Galloping across the vast, rugged landscapes of Red Dead Redemption 2 is an experience unlike any other, and your horse is more than just a mode of transport—it’s your most loyal companion. Understanding All Horse Breeds Rdr2 Story Mode has to offer is crucial for any aspiring outlaw looking to find the perfect steed. From the swift Arabians found in the wild to the sturdy Shires that pull wagons, each breed brings its own unique personality, stats, and style to your adventure. This guide will walk you through every breed available, where to find them, and what makes them special.
Choosing the right horse can significantly impact your gameplay. Whether you need a brave mount for a firefight, a swift partner for a quick getaway, or simply one of the best looking horses rdr2 story mode, knowing the characteristics of each breed is essential. Let’s dive into the comprehensive list of equine companions waiting for you in the world of Red Dead Redemption 2.
Understanding Horse Classes and Stats
Before we list the breeds, it’s important to understand how the game categorizes them. Horses fall into several classes, which give you a general idea of their strengths and weaknesses.
- Riding Horses: Balanced and reliable, these are great all-rounders for general travel.
- Draft Horses: Large and strong, primarily used for pulling carts and wagons, but can be ridden.
- War Horses: Known for their courage and health, making them dependable in combat situations.
- Race Horses: Built for speed and acceleration, perfect for covering ground quickly.
- Work Horses: Possess high stamina, making them ideal for long journeys.
- Superior: A special class reserved for the best horses in the game, excelling in multiple areas.
Each horse also has stats for Health, Stamina, Speed, and Acceleration. These, combined with their handling type (Standard, Race, Heavy, or Elite), determine how they perform under pressure.
Arabian: The Superior Breed
Arabians are, without a doubt, in the top tier of all horse breeds in RDR2 story mode. They belong to the “Superior” class and boast the best overall stats in the game, featuring Elite handling that makes them incredibly responsive.
Where to Find Arabians
- White Arabian: This legendary horse can be found in the wild, roaming the northwestern shores of Lake Isabella in the snowy region of Ambarino. Taming it is a challenge, but the reward is one of the best free horses in the game.
- Black Arabian: This sleek beauty can be purchased from the Saint Denis stable starting in Chapter 4.
- Rose Grey Bay Arabian: This rare coat becomes available for purchase at the Blackwater stable during the Epilogue.
“The Arabian’s intelligence and ‘Elite’ handling aren’t just game mechanics; they represent a deep bond of trust. The horse feels like an extension of the player’s will, reacting to the slightest command, which is crucial in a world where a split-second decision can mean life or death,” observes Dr. Alistair Finch, a digital equine behaviorist.
Missouri Fox Trotter: The Traveler’s Choice
A close contender for the best horse, the Missouri Fox Trotter is a multi-class horse, combining the best of Race and Work attributes. It has a fantastic base speed and generous stamina, making it perfect for exploring the vast map. Many players seek out the best horse in rdr2 story location and often land on this breed.
Where to Find Missouri Fox Trotters
- Amber Champagne: Available for purchase at the Scarlett Meadows stable from Chapter 4.
- Silver Dapple Pinto: Can be bought from the Blackwater stable during the Epilogue.
Turkoman: The Warrior’s Steed
If you’re looking for a horse that won’t buck you at the first sign of a predator or gunshot, the Turkoman is your best bet. This multi-class War and Race horse combines great speed with high health and a brave temperament, making it an exceptional battle companion.
Where to Find Turkomans
- Gold Turkoman: Becomes available at the Saint Denis stable in Chapter 4.
- Dark Bay Turkoman: Can be bought from the Blackwater stable in the Epilogue.
- Silver Turkoman: Find this one at the Tumbleweed stable during the Epilogue.
The Best of the Rest: Other Notable Breeds
While the “big three” above are often considered the top tier, many other fantastic breeds offer unique advantages and aesthetics. Exploring all horse breeds rdr2 story mode provides is part of the fun.
Nokota
- Class: Race
- Strengths: Known for their high speed and acceleration. The Reverse Dapple Roan coat, found in the wild, is particularly fast.
- Location: Can be purchased from the Saint Denis stable or found in the wild in the western part of the map.
Thoroughbred
- Class: Race
- Strengths: One of the fastest horses you can acquire early in the game. They are lean, athletic, and built for sprinting.
