When embarking on the grand adventure that is Red Dead Redemption 2’s story mode, one of the most crucial companions you’ll find is your horse. More than just a mode of transportation, your steed is your partner in crime, your reliable transport across vast landscapes, and often, your only confidante in the untamed West. Choosing the right horse can significantly impact your gameplay experience, from chase sequences to long-distance travel. But with so many breeds and stats to consider, which are truly the best horses in RDR2 story mode? This guide will delve into the top contenders, helping you find the perfect four-legged friend to accompany Arthur Morgan on his journey.
Understanding Horse Stats in Red Dead Redemption 2
Before we crown the best horses, it’s essential to understand what makes a horse “good” in RDR2. Horses have several key stats that determine their performance:
- Health: Represents the horse’s overall stamina and resilience. Higher health means they can take more damage before collapsing or dying.
- Stamina: This is the horse’s energy reserve. It dictates how long your horse can sprint before becoming exhausted. Stamina regenerates over time, and even faster when you calm your horse.
- Core Speed: This is the horse’s base top speed when not in a sprint.
- Core Acceleration: This determines how quickly the horse reaches its top speed. A horse with high acceleration will feel much more responsive.
- Speed: This is the horse’s maximum sprint speed. It’s influenced by the horse’s breed and its bonding level with Arthur.
- Acceleration: This is how quickly the horse reaches its maximum sprint speed. Like Speed, it increases with your bonding level.
- Mane & Tail: Purely cosmetic, but can add to the aesthetic appeal of your chosen steed.
Bonding with your horse is paramount. As your bond level increases (from 1 to 4), your horse’s Health and Stamina stats improve, and its Speed and Acceleration also get a significant boost. At bond level 4, your horse gains access to a special ability unique to its coat, such as increased speed, stamina regeneration, or resistance to fear.
Where to Find the Best Horses
The best horses in RDR2 Story Mode are typically found later in the game, often requiring significant in-game currency or specific quest progression to acquire. However, there are some exceptional horses available throughout your playthrough.
The Arabian Horse: The Early Game Gem
If you’re looking for a top-tier horse that’s accessible relatively early in the game, the Arabian is your best bet. There are three main coat variations you can acquire through gameplay:
- White Arabian: This is arguably the most sought-after Arabian, known for its stunning coat and balanced stats. You can find this wild horse roaming in the northern parts of the map, specifically around the shores of O’Creagh’s Run in Grizzlies East. It’s a Rank 10 horse, meaning it has excellent base stats that can be further enhanced through bonding. Its special ability at bond level 4 is a significant boost to its already impressive Speed and Acceleration.
- Black Arabian: This beautiful steed can be purchased at the stable in Saint Denis after Chapter 4. It boasts similar stats to the White Arabian and is a fantastic choice for players who prefer a darker coat.
- Speckled Arabian: This variant can be purchased in the stable at Blackwater after completing the “American Dreams” mission in Chapter 6.
The Arabian, while not having the highest Health or Stamina compared to some heavier breeds, excels in Speed and Acceleration, making it incredibly agile and responsive. It’s perfect for navigating treacherous terrain, outrunning enemies, and generally having a nimble companion.
Top Tier Horses Available Later in the Game
As you progress through the story and your finances grow, you can access even more powerful and specialized horses. These often come with higher base stats and more impressive special abilities.
The Turkoman: A Powerful All-Rounder
The Turkoman is a fantastic horse breed that offers a great balance of Health, Stamina, Speed, and Acceleration. They are known for their bravery and overall resilience. You can purchase Turkoman horses at the stables in Saint Denis and Blackwater. Their varied coats offer different stat distributions, but all are excellent choices.
- Dark Bay Turkoman: Available after Chapter 4 in Saint Denis.
- Silver Turkoman: Available after Chapter 6 in Blackwater.
- Gold Turkoman: Available after Chapter 6 in Blackwater.
The Turkoman’s special ability at bond level 4 often relates to enhanced stamina regeneration, making them ideal for long journeys and pursuits where maintaining a sprint is crucial. For players who enjoy long-distance travel and high-speed chases, the Turkoman is an excellent investment. To understand more about the best horses rdr2 story mode, consider their breed characteristics.
The Missouri Fox Trotter: The Epitome of Speed and Elegance
When it comes to pure, unadulterated speed and a smooth ride, the Missouri Fox Trotter is a champion. This breed boasts some of the highest Speed and Acceleration stats in the game, rivaling even the best Arabians. They also have respectable Health and Stamina, making them a well-rounded choice for almost any situation.
- Sleek coat: Available for purchase at the stable in Strawberry after completing the “Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego” mission (early-to-mid game).
- Satin coat: Available for purchase at the stable in Blackwater after Chapter 6.
The Missouri Fox Trotter’s smooth gait is legendary, providing a comfortable ride even at a gallop. Their special ability at bond level 4 often enhances their already impressive speed, making them unparalleled for covering vast distances quickly or escaping sticky situations. If you’re looking for horses rdr2 story that combine speed with elegance, the Fox Trotter is hard to beat.
The Dutch Warmblood: The Sturdy Workhorse
For players who prefer a horse with more Health and Stamina, and are willing to sacrifice a little bit of raw speed for durability, the Dutch Warmblood is an excellent option. These horses are strong, reliable, and can withstand a lot of punishment, making them ideal for players who find themselves in frequent gunfights or tough terrain.
- Roach coat: Available for purchase at the stable in Van Horn after Chapter 3.
- Bay coat: Available for purchase at the stable in Tumbleweed after Chapter 6.
The Dutch Warmblood’s special ability often focuses on increasing its already high Health and Stamina, further cementing its role as a resilient companion. This breed is a solid choice for players who prioritize survivability and don’t necessarily need the absolute fastest horse. Many players consider this breed among the best horse red dead 2 story options due to its toughness.
Other Notable Mentions
While the breeds above are often considered the cream of the crop, RDR2 offers many other excellent horses that might suit your playstyle:
- The Buell: A unique, story-driven horse with good all-around stats.
- The Shire: The largest horse breed, offering the highest Health and Stamina, perfect for a heavy cavalry feel, though slower.
- The Ardennes: Similar to the Shire, offering great durability and carrying capacity.
Tips for Horse Care and Management
No matter which horse you choose, proper care is essential to maximize its performance and longevity.
- Keep Cores Full: Always ensure your horse’s Health and Stamina cores are full. Feed them hay, tonics, or wild plants. A full core means better performance.
- Maintain Bonding: The higher your bond, the better your horse’s stats and the more useful its special ability becomes. Ride your horse often, pat it, calm it, and feed it.
- Use Horse Tonics: Stamina and Health tonics can provide temporary boosts, which are invaluable during critical moments.
- Clean Your Horse: A dirty horse performs worse. Visit a stable or use a horse brush to keep your steed clean.
- Be Mindful of the Environment: Avoid riding your horse through fire or deep water if its Health is low.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Partner
The “best” horse in Red Dead Redemption 2’s story mode ultimately depends on your personal preferences and playstyle. If you value agility and speed above all else, the Arabian or Missouri Fox Trotter will serve you well. For a balance of speed and resilience, the Turkoman is an excellent choice. And if durability and a steadfast companion are what you seek, the Dutch Warmblood won’t disappoint.
Remember to experiment, bond with your chosen steed, and keep its cores full. Your horse is more than just a tool; it’s a vital part of the Red Dead Redemption 2 experience. Happy trails, partner!
