Witcher 3: Best Saddles & Saddlebags [Expert’s Take]
Unlock Roach's true potential by discovering the best saddles and saddlebags in The Witcher 3 to make her run swift as the wind!
If you want to maximize the use of Roach in Witcher 3, then equipping her with the best saddles and saddlebags is the best way to do so. From being able to increase her speed to the amount of weight you can carry around with you, there are many perks to choosing the best gear for your horse.
Important: There is a difference between Saddles and Saddlebags in Witcher 3. The former affects your horse’s stamina and your carrying capacity.
- Saddles increase Roach’s stamina, whereas Saddlebags increase the amount of weight Geralt can carry.
- There are a total of 26 saddles and 8 saddlebags available in the game.
- Quality saddles allow Roach to run longer without running out of stamina, helpful in races and escaping enemies.
- Higher stamina increases Roach’s speed, essential in open-world exploration, battles, and races.
- Better saddlebags allow Geralt to carry more items, crucial for longer quests and looting.
- Both saddles and saddlebags can be acquired through various methods, including quests, purchases from merchants, and loot from defeated enemies.
- Author’s Note: With more than dozens of hours of experience in Witcher 3, I feel more than obliged to provide you with hands-on experience on the topic below.
Witcher 3 Best Saddles
Saddles in Witcher 3 will affect how long Roach can run without running out of stamina. Higher levels of Saddles can help you last longer in races and overall are great for escaping enemies without worrying about your horse slowing you down.
Here are the Witcher 3 best saddles, how to acquire them, and the effect each one offers to Geralt of Rivia:
| Name | Best For | Effect | How to Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caparison of Lament | Most Unique Saddle. | Boosts Roach's stamina by 100 points and has additional staggering and scaring effects on enemies. | Awarded by Master Mirror as a reward for allowing him to claim Olgierd's soul during the Hearts of Stone expansion. Choose "To be as swift as the wind" when given a choice of reward. |
| Ofieri Stock Saddle | Best Saddle For A Thematic Connection. | Boosts Roach's stamina by 85 points. | Win the high-stakes race against Dulla kh'Amanni in the quest "Races: Swift as the Western Winds" as part of the Hearts of Stone expansion. |
| Undvik Saddle | Most Practical-Easily Accessible Saddle. | Boosts Roach's stamina by 75 points. | Can be bought from the Armorer in Kaer Trolde citadel as part of the free DLC Skellige Armor set. |
| Zerrikanian Saddle | Best Quality Saddle With An Exciting Acquisition Process. | Boosts Roach's stamina by 80 points. | Won by winning the horse race "For the Goddess' Glory!" as part of the Heroes' Pursuits. |
| Mastercrafted Cavalry Saddle | Best Saddle For A Deep Gameplay Experience. | Boosts Roach's stamina by 75 points. | Can be found in various locations around the game world, such as the Coast of Wrecks, or purchased from a blacksmith in Lindenvale. |
| Superior Cavalry Saddle | Most Prestigious Saddle. | Boosts Roach's stamina by 70 points. | Awarded for winning all three legs of the Great Erasmus Vegelbud Memorial Derby after progressing in the "Get Junior" quest line. |
Caparison Of Lament
- Why I Chose This: The remarkable abilities it provides on top of its unique appearance.
The Caparison of Lament is a standout horse saddle, unique to the Hearts of Stone expansion of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
- The saddle’s design is quite remarkable, appearing to be crafted from the hide of an unknown beast.
- Upon equipping it, Roach takes on an intimidating appearance, transforming into a spectral, black horse with eyes that glow ominously.
Stats
| Tier | Relic |
| Weight | 5.01 |
| Effects | +100 Stamina Axii ability Delusion |
The saddle possesses a range of potent abilities, making it a valuable addition to your arsenal.
- It boosts Roach’s stamina by a whopping 100 points and wields a mysterious power that impacts enemies within a specified radius.
- It delivers a staggering effect like the Axii ability Delusion every few seconds.
- Enemies approaching Roach find themselves knocked off their horses, or they may react as if scorched, fleeing in panic.
- Should Roach be close by during a brawl, the saddle’s effect can stun your adversary, giving you a golden opportunity to land the winning blows.
Location
The process to acquire the Caparison of Lament involves dealing with O’Dimm, also known as Master Mirror, a character introduced in the Hearts of Stone expansion.
- You obtain the saddle as a reward, but at a heavy price: you must allow O’Dimm to claim Olgierd’s soul.
