tight clusters of market stalls. The key is to find the racing line. This often means swinging wide before a turn to create a straighter, smoother path through it. This advanced Witcher 3 horse racing strategy conserves precious momentum.
And let's talk about stamina. Your horse's stamina bar is the green overlay on the screen. Constantly sprinting will drain it, leaving you with a slow, plodding horse at the worst possible moment. The pro-tip for managing Roach's stamina in races is to use a rhythmic gallop. Hold the gallop button until the bar is about halfway depleted, then release for a second or two to let it regenerate slightly, before galloping again. This "pulse and rest" technique ensures you always have a reserve for a crucial overtake or a final sprint to the finish line.
The Skellige Racecourse: Where the Earth Meets the Sky
If Novigrad tests your technical skill, the Skellige horse racing track tests your bravery and your ability to adapt to brutal, unpredictable terrain. Nestled in the Ard Skellig region, this course is a stark contrast to its urban counterpart. Here, you're racing along cliff edges, through shallow streams, and across rocky, uneven ground. The keyword here is endurance.
The most immediate difference is the elevation change. The Skellige isles race course is not a flat loop; it's a rollercoaster. You'll be charging up steep inclines and careening down sharp declines. On uphill sections, your horse will naturally slow down. Pushing the gallop button here is almost useless and will only burn through your stamina. Instead, ease off and save that precious green bar for the flatter sections and downhills, where you can gain massive speed.
The terrain is your greatest adversary. The challenging Skellige terrain for horseback riding includes patches of rock that behave similarly to Novigrad's cobblestones, as well as water. Riding through even a shallow stream will dramatically slow you down. Learning the optimal path is essential for mastering the Skellige race track. This often means sacrificing the shortest geometric path for a longer one that keeps you on solid, dry ground. Watch the track ahead, not just your horse's hooves.
Then there are the cliffs. Several sections of the track run perilously close to steep drop-offs. A single misstep, a nudge from an AI rider, or an overzealous turn can send you and Roach tumbling into the abyss. This makes the Skellige vs Novigrad horse racing difficulty debate a fascinating one. Novigrad is technically demanding, but Skellige is outright dangerous. A single mistake can be catastrophic, not just inconvenient.
Because of this, a more conservative strategy often wins the day in Skellige. It's better to be in second place for two-thirds of the race than to be reloading a save file. The AI riders in Skellige are notoriously aggressive and seem to have a better handle on the slippery paths. Let them make the mistakes. Bide your time, manage your stamina carefully, and on the final long approach to the finish line, unleash a full, uninterrupted gallop to overtake the leader. This best saddle and gear for Witcher 3 races is arguably earned here in Skellige, and it's well worth the effort.
Gear Up for Victory: It’s All in the Tack
You wouldn't hunt a leshen with a rusty sword, so why race with a flimsy saddle? The gear you equip on Roach is not cosmetic; it's fundamental to your success, especially on these advanced tracks. The best saddle and gear for Witcher 3 races is typically the prize for winning the very tournaments we're discussing.
Look for saddles, blinders, and harnesses that offer the highest bonuses to your horse's stamina and fear reduction. The "Zerrikanian" set, for example, is a fantastic all-around choice. A larger stamina pool means you can gallop for longer periods, making it easier to execute the "pulse and rest" technique. Fear reduction is equally important; it prevents Roach from bucking you off if you accidentally clip a fence or get squeezed by another rider at high speed—a common occurrence on both tracks.
Think of it this way: investing in good equipment for Roach in Blood and Wine (or from the base game races) is a direct investment in your racing performance. It turns a challenging, white-knuckle experience into a manageable, and even enjoyable, test of skill.
From Novigrad to Skellige: A Witcher's Path to Racing Glory
Ultimately, conquering the horse racing tracks of The Witcher 3 is a journey of adaptation. Novigrad teaches you the science of racing—the racing line, momentum conservation, and precision. Skellige teaches you the art—reading the land, respecting the dangers, and picking your moment to strike.
So saddle up, Witcher. Take these tips for beating Witcher 3 horse race opponents to heart. Listen to the rhythm of Roach's hooves on the cobblestone and the screech of stone on the Skellige cliffs. Learn the tracks, respect the terrain, and equip your steed with the best. The roar of the Novigrad crowd and the stunning vista of the Skellige peaks from the winner's circle are more than worth the effort. Now, go on. The race awaits.
