Herring is one of the notable horses you can acquire in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2). This guide will cover everything you need to know about Herring, including how to obtain him, his stats, and the unique perks associated with riding him.
Acquisition of Herring in KCD2
Herring is introduced to players during the main quest titled "Back in the Saddle." To obtain Herring:
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Location: Head to Trosky Castle after completing the quest "For Whom the Bell Tolls."
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Quest Steps: Speak with Kabat, the stable hand at Trosky Castle. He will offer you Herring as a new horse.
Herring's Base Stats in KCD2
At the outset, Herring has the following base stats:
- Stamina: 169
- Capacity: 138
- Speed: 34
- Courage: 14
These stats make Herring a solid choice for early to mid-game exploration and combat.
Red Herring Perk in KCD2
Herring has a hidden perk known as the Red Herring, which significantly boosts his performance. To unlock this perk:
- Distance Requirement: You must ride Herring for a total of 50 kilometers (approximately 30 hours of gameplay).
Once unlocked, the Red Herring perk enhances his stats as follows:
- Stamina: Increases from 169 to 235
- Capacity: Increases from 138 to 308
- Speed: Increases from 34 to 51
- Courage: Remains at 14
This substantial increase makes Herring one of the better horses available in KCD2, especially when compared to other mounts that players might acquire later in the game.
Comparison of Herring and Pebbles in KCD2
Base Stats Overview
While Herring starts with lower stats than some other horses, he can be a competitive option once his perk is unlocked. For comparison:
| Attribute | Herring (Base) | Herring (Red Herring Perk) | Pebbles (Base) | Pebbles (Good Old Pebbles Perk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stamina | 169 | 235 | 127 | 210 |
| Capacity | 138 | 308 | 138 | 293 |
| Speed | 34 | 51 | 32 | 43 |
| Courage | 14 | 14 | 12 | 12 |
Hidden Perks
Both horses have hidden perks that can significantly enhance their performance:
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Good Old Pebbles: Unlocks after riding Pebbles for 35 km. This perk boosts her stats to:
- Stamina: 210
- Capacity: 338
- Speed: 55
- Courage: 12
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Red Herring: Unlocks after riding Herring for 50 km. This perk enhances his stats to:
- Stamina: 235
- Capacity: 288
- Speed: 52
- Courage: 14
Advantages of Each Horse
Herring
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Higher Initial Stats: Herring starts with better stamina, speed, and courage than Pebbles, making him a strong choice for early game exploration.
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Free Acquisition: Herring is obtained for free during the quest "Back in the Saddle," making it an attractive option without any monetary cost.
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Potential for High Performance: Once the Red Herring perk is unlocked, he becomes one of the top horses in terms of stamina and speed.
Pebbles
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Nostalgia and Story Connection: Pebbles is Henry's original horse from the first game, providing an emotional connection that many players may value.
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Significant Upgrade with Good Old Pebbles Perk: After riding her for a relatively shorter distance (35 km), she becomes a competitive horse with high stamina and speed.
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Higher Carrying Capacity Post-Perk: After unlocking her perk, Pebbles has a higher carrying capacity than Herring, which is beneficial for carrying loot.
When to Choose Herring
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If you are early in the game and prioritize immediate performance improvements in speed and stamina.
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If you prefer a horse that is easier to upgrade quickly due to its initial stats being higher than those of Pebbles.
When to Choose Pebbles
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If you appreciate the backstory and emotional attachment to Henry's original horse.
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If you are willing to invest time into riding her to unlock the Good Old Pebbles perk, which can make her stats comparable to or even better than Herring's once fully upgraded.
Conclusion about choosing Herring or Pebbles in KCD2
Ultimately, the choice between Herring and Pebbles depends on your playstyle. If you value immediate performance and don't mind parting with your original horse, Herring is a solid option. However, if you prefer a horse with a rich backstory and the potential for significant upgrades through gameplay, sticking with Pebbles may be the better choice. You can also switch back to Pebbles later if you decide to try Herring first, as she can be reacquired from Semine stables if needed
Tips for Maximizing Herring's Potential in KCD2
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Frequent Riding: To quickly unlock the Red Herring perk, make it a point to ride Herring regularly. Engage in quests that require travel or simply explore the vast map.
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Avoid Overloading: While riding, ensure you manage your inventory effectively. Overloading can reduce speed and stamina efficiency.
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Utilize Saddles and Harnesses: Equip appropriate saddles and harnesses that can further enhance carrying capacity and overall performance.
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Bonding with Your Horse: The game mechanics reward players for bonding with their horses. Spend time riding and caring for Herring to unlock his full potential.
Conclusion for Herring in KCD2
Herring is a valuable asset in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, especially once you unlock his Red Herring perk. By investing time into riding and caring for him, players can significantly enhance their gameplay experience, making travel and combat more efficient. Whether you choose to stick with Herring or explore other horse options later in the game, understanding his capabilities will help you make informed decisions throughout your journey.