- When O’Dimm subsequently offers you a reward choice, you must select “To be as swift as the wind.”
- Once these conditions are met, the Caparison of Lament is yours.
- Stamina boosts allow for enhanced endurance.
- Unique ability.
- Provides combat advantage.
- High price.
- Limited availability.
Ofieri Stock Saddle
- Why I Chose This: The significant stamina boost it provides with the thematic connection to the Ofieri gear set.
Introduced in the Hearts of Stone expansion of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the Ofieri stock saddle is a piece of horse equipment that’s steeped in intrigue.
Stats
| Tier | Common |
| Weight | 5.01 |
| Effects | +85 Stamina |
- It shares its design with another saddle, the “Ofieri saddle,” which is identical in both appearance and stats yet curiously unobtainable through standard gameplay.
- The Ofieri stock saddle is part of a wider set of Ofieri gear, including additional horse equipment such as the Ofieri saddlebags and Ofieri horse blinders.
Location
Acquiring the Ofieri stock saddle involves proving your equestrian skills in a high-stakes race.
- You’ll receive the saddle for winning against Dulla kh’Amanni in the quest “Races: Swift as the Western Winds.”
- The quest is part of the Hearts of Stone expansion and can be started by talking to the Ofieri Salesman.
- Mention what a fine horse he has, which will cause him to challenge you in a race.
- Be careful, as, during the race, a merchant will try to distract you by throwing barrels.
- Additionally, avoid the goats near the last bridge and try to jump during the last bridge to stop Roach from giving up her gallop.
- Improved endurance.
- Part of the ofieri set.
- Unique.
- Limited availability.
Undvik Saddle
- Why I Chose This: The easy accessibility and the practical benefits it provides.
Among the comprehensive gear available in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the Undvik saddle is a piece of horse equipment you’ll want to note. The saddle is part of the free DLC Skellige Armor set, a pack of additional content released on June 3, 2015, that embellishes your gear collection and amplifies your horse’s capabilities.
Stats
| Tier | Common |
| Weight | 0.01 |
| Effect | +75 Stamina |
Location
To get your hands on the Undvik saddle, you’ll need to pay a visit to Kaer Trolde citadel.
- There, you’ll find an Armorer who sells the specific piece of equipment for 400 coins.
- +75 stamina boost.
- Belongs to the free DLC Skellige armor set.
- Easily obtainable.
- Common tier saddle.
- Limited effects.
Zerrikanian Saddle
- Why I Chose This: The thrilling process that is involved in its acquisition on top of the substantial stamina enhancement.
A prized piece of horse equipment in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the Zerrikanian saddle is one of the best saddles you can get your hands on. This particular saddle is a testament to Zerrikanian craftsmanship, a far-off land known for its exotic wares and fierce warriors.
Stats
| Tier | Common |
| Weight | 8.01 |
| Effects | +80 Stamina |
Location
The path to obtaining the Zerrikanian saddle isn’t a simple trip to a local shop but involves a thrilling competitive event.
- Win the “For the Goddess’ Glory!” horse race for a valuable reward.
- To enter, complete the Heroes’ Pursuits, accessible on Ard Skellig or by speaking to Svana in Larvik.
- Beat Astrid by winning races in Kaer Trolde, Fayrlund, and Fyresdal.
- Return to Svana and challenge Astrid in a race to Freya’s Garden with repeat attempts.
- The victory earns you a Zerrikanian saddle for Roach, enhancing stamina.
- +80 stamina boost.
- Superior craftsmanship and quality.
- Common tier.
- Heave Weight.
Mastercrafted Cavalry Saddle
- Why I Chose This: The deep and exciting acquisition process with the utility it provides.
Although a really useful piece, you may find encountering the Mastercrafted Cavalry Saddle hard.
Stats
| Tier | Common |
| Weight | 8.51 |
| Effects | +75 Stamina |
Location
To lay hands on the Mastercrafted Cavalry Saddle, two main avenues are available.
- One way is old-fashioned treasure hunting: the saddle can be found as part of scattered loot.
- One location known is the Coast of Wrecks.
- However, loot availability in The Witcher 3 depends on your progression and decisions, so you may not find it in those areas.
- The other method to acquire the saddle is by purchasing it from a blacksmith.
- While the blacksmith with the saddle in their inventory might vary, one known vendor resides in Lindenvale.
- To increase your chances, engaging with different blacksmiths is advised to see if they have it.
