The Wild West is a vast, unforgiving place, and in Red Dead Redemption 2, your steed is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s your most trusted companion. Whether you’re galloping across the plains, escaping a gunfight, or embarking on a long journey, the right horse can make all the difference. But with so many breeds and types to choose from, figuring out which are the best horses in RDR2 story mode can be a challenge. Fear not, aspiring outlaws! We’ve scoured the dusty trails and high-stakes stables to bring you the definitive list of the finest horses that can carry you through Arthur Morgan’s epic saga.
Understanding Horse Stats in RDR2
Before we dive into the best breeds, let’s quickly touch upon what makes a horse “good” in RDR2. Each horse has several key stats:
- Health: How much damage the horse can take before it “dies.”
- Stamina: How long the horse can sprint before getting tired.
- Speed: The horse’s maximum top speed.
- Acceleration: How quickly the horse reaches its top speed.
- Mounted Speed: This is a more direct measure of how fast you travel when mounted.
- Handling: How responsive the horse is to your commands, especially when turning or navigating obstacles.
While Speed and Acceleration are important for getting places quickly, Health and Stamina are crucial for endurance and survival, especially during intense missions or when exploring remote areas. Handling can significantly impact your overall experience, making a spirited horse feel more like a nimble partner than a lumbering beast. Remember, bonding with your horse also plays a role, as higher bonding levels unlock perks like improved stamina regeneration and advanced maneuvers. For a deeper dive into maximizing your equine’s potential, consider checking out resources on how to get the best horse in rdr2 story.
The Elite Tier: Must-Have Horses
These are the horses that consistently stand out, offering a near-perfect blend of speed, stamina, and resilience. They often come with a higher price tag or require specific in-game achievements, but their performance justifies the investment.
1. Arabian (White)
- Class: Elite
- Stats: High Speed, High Acceleration, Good Health, Good Stamina
- Location: Found wild in the north of the map, near O’Creagh’s Run, in the Ambarino region.
- Why it’s great: The White Arabian is arguably the most well-rounded horse available in the story mode. It boasts excellent speed and acceleration, making it feel incredibly responsive. Its handling is superb, allowing for sharp turns and quick maneuvers. While its Health and Stamina are good rather than exceptional, its overall balance makes it a top contender for the best all-around steed. It’s also a visually stunning horse, with its pure white coat turning heads.
2. Ardennes (War Horse)
- Class: War Horse
- Stats: Very High Health, High Stamina, Moderate Speed, Moderate Acceleration
- Location: Available for purchase at stables from Chapter 2 onwards.
- Why it’s great: If durability and nerve are your priorities, the Ardennes is your horse. War horses are built for endurance and resilience. The Ardennes excels in Health and Stamina, meaning it can withstand a lot of punishment and keep going for extended periods. While not the fastest horse on the plains, its sheer toughness makes it ideal for combat scenarios and long-haul journeys where you don’t want to worry about your horse tiring out or succumbing to enemy fire.
3. Missouri Fox Trotter (Silver and Gold)
- Class: Elite
- Stats: Very High Speed, Very High Acceleration, Good Health, Good Stamina
- Location: Available for purchase at stables in Blackwater and Tumbleweed from Chapter 4 onwards (for Silver) and Chapter 6 (for Gold).
- Why it’s great: The Missouri Fox Trotter is pure speed and grace. If you’re looking for a horse that eats up the miles and feels incredibly swift, this is it. Its Speed and Acceleration stats are among the highest in the game, making it feel like you’re flying across the landscape. Combined with good Health and Stamina, it’s a fantastic choice for exploration and fast travel. The Silver coat is available earlier, but the Gold variant in Chapter 6 offers the absolute best stats for this breed.
4. Turkoman (Black, Dark Bay, White)
- Class: Elite
- Stats: High Speed, High Acceleration, Good Stamina, Moderate Health
- Location: Available for purchase at stables from Chapter 3 onwards (Dark Bay and Black), Chapter 4 onwards (White).
- Why it’s great: The Turkoman is another top-tier horse that offers a fantastic balance of speed and stamina. It’s a strong, athletic breed that performs exceptionally well in races and general travel. While its Health is slightly lower than some other elites, its high Stamina and impressive speed make it a joy to ride. The different coat variations offer slight statistical differences, but all are excellent choices.
