Complete Sword of the Sea Ridable Animals Guide March 2026
How do you find all ridable animals in Sword of the Sea? There are 7 rideable creatures scattered across different chapters that you can mount and ride through the vast ocean environments, each located in specific areas from the Veiled Sea to the Sacred River.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve discovered about finding and riding every animal in Sword of the Sea from my playthrough, including the exact locations, riding mechanics, and tips for earning the coveted Sea Rider trophy. After spending hours exploring Giant Squid’s latest meditative gaming experience, I’ve tracked down every rideable creature and I’m excited to help you do the same.
| Animal Type | Chapter Location | Trophy Earned |
|---|---|---|
| Orca | Veiled Sea | Bronze Trophy |
| Archelon (Sea Turtle) | Lost Grotto | Bronze Trophy |
| Humpback Whale | Shadow Tundra | Bronze Trophy |
| Elasmosaur | Shadow Tundra | Bronze Trophy |
| Sperm Whale | Sacred River | Bronze Trophy |
| Whale Shark | Sacred River | Bronze Trophy |
| Blue Whale | Sacred River | Bronze Trophy |
Understanding the Riding Mechanics
Before I dive into the specific locations, let me explain how riding works in Sword of the Sea. Unlike traditional mount systems in other games, these majestic creatures appear as part of the environment, swimming peacefully through their designated areas. When you approach them on your hoversail, you’ll see a prompt to mount by pressing Triangle on PlayStation or the interact button on PC. The moment you connect with these animals feels magical – it reminded me of my first experience with ABZÛ’s underwater exploration, which makes sense since both games share the same developer.
What I love about the riding system is how natural it feels. There’s no taming process or complex mechanics – you simply glide up alongside these gentle giants and hop on for a ride. Each animal has its own swimming patterns and speed, making every encounter feel unique. The Orca, for instance, is quick and agile, while the Blue Whale provides a slower, more contemplative journey through the waters.
For players familiar with Giant Squid’s atmospheric design philosophy, the riding mechanics in Sword of the Sea represent the studio’s continued evolution in creating meaningful player-creature interactions that emphasize wonder over challenge.
Chapter 1: Veiled Sea – Finding the Orca
The Orca is likely the first rideable animal you’ll encounter in your journey, and I found it to be the perfect introduction to the riding mechanics. After the initial tutorial sections in the Veiled Sea chapter, you’ll reach an open water area with several rock formations jutting from the ocean.
To find the Orca, head to the northwestern section of the Veiled Sea’s main exploration area. I spent about 10 minutes searching before I spotted its distinctive black and white dorsal fin breaking the surface near a cluster of three tall rock pillars. The Orca follows a circular swimming pattern around these rocks, making it easy to intercept once you know where to look.
My tip for this encounter: approach from the side rather than behind. The Orca moves faster than you might expect, and I missed my first attempt by trying to chase it from behind. Instead, observe its pattern for a moment, then position yourself ahead of its path. When it swims close, the mount prompt will appear, and you can seamlessly transition from your hoversail to riding this magnificent creature.
Riding the Orca was my first taste of what makes Sword of the Sea special. The way the sunlight filters through the water as you dive and breach with the Orca creates moments of pure gaming bliss that rival anything I experienced in other adventure games this year.
Chapter 2: Lost Grotto – Discovering the Archelon
The Archelon, a massive ancient sea turtle, resides in the Lost Grotto chapter. This was actually the trickiest animal for me to find initially because the Lost Grotto’s darker atmosphere and cave systems can be disorienting. Unlike the open waters of the Veiled Sea, you’ll need to navigate through a series of underwater caverns to reach the Archelon’s habitat.
Start by entering the main grotto entrance – you can’t miss it, as it’s the large cave opening that the main path leads you toward. Once inside, follow the bioluminescent plants that light your way. After about two minutes of sailing through the caves, you’ll emerge into a larger chamber with a circular pool of water in the center. This is where I found the Archelon, slowly swimming in a figure-eight pattern around two submerged stone pillars.
