In the sprawling, rugged world of Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s your most loyal companion. Among the vast array of available mounts, the allure of a sleek, powerful black horse is undeniable. Finding the best Black Horses Rdr2 Story mode has to offer can elevate your gameplay, providing a steed that is as formidable as it is beautiful. These magnificent animals command attention, whether you’re galloping across the Heartlands or making a grand entrance into Saint Denis.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding, taming, and choosing the perfect black horse for Arthur Morgan. From the elusive Black Arabian to the reliable American Standardbred, we’ll cover their locations, stats, and what makes them stand out. Understanding the different breeds available is key, much like knowing about all the rdr2 story all horses can give you a strategic advantage.
Why a Black Horse Embodies the Outlaw Spirit
Choosing a horse in RDR2 is a personal decision, but there’s a certain mystique to a black coat. It reflects the duality of Arthur’s journey—a dark exterior that often conceals a noble heart. A black horse stands out against the snowy peaks of Ambarino and blends into the shadows during a nighttime raid, making it the perfect symbolic partner for an outlaw navigating a changing world. They are visually striking, projecting an aura of power, elegance, and danger that few other horses can match.
Beyond aesthetics, many of the game’s black-coated horses boast impressive stats that make them valuable assets for any player. Whether you prioritize speed for quick getaways, stamina for long journeys, or health to withstand a gunfight, there is a black horse that fits your needs.
The Most Coveted Black Horses in RDR2 Story Mode
While many breeds come in a black coat, a few stand head and shoulders above the rest. These horses are sought after for their superior performance, rarity, and iconic status within the game.
The Black Arabian: A Rare and Elite Mount
The Black Arabian is often considered one of the best horses in the game, and for good reason. It belongs to the “Superior” class, boasting elite handling and some of the highest stats you can find.
- Stats: The Black Arabian has high Speed and Acceleration, making it incredibly fast and agile. Its Health and Stamina are also impressive, ensuring it can endure long pursuits and survive intense encounters. When fully bonded, it becomes a true powerhouse.
- Location: This horse is exceptionally rare in story mode. It can be acquired through a specific, random event in Saint Denis. After Chapter 4, you may encounter a couple being robbed at night near the theater. If you intervene and save them, the man will thank you. Later, if you see the couple again, the man may offer you his stunning Black Arabian horse as a reward or offer to sell it to you. This event is not guaranteed, making the horse a prized possession.
- Handling: Its “Elite” handling means the Black Arabian responds instantly to your commands, making it feel incredibly nimble and easy to control, which is perfect for navigating dense forests or chaotic shootouts.
The American Standardbred, Black: Speed and Reliability
If you’re looking for a black horse that’s easier to acquire without sacrificing performance, the Black American Standardbred is an excellent choice. This horse is a member of the “Race” class, known for its exceptional speed.
- Stats: As a racehorse, its primary strength is its Speed and decent Acceleration. While its Health and Stamina aren’t as high as the Arabian’s, they are more than sufficient for most of the game’s challenges.
- Location: You can find a wild Black American Standardbred in the northern part of Big Valley, West Elizabeth. It often spawns with a herd of other horses. Additionally, you can sometimes purchase one from the stables, such as the one in Valentine.
- Why Choose It?: It’s a fantastic early-to-mid-game mount that combines a stunning look with the raw speed needed to outrun the law or chase down a bounty. Its accessibility makes it a popular choice for players who want a great black horse without waiting for a rare event.
Other Notable Black Coats
While the Arabian and American Standardbred are top-tier choices, several other breeds offer beautiful black coats and solid performance. Exploring the different horses rdr2 story mode has to offer reveals a variety of options.
- Dutch Warmblood (Seal Brown): Though not pure black, the Seal Brown coat is so dark it appears black in most lighting. This “Work” class horse has excellent Stamina and Health, making it a dependable and brave companion.
- Hungarian Halfbred (Dapple Dark Grey): Another dark-coated horse that can be mistaken for black, this “War” horse is known for its courage and high health, making it an excellent choice for players who find themselves in frequent combat. The journey to find a perfect horse can sometimes feel like a real story of war horse.
- Kentucky Saddler (Black): A common but reliable horse, the Black Kentucky Saddler is a solid all-around choice for the early game, offering balanced stats for a new player.
How to Find and Tame Your Wild Black Horse
Acquiring a horse from the wild is one of the most rewarding experiences in RDR2. It builds a connection from the very beginning. Here’s a step-by-step guide to taming a wild horse:
- Spot Your Target: Use your binoculars to scan herds from a distance to find the horse with the black coat you desire.
- Approach Slowly: Once you’ve spotted it, approach very slowly while holding the appropriate button to calm it. Crouch to make yourself less of a threat.
- Watch Its Behavior: The horse will get agitated as you get closer. Pay attention to its movements. If it looks like it’s about to bolt, stop moving and continue to calm it until it settles down.
- Mount the Horse: When you’re close enough, you’ll get the prompt to mount. Be ready for a challenge.
- Break the Horse: Once you’re on its back, the horse will try to buck you off. You’ll need to pull the analog stick in the opposite direction of the horse’s movements to stay balanced. Continue calming it until it stops bucking.
- Saddle Up: Once the horse is broken, you can place your saddle on it to make it your main horse. This process is essential for any horse you capture, and once you have too many, you might wonder how to sell horses in rdr2 story.
A map of West Elizabeth in Red Dead Redemption 2, with a circle highlighting the Big Valley area where wild black horses spawn.
Are Black Horses the Best Choice for Arthur?
While the Black Arabian is statistically one of the top horses, “best” is subjective. A brave war horse might suit a player who loves combat, while a faster racehorse is better for someone who enjoys exploring. The bond you form with your horse is just as important as its stats. A common horse you’ve had since the beginning of your journey can feel more valuable than a statistically superior one you acquired late in the game. Every horse has a story, and sometimes that can lead to a horse sad story if things go wrong.
Ultimately, the best black horses rdr2 story provides are the ones that fit your playstyle and connect with your vision of Arthur Morgan’s journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the rarest black horse in RDR2 story mode?
The Black Arabian is the rarest. It is not found in the wild and can typically only be acquired through a random encounter in Saint Denis, making it a highly sought-after mount.
Can you buy a Black Arabian in the story mode?
Yes, you can buy a Black Arabian from the Saint Denis stable starting in Chapter 4. However, the one available for purchase is a standard coat, not the unique pure black version from the random event.
Where is the best place to find wild black horses?
The Big Valley area in West Elizabeth is a reliable spot for finding a wild Black American Standardbred with a black coat. Herds of horses spawn frequently in this area.
Is the Black American Standardbred a good horse?
Absolutely. It’s one of the fastest horses in the game and has decent stamina. Its accessibility in the wild makes it an excellent choice for players who want a top-tier black horse without relying on random events.
Do black horses have any special advantages?
In terms of gameplay mechanics, a horse’s coat color has no direct impact on its performance or how NPCs react to you. The advantages come from the stats of the specific breed that has the black coat, such as the Arabian’s elite handling or the Standardbred’s speed.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Dark Companion Awaits
The world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is rich with detail, and the variety of horses you can find is a testament to that. The quest for one of the iconic black horses rdr2 story mode offers is a journey in itself, adding another layer of adventure to your outlaw life. Whether you spend hours tracking the wild American Standardbred or get lucky in the back alleys of Saint Denis with the rare Arabian, the bond you forge with your dark-coated companion will be a memorable part of your story. So saddle up, ride out, and find the magnificent black steed that will carry you through the epic tale of Arthur Morgan.
