Horse training in Black Desert Online (BDO) can be a time-consuming yet rewarding endeavor. Among the various methods available, the “auto loop” training technique has gained significant popularity among players looking to efficiently level up their mounts. This method leverages specific in-game mechanics to allow your horse to train passively, freeing you up to engage in other activities or simply let your virtual steed grow stronger overnight. Mastering this technique can significantly accelerate your progress in acquiring stronger, more capable horses for all your adventures in the vast world of BDO.
Understanding the core principles behind horse training in BDO is crucial before diving into the auto loop method. Horses gain experience for their skills and level through various actions, including riding, galloping, drifting, and skill usage. The auto loop exploits the game’s system by creating a continuous, albeit slow, movement path that allows the horse to accumulate experience over extended periods without direct player input. This is particularly beneficial for players who may not have the time for active training sessions.
The Art of the Auto Loop: Setting Up Your Training Route
The key to a successful Bdo Auto Loop Horse Training session lies in creating an effective and safe training route. This route should be long enough to prevent your horse from repeatedly hitting invisible walls or getting stuck, yet simple enough to navigate continuously. Many players opt for routes around major cities or through relatively open, flat terrain to minimize the chances of the horse getting caught on obstacles or dismounted by monsters.
Identifying the Perfect Training Circuit
Players have discovered various optimal circuits for auto loop training. A common approach involves setting a very long-term auto-path from one stable master to another, often spanning across large portions of the map. The horse, when set to auto-path, will attempt to follow the route, and if the path is sufficiently long and loops back or connects in a way that allows continuous movement, the training begins. Some players utilize the “Ctrl” key to force their horse into a trot or walk, which can sometimes prevent the horse from over-exerting itself or running into walls at high speeds.
It’s also important to consider the in-game environment. Areas with fewer aggressive mobs or environmental hazards are generally preferred. For instance, routes that go through open fields or along designated roads are often safer than those cutting through dense forests or mountainous regions. Some popular auto-looping spots include the roads between Velia and Olvia, or the extensive routes around Grana in Kamasylvia. The goal is to create a seamless, uninterrupted journey for your horse.
Essential Gear and Preparations for Auto Loop Training
Before you embark on your auto loop adventure, there are a few preparations and gear considerations that can enhance your training efficiency and safety. While not strictly mandatory, these elements can make a significant difference in the long run.
Horse Gear and Skills
Ensure your horse is equipped with the best available gear. A good set of horse armor, barding, and a saddle can provide stat boosts that indirectly contribute to training, such as increased speed or stamina, allowing for longer periods of uninterrupted travel. While gear won’t directly increase XP gain, a faster horse can complete more loops in a given time. Furthermore, certain horse skills, like Sprint and Drift, are essential for efficient travel and can be leveled up during the auto loop process.
Player Character Considerations
As the player character, you’ll need to be mounted on your horse. It’s advisable to have your character equipped with gear that boosts your own weight limit, as carrying more items can prolong your training sessions without needing to return to a town to sell or store items. Additionally, having some form of passive HP or stamina regeneration for your character can be beneficial if you plan to stay logged in for extended periods.
The Mechanics of BDO Horse XP Gain During Auto Loop
The experience your horse gains during an auto loop session is primarily based on time spent moving and the distance covered. While the exact formula is proprietary to Pearl Abyss, it’s widely understood that consistent movement, even at a walk or trot, contributes to both the horse’s level and its individual skill levels.
Skill Progression vs. Leveling
It’s important to differentiate between the horse’s overall level and its learned skills. Auto loop training is particularly effective for leveling up skills, as even slow, consistent movement allows the horse to accumulate skill XP. Overall horse level increases are also achieved, but the rate might be slower compared to active training methods that involve higher speeds and more frequent skill usage.
The Role of Imperial Training Delivery
While not directly part of the auto loop itself, players often combine auto loop training with Imperial Horse Delivery. Once your horse reaches certain level milestones (e.g., level 15, 20, 30), you can register them at a stable to sell them for valuable Imperial Training Seals. These seals can be exchanged for various items, including valuable training items that can further boost your horse training progression. The auto loop method allows you to reach these valuable thresholds more passively. For those interested in the more advanced aspects of horse acquisition and training, understanding how to train horse skills bdo can be a valuable next step.
Advanced Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Auto Loop Efficiency
To truly perfect your BDO auto loop horse training, consider incorporating these advanced tips and tricks that seasoned players often employ. These can help you save time, avoid common pitfalls, and get the most out of your passive training.
Utilizing Stable Masters and Waypoints
When setting up your auto-path, interact with stable masters and utilize their waypoint system. This allows you to create long, complex routes that might even span multiple continents. Some players create intricate loops that involve traversing different regions, ensuring their horse doesn’t get stuck in a repetitive pattern that might be less efficient.
The Power of the “Ctrl” Key and Camera Angle
As mentioned earlier, holding the “Ctrl” key forces your horse into a walk or trot. This is crucial for preventing your horse from breaking into a sprint and potentially running into obstacles or getting stuck. Experimenting with your camera angle can also help you identify potential issues along your chosen route. A top-down view can sometimes reveal bottlenecks or areas where your horse might falter.
Dealing with Disconnections and AFK Penalties
In a game like BDO, disconnections can happen. If your character is disconnected while your horse is training, the training will cease. Some players use “keep-alive” programs or USB-jiggling devices to prevent their computer from going into sleep mode, which can indirectly prevent disconnections due to inactivity. Be mindful of the game’s terms of service regarding third-party software. Additionally, prolonged AFK activity can sometimes lead to penalties, so it’s wise to be aware of the game’s rules. For more in-depth strategies on managing your mounts, resources like the bdo horse training wagon can offer additional insights.
Common Challenges and Solutions in Auto Loop Training
Despite its passive nature, auto loop horse training isn’t without its challenges. Being aware of these potential issues and their solutions can save you a lot of frustration.
Getting Stuck on Obstacles
The most common problem is the horse getting stuck on terrain, rocks, trees, or other environmental objects. This can halt the training process entirely. The best solution is to meticulously plan your route in lower-traffic, open areas. If you find a recurring snag point, adjust your auto-path slightly to avoid it. Some players even report success by having a friend guide their horse through a tricky section once to “clear” it, though this is anecdotal.
Monster Aggression
While less common in carefully chosen routes, some mobs might still aggro your horse, especially if it’s a higher-level horse that attracts attention. If this becomes a persistent issue, consider training in areas with absolutely no aggressive mobs, or ensure your character is well-geared to dispatch any threats quickly. The context of horse training bdo guide often touches upon minimizing such interruptions.
Fatigue and Stamina Management
Horses have a stamina bar that depletes with sprinting. While walking and trotting consume stamina much slower, very long auto loops can still lead to fatigue. This typically doesn’t halt training but slows down XP gain. Simply letting the horse rest at a stable for a short period can restore its stamina, or ensuring your route allows for natural recovery periods.
The Future of Horse Training in BDO and Beyond
As Black Desert Online continues to evolve, so too will the methods of horse training. While auto loop training remains a popular and effective strategy, Pearl Abyss may introduce new mechanics or balance changes that affect its efficiency. Staying updated with the latest game patches and community strategies is essential for any serious horse trainer.
For those looking to delve deeper into the nuances of mount acquisition and progression, exploring resources dedicated to mage horse trainer or even the bdo wagon horse training can provide a broader perspective on the game’s complex equestrian systems. The dedication to improving your mounts is a core part of the BDO experience, and mastering techniques like the auto loop is a significant step towards achieving true “Equine Excellence” in the game.
