Sword of the Sea: A Guide to Every Rideable Animal and Where to Find Them

The breathtaking world of Sword of the Sea, the latest title from Giant Squid, the creators of Abzû and The Pathless, is filled with a sense of wonder and awe. As you surf through the desolate, yet beautiful, landscape on your hover-sword, you’ll encounter a variety of majestic creatures. While many of them are simply there to add to the atmosphere, a select few can be ridden. Hitching a ride on these magnificent beasts is not only a fantastic visual experience but is also often tied to specific in-game trophies. This guide will provide a full rundown of all the main rideable animals in the game and their exact locations, ensuring you can experience every magical moment and unlock all the related achievements. The game was released on August 19, 2025, and this guide is based on the latest version of the game.

The act of riding an animal in Sword of the Sea is an expression of the game’s core themes of exploration and connection with the world. It’s a moment of serenity and a great way to take in the stunning art direction. While there are a few other smaller creatures like manta rays and sea turtles that you can ride, this guide will focus on the seven main, trophy-related creatures that are essential for 100% completion. The journey to find them is often a puzzle in itself, requiring you to interact with the environment to make them appear. These majestic rides are more than just a means of traversal; they are a reward for your curiosity and a testament to the game’s beauty.

All Rideable Animals and Their Locations

Here is a complete list of every rideable animal and where you can find them in the game’s various biomes.

1. Orca

The Orca will likely be the first rideable creature you discover in the game. It is located in the first level, Veiled Sea. As you progress through the level, you will reach a fork in the road marked by a locked gate and two giant trails of chains. Take the path to the left. You will eventually arrive at a circular, moss-covered building. Inside, light the lanterns to spawn a trail of jellyfish that you can use as platforms. Climb up the jellyfish to reach a platform with a glowing blue orb. Interact with the orb, and a pod of orcas will appear. Simply hop on one to get the Orca Rider trophy.

2. Archelon

The Archelon, an ancient sea turtle, is found in the Lost Grotto. This area is full of hidden pathways and secrets. After progressing through the level, you’ll reach a particularly large statue with an outstretched arm. Climb up the inside of the statue until you are on the palm of its hand. Interact with the orb located there, and the Archelon will appear. This is a powerful moment that truly captures the sense of scale and wonder that the game is known for.

3. Humpback Whale

The Humpback Whale is one of two rideable creatures found in the Shadow Tundra. You’ll find it after a bit of natural progression through the level. You’ll reach the base of a steep, icy mountain. To find the Humpback Whale, climb up the right side of the mountain using your boosts. You will eventually see an elevated stone path leading backward. You’ll need to surf to this path and follow it over a massive jump to reach a giant gateway. Inside, you’ll find a massive skeleton of a long-dead creature. Grind on the skeleton’s spine to reach the inside of its jaw, where another orb is located. After interacting with it, the Humpback Whale will appear.

4. Elasmosaur

The Elasmosaur is also located in the Shadow Tundra. This one is a bit more hidden and can be easily missed if you don’t go out of your way to find it. As you progress, you will reach a point where you are introduced to the game’s boost charges. To find the Elasmosaur, climb up the right side of the icy mountain using these boosts until you see an elevated stone path leading backward. Surf to the start of this pathway, and follow it over a massive jump to reach a giant gateway across a chasm. Inside, you will find the giant skeleton of a long-deceased creature. Grind on the skeleton’s spine to reach the inside of its jaw, where another orb is located. Once you interact with it, the Elasmosaur will appear.

5. Sperm Whale

The Sperm Whale is the first of three rideable animals found in the Sacred River. It is also nearly impossible to miss. After completing the first portion of the level inside the church, you will arrive at a large, circular arena with a gate directly across from you. In the center of the room is a platform with an orb that you must interact with to unlock the gate and proceed. Once you do, a pod of Sperm Whales will appear. Simply jump on one to continue your journey.

6. Whale Shark

The Whale Shark is also located in the Sacred River. After the Sperm Whale section, you will continue your journey and find yourself in a new area. Use your momentum to activate beacons that will spawn boosters and more jellyfish, helping you to get to the elevated central portion of a ship. Once there, you will find another blue orb. Interact with it, and all the Whale Sharks will appear, giving you another chance to ride a majestic creature and earn the related trophy.

7. Blue Whale

The Blue Whale is the final main rideable animal and is also located in the Sacred River. This creature is part of the final main sequence of the game and is a true spectacle. After you find and ride the Whale Shark, you will progress into a new area. The Blue Whale will appear as part of a grand cinematic moment, and you will simply need to jump on its back to complete the last rideable animal objective and earn the final trophy in this category. It’s a breathtaking finale to a series of truly magical moments in the game.