Mounts are a gameplay feature in NieR Replicant, Gestalt, and Automata. Large creatures found in the overworld can be ridden on, provided the player meet certain requirements.
Replicant and Gestalt
Boars are large animals that can be found in both the Northern and Southern Plains. Nier can ride on them to charge into enemies, and travel at great speeds. Though boars are strong by themselves, a direct hit from Shades will knock Nier off.
In order to ride a boar, Boar Hunt! must first be completed, which can be started by talking to a resident in the shopping district at the Village. After defeating the boar, Nier will receive a Boar Tusk; this will allow him to use them as mounts thereafter, and one will always be found resting at whatever exit Nier takes off from.
To move, tilt the left analog stick in the desired direction. Hold X to dash. While dashing, hold L2 or R2 to drift, or skid, in either direction. This is useful for cornering, as the boar is slow to turn due to its size.
The Shadowlord employs Shades in the shapes of boars who wear armor and are highly dangerous. They seem to possess regenerative abilities.
Automata
In addition to boars, moose may also be ridden on in NieR:Automata. Unlike the former, they can't be used to drift, and aren't as fast while running at top speed, but are more agile to compensate. Both mounts are now capable of jumping, and are particularly useful when traversing the sands in the Desert Zone, but the player will automatically dismount when near thick dust storms.
Drifting on a boar is now relegated to the right trigger, with the left trigger reserved for locking on enemies.
Riding on either animal requires the use of Animal Bait and the Sachet early in the game; both items can be bought from the Supply Trader in the Resistance Camp. The Quality and Choice Sachets, acquired from the Animal-loving and Scientist Machines in their respective quests, will negate the need for the first two items, although the aforementioned machines will be encountered much later on.
Once the transport service is unlocked, either mount may be found resting near most access points and exits.
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