How to Unlock the Windstrider Elk Mount in Odin: Valhalla Rising

In Odin: Valhalla Rising, mounts aren't just stylish companions—they're essential for exploration, travel efficiency, and Odin Diamonds survival across the massive open world of Midgard. Among all mounts, the Windstrider Elk stands out for its mystical design and superior movement speed. With its luminous antlers and smooth gliding motion, it's easily one of the most coveted rides in the game. This guide explains how to unlock the Windstrider Elk mount, what materials and quests are required, and how to make the most of it once you own it.

1. Understanding the Windstrider Elk Mount

The Windstrider Elk is a rare, Tier 4 mount in Odin: Valhalla Rising, introduced as part of the "Whispering Winds" content update. It combines the rugged elegance of an elk with the ethereal energy of the wind element. Compared to lower-tier mounts such as the Ironhoof Boar or Highland Wolf, the Windstrider offers:

Higher movement speed (+30% faster than Tier 3 mounts)

Smoother terrain traversal, including reduced stamina loss on steep slopes

Unique wind aura effect, leaving a glowing trail behind you

Slight combat buff (+3% evasion while mounted)

Because it's a premium mount, unlocking it takes effort—expect to complete a series of quests, farm rare resources, and possibly defeat elite monsters.

2. Prerequisites and Requirements

Before you can begin the Windstrider Elk unlock questline, make sure you meet these basic requirements:

Character Level: 45 or higher

Main Quest Progress: Must have completed "The Storm of Jotunheim" chapter

Mount System Unlocked: Finish the Mount Tutorial quest "Rider of the North"

Reputation: Achieve "Respected" rank with the Wanderer's Lodge faction

Once these are completed, you'll receive an in-game mail from Eirwyn the Windcaller, located in Valheim's Windcrest Outpost, which triggers the start of the unlock process.

3. Step-by-Step Unlock Process

Step 1: Start the Questline – "Call of the Gale"

Travel to Windcrest Outpost in Valheim Highlands. Speak with Eirwyn the Windcaller to begin the "Call of the Gale" questline. This quest chain has four main parts, each testing your combat and exploration skills.

Step 2: Gather the Wind Crystals

You'll be tasked with collecting 10 Wind Crystals, dropped by Storm Wraiths in the Howling Plateau. These enemies spawn during windy weather conditions (watch for the sky turning grey-blue).

Tip: Equip wind resistance gear or buffs to reduce damage from their tornado attacks.

Drop Rate: ~15%, so expect multiple runs.

Step 3: Defeat the Galehorn Alpha

Next, Eirwyn sends you to defeat the Galehorn Alpha, a world boss located in the Tempest Hollow Cavern. This elk-shaped spirit is surrounded by wind barriers, requiring players to destroy 3 elemental totems before engaging it.

Recommended Party: 3+ players

Weakness: Lightning attacks

Defeating Galehorn drops the Spirit Antler, a vital crafting component for the Windstrider Saddle.

Step 4: Craft the Windstrider Saddle

Return to Eirwyn and craft the saddle using the following materials:

1 × Spirit Antler (from Galehorn Alpha)

10 × Wind Crystals

5 × Blessed Leather (crafted via Tier 3 Leatherworking)

20 × Silver Ingots

Once crafted, the saddle will automatically unlock the Windstrider Elk mount blueprint in your Mounts tab.

Step 5: Perform the Bonding Ritual

Finally, head to the Shrine of Gales (south of Windcrest) to perform the bonding ritual. You'll need 1 Wind Essence—purchasable from the Wanderer's Lodge vendor for 3,000 reputation points. Use it at the shrine, and you'll officially summon your Windstrider Elk for the first time.

4. Mount Stats and Abilities

Once unlocked, the Windstrider Elk comes with the following base stats:

Speed: 180

Stamina: 150

Defense Bonus: +40 while mounted

Passive Skill: Wind Glide – briefly levitates over uneven terrain or rivers

Special Ability: Gale Burst – short dash forward that knocks down nearby enemies (20s cooldown)

These abilities make it particularly effective for traversing mountain regions, chasing elite monsters, and even escaping PvP ambushes.

5. Tips for Maximizing Your Windstrider Elk

Upgrade Mount Gear: Equip the "Runed Bridle" and "Blessed Horseshoes" to boost speed and stamina.

Feed Regularly: Use "Windleaf Herbs" (crafted by Alchemists) to maintain morale and ensure full performance.

Use in Events: The elk's speed bonus applies in open-world events like the Valkyrie Trials and World Hunt, giving you a mobility edge.

Customize Appearance: Use the Azure Trail dye kit from the premium shop for a glowing blue wind aura.

6. Final Thoughts

The Windstrider Elk isn't just another mount—it's a status symbol that reflects your mastery of Odin: Valhalla Rising's world. Between its elegant design, strong stats, and cheap Odin Diamonds unique wind-based mechanics, it's well worth the time investment. Once you take your first ride across the stormy plains of Midgard, leaving glowing wind trails in your wake, you'll understand why so many players chase the legend of the Windstrider Elk.