Choosing a reliable steed in Red Dead Redemption 2 is more than a simple convenience; it’s a crucial partnership for surviving the rugged wilderness and chaotic gunfights of the American frontier. Your horse is your primary mode of transport, your cargo carrier, and your trusted companion in moments of danger. With a world this vast, having one of the Best Horses In Rdr2 Story mode isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential.
Navigating the plethora of breeds can be daunting. From the swift Arabians to the sturdy Turkomans, each horse offers a unique blend of speed, health, and temperament. This guide will break down the top-tier horses, revealing their stats, where to find them, and what makes them stand out from the rest of the herd. Whether you’re a seasoned outlaw or new to the saddle, finding the right equine partner will fundamentally change your journey through the Wild West. Understanding the nuances between breeds is similar to learning about the various all horses rdr2 story, where each has a distinct purpose.
Understanding What Makes a Great Horse
Before diving into the top breeds, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. A horse’s performance is determined by several key stats: Health, Stamina, Speed, and Acceleration. Handling also plays a significant role, with “Elite” handling being the most responsive.
- Health: The amount of damage your horse can sustain before being critically injured. A high health bar is vital for surviving ambushes and shootouts.
- Stamina: This determines how long your horse can gallop at full speed before getting tired. Crucial for long journeys and outrunning the law.
- Speed: The maximum top speed your horse can reach.
- Acceleration: How quickly your horse can reach its top speed from a standstill.
- Handling: How nimble and responsive your horse is. Elite handling allows for tighter turns and quicker stops, which can be a lifesaver in dense forests or chaotic situations.
Bonding with your horse by feeding, patting, and riding it will also increase its stats over time, so even a mid-tier horse can become a reliable partner with enough care.
A majestic white Arabian, one of the best horses in RDR2 story, standing proudly on a snowy mountain peak at dusk, its breath visible in the cold air.
The Elite Tier: The Very Best Horses in RDR2
When it comes to the absolute best mounts money can buy or courage can tame, three breeds consistently rise to the top. These horses boast superior stats that set them apart, making them the most sought-after companions for Arthur Morgan’s journey.
Arabian: The King of All-Rounders
Arabian horses are renowned for their “Elite” handling and exceptional stats, making them arguably the best overall breed in the game. They are fast, agile, and possess great acceleration. However, their one common drawback is their skittish temperament; they can be easily spooked by predators and gunfire.
- White Arabian: This legendary horse can be found in the wild, northwest of Lake Isabella in the snowy mountains of Ambarino. It’s available from Chapter 2, making it one of the earliest top-tier horses you can acquire. Taming it requires patience, but the reward is a beautiful and incredibly fast steed, completely free of charge.
- Black Arabian: Available for purchase at the Saint Denis stable from Chapter 4. It has slightly better health and stamina than its white counterpart, making it a more resilient option for those willing to spend the money.
- Rose Grey Bay Arabian: This is statistically the best Arabian and can only be purchased from the Blackwater stable during the Epilogue. It boasts the highest combination of health, stamina, and speed within its breed.
Missouri Fox Trotter: The Speed Demon
If raw speed is your primary concern, look no further than the Missouri Fox Trotter. This breed combines the traits of a race and workhorse, resulting in a mount with a fantastic base speed and immense stamina, perfect for crossing the map in record time. They are also generally less skittish than Arabians, making them more reliable in a firefight.
- Amber Champagne & Silver Dapple Pinto: Both coats become available for purchase at stables during different points in the story. The Amber Champagne is available at the Scarlett Meadows stable from Chapter 4, while the Silver Dapple Pinto can be found at the Blackwater stable in the Epilogue. They are expensive, but their incredible pace and solid stats make them a worthy investment for any outlaw. Many consider this breed the definitive rdr2 best story mode horse for its sheer performance.
Turkoman: The Fearless War Horse
The Turkoman is a unique hybrid of a war and racehorse, offering an excellent balance of speed, acceleration, and health. What truly sets the Turkoman apart is its bravery. It’s one of the least skittish horses in the game, holding its ground in the face of predators and heavy combat, which can be invaluable when you’re under pressure.
