Welcome to the world of Black Desert Online, where the art of horse training is as deep and rewarding as any battle. For many trainers, the question isn’t just how to level a single horse, but how to do so efficiently. This is where the strategy of Bdo Wagon Horse Training comes into play. It’s a method designed for trainers who want to level multiple horses simultaneously, often while being away from their keyboard. This guide will delve into everything you need to know about hitching up your team and setting off on the most productive training journey possible.
The core concept is simple: instead of riding one horse, you attach multiple horses to a wagon and level them all at once through travel. While this might sound like the perfect solution, it’s a topic of much debate among the BDO community. Understanding the nuances between active solo riding and passive wagon training is crucial. For an in-depth analysis, exploring the choice of bdo horse training wagon or solo can provide a foundational understanding of which path suits your playstyle best. This guide, however, will focus on mastering the wagon itself.
What is BDO Wagon Horse Training?
Wagon horse training is a semi-AFK (Away From Keyboard) activity in Black Desert Online where you connect two or four horses to a wagon and set an auto-loop path. As the wagon travels, all connected horses gain experience points (XP). This method is incredibly popular because it allows you to make progress on your training goals without being actively engaged with the game, making it perfect for when you’re working, sleeping, or busy with other tasks.
The experience gained per horse is significantly less than what you would get from riding a single horse for the same amount of time. However, the cumulative XP across all four horses often makes it a more time-efficient method for trainers focused on volume. You’re essentially sacrificing speed on one horse for progress on many. This method is particularly effective for leveling up horses to sell for Imperial Training Delivery seals, breeding, or simply building a stable of capable mounts.
The Pros and Cons of Wagon Training
Before you invest your silver in a new wagon, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and its effectiveness depends heavily on your in-game goals and available playtime.
Pros:
- Highly AFK-Friendly: This is the primary benefit. You can set a safe autopath and leave the game running for hours, knowing your horses are still leveling up.
- Levels Multiple Horses: You can train up to four horses at once, dramatically increasing the number of horses you can level over a long period.
- No Fodder Required: Unlike solo riding, horses attached to a wagon do not consume carrots or other fodder, saving you a small but consistent amount of silver.
- Safe from Most Dangers: Your wagon provides a degree of protection. While it can be attacked by other players on a PvP server, it’s generally a safer way to auto-path than on a solo horse, which can get stuck or killed by mobs more easily.
Cons:
- Slow XP Per Horse: An individual horse levels much slower on a wagon than it would if ridden solo.
- Initial Investment: A good wagon, particularly the higher-tier ones, can be expensive to craft or purchase.
- Durability and Repairs: Wagon wheels have durability that depletes over time, requiring repairs and associated costs.
- No Skill Training: Horses will not learn new skills while attached to a wagon. Skill acquisition only happens when a horse levels up, and because they level up slower, you’ll see fewer opportunities for new skills.
Choosing the Right Wagon for Horse Training
Your choice of wagon is the most critical decision you’ll make. Different wagons offer varying speeds, durability, and capacity. While you can start with a basic option, serious trainers will want to invest in a more robust vehicle.
A player driving a majestic Forest Path Wagon with four powerful horses attached in Black Desert Online, showcasing the ultimate in BDO wagon horse training.
Merchant & Noble Wagons
For most trainers, the journey begins with either a Merchant or Noble Wagon. Both can be crafted in a Wagon Workshop or bought from the Central Market.
- Merchant Wagon: Connects four horses, making it a popular and cost-effective choice for bulk training. It’s slower than the Noble Wagon but gets the job done reliably.
- Noble Wagon: Also connects four horses but boasts a higher base speed and slightly better durability. It’s the preferred mid-tier option for trainers who can afford the extra investment.
The Forest Path Wagon: The Gold Standard
The ultimate vehicle for any horse trainer is the Forest Path Wagon. This is an endgame crafting project that requires rare materials and a significant time investment. However, its benefits are unparalleled. It has vastly superior durability and a unique skill, “Forest Rush,” that provides a temporary speed boost, though this is only useful during active play. For AFK training, its main advantage is its immense durability, allowing for much longer uninterrupted training sessions before needing repairs. Crafting this wagon is a goal many serious trainers aspire to.
As the renowned (and entirely fictional) BDO equine expert, Dr. Arion Stablemaster, once said:
“The Forest Path Wagon doesn’t just move horses; it moves a trainer’s entire operation forward. Its longevity for AFK sessions transforms horse training from a passive chore into a streamlined, profitable enterprise.”
