In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Henry faces a crucial decision: choosing between Pebbles and Herring as his trusty steed. Both horses become available later in the game, after the prologue's unfortunate loss of Henry's initial mount. Which horse reigns supreme?
Pebbles: The Familiar Friend
Pebbles is reacquired at the Semine estate before Lord Semine's wedding to Agnes. She's located in the stables, but requires purchase. However, this investment is arguably worthwhile. Pebbles is Henry's former companion, offering a strong sentimental connection akin to Mutt, another retrievable companion. The bond with Pebbles makes her a more appealing choice for many players.
Herring: The Statistically Superior (Initially)
Herring becomes available after completing the "For Whom the Bell Tolls" quest. He's offered by Otto von Bergow, unless another horse is already in Henry's possession (in which case, Herring can be sold to Kabat for 300 Groschen). Herring boasts initially higher base stats than Pebbles.
The Perk Advantage: Why Pebbles Wins
While Herring's superior starting stats might seem tempting, a crucial game mechanic shifts the balance. Both horses receive stat boosts after being ridden a certain distance. Pebbles' boost unlocks after only 35 kilometers, compared to Herring's 50 kilometers. This means Pebbles reaches her full potential faster.
After the perk is applied, Pebbles' stats become:
- Stamina: 217
- Capacity: 353
- Speed: 53
- Courage: 12
Although not the highest stats in the game, Pebbles offers a compelling combination of decent stats, low acquisition cost (potentially free), and a faster perk unlock. This makes her a cost-effective and reliable choice for the extensive travel required in the game.
The Verdict: Pebbles is the Best Choice
Ultimately, Pebbles emerges as the superior choice in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Her combination of sentimental value, early availability, faster stat boost unlock, and decent overall performance makes her a reliable and trustworthy steed for Henry's journey.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.