Due to Elden Ring's open-ended nature, FromSoftware had to approach the game differently than past titles like Dark Souls 3 and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. While the game has linear dungeons, these areas are connected via a massive overworld that makes full use of the space. When put together, Elden Ring's The Lands Between is a unique, unforgettable setting that makes great use of horseback travel.
Because The Lands Between are so vast, FromSoft had to provide players with different means to traverse the world. The ability to jump was included alongside the staple running and rolling moves. While Sites of Grace are still the main method by which players can move between locations, one can never forget a Tarnished's loyal companion, Torrent. That said, this mechanic could use a touch-up if brought back for future adventures.
Torrent Is a Tarnished's Trusty Steed in Elden Ring
The spirit steed Torrent is first encountered by players after Melina gives them the Spectral Steed Whistle at the Gatefront Ruins Site of Grace. The whistle is an invaluable tool that lets players quickly call upon Torrent at almost any time, provided they aren't in a dungeon or engaging in Elden Ring's online components.
Torrent's walking speed is on-par with the Tarnished's default running speed, so his running make him ideal for traversal and escaping fights. Torrent can also double jump, allowing players to make it to otherwise unreachable locations. Should Torrent take damage, either from enemies or the environment, players can use Sweet Raisins, Frozen Raisins, or Rowan Raisins to restore his health. Players shouldn't worry too much about Torrent when fighting lesser enemies though, as the steed has quite a lot of health and his own Stance bar. Plus, he can always be summoned back provided players wait a while or have a Flask of Crimson Tears charge remaining.
Mounted Combat Isn't Torrent's Strong Suit
Torrent may be invaluable for a lot of things, but mounted combat isn't always the best in Elden Ring. Players can perform light and heavy attacks from Torrent's left or right side using the appropriate shoulder buttons. Magic users can cast spells with Sacred Seals and Glintstone Staffs, while those who prefer traditional ranged methods can still shoot arrows and bolts. However, shields cannot be used to block incoming attacks while on horseback, as they will be treated as melee weapons.
Because Torrent moves differently than other characters in Elden Ring, combat on the spirit steed can prove difficult. Players move either too fast and overshoot their attacks, or they move too slow and undershoot them. This is especially true for drag attacks - the term used for heavy attacks with long winding animations performed while on Torrent. Whenever players miss their hits, they must then swerve around to position themselves accordingly before they can attempt another try. This is easier said than done, however, as Torrent doesn't turn on a dime.
Different Enemies Make Fighting on Torrent Difficult
Foes that can match Torrent's speed like the Night's Cavalry tend to have erratic movements that make it hard for players to aim their attacks. The game's lock-on mechanic doesn't help much because in addition to its preference for single targets, the camera can potentially cause motion sickness when players are riding Torrent around another moving thing.
Some enemies like the Fire Giant require players to become fluent with Elden Ring's clunky mounted combat to progress. While battle-hardened fighters will find ways to complete certain enemy phases on foot, casual players would much rather deal with fighting these foes on Torrent. There have been rumors that FromSoftware plans on making more games in the style of Elden Ring; open-world titles that have soulslike elements. If that is the case, the developers should consider making mounted combat inessential, or easier for players at the very least. Doing so would alleviate some of the frustration players have when dealing with faster, stronger opponents.
Elden Ring is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