- Can be acquired through multiple methods.
- Easily accessible.
- Increased endurance.
- Common tier.
- Heavyweight.
Superior Cavalry Saddle
- Why I Chose This: A practical horse equipment on top of it being a prestigious reward.
The Superior Cavalry Saddle is a prized piece of horse equipment that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practically significant.
Stats
| Tier | Common |
| Weight | 8.01 |
| Effects | +70 Stamina |
Location
Acquiring such a masterpiece of a saddle is an adventure in itself.
- It is awarded as a prize for winning all three legs of the Great Erasmus Vegelbud Memorial Derby, a prestigious horse race steeped in tradition and challenge.
- The race becomes available following considerable progress in the “Get Junior” quest line.
- A crier in Hierarch Square announces the race’s initiation, and picking up an invitation to the Memorial Derby sets the quest in motion.
- At the Vegelbud Residence, you are allowed to race upon paying an entry fee of 100 coins.
- Be mindful that the races are long, and Roach’s stamina management is crucial to outpace your competitors.
- The true treasure lies in winning the third race against Luc Vegelbud, conducted under persistent rain.
- Winning here grants you the Superior Cavalry Saddle.
- Aesthetically appealing.
- Provides a significant boost in stamina.
- Difficult acquisition.
Witcher 3 Best Saddlebags
Saddlebags are slightly different from Saddles as they do not help out Roach as much as they help you. With better Saddlebags, you can increase the weight you can carry around before getting too heavy. With that said, here are the Witcher 3 best saddlebags showcased, along with the effect and how to get each one of them.
| Name | Best For | Effect | How to Acquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beauclair Saddlebags | Most Aesthetic Saddlebag For Increased Max Inventory Weight. | Increase inventory weight by +110 | Found as loot across the Toussaint region, purchased from the Armorer at the Tourney Grounds, or obtained as a reward at an event to the west of Mont Crane Castle |
| Undvik Saddlebags | Most Lightweight Saddlebag. | Increase inventory weight by +100 | Purchased from the armorer in Kaer Trolde Citadel |
| Zerrikanian Saddlebags | Best Saddlebag For Representing The Zerrikanian Culture. | Increase inventory weight by +100 | Purchased from the merchant in Putrid Grove or Éibhear Hattori, or won as a reward for winning "The Heroes' Pursuits: Fayrlund" |
| Rugged Saddlebags | Most Durable Saddlebag. | Increase inventory weight by +70 | Won as a reward in the Great Erasmus Vegelbud Memorial Derby, purchased from vendors in Hierarch Square, Oreton, Larvik, Claywich, or Crow's Perch |
| Nilfgaardian Saddlebags | Best Saddlebag For Aesthetics. | Increase inventory weight by +70 | Purchased from the Quartermaster at Crow's Perch |
Beauclair Saddlebags
- Why I Chose This: The practical utility and aesthetic appeal this saddlebag provides in The Witcher 3.
The Beauclair Saddlebags, introduced in the Blood and Wine expansion, are indispensable horse equipment. The saddlebags stand out with their aesthetic design, reflecting the artistic flair of Toussaint, the region they are closely associated with.
Stats
| Tier | Common |
| Weight | 1.26 |
| Effects | +110 Maximum Inventory Weight |
Location
Acquiring the Beauclair Saddlebags involves exploration and engagement with the vibrant world of Toussaint.
- They can be found as loot across the region, hidden in chests, or dropped by defeated enemies.
- The exact location of these saddlebags may vary depending on numerous in-game factors.
- If you prefer not to treasure hunt, merchants can quickly provide saddlebags.
- The Armorer at the Tourney Grounds, a hub of knighthood and chivalry in Toussaint, has the saddlebags for sale.
- You can get the saddlebags for free at a specific event near Mont Crane Castle, where a Knight Errant in Distress is located.
- Massive increase in maximum inventory space.
- Aesthetic design.
- Time-consuming acquisition method.
Undvik Saddlebags
- Why I Chose This: The massive increase in max inventory weight on top of it being lightweight.
Up next for The Witcher 3 best saddlebags, the Undvik Saddlebags are incredibly useful. Introduced as part of the free Skellige Armor set DLC on June 3, 2015, the Undvik Saddlebags depict the rich tradition and cultural nuances of the Skellige Isles.
Stats
| Tier | Common |
| Weight | 0.51 |
| Effects | +100 Maximum Inventory Weight |
- An intriguing characteristic of the Undvik Saddlebags is their advantage in weight over the Zerrikanian saddlebags.