How to Set Up Your AFK Wagon Training Route
Setting up an efficient and safe route is paramount to successful AFK training. The goal is to create a continuous loop in a safe zone that is long enough to prevent frequent loading screens and minimizes the risk of getting stuck.
- Prepare Your Wagon: Go to a stable keeper and select your wagon. Click “Connect” and choose the horses you wish to train from your stable.
- Find a Safe Zone: Open your world map (M) and look for a large town or city. Heidel, Calpheon, and Velia are popular choices due to their size and relative safety.
- Create the Autopath:
- Position your wagon on a main road within the city.
- Hold the “Alt” key and right-click on the map to set your first waypoint.
- Continue holding “Alt” and right-clicking to create a looped path. Ensure the final point connects back to the starting point, turning the path line green.
- A good path is typically a large circle or square around the city’s perimeter.
- Activate Auto-run: Press “T” to make your wagon automatically follow the path. Your horses will now begin to gain experience.
Finding the perfect loop is an art form. You’ll want a route that is smooth and free of obstacles that could stop your wagon. Experimenting with different paths is key, and many players look for the bdo best horse training route to maximize their gains, whether they are on a wagon or riding solo.
An in-game map of Black Desert Online showing a perfectly drawn green autopath loop for BDO wagon horse training around the city of Heidel.
Is BDO Wagon Horse Training Worth It?
This is the ultimate question for any aspiring trainer. The answer depends on your goals.
- For the AFK Player: If you spend a lot of time away from the game but can leave it running, wagon training is absolutely worth it. It provides consistent, low-effort progress on multiple horses that you wouldn’t get otherwise.
- For the Active Player: If you are actively playing and want to level one specific horse as fast as possible (perhaps for a dream Tier 9 attempt), then solo riding is far superior. Active solo riding, especially with high Training Mastery, yields exponentially more XP for a single horse.
- For the Breeder/Seller: If your goal is to produce a large volume of horses for breeding or Imperial Delivery, wagon training is an indispensable tool. It allows you to build a constant supply of leveled horses.
Ultimately, most successful trainers use a hybrid approach. They use wagon training during their AFK hours and switch to active solo riding when they have the time to focus on a high-potential horse. This combination provides both volume and speed, covering all aspects of a professional trainer’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best wagon for horse training in BDO?
The Forest Path Wagon is unequivocally the best due to its massive durability, allowing for the longest AFK sessions. For those who cannot craft it, the Noble Wagon is the best readily available alternative, followed by the Merchant Wagon.
Do horses gain skills while on a wagon?
No, horses do not learn skills at a set interval while attached to a wagon. They only have a chance to learn a new skill when they level up. Because leveling is slower on a wagon, skill acquisition is also much slower compared to solo riding.
How much slower is wagon training compared to solo riding?
The exact numbers can vary based on your Training Mastery and mount speed, but a general rule of thumb is that a single horse on a wagon earns roughly 25-30% of the XP it would get from being ridden solo for the same duration. However, you are leveling four horses at once.
Can my wagon be destroyed during AFK training?
Yes, but it’s rare in safe zones. On a PvP-enabled server, other players can attack and destroy your wagon. It’s also possible for the wagon to take damage if it gets stuck on terrain or is attacked by mobs if your route strays outside a safe zone. Always check your path for safety.
Do training clothes like Manos Trainer’s Clothes affect wagon training?
Yes, absolutely. Your Training Mastery, which is boosted by gear like Manos Trainer’s Clothes, directly increases the amount of mount XP all your horses receive, even when attached to a wagon. Wearing your best training gear is crucial for maximizing efficiency.
Do I need to feed horses on a wagon?
No, horses attached to a wagon do not consume stamina and therefore do not need to be fed carrots or other fodder. This is a small but convenient perk of wagon training.
Conclusion
BDO wagon horse training is a powerful technique in any serious trainer’s arsenal. While it may not offer the raw speed of solo riding, its efficiency for leveling multiple horses with minimal active playtime is unmatched. By choosing the right wagon, plotting a safe and effective auto-loop, and understanding when to use this method, you can transform your AFK hours into a productive and profitable enterprise. It’s the key to building a vast and valuable stable, ensuring that your equestrian empire continues to grow even when you’re not in the saddle. So hitch your horses, set your path, and let the journey to mastery begin.
