Taming

Taming was proposed to players as a new skill in March 2023 in a blog alongside two other potential skills, Sailing and Shamanism. It would allow players to befriend various creatures, take care of them, and train them to aid the player in various ways.

The skill concept was deemed the least favourite by players in a poll, and as such will not be pursued further.

Discover new and existing creatures around the world and tame them into friendly companions! Earn their trust and take care of them, and in return they'll aid you on your adventures.

— Official tagline from the initial proposal.

The core gameplay loop of the skill would involve:

1. Domesticating a creature in the open world.
2. Caring for the creature by giving it food, a home, and enriching activities.
3. Training and leveling the creature.

Domestication would involve using different items depending on the creature tamed (e.g. lassos, food, toys), and would grant some experience.

Caring would involve providing the creature a home, giving it its favourite foods, and keeping it active, all of which would increase its bond with the player.

Training would involve engaging in fun activities with the creature, and would be the fastest way to level the skill. It would also increase the creature's level, making its unique abilities stronger.

A higher Taming level would grant access to new areas and new tameable creatures.

There would be a variety of creature abilities that could be utilised by the player. Some would help unlock new areas (such as a flying companion being able to carry the player to the top of a mountain), while others would be able to help with existing skills. The ability to track down treasure was also teased as a potential idea.

Creatures would be able to be trained at dedicated Taming activities across the game. Some examples included obstacle courses, mazes, and elaborate dungeons for the creature to explore.

• Taming overview infographic