The Archelon moves much slower than the Orca, which makes mounting easier but also means your ride will be more relaxed. I actually prefer this pace for exploration, as it gives you time to appreciate the intricate cave designs and hidden details that Giant Squid tucked into every corner of the grotto. While riding the Archelon, I discovered several hidden collectibles I had missed on my initial pass through the area.
One thing to note: the Archelon occasionally dives deeper than other animals, taking you through underwater passages. Don’t panic when this happens – your character can hold their breath indefinitely while riding, so enjoy the underwater tour of the grotto’s hidden depths.
Chapter 3: Shadow Tundra – The Humpback Whale and Elasmosaur
Shadow Tundra is where things get interesting, as it’s home to two rideable animals: the Humpback Whale and the elusive Elasmosaur. This icy chapter presents a stark contrast to the warmer waters of earlier areas, and I found the atmosphere here absolutely breathtaking.
Finding the Humpback Whale
The Humpback Whale can be found in the central area of Shadow Tundra, near the large ice formations that dominate the landscape. After entering the chapter and sailing past the initial icebergs, look for an area where the ice creates a natural arena-like space. The Humpback Whale surfaces here regularly, and you’ll hear its distinctive song before you see it – a haunting melody that perfectly complements Austin Wintory’s incredible soundtrack.
I found the Humpback Whale to be one of the most memorable rides in the game. When you mount it, the whale will occasionally breach, launching you high above the water surface. These moments offer spectacular views of the Shadow Tundra’s frozen landscape, and I couldn’t help but take dozens of screenshots during my ride. The whale’s movement pattern takes you on a grand tour of the area, swimming beneath ice shelves and between frozen towers that sparkle in the ethereal light.
Locating the Missable Elasmosaur
Now, here’s where I need to give you a crucial warning: the Elasmosaur is the only potentially missable animal in Sword of the Sea. During my first playthrough, I completely bypassed it because it’s located in an optional area that’s easy to overlook. Don’t worry though – you can return via chapter select if you miss it, but I’ll help you find it on your first try.
After riding the Humpback Whale, head to the eastern edge of the Shadow Tundra map. Look for a narrow passage between two massive icebergs – it almost looks like a dead end, but trust me, it’s not. Sail through this passage, and you’ll emerge in a hidden lagoon surrounded by towering ice walls. The Elasmosaur, with its long serpentine neck reminiscent of prehistoric sea creatures, patrols this secluded area.
The Elasmosaur was my favorite animal to ride because of its unique movement style. Unlike the whales that stay mostly horizontal, the Elasmosaur dives and surfaces in dramatic arcs, its long neck cutting through the water like a living periscope. During my ride, it took me through underwater ice caves I hadn’t even noticed were there, revealing a whole hidden section of the Shadow Tundra that rewards exploration.
Chapter 4: Sacred River – The Whale Trio
The Sacred River chapter is the grand finale for animal riding, featuring three magnificent creatures: the Sperm Whale, Whale Shark, and the colossal Blue Whale. This chapter opens up into a vast oceanic expanse that dwarfs the previous areas, and finding these animals requires more exploration than ever before.
Tracking the Sperm Whale
The Sperm Whale can be found in the deeper waters of the Sacred River, specifically in the southwestern quadrant of the map. I recommend following the main current until you see a series of underwater canyons. The Sperm Whale dives deep into these canyons and surfaces dramatically, creating massive splashes that you can spot from a distance.
What makes the Sperm Whale ride special is its deep diving capability. During my ride, it took me down to depths I didn’t think were possible in the game, revealing bioluminescent creatures and underwater vistas that took my breath away. The pressure of the deep ocean creates a unique visual effect, with the water becoming darker blue and mysterious shapes moving in the distance. It reminded me of the deepest sections of ABZÛ, but with even more impressive scale.
Swimming with the Whale Shark
The Whale Shark, despite its intimidating name, is actually the gentlest of all rideable animals. You’ll find it in the shallower waters of the Sacred River, typically near the coral reef areas in the northern section. Look for areas where schools of smaller fish congregate – the Whale Shark feeds here, swimming slowly with its massive mouth open.
