Houndmaster Leveling & Perks Guide: And

Learn how to level the Houndmaster skill in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II by interacting with Mutt. Discover the best perks to enhance Mutt's combat and hunting abilities.

To use and level the Houndmaster skill in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, you first need to complete the side quest 'Mutt' to find your faithful canine companion. Once reunited, Mutt can be sicced on enemies and game, distract foes, and locate threats and treasures. Neglecting Mutt may make him disobedient, but keeping him healthy and happy makes him a valuable asset in hunting and combat, capable of turning the tide of battle. Leveling Houndmaster improves Mutt's strength, obedience, and reliability as a hunting partner.

Leveling Houndmaster:

Gaining Houndmaster EXP is straightforward and involves interacting with Mutt. This includes siccing him on enemies or animals, having him fetch, feeding him, and praising him. Essentially, using and maintaining Mutt's obedience levels up the Houndmaster skill. Hunting is particularly effective; you can use Mutt to chase and recover game, then feed and praise him. Each action can yield dozens of EXP, and a full hunting cycle with Mutt can provide around 100 EXP. Be aware that repeated actions yield diminishing returns.

After unlocking the 'Hunt!' perk at Houndmaster Level 6, a recommended leveling method is:

1. Go to a hunting ground.
2. Sneak and shoot game with a bow.
3. Sic Mutt on the wounded animal.
4. Chase Mutt and the animal if Mutt makes the kill, or wait for the animal to return and repeat steps 2-3 if Mutt doesn't.
5. Butcher the game.
6. Give Mutt a piece of meat.
7. Praise Mutt.
8. If Mutt's obedience is below 50%, repeat steps 6-7; otherwise, start over at step 1.

This process can earn hundreds of Houndmaster EXP in a few minutes, strengthening your bond with Mutt.

Best Houndmaster Perks:

Houndmaster perks enhance Mutt's abilities and can also benefit Henry. Some perks unlock new tricks for Mutt, boost his stats, or make him easier to manage. Others offer passive benefits to Henry, such as increased Charisma, Intimidation, or Presence, or provide comfort when sleeping rough.

• Hunt!: Essential for using Mutt in hunting. Allows him to chase game (usually smaller game, or injured larger game like boars and deer) and fetch small animals. This perk significantly aids Houndmaster leveling by providing more interaction opportunities.
• Charming Companion: Grants Henry +3 Charisma as long as Mutt is present, improving haggling and dialog checks.
• Hellhound: Increases the chance of passing Presence and Intimidation checks, and can cause enemies to become shaken or flee. While its combat effects are random, the dialog benefits are substantial.
• Rip and Tear: Increases the duration and effectiveness of bleeding effects caused by Mutt's attacks.
• Sic 'em!: Provides a flat 20% damage bonus to Mutt's attacks.

Other notable perks include 'Defender' (reduces Mutt's damage taken by 10%), 'Search!' (helps Mutt find game and items), 'Loyal Companion' (reduces Mutt's absence time by 25%), 'Bark!' (Mutt creates a distraction for sneaking), and 'Faithful Com' (details not fully provided in source text).