- Even though both saddlebags offer the same inventory capacity boost, the Undvik variant is lighter.
Location
The armorer in Kaer Trolde Citadel offers these saddlebags for purchase. It provides an easy option to acquire these saddlebags without exploring far and wide or completing complex quests.
- Significant increase in massive inventory weight.
- Lightweight.
- Standard acquisition process.
Zerrikanian Saddlebags
- Why I Chose This: The way this saddlebag not only provides increased max inventory weight but also provides a reflection of the Zerrikanian culture.
The Zerrikanian Saddlebags are a notable piece of horse equipment in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. A product of the exotic lands of Zerrikania, they reflect their origin’s unique culture and craftsmanship.
Stats
| Tier | Common |
| Weight | 1.56 |
| Effects | +100 Maximum Inventory Weight |
Location
The Zerrikanian Saddlebags can be obtained in two ways.
- The first is through purchasing them from specific merchants in The Witcher 3.
- You can visit the merchant in Putrid Grove or consult with Éibhear Hattori, a master craftsman, who has them on offer.
- This provides an accessible route for players to acquire the saddlebags without completing specific challenges.
However, if you fancy a bit of competition, the saddlebags can also be won as a prize.
- They serve as a reward for winning “The Heroes’ Pursuits: Fayrlund,” one of Witcher 3’s secondary quests involving a thrilling horse race.
- Positioned east-northeast of Fayrlund and far south of the Rannvaig signpost, a group prepares to race.
- Engage with the race master; he will organize the race for you.
- It’s a simple, short race that requires careful navigation and speedy riding to emerge victorious.
- Winning first place fetches you not only 25 XP and 50 coins but also the coveted Zerrikanian Saddlebags.
- A significant increase in max inventory weight.
- Reflects the exotic culture and craftsmanship of Zerrikania.
- A rather plain process of acquisition.
Rugged Saddlebags
- Why I Chose This: The notable increase in the max inventory weight on top of the durability.
The Rugged Saddlebags in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a notable piece of horse equipment designed to withstand the rugged wilderness that Geralt traverses in his journey.
Stats
| Tier | Common |
| Weight | 1.51 |
| Effects | +70 Maximum Inventory Weight |
Location
Getting hold of the Rugged Saddlebags involves multiple methods.
- One method involves participating in the Great Erasmus Vegelbud Memorial Derby, a secondary quest.
- The racing event can be joined after completing the major part of the ‘Get Junior’ quest.
- In Hierarch Square, an announcer’s call signals the start of the race.
- A 100-coin entry fee is required, and races are quite long, testing Roach’s stamina to the limit.
- Success in the second race earns you the Rugged Saddlebags.
Alternatively, these saddlebags can be purchased from various vendors across the expansive map.
- In Hierarch Square, an armorer can sell you one.
- A merchant in Oreton also stocks them.
- Larvik and Claywich, once freed from a Bandit’s Camp on the island to the east, have merchants who offer these saddlebags for sale.
- Furthermore, Yoana in Crow’s Perch is another vendor where you can find these saddlebags.
- Significant increase in the max inventory weight.
- Is able to withstand rugged wilderness.
- Complex acquisition process.
Nilfgaardian Saddlebags
- Why I Chose This: The crucial upgrade it provides in the max inventory weight with the cohesive aesthetic contribution to the Nilfgaardian Armor set.
The Nilfgaardian Saddlebags, a component of the Nilfgaardian Armor set, provide a crucial upgrade in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The horse equipment came as part of a free DLC released for The Witcher 3 on June 3, 2015.
Stats
| Tier | Common |
| Weight | 0.51 |
| Effects | +70 Maximum Inventory Weight |
Location
Acquiring these saddlebags requires visiting the Quartermaster at Crow’s Perch, a location you might already be familiar with from the main storyline.
- The Quartermaster is the vendor for these saddlebags, and purchasing from him ensures you obtain an original Nilfgaardian equipment piece.
- Enhanced max inventory weight.
- Part of the Nilfgaardian Armor set.
- Limited availability.
With that, you know about the Witcher 3 best saddles and saddlebags that you can use to increase your inventory space and Roach’s stamina. Both upgrades will make it much easier for you to navigate the world of The Witcher and enjoy all sorts of adventures!
Up Next:
Thanks! Do share your feedback with us. ⚡
How can we make this post better? Your help would be appreciated. ✍
