Saddling up and navigating the vast, rugged world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is an experience in itself, but a true outlaw knows the value of every asset. If you’re wondering, “Can You Sell Horses In Rdr2 Story Mode?”, the answer is a resounding yes. Turning a tamed mustang or a “borrowed” steed into cold, hard cash is a fundamental part of the game’s economy. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the horse trade, from where to find buyers to how to get the best possible price for your equine companions.
Whether you’re an honorable cowboy or a cunning rustler, selling horses is a lucrative venture. The game provides a couple of distinct avenues for offloading your animals, each with its own set of rules and rewards. Understanding these mechanics is key to maximizing your profits and managing your stable effectively. Much like learning what is the best horse in rdr2 story mode, knowing how to sell them is a crucial skill for any aspiring gunslinger.
Where to Sell Your Horses in RDR2
You have two primary options for selling horses in the story mode: the legitimate, law-abiding Stables found in most major towns, and the more discreet, illicit Horse Fence for those mounts acquired through less-than-honorable means.
Selling to Stables
Stables are your go-to spot for most horse-related business. You can find them in major towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, and Strawberry, easily identifiable by the horseshoe icon on your map. These establishments will happily buy horses that you legally own.
To sell a horse at a stable:
- Lead the horse you wish to sell into the stable.
- Interact with the stable owner.
- Navigate to the “Sell” option in the menu.
- Confirm the sale to receive your payment.
However, stables have standards. They will not purchase stolen horses, nor will they buy horses that are considered “gang horses.” They also have a limit on how many horses they’ll buy from you in a short period, so you may need to wait a few in-game days before you can sell again.
Unlocking and Selling to the Horse Fence
For horses that don’t have proper papers—namely, the ones you’ve stolen—you’ll need a less scrupulous buyer. This is where the Horse Fence comes in. Run by Clay and Clive, this operation is unlocked after you complete the Chapter 3 mission “Horse Flesh for Dinner.”
You can find the Horse Fence at Clemens Cove, northwest of Rhodes. These fellows don’t care where you got your horse from and will purchase any stolen steed you bring them. Naturally, they pay less than a stable would for a legitimate horse of the same quality, but for a rustler, it’s pure profit. This business is a different kind of venture compared to the story of war horse, focusing on profit over valor.
How Much Are Horses Worth? Factors Influencing Price
Not all horses are created equal, and their selling price reflects that. Several key factors determine how much cash you’ll get for your equine assets, making the horse trade a surprisingly deep mechanic.
Breed and Quality
The most significant factor is the horse’s breed. Rare, high-performance breeds like Arabians, Missouri Fox Trotters, and Turkomans will fetch a much higher price than common breeds like Morgans or Kentucky Saddlers. A wild-caught Arabian can be one of the most profitable horses to sell.
Horse Bonding Level
Your relationship with your horse also plays a crucial role in its value. As you ride, feed, and care for your horse, your bonding level will increase from one to four. A horse that is fully bonded (Level 4) is considered more valuable and will sell for a significantly higher price than a newly acquired horse with no bond. This mechanic rewards players who invest time in their mounts.
According to Dr. Eleanor Vance, a digital anthropologist specializing in in-game economies, “The bonding system in RDR2 is a brilliant way to tie economic value to the player’s actions and relationships within the game world. It makes the horse feel less like a disposable commodity and more like a developed asset.”
Stolen vs. Owned Horses
As mentioned, where you sell depends on the horse’s legal status. A legally owned horse sold at a stable will always command a better price than the same horse, if stolen, sold at the Horse Fence. The fence operators take a hefty cut for their discretion.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Equine Profits
If you want to turn horse trading into a serious money-making operation, you need a strategy. Simply selling the horses you happen to come across won’t be nearly as effective as actively seeking out and preparing high-value animals.
One of the best methods is to tame and sell wild Arabians. A white Arabian can be found in the snowy mountains near Lake Isabella. Taming this high-strung but incredibly valuable horse, bonding with it to Level 4, and then selling it at a stable can net you a handsome profit. This process requires patience but offers one of the highest returns for a single horse. This strategic approach to assets is a core gameplay loop, not unlike learning how to sell horses in rdr2 story.
You can also make good money by targeting high-quality horses to steal. During certain random encounters or at specific farmsteads, you can find valuable breeds like Appaloosas or Hungarian Halfbreds. Stealing them and taking them directly to the Horse Fence is a quick way to make cash, albeit less profitable than the legal route.
A map view from Red Dead Redemption 2 with the specific location of the Horse Fence at Clemens Cove clearly circled, an essential tip for selling horses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you sell your starting horse?
No, you cannot sell the very first horse you are given in the game, as it is essential to the story’s progression. However, any other horse you acquire can be sold.
Why can’t I sell my horse at the stable?
There could be several reasons. The stable might be temporarily closed due to a recent crime, you might be trying to sell a stolen horse, or you may have already sold the maximum number of horses allowed in a short time. Try waiting a few in-game days or visiting a different stable.
Do stolen horses from bounty hunters sell for more?
Horses ridden by bounty hunters are often of a higher quality than average. Stealing one can be a quick way to get a decent payout from the Horse Fence, but be prepared for a fight.
Is it more profitable to sell horses or wagons?
Both can be profitable, but they are sold at different fences. Selling high-value, fully-bonded horses at a stable is generally one of the most lucrative solo activities. Wagons, especially high-quality stagecoaches, can also fetch a good price at the wagon fence at Emerald Ranch.
Does the horse’s health affect its selling price?
While the game doesn’t explicitly state that a horse’s core health affects its price, it’s good practice to sell a horse that is in good condition. Its overall value is primarily determined by breed and bonding level.
Conclusion
So, to answer the question, can you sell horses in rdr2 story mode? Absolutely. It is a well-developed system that offers players a rewarding way to engage with the world and make money. By understanding the differences between Stables and the Horse Fence, focusing on high-quality breeds, and investing the time to increase your bonding level, you can turn your equestrian pursuits into a cornerstone of your financial success in the Old West. Now get out there, start taming and trading, and build your fortune one horse at a time.
