Update 200: Horses - Pre-Release Public Testing Begins Today!

Hello everyone,

Today, four years after the development of horses for War of Rights began, we are immensely proud and excited to host the very first public tests of the addition of horses to the game, later to be fully released on July 17th!

Horse pre-release testing will run on the War of Rights Official Test Server between now and July 17. The dates and times of each session will be announced in advance.

The very first horse test is expected to go live within the next few hours from the time of this posting! Slots are limited for this test, so join the public test server now for your place in todays test.

We will be announcing whenever horses are available for testing on our Discord at: https://discord.gg/warofrights so please keep an eye out in the Announcements channel there if you wish to partake in multiple tests as we approach the July 17 release date of Update 200.

Let’s dive into the specifics of the contents of Update 200 and the pre-release public tests below!

For the first time in War of Rights, players will be able to take to the battlefield on a mount! The first thing players will notice is the addition of the new Cavalry Branch in the deployment menus, where both mounted and dismounted cavalry are located. The Cavalry Branch will be available on the historical skirmish maps that already feature dismounted cavalry, such as at Pry Ford; cavalry units will be accessible to both factions in the vast majority of Contention and Conquest game modes; and nearly all Drill Camp skirmish areas will also now feature Cavalry units. Mounts are also featured in the Drill Camp game mode, with Cavalry now having its own camp area. In all game modes, when playing as an officer of any branch, you will have the choice to ride atop a gallant steed.

First, to mount a horse, the player presses F when prompted at the saddle. Historically, cavalrymen dismounted on the left side—but you may dismount from whatever direction you are facing. Look left while pressing F, and you will dismount on the horse’s left side, provided no obstacles prevent you from doing so. Horses feature four movement gaits— the walk, trot, canter, and gallop—allowing you to adapt your speed to any situation using the W and S keys. While riding, you can steer using the standard movement controls A and D keys.

There is also an oversteering mechanism that, while using the left shift key, your horse will shift its weight and pivot around its front legs, enabling much tighter turns than would otherwise be possible. At higher speeds, horses will be capable of jumping obstacles such as fences and other battlefield obstructions using the spacebar.

Mounted players will have access to a wide range of equipment. From horseback, you'll be able to use carbines, pistols, swords, flags, and binoculars. While mounted, you can choose to holster your weapons and take the reins with both hands by pressing the H key. Horses can also be used offensively. Soldiers struck by a moving horse will be knocked to the ground, while players already on the ground risk being trampled and killed beneath the horse’s hooves.

Being able to move in formation has also been a major focus of development. Horses are able to strafe and reverse using the left control key, providing riders with more precise control of their mount. In addition, a new “parade mode” is toggle-able with the C key, allowing riders to automatically match infantry marching speeds, meaning it's easy to move alongside less equestrian troops!

To help bring these horses to life, we've introduced a variety of dynamic animal behaviours. Unattended horses may graze when suitable foliage is nearby, and they may tend to their natural needs throughout the battle. While trained for combat, nearby explosions and sustained gunfire can still startle them, causing visible reactions depending on both the severity of the disturbance and the horse's temperament. Should an unattended horse be hurt, it will flee. Finally, riders will have access to various emotes on horseback, like pointing with M1, saluting with F5, and rearing using the P key.

For those of you who enjoy customization, you'll notice a brand-new section in the customization menu: the Stables. This is where you'll be able to customize your horse and preview its appearance before heading onto the battlefield.

Cavalry units have had their arsenal updated as they now have access to an overhauled Sharps Carbine 1859 created using a 3D scan of an original weapon as a base to ensure that every detail is right.

Update 200 is introducing the foundations of mounted warfare, but we're already looking ahead to future additions. Planned features include horses being able to pull cannons, limbers, and supply wagons; the ability to tether horses to fences and stakes or lead horses on foot by the reins; swimming; and additional horse and saddle customizations.

We at Campfire Games are excited to see you all during the pre-release public testing and look forward to experiencing Update 200 alongside you when it fully releases on July 17th!

Before we close, we want to thank everyone for playing our time-limited event, 1776; and also best wishes to our American friends as they celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence!

That's all for today. We look forward to seeing you and your trusted steed on the battlefield!

- The Campfire Games Team