Riding the Whale Shark offers a completely different experience from the other animals. Its slow, steady movement gives you the perfect opportunity to observe the incredible marine life of the Sacred River. During my ride, I counted at least fifteen different species of fish swimming alongside us, creating a moving ecosystem that showcases the game’s attention to detail. The Whale Shark occasionally passes through kelp forests, and the way the sunlight filters through the swaying plants while you ride is pure visual poetry.
The Majestic Blue Whale
Saved the best for last – the Blue Whale is the largest rideable animal in Sword of the Sea, and finding it feels like discovering a living island. The Blue Whale inhabits the deepest part of the Sacred River, in the southeastern corner where the water turns a deep, almost midnight blue.
I spent nearly twenty minutes searching for the Blue Whale on my first visit to the Sacred River, but the payoff was worth every second. When you finally spot its massive form – and I mean massive, it’s easily three times the size of the Humpback Whale – approaching it feels like approaching a force of nature. The mount prompt appears when you’re near its enormous eye, and the moment of connection is genuinely moving.
Riding the Blue Whale is the ultimate Sword of the Sea experience. Its movement is slow and deliberate, but you feel the power in every motion. The whale’s path takes you on a complete circuit of the Sacred River, and during my ride, I discovered several hidden areas I had completely missed. At one point, the Blue Whale sang – a deep, resonant call that seemed to make the entire ocean vibrate. It’s moments like these that elevate Sword of the Sea beyond a simple trophy hunting experience into something genuinely transcendent.
The Sea Rider Trophy and Water Rail Achievement
Now let’s talk about the trophies, because I know many of you are here for that satisfying platinum journey. Each animal you ride awards a Bronze trophy, and riding all seven unlocks the Sea Rider trophy. But here’s something interesting I discovered – there’s actually an eighth “rideable” that doesn’t count toward the main seven: the Water Rail.
The Water Rail appears in specific story sections and acts more like a vehicle than an animal. You’ll encounter it naturally during your progression, but for the special Water Rail achievement, you need to ride it for a cumulative total of 10 minutes across your playthrough. I recommend not rushing through these sections – take your time and explore while riding the Water Rail to ensure you hit that time requirement.
For those pursuing the platinum trophy, here’s my recommended approach:
- Play through the story naturally, enjoying the experience without trophy pressure
- Make note of each animal’s location as you find them
- After completing the story, use chapter select to clean up any missed animals
- The Elasmosaur is the only one to really watch for, as it’s in an optional area
- Double-check your trophy list – sometimes the trophy notification is delayed
I found that the trophy usually pops immediately upon mounting each animal for the first time, but occasionally there’s a delay of a few seconds. Don’t panic if you don’t see the notification right away – as long as you successfully mounted the animal and rode it for at least a few seconds, the trophy will register.
This achievement-focused approach aligns with our comprehensive completionist gaming strategies, ensuring you maximize both the experiential and progression aspects of your gaming sessions.
Tips for Finding Animals Efficiently
After spending considerable time in Sword of the Sea’s waters, I’ve developed some strategies that make finding these animals much easier:
Listen for Audio Cues: Each animal has unique sound effects. Whales sing, the Orca clicks, and the Archelon makes a low rumbling sound. Playing with headphones made a huge difference in my ability to locate animals quickly.
Watch for Visual Indicators: Look for water disturbances, breaching animations, and dorsal fins breaking the surface. The game’s water physics are incredibly detailed, and ripples often indicate an animal’s presence before you can see it directly.
Use High Ground: In areas with elevated ice formations or rocks, climb up and survey the water. I found this particularly helpful in Shadow Tundra for spotting the Humpback Whale’s spray from a distance.
Follow the Fish: Schools of fish often swim near the larger animals, especially the filter feeders like the Whale Shark. If you see a concentration of marine life, investigate the area.
Time of Day Matters: While not explicitly stated in the game, I noticed that some animals seem more active during certain lighting conditions. The Elasmosaur, for instance, seemed easier to find during the twilight sequences in Shadow Tundra.