- Gold Turkoman: This stunning horse can be purchased from the Saint Denis stable starting in Chapter 4. Its high health pool makes it incredibly durable.
- Dark Bay Turkoman: Available from the Blackwater stable in the Epilogue.
- Silver Turkoman: Can be bought from the Tumbleweed stable during the Epilogue.
Choosing between the Arabian, Missouri Fox Trotter, and Turkoman often comes down to personal preference: do you value the Arabian’s elite handling, the Fox Trotter’s blistering speed, or the Turkoman’s unshakeable courage?
Great Horses for the Early and Mid-Game
While the top-tier horses are incredible, they often aren’t available until later chapters or require a significant journey to acquire. Thankfully, there are several excellent options you can find or buy early on that will serve you well.
Dutch Warmblood
The Dutch Warmblood is a reliable workhorse with a fantastic combination of health and stamina. What they lack in top-end speed, they make up for in dependability. You can purchase a solid Dutch Warmblood from the stables in Valentine or Strawberry early in the game. Additionally, a unique Cremello Gold coat horse named Buell can be obtained through the “The Veteran” stranger missions, offering a great free option.
An outlaw riding a powerful Missouri Fox Trotter, another one of the best horses in RDR2 story, at full gallop across the plains of The Heartlands at sunset.
Andalusian
If you anticipate a lot of combat, the Andalusian is an excellent choice. Classified as a warhorse, it boasts a very high health stat, allowing it to absorb significant damage. While not the fastest, its bravery and resilience make it a trusty partner in a gunfight. A Perlino coat Andalusian can be found and tamed near Brandywine Drop in Roanoke Ridge.
Hungarian Halfbred
Another excellent warhorse, the Hungarian Halfbred is known for its durability and steady temperament. It’s a tough and reliable mount that won’t easily buck you off when a predator appears. John Marston himself uses one in the early parts of the story, attesting to its quality. You can often find them in the wild or purchase them from the Valentine stable. This breed shows that the best horses in rdr2 story mode aren’t always just about speed.
How to Acquire Your Perfect Steed
There are three primary ways to get a new horse in Red Dead Redemption 2:
- Buying from a Stable: The most straightforward method. Stables across the map offer various breeds for sale, with stock changing as you progress through the story. This is the only way to get some of the best coat variations.
- Taming Wild Horses: Many powerful horses, including the legendary White Arabian, can be found in the wild. To tame one, you must approach it slowly, calm it, and then mount it, holding on as it tries to buck you off.
- Stealing: It’s an outlaw’s life, after all. You can steal horses from others, but be warned—this will attract the law’s attention, and you can’t saddle a horse owned by another gang member.
No matter which of the best horses in rdr2 story you choose, building a strong bond is key to unlocking its full potential. Take care of your companion, and it will take care of you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the single best horse in RDR2 story mode?
While debatable, the Rose Grey Bay Arabian, available in the Epilogue, has the highest overall stats. However, the Missouri Fox Trotter offers the best speed, and the Turkoman has the best combination of health and bravery, making the “best” horse dependent on player preference.
Can I get a top-tier horse early in the game?
Yes. The White Arabian can be found and tamed in the wild near Lake Isabella as early as Chapter 2. This makes it the best horse available for the majority of the main story without spending any money.
Does horse gender matter in RDR2?
No, there is no statistical or gameplay difference between male and female horses in Red Dead Redemption 2. The choice is purely cosmetic.
What happens if my main horse dies?
If your horse is critically injured, you may be able to revive it with a Horse Reviver tonic. If it dies permanently, you will lose it forever, along with the bonding level you achieved. Your saddle will be transferred to your temporary horse or returned to a stable.
Is it worth buying expensive horses from stables?
Yes, especially in the later chapters. Stables in Saint Denis, Scarlett Meadows, and Blackwater sell horses like the Missouri Fox Trotter and Turkoman, which boast elite stats that cannot be found on wild horses. They are a significant investment but offer top-tier performance.
