U4GM - How to Dominate Horseback Combat in Elden Ring Like a Pro
Mastering horseback combat in Elden Ring can be the difference between surviving a brutal encounter and respawning at your last Site of Grace. As a seasoned player with over 300 hours in the Lands Between, I’ve come to rely on horseback strategies to deal with roaming bosses, tough mobs, and world events. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about dominating horseback combat so you can fight smarter, not harder.
Why Horseback Combat Matters in Elden Ring
From the first moments you summon Torrent, you’re introduced to one of Elden Ring’s most powerful and underrated mechanics: mounted combat. Whether you're dealing with dragons in open fields or knights patrolling the Altus Plateau, fighting from horseback gives you mobility, speed, and unique tactics that aren't available on foot.
Choose the Right Weapons for Horseback Combat
Based on my experience, not all weapons are created equal when you're on horseback. Here’s what works best:
Lances and Spears: Their reach makes it easier to land hits while circling enemies.
Straight Swords: Good balance of speed and damage.
Magic Staves: Surprisingly viable, especially if you favor spells like Glintstone Pebble or Loretta’s Greatbow.
I personally favor the Cleanrot Spear for its length and bleed build-up, especially when paired with fast sprints around targets.
Key Strategies to Dominate Horseback Combat
Keep Moving: The biggest advantage of Torrent is mobility. Circle your enemies, weave in and out, and avoid stopping unless absolutely necessary.
Use Hit-and-Run Tactics: Strike once or twice and ride away. Greed will often get you killed.
Master the Strafe: Strafing while locked on allows you to manipulate enemy positioning, giving you the upper hand.
Avoid Tight Spaces: Horseback combat is best in open fields. If you're entering ruins or forests, dismount.
When I took on the Tree Sentinel in Limgrave early in the game, I struggled for hours on foot. Once I switched to horseback tactics, I beat him in two tries by leveraging speed and spacing.
Don’t Forget Torrent’s Abilities
Torrent isn’t just fast—he can double jump, absorb damage, and even provide a better angle for casting spells or hurling projectiles. Use his movement to reposition quickly, especially in fights against bosses like the Night’s Cavalry or field dragons.
Upgrade Your Gear — and Your Runes
Your effectiveness in mounted combat also depends on your stats and equipment. If you’re struggling to farm efficiently, it’s smart to buy Elden Ring runes to accelerate your build. This saves hours of grinding and lets you focus on improving your combat skills.
Many trusted sites offer Elden Ring runes for all platforms, making it easy to level up your Vigor, Dexterity, and Endurance—the core stats that boost mounted performance. Personally, I used rune boosts to hit the stat requirements for better armor and faster stamina recovery, which dramatically improved my survivability in long horseback battles.
Final Thoughts: Patience Makes Perfect
Horseback combat isn’t about brute force—it’s about timing, finesse, and staying calm under pressure. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes to dodge, strike, and reposition like a pro. If you're struggling, don't give up—your next breakthrough could be one fight away.
So, gear up, ride smart, and remember: in the Lands Between, your greatest weapon might just be your horse.
Community Guide:Elden Ring Rune Relics: Lore, Locations, and What They Mean for Your Journey