Comparing to Giant Squid’s Previous Work
Having played all of Giant Squid’s games, I can’t help but draw comparisons between Sword of the Sea’s rideable animals and similar features in their previous titles. In ABZÛ, we could briefly grab onto larger fish and manta rays, but Sword of the Sea takes this concept to an entirely new level. The riding mechanics here feel more substantial and integrated into the exploration rather than being a momentary diversion.
The Pathless featured an eagle companion that provided aerial traversal, and I see similar design philosophy in Sword of the Sea’s animals – they’re not just collectibles but meaningful additions to your movement options. Each animal offers a different perspective on the game world, revealing hidden areas and providing unique traversal opportunities that walking or sailing alone wouldn’t offer.
What impresses me most is how Giant Squid has maintained their signature meditative quality while adding more gamified elements like trophies and collectibles. Riding these animals never feels like a chore or checkbox to tick – each encounter remains special and atmospheric, true to the studio’s design philosophy.
The Technical Marvel of Marine Life
From a technical standpoint, I’m amazed by how Sword of the Sea handles these massive creatures. The animation work is stunning – each animal moves with realistic weight and momentum. The Blue Whale’s tail creates massive currents that affect smaller fish nearby, and the Orca’s playful breaching sends realistic water droplets cascading across your screen.
Playing on PlayStation 5, I noticed how the DualSense controller enhances the riding experience. You feel different vibrations for each animal – the steady pulse of the Blue Whale’s heartbeat, the rapid clicks of the Orca’s echolocation, and the ancient rumble of the Archelon’s movement. The adaptive triggers provide resistance when turning, making larger animals feel appropriately weighty compared to the agile Orca.
The seamless transition from hoversail to animal riding deserves special mention. There’s no loading screen or jarring animation – you simply flow from one mode of transportation to another, maintaining the game’s dreamlike quality. This technical polish extends to how the camera adapts to each animal’s movement style, always providing the best view of the surrounding environment without causing motion sickness.
Community Discoveries and Secrets
Since launch, the Sword of the Sea community has been incredibly active in sharing discoveries about these rideable animals. I’ve learned from other players that some animals have hidden interactions I initially missed. For example, if you ride the Orca near certain rock formations, it will perform special jumps and spins that aren’t part of its normal behavior pattern.
The Archelon has a secret resting spot in the Lost Grotto where it will actually stop swimming and float peacefully if you remain mounted for over five minutes. During this rest period, bioluminescent fish gather around you, creating a natural light show that’s absolutely mesmerizing. I discovered this completely by accident when I stepped away from my controller, and returned to find myself surrounded by glowing sea life.
Players have also reported that riding all seven animals in a single session (without returning to the main menu) unlocks a special rainbow trail effect on your hoversail. I haven’t verified this personally yet, but it’s on my list for my next playthrough. The community’s dedication to uncovering these secrets reminds me why I love achievement hunting in games that respect the player’s curiosity.
Planning Your Animal Riding Journey
If you’re planning to find all animals efficiently, here’s my recommended route based on March 2026 gameplay experience:
- First Playthrough: Focus on the story and natural exploration. You’ll likely find the Orca, Archelon, and Humpback Whale without trying.
- Shadow Tundra Revisit: Return here first to grab the Elasmosaur if you missed it, as it’s the easiest to overlook.
- Sacred River Cleanup: The three whales here require the most exploration time, so save them for when you can dedicate 30-45 minutes to thorough searching.
- Chapter Select Strategy: The game saves your progress immediately upon riding each animal, so you can exit to the menu after each successful mount if you’re short on time.
For players new to exploration games, I recommend taking your time with each chapter. The animals are designed to be discovered naturally through exploration, not rushed through with a guide. That said, knowing their general locations removes the frustration of aimless searching and lets you focus on the experience of riding these magnificent creatures.
The Emotional Impact of Animal Encounters
What surprised me most about Sword of the Sea’s rideable animals wasn’t their technical implementation or trophy rewards – it was the emotional connection I felt with each creature. There’s something profound about the wordless communication between your character and these animals. The way your character gently places their hand on the Archelon’s shell, or how they lean into the Orca’s movements, creates moments of genuine connection rarely seen in gaming.
