Although taming animals and riding with or alongside them is practically expected in a voxel-based survival title, things work a bit differently in Hytale. Nowhere is this more apparent than when it comes to trying to tame and ride horses.
Don’t worry, it’s actually pretty simple to mount a horse and travel around the map solo or with friends. There are just some caveats that prevent it from being the ideal experience you might be looking for.
How to Tame Animals in Hytale
As of this writing, Hytale’s early access launch does not include fully fleshed-out taming mechanics. Most animals will typically run away as you approach. Equipping specific food items is the best way to lure them towards you and act more friendly, or at least indifferent. You’ll know it’s effective if little hearts start appearing over their head.
Chickens prefer Corn, whereas Lambs and Tetrabirds are attracted to Lettuce. Both Rabbits and Horses get excited for Carrots. Adult Horses can seem a little cautious at first, but Foals might come running straight at you once a Carrot is in hand.
Leaving the area and returning will typically reset animals back to their wild and untrusting state. We’re assuming this is due to the game being in early access, with more proper taming mechanics hopefully being added in the future.
How to Ride Horses in Hytale
Riding a horse is as easy as approaching one and pressing the “F” key to interact with it. Most will run away when you get close, but if you manage to chase one down or lure it with a Carrot, you’ll be in for a smooth ride once you’ve mounted.
Similar to when you’re on foot, press “Shift” and “Spacebar” to make the horse run and jump, respectively. Press “F” to hop off your temporarily mounted animal. We say temporarily because the horse will return to a wild state once you jump off. Expect it to run away and maybe give you a slight kick with its hind legs. If you have a Carrot equipped while unmounting, the horse will favor you again and immediately begin following.
Hytale is available now on PC.