The Strong Contenders: Excellent All-Arounders
These horses might not always top the charts in every single category, but they offer a superior experience that makes them highly desirable for most players.
5. Shire (Black, Dark Grey)
- Class: Draft Horse
- Stats: Very High Health, Very High Stamina, Moderate Speed, Moderate Acceleration
- Location: Available for purchase at stables from Chapter 2 onwards.
- Why it’s great: Similar to the Ardennes, the Shire is a powerhouse when it comes to Health and Stamina. These gentle giants can take a beating and keep going. While they aren’t built for speed, their incredible endurance makes them perfect for long, arduous journeys or when you anticipate a lot of combat. They offer a very stable and powerful ride.
6. Hungarian Halfbred (Black, Cream, Grey)
- Class: Race Horse
- Stats: High Speed, High Acceleration, Good Stamina, Moderate Health
- Location: Available for purchase at stables from Chapter 3 onwards.
- Why it’s great: The Hungarian Halfbred strikes a great balance between speed and endurance. It’s faster and more agile than the heavy draft horses but offers better Stamina than some of the purebred racehorses. This makes it a very versatile option for players who want a horse that can handle a bit of everything – from a quick dash to a prolonged ride.
7. Suffolk Punch (Bay)
- Class: Draft Horse
- Stats: Very High Health, High Stamina, Moderate Speed, Moderate Acceleration
- Location: Available for purchase at stables from Chapter 2 onwards.
- Why it’s great: Another excellent draft horse, the Suffolk Punch offers robust Health and good Stamina. It’s a reliable workhorse that can carry you through tough situations without faltering. While its speed is its weakest stat, its sheer resilience is invaluable for players who prefer a horse that can endure hardship over one that is simply fast.
The Reliable Choices: Solid Performers
These horses are great options, especially early to mid-game, offering good value and performance without breaking the bank or requiring late-game access.
8. Nokota (Reverse Dapple Roan, Wild Black)
- Class: Race Horse
- Stats: Good Speed, Good Acceleration, Good Stamina, Moderate Health
- Location: Wild Black Nokotas can be found in the Cumberland Forest. Purchased versions are available at stables from Chapter 3 onwards.
- Why it’s great: The Nokota is a swift and spirited breed that offers a good combination of Speed and Stamina. They are particularly good at quick bursts of speed and feel quite agile. The wild variants are a great way to get a good horse early on without spending money.
9. Mustang (Black, Grey, Sorrel)
- Class: Work Horse
- Stats: Good Health, Good Stamina, Moderate Speed, Moderate Acceleration
- Location: Wild Mustangs can be found in the west of the map, in the area around the Tall Trees and Great Plains. Purchased versions are available at stables from Chapter 3 onwards.
- Why it’s great: Mustangs are known for their toughness and good all-around stats. They are reliable and sturdy, making them excellent workhorses. Their Health and Stamina are particularly commendable for a horse in their class, providing a solid ride for most situations.
10. Belgian Draft (Red Chestnut, White)
- Class: Draft Horse
- Stats: Very High Health, High Stamina, Moderate Speed, Moderate Acceleration
- Location: Available for purchase at stables from Chapter 2 onwards.
- Why it’s great: The Belgian Draft is another exceptional choice for sheer endurance. If you’re focused on survival and want a horse that can take a significant amount of damage and keep going, this is a prime candidate. Its high Health and Stamina make it ideal for long journeys through dangerous territories.
Choosing Your Perfect Mount
Ultimately, the “best” horse in RDR2 story mode depends on your playstyle.
- For speed demons and racers, the Missouri Fox Trotter or White Arabian are unparalleled.
- If durability and combat readiness are key, the Ardennes, Shire, or Belgian Draft horses are your best bet.
- For a balanced experience that covers all bases, the Turkoman or Hungarian Halfbred offer a fantastic blend of performance.
Don’t forget that bonding with your horse is crucial. As your bond level increases, your horse will become more responsive, gain access to more abilities, and even become more courageous in the face of danger. So, invest time in your equine friend, no matter which of these fine steeds you choose. Exploring the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is an unforgettable journey, and having the best horse in rdr2 story mode by your side will make it all the more epic. Happy trails, partner!