- Location: The Brindle coat is available at the Strawberry stable, and the Dappled Black Grey can be purchased at the Valentine stable early on.
Dutch Warmblood
- Class: Work
- Strengths: A reliable and sturdy horse with excellent stamina and a calm temperament. A great choice for long hunting trips. This breed is often considered one of the best story mode horse rdr2 options for players who value stamina over raw speed.
- Location: Found at stables in Valentine and Strawberry from Chapter 2.
Andalusian
- Class: War
- Strengths: Incredibly brave and healthy, the Andalusian is a tank in combat. It won’t bolt easily when things get heated.
- Location: The Perlino can be found in the wild near Brandywine Drop, while the Dark Bay is sold at the Strawberry stable.
Common and Wild Horse Breeds
Beyond the specialized breeds you can purchase, the world is filled with common horses you can tame or acquire. These are perfect for the early game or for players who enjoy the challenge of finding and breaking their own mount.
American Standardbred
- Class: Race
- About: A solid racehorse found commonly in the wild, especially in the Heartlands and West Elizabeth.
Morgan
- Class: Riding
- About: A common, dependable, and well-rounded horse. They are found almost everywhere in the wild.
Kentucky Saddler
- Class: Riding
- About: Another reliable riding horse, often owned by NPCs. You’ll likely acquire one during the game’s early missions.
Appaloosa
- Class: Work
- About: Known for its distinctive spotted coat patterns, the Appaloosa is a hardy workhorse with good stamina. Some of the rarer coats are highly sought after by players who appreciate unique-looking mounts. The Leopard and Brown Leopard coats are particularly striking.
Hungarian Half-bred
- Class: War
- About: A brave and affordable war horse. The Flaxen Chestnut can be found in the wild, making it a great early-game option for players wanting a sturdy combat mount.
Heavy and Draft Breeds
These gentle giants are the workhorses of the 19th-century American frontier. While they aren’t fast, their immense strength and calm nature are undeniable.
Shire
- Class: Draft
- About: The largest breed in the game. You’ll get a Raven Black Shire early in the story with Hosea. They have massive health pools but are slow and have heavy handling.
Belgian Draft
- Class: Draft
- About: Another powerful draft horse, often seen pulling wagons and coaches. They are strong but not ideal for fast travel.
Suffolk Punch
- Class: Draft
- About: A stocky and powerful draft breed, known for its stamina and work ethic.
The variety of equine companions is vast, much like the game’s world. For those interested in expanding their stable even further, considering the best horses rdr2 story mode can provide a more curated list of top performers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many horse breeds are in RDR2 Story Mode?
There are 19 distinct horse breeds available in the main story mode of Red Dead Redemption 2. However, these breeds come in numerous different coat variations, making the total number of unique horses much higher.
What is the fastest horse in the game?
The Rose Grey Bay Arabian and the Missouri Fox Trotter (both coats) hold the top spots for the highest combined Speed and Acceleration stats once fully bonded. The Brindle Thoroughbred and Reverse Dapple Roan Nokota are also exceptionally fast.
Can you keep the wild White Arabian forever?
Yes. Once you successfully tame the White Arabian in the wild, it is yours to keep. You must saddle it or bring it to a stable to make it your main horse. If it dies, it will not respawn, so be sure to have a Horse Reviver on hand.
Does horse gender matter in RDR2?
No, the gender of your horse (male or female) has no impact on its stats, performance, or behavior in the game. The distinction is purely cosmetic.
Where is the best place to find rare wild horses?
The areas around Lake Isabella (for the White Arabian), west of Strawberry, and the fields of The Heartlands are excellent spots for finding a variety of wild breeds. Some rarer coats, like the Perlino Andalusian, have very specific spawn locations, such as near Brandywine Drop in Roanoke Ridge.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Companion Awaits
The world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is rich with detail, and its incredible stable of horses is a testament to that. From the elite Arabians to the humble Morgan, there is a perfect horse for every type of player and every situation. Finding and bonding with all horse breeds rdr2 story mode has to offer is a journey in itself, adding another layer of depth to an already immersive experience. Whether you prioritize speed, health, bravery, or simply a beautiful coat, your ideal four-legged friend is out there, waiting to be discovered across the sprawling frontier.
