Assassin's Creed Odyssey Horse Choice Mount Options And Differences

Early in Assassin's Creed Odyssey, players are tasked with selecting a mount to accompany them across the vast landscapes of ancient Greece. This decision happens during an early quest on the island of Kephallonia, introducing players to Phobos, their loyal equine companion. While the moment presents a choice between three distinct horse descriptions, understanding how this selection impacts your journey helps set clear expectations for the rest of your adventure.

The Initial Horse Selection on Kephallonia

During the opening hours of the game, Markos offers the player a choice between three different horses, each described with distinct traits such as speed, endurance, or combat strength. Many players spend time carefully weighing these descriptions to gain a tactical advantage. However, this choice is purely cosmetic and serves as an introductory narrative element rather than a mechanical branching point.

Regardless of which option you pick, your mount will automatically be named Phobos and will possess identical base statistics. All three options move at the exact same speed, have the same health pool, and exhibit identical behavior in combat scenarios. The decision simply determines the default coat color and physical appearance of Phobos at the start of your journey.

How Mount Statistics and Mechanics Work

Unlike traditional role-playing games where different mounts offer varied stats or speed tiers, Assassin's Creed Odyssey standardizes horse mechanics. Every mount skin in the game shares identical movement speeds, jumping capabilities, and health pools. The game automatically adjusts your horse's speed based on the terrain, slowing down near settlement boundaries and accelerating in open fields.

Phobos also features a unique mechanic where falling from extreme heights will temporarily knock the mount unconscious rather than permanently killing it. After a short cooldown period, players can simply summon Phobos again without needing to revive or purchase a new horse. This mechanic ensures that exploration remains smooth and uninterrupted throughout your vast journey across the Aegean world.

Unlocking Additional Mount Skins and Customizations

As you progress through the game, you can customize Phobos with a wide variety of cosmetic skins acquired through different gameplay activities. Blacksmiths located in major cities frequently sell unique horse cosmetics for in-game drachmae, allowing you to change your mount's appearance whenever you visit a settlement. Completing specific quests, defeating mercenaries, or participating in special events also grants rare mount designs.

Special legendary mounts can be acquired through the Ubisoft Connect rewards system or the in-game store, including mythical options like Pegasus. Legendary skins often include unique visual effects, such as glowing armor or physical wings. Notably, the Pegasus skin prevents Phobos from taking damage when leaping off high cliffs, providing one of the few functional cosmetic differences in the game.

Choosing the Right Mount for Your Playstyle

Since base attributes do not differ between mounts, selecting a horse skin comes down entirely to visual preference and roleplay immersion. Players seeking a grounded historical feel might prefer traditional coats found at local blacksmiths across Greece. Those who enjoy fantasy elements can opt for store skins that feature mythical aesthetics and glowing visual effects.

Ultimately, the initial choice given by Markos is just the beginning of your customization options in Assassin's Creed Odyssey. Feel free to choose whichever coat appeals to you most at the start, knowing you can easily swap skins later. Exploring the world and acquiring new cosmetics allows you to personalize your mount to match your mercenary's evolving identity.