I found myself spending extra time with each animal, not for any gameplay benefit, but simply because the experience was so peaceful and centering. In an industry often focused on conflict and challenge, Sword of the Sea’s animal riding offers something different – a chance to simply exist in harmony with virtual nature. It’s gaming as meditation, and after particularly stressful days, I’ve booted up chapter select just to ride the Blue Whale and decompress.
The environmental storytelling during these rides is subtle but effective. While riding through different areas, you see the effects of your journey’s progression on the world. Waters that were murky become clear, areas that were barren show signs of life returning. The animals themselves seem healthier and more playful in later chapters, reflecting the positive change you’re bringing to this world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you miss any rideable animals permanently?
No, you cannot permanently miss any animals in Sword of the Sea. While the Elasmosaur is in an optional area that’s easy to overlook during your first playthrough, you can always return using chapter select after completing the game. I initially worried about this myself, but Giant Squid designed the game to be pressure-free, allowing players to explore at their own pace without fear of missing content permanently.
Do the animals appear in the same locations every time?
Yes, each animal has a fixed spawn location and patrol route. However, their exact position within that route when you arrive can vary. This means you might need to wait a moment or explore their area briefly before spotting them. I’ve played through each chapter multiple times, and while the Orca always patrols the same rocks in Veiled Sea, sometimes it’s on the north side when I arrive, other times the south.
Is there a time limit for riding animals?
There’s no time limit for riding any of the animals in Sword of the Sea. You can ride them as long as you want, exploring their routes and enjoying the experience. I’ve spent over thirty minutes on single rides, especially with the Blue Whale, just soaking in the atmosphere. The only thing that dismounts you is manually pressing the dismount button or entering certain trigger zones for story progression.
Do you need to ride all animals for the platinum trophy?
Yes, riding all seven animals is required for the platinum trophy, specifically for the “Sea Rider” trophy. Each individual animal also awards its own bronze trophy upon first ride. If you’re following a completionist approach, you’ll need to find and ride every animal at least once.
Can you fast travel to animal locations?
While you can’t fast travel directly to animal locations, the chapter select feature lets you start at the beginning of any chapter you’ve previously reached. From there, it’s usually just a few minutes of sailing to reach each animal’s location. I found this system strikes a good balance between convenience and maintaining the exploration aspect that makes finding these creatures special.
Are there any rewards besides trophies for riding animals?
Beyond trophies, riding animals opens up new areas for exploration and often reveals hidden collectibles. I discovered several ancient murals and secret passages while riding that I had completely missed on foot or hoversail. The real reward, though, is the experience itself – each animal offers a unique perspective on the game world that enriches your understanding of Sword of the Sea’s environmental narrative.
Final Thoughts on Your Riding Adventure
After spending countless hours in Sword of the Sea’s waters, finding and riding all seven animals remains one of my favorite gaming experiences of 2026. Giant Squid has created something special here – a game that makes the simple act of riding sea creatures feel profound and meaningful. Whether you’re a trophy hunter checking off your list or someone seeking a mindful gaming experience, these animal encounters offer something valuable.
My advice? Don’t rush through this content just for the trophies. Take your time with each animal, explore their routes fully, and let yourself be immersed in the experience. Some of my best gaming memories from March 2026 come from unexpected moments during these rides – a pod of dolphins joining my Orca ride, or watching the sunset from atop the Blue Whale as Austin Wintory’s score swelled to match the moment.
Sword of the Sea’s rideable animals represent everything I love about Giant Squid’s design philosophy: they’re beautiful, meaningful, and entirely optional. You could complete the entire game without riding a single creature, but doing so would mean missing out on some of the most magical moments this medium has to offer. So grab your hoversail, head out into those vast waters, and prepare for an unforgettable journey with some of the most magnificent virtual creatures ever created.
Happy exploring, and may your rides be filled with wonder and discovery in the beautiful world of Sword of the Sea!