FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Listed here are the most frequent questions and their answers. If you have a specific subject you'd like to know more about, press CTRL + F on your keyboard and search by typing a word or sentence, for example, breeding, early access, demo, and so forth. This will highlight sections on this page where that word is being used.

ASTRIDE GENERAL

When and on which platforms will Astride release?

Astride will in early access be available for PC. Mac support is not currently available. The full release of the final game is estimated to happen in 2026-2027.

Can I apply for a job with you?

We currently have no available positions to fill, but we are always looking to speak with talented and nice people. If you send us an open application, we will keep your information on file, but we may not be able to respond at this time. To apply for a position at Raidho Games, send an email to jobs@raidhogames.com. Please include a cover letter, a CV, a link to your online portfolio or gallery, or a shared zip file. Job applications sent to our social media platforms such as Instagram and Discord will not be considered.

What kind of monetization does Astride use?

Astride is based on a one-time purchase with DLCs. A DLC is downloadable content. For example, we have a Western DLC planned where new horse breeds, tack, and possibly new quests and areas will be introduced. These DLCs will not be available at launch as they will be produced after the full game is finished. Astride will not have microtransactions.

Which programs do you use for Astride and which engine does it run on?

Astride is being built using Unity. Our developers use different software for creating assets, animations, and art for the game. This includes Blender, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Substance Painter, Pixologic Zbrush, and more.

Can I test new features before they are officially released on Steam?

You certainly can! Game testing is however an exclusive benefit for our Patreon supporters. Read more about our Patreon in the #⁠patreon-info channel.

Will the game be optimized for my low-end or old computer?

While we can’t make any promises as to how optimized the game will be, we will be doing our best to optimize Astride so that as many players as possible will get to enjoy the game.

ASTRIDE IN-GAME

Will Astride have a storyline?

Yes, there will be a storyline with smaller quests and side quests in Astride. While the quests won’t be ready upon the early access release, we have a story artist who will be working with us and planning the story and quests so that they are ready when the time comes.

Will my horse have its own personality?

Horses in Astride will have their own personalities. We already have a list of personalities and how they will affect the horses. This will also be implemented when we reach that part of the production schedule.

When will breeding come?

We know you are all excited about the breeding to come to Astride. While we are still in the planning phase, the horse creator currently has genetic components with some rules. For example, a tobiano horse will always have four white legs. The breeding and genetic codes are being planned, but the development of the code/function of breeding will be worked on in its own development phase. When this phase is, we cannot say just yet.

Will Astride have magical horses and fantasy?

While we will not introduce magical horses and fantasy elements into Astride, we plan on adding mysteries and natural explanations to strange things that may or may not happen. If we ever do add magical elements, it will not be to a setting-changing degree.

How will player characters work in Astride?

As a player, you will be able to change the appearance of your character. There will be sliders from masculine to androgynous to female. You will be able to change the body and facial structure, hairstyle, and clothes. All clothes will be available for all characters. ㅤ

Will horses physically wander around outside and can I lead them?

Yes, horses will wander if not inside their stall or tied. You will be able to lead them, and if you release them in a paddock or field, they will start to wander on their own.

Can I crossbreed my horses and will there be a chance of twins?

Crossbreeding will be available in Astride. To what extent, we do not know until we start the breeding and genetics development phase, but for now, we plan that a crossbreed will result in a foal that can have any colors of the parents, but a 50/50 chance of either breed. There will be a microscopic chance of twins.

How will horse names work in Astride?

Players will be able to name their horses however they’d like, but there may be filters for slurs and bad words. Horses will have two sets of names. The horse’s pedigree name will be given at birth and cannot be changed, while their barn name or nickname can be changed at any time. This correlates with the breeding and lineage that will be coming at some point in time.

Will there be any tutorials in Astride?

Eventually, we will add tutorials to the game. Since the riding and jumping mechanics may be a bit hard to get right at the start, this will be our priority. Tutorials will however not be available from the initial early access release but will come with updates to the game.

KICKSTARTER & PATREON

When will I get my Kickstarter rewards?
Depending on which rewards you choose, the time of delivery of each reward is roughly in the description of the rewards. However, there is a pinned post on the Astride Kickstarter page about some time extensions for several rewards.

Do I have to be an active Patreon supporter to be able to test the game?
You will not have to be an active supporter to get access to your rewards. As long as you have subscribed for one month to a selected tier, you will keep all of the rewards even after you cancel your subscription. But canceling will however lock you out from the Patreon posts/updates.

I have two Steam game keys as a reward. Do both Steam keys have all the rewards and can I give one to my friend?

Both of the steam keys will get all of the rewards (bridle pendants, name tag, etc) and you are more than welcome to give away the key to a friend or as a giveaway if you’d like.

EARLY ACCESS

If I purchase the game at early access, will I have to purchase it again when it releases fully?
The great thing about an early access release is that players will be able to buy the game when it is unfinished and by doing so help further fund the development until full release. This means that once the game is fully fleshed out and ready for a full release, you won’t have to purchase the game again, as you already have it through early access.

What is the difference between early access and full release? And why will you be doing it?
Early access means that the game will be available to play before it is finished. This means there will most likely be bugs, lack of features, and other flaws that will be worked on whilst receiving feedback from the players. Our main reasons for using early access are these; working alongside the community and funding. Astride is Raidho Game's first project, and because of this, the company doesn't have funds from earlier releases. Releasing the game as an early access title can generate some funding that will help the team continue working and developing the game whilst taking feedback from the community. Receiving feedback while developing a game is also a crucial step we are taking to be able to create an even better game.

How often will you update early access?
We are aiming to roll out more significant updates and features every month or every other month after the early access release.
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Which horse breeds will be available in early access?
From the initial release of early access, only the Norwegian Warmblood horse will be available. But we will be rolling out new breeds with future updates. The next breed to release will be the Norwegian Fjord horse.

How can I make a change or help with the development of Astride?
While early access is out, we will have many ways for the community to gather feedback, report bugs, and come up with ideas and suggestions for further improving the game. Player feedback is incredibly important for us to keep Astride going in the right direction, and any feedback will be appreciated.