Choosing the right horse in Red Dead Redemption 2’s story mode can significantly impact your gameplay experience. It’s not just about speed; it’s about stamina, health, and how well the horse bonds with you. From the moment you start your journey as Arthur Morgan, your steed is your most trusted companion, carrying you across vast landscapes, through intense firefights, and into the heart of the Wild West. But with numerous breeds and stats to consider, which horse truly stands out? This guide delves into the best horses available in Red Dead Redemption 2 story mode, helping you make an informed decision for your outlaw adventures.
Understanding Horse Stats in Red Dead Redemption 2
Before we dive into specific breeds, it’s crucial to understand the core statistics that define a horse’s performance:
- Health: Represents the horse’s durability and how much damage it can withstand. Higher health means your horse is more resilient.
- Stamina: Determines how long your horse can sprint before becoming exhausted. A higher stamina core will allow for longer bursts of speed.
- Speed: Directly affects how fast your horse can run at its maximum.
- Acceleration: Dictates how quickly your horse reaches its top speed. This is vital for quick getaways or closing distances.
- Riding Skill: This is a hidden stat that improves as you bond with your horse. Higher bonding levels unlock enhanced abilities, like improved stamina regeneration and even the ability to slide stop.
Each horse also has different Coat Types, which are purely cosmetic, and Core types (Health and Stamina), which determine how quickly these cores deplete and regenerate.
Early Game Companions: Solid Choices for Beginners
When you first start, your options are limited, but there are still some reliable steeds to get you by.
The Starter Horse
Your initial horse, often a Tennessee Walker or an American Quarter Horse depending on your starting path, is decent but will quickly feel inadequate as you progress. Its stats are average, and it lacks the ruggedness needed for tougher missions. However, it’s the horse you’ll bond with first, so it will naturally develop higher riding skills than a newly purchased horse of the same breed.
The Buyable Breeds
- American Quarter Horse: A well-rounded breed that offers good speed and acceleration for its tier. They are sturdy and reliable, making them a solid upgrade from your starter horse. Look for their higher-tier coats as you progress through the story.
- Tennessee Walker: Known for its comfortable gait and decent stamina, the Tennessee Walker is another strong contender in the early to mid-game. While not the fastest, its endurance makes it suitable for long journeys.
- Mustang: Often available for purchase or can be tamed in the wild, Mustangs are hardy and possess good all-around stats. They are particularly good at navigating tough terrain, making them excellent for exploration.
Mid-Game Powerhouses: Upgrading Your Ride
As you gain more money and access to more stables, you’ll be able to acquire horses with significantly better performance. These are the breeds that will serve you well for the majority of your story mode playthrough.
Arabian Horse (White)
While often touted as the best horse, the White Arabian is technically a wild horse you can tame, not buy in a stable. Found at the frozen lake north of the Grizzlies West, this horse boasts excellent speed and acceleration, coupled with a respectable amount of health and stamina. Its main drawback is its relatively low health compared to some other top-tier breeds, and it can be a bit skittish. However, for pure racing and quick maneuvers, it’s hard to beat.
Turkoman
The Turkoman is a fantastic all-around horse that you can purchase in the mid-to-late game. It offers a great balance of speed, acceleration, health, and stamina. Available in several coat variations, including the striking Darley Arabian, the Turkoman is a workhorse that performs exceptionally well in all situations, whether you’re in a gunfight or a long-distance race. Its balanced stats make it a favorite for many players who want a reliable companion.
Hungarian Halfbred
This breed is another excellent choice for the mid-game, offering impressive speed and good health. While its acceleration might not be as potent as some others, its overall robustness and decent stamina make it a dependable mount. The Hungarian Halfbred is often overlooked but provides a competitive edge, especially when fully bonded.
The Ultimate Steeds: Late-Game Elite Horses
For players looking for the absolute best in terms of stats and performance, these late-game horses are the pinnacle of equine excellence in RDR2.
Ardennes
The Ardennes is a warhorse breed that excels in health and toughness. While not the fastest horse in the game, its incredible health pool makes it incredibly resilient, able to withstand a barrage of gunfire and still keep going. If your priority is survival and having a horse that can take a beating, the Ardennes is an unparalleled choice. Its imposing presence also adds to the imposing character of Arthur Morgan.
Shire
The Shire is another heavy draft horse that rivals the Ardennes in terms of health and sheer power. They are exceptionally strong and can carry Arthur through the most perilous situations without faltering. Like the Ardennes, they are not built for speed, but their durability is unmatched. If you’re frequently finding yourself in intense combat scenarios and need a horse that won’t easily go down, a Shire is an excellent investment.
Missouri Fox Trotter
Considered by many to be the best horse in the game, the Missouri Fox Trotter (available in the Epilogue) is a hybrid of speed, stamina, and handling. It boasts near-maxed-out speed and acceleration, coupled with excellent stamina cores that regenerate quickly when bonded. This horse is a dream for long-distance travel and high-speed pursuits. Its smooth gait also makes riding more comfortable. To obtain this magnificent creature, you’ll need to progress to the epilogue and purchase it from the Blackwater stable.
Taming Wild Horses vs. Buying from Stables
- Buying from Stables: Offers a predictable way to acquire horses with known stats. You can often preview their coats and stats before purchasing.
- Taming Wild Horses: This method allows you to acquire some of the best horses for free, like the White Arabian and Mustangs. However, it requires more effort and skill, as you need to track, calm, and break them in. Some of the absolute best horses, like the Missouri Fox Trotter, are only available via purchase late in the game.
Bonding with Your Horse: The Key to Performance
No matter which horse you choose, remember that bonding is paramount. As you ride, care for, and feed your horse, your bond level increases. Each level unlocks new abilities, such as:
- Level 1: Whistle for your horse.
- Level 2: Steer while standing.
- Level 3: Calm your horse while in combat.
- Level 4: Perform brave maneuvers (like skidding to a halt) and your horse will be less likely to flee.
Maximizing your bond level is essential to unlocking your horse’s full potential, making even an average horse perform remarkably well.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Companion
The “best” horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 story mode ultimately depends on your playstyle and preferences.
- For speed and agility, the White Arabian (wild) or Missouri Fox Trotter (Epilogue) are top contenders.
- For durability and resilience in combat, the Ardennes or Shire are unmatched.
- For a balanced, all-around performer throughout the game, consider the Turkoman or Hungarian Halfbred.
Don’t forget to explore taming wild horses; you might find an incredible free steed. Regardless of your choice, invest time in bonding with your horse. A loyal, high-bonded companion will always be your most valuable asset in the unforgiving world of Red Dead Redemption 2. Happy trails, partner!
