Having your own mount noticeably changes how you get around the Valley of Mines — but getting there takes longer than you might think. This guide shows you exactly how to unlock the Scavenger and what you need to watch out for.
In Gothic 1 Remake, you can actually use a Scavenger as a mount — and pet it. To do that, however, you need to complete a hidden questline that sends you across the world and requires several skills and resources. We’ll show you how to get a mount early in the game.
Find Cohsel and Start the “Greenhorn” Quest
To tame a Scavenger, you first need to find Cohsel, who lives west of the Old Camp. Leave the camp through the north gate and keep left, heading west.
At the crossroads with the signpost, turn right onto a descending path, walk through a ravine past Cavalorn’s hut, and climb back up on the other side. Keep left until you reach Cohsel’s hut.
- Warning: Do not attack the Scavenger or the wolf in front of the hut — both are tame, and Cohsel would never forgive you for it.
Talk to Cohsel several times and stay persistent. Only after you repeatedly ask him about the tame Scavenger will he agree to teach you how to ride. This starts the “Greenhorn” quest. To tame the Scavenger, Cohsel asks you to bring him 5 Kingstide.
How to Find Kingstide
Your first task takes you into the water. Cohsel wants five Kingstide, a plant that grows at the bottom of lakes and rivers. The algae are very rare, but they can be found in any larger body of water. While diving, make sure you swim just above the bottom, as visibility is not especially good. Once you have collected all five, return to Cohsel.
You will find enough Kingstide in these two bodies of water. © S4G / THQ Nordic
The unassuming Kingstide is hard to spot. © S4G / THQ Nordic
Crafting the Saddle & Bell: Required Resources and Skills
After the first delivery, Cohsel immediately gives you the next task. This time, you need materials for a saddle. Specifically, Cohsel asks for 3 wolf pelts and 2 leather strips.
Before you can collect hides from slain wolves, you first need to learn the “Skinning” skill. Aidan can teach it to you. You will find him west of Cohsel’s hut, more precisely farther up the valley. The investment is not only worthwhile for this quest, but also for gathering resources in general. You can also trade collected pelts to merchants for ore.
- Important: Aidan charges 1 learning point and 250 ore for the “Skinning” skill.
The X marks Aidan’s hut. © S4G / THQ Nordic
After a brief conversation, Aidan offers you his services. © S4G / THQ Nordic
Once you have learned the skill, you will find the wolves just a few meters above Cohsel’s hut in an abandoned lumber camp. Bring a bow and position yourself on one of the rocks. Especially early on, a pack of wolves is almost impossible to beat in melee combat. With a bit of luck, Cohsel will rush in to help, leaving you to simply collect the pelts afterward.
You do not get the leather strips through hunting, but from merchants, such as Fisk in the southern market area of the Old Camp. You can also simply steal them from the blacksmiths when no one is watching.
Wait and Collect Your Reward
Once you have handed over all the materials, there is one final step: Cohsel needs one day to craft the saddle and bell. Wait it out, then return once the time has passed. At the end of the quest, you receive the bell, a special item that lets you call your Scavenger with its brand-new saddle. From that moment on, the mount is available to you at any time. You also receive the “Scavenger Riding” ability and 300 experience points.
How to Use Your Scavenger Properly
You summon the Scavenger with the bell, then mount or pet it quickly and easily at the press of a button. However, the mount does have limitations: In settlements, it becomes skittish and prefers to move away when it comes into contact with people. Combat is not really its thing either. So it is better to sprint past threats and give wild packs a wide berth.
For longer trips through the Valley of Mines, however, the Scavenger is still a major advantage. You save time, reach important locations faster, and move around with much greater agility.
More Guides for Gothic 1 Remake
- Gothic 1 Remake Beginner’s Guide: How to Survive Your First Hours
- Gothic 1 Remake Lockpicking Guide: How to Open Every Chest
- Gothic 1 Remake Walkthrough: How to Join the Old Camp – All Quests and Decisions
- Gothic 1 Remake: The Cult’s Recipe Walkthrough – How to Open Cor Kalom’s Lab Chests
- Gothic 1 Remake: How to Beat the Minecrawler Queen in Chapter 2
