Are you tired of lumbering steeds holding you back as you chase down bounties or outrun posses in the rugged world of Red Dead Redemption 2? Finding the fastest horse in RDR2 story mode is crucial for survival and success. Whether you’re galloping across the plains of New Hanover or navigating the treacherous swamps of Lemoyne, speed can mean the difference between a successful mission and a swift demise. This guide will delve deep into the nuances of horse speed, helping you identify the top contenders and understand what truly makes a horse swift in the game.
Understanding Horse Stats in Red Dead Redemption 2
Before we dive into specific breeds, it’s important to understand how horse speed and stamina are measured in RDR2. Each horse has several core stats, including:
- Health: How much damage the horse can withstand before it dies.
- Stamina: How long the horse can sprint before its stamina bar depletes.
- Speed: The horse’s base top speed.
- Acceleration: How quickly the horse reaches its top speed.
- Braking: How effectively the horse can slow down.
- Drifting: How well the horse can corner at speed.
While many players focus solely on the speed stat, acceleration and stamina are equally important for maintaining high speeds over long distances. A horse with incredible top speed but poor acceleration will take longer to get going, and a horse with high speed but low stamina will tire out quickly, negating its advantage. For the absolute fastest horse in RDR2 story mode, you’ll want a combination of high speed and good acceleration, coupled with decent stamina to keep it up.
Top Contenders for the Fastest Horse
Red Dead Redemption 2 features a wide variety of horse breeds, each with unique characteristics. When looking for the fastest, certain breeds consistently rise to the top. It’s worth noting that horse stats can vary slightly based on the specific coat of a breed, and bonding with your horse will also improve its overall performance.
The Arabian Horse (Max Bonding)
Often cited as the best all-around horse, the Arabian is also a strong contender for the fastest horse in RDR2 story mode. While not the absolute fastest in terms of raw speed, its exceptional acceleration and handling make it feel incredibly quick and responsive.
- Best Coats: White Arabian and Black Arabian typically boast the highest stats.
- Pros: Excellent acceleration, superb handling, good stamina, and high health for its class. It feels very nimble and quick to react.
- Cons: Can be quite expensive or require loyalties to certain characters to obtain. Its top speed isn’t the absolute highest on paper.
The Turkoman Horse
The Turkoman is another breed that rivals the Arabian in performance. Known for its sleek appearance and impressive speed, it’s a favorite among players who prioritize quick travel.
- Best Coats: Perlino and Silver Turkoman are often considered top-tier.
- Pros: High top speed and good acceleration make it a very fast horse. It also has solid stamina and health, making it reliable for long journeys.
- Cons: Similar to the Arabian, it can be pricey and may not be available early in the game.
The Dutch Warmblood
For players looking for a balance of speed, power, and availability, the Dutch Warmblood is an excellent choice. While perhaps not as exotic as the Arabian or Turkoman, its stats are highly competitive.
- Best Coats: Sorrel and Flaxen Chestnut are noteworthy.
- Pros: Very good speed and acceleration, making it a strong contender for the fastest horse in RDR2 story mode. It’s often more accessible earlier in the game than some other high-end breeds.
- Cons: Its handling might feel slightly less refined than the Arabian.
The Missouri Fox Trotter
This breed is renowned for its smooth gait and impressive speed. The Missouri Fox Trotter is a serious contender, offering a great blend of speed and comfort.
- Best Coats: Silver dapple and Champagne coats are highly sought after.
- Pros: Excellent speed and acceleration, coupled with very good stamina. The unique Fox Trot gait is incredibly smooth, reducing rider fatigue on long rides.
- Cons: This horse is quite expensive and becomes available later in the Story Mode.
How to Maximize Your Horse’s Speed
Simply owning a fast horse isn’t enough; you need to know how to get the most out of it.
Bonding with Your Horse
This is arguably the most crucial factor. As you increase your bond level with your horse (up to Level 4), you unlock its full potential. This includes unlocking its maximum speed, stamina, and improving its responsiveness. Spend time riding, brushing, feeding, and calming your horse to increase your bond.
Using Horse Tonics and Special Saddles
- Tonics: Horse Stamina and Health tonics can be consumed to temporarily boost your horse’s stats. A *Horse Stamina XP tonic, when used strategically, can allow your horse to sprint for much longer periods, effectively increasing its sustained speed.
- Saddles and Stirrups: Equipping the best available saddles and stirrups can significantly improve your horse’s stats, particularly speed and stamina regeneration. Some legendary saddles offer substantial boosts. Always check the stat bonuses provided by different equipment.
Understanding Horse Stamina Management
- Stamina Core: Keep your horse’s stamina core full by feeding it or using tonics. A full stamina core allows for longer sprints.
- Stamina Regeneration: When your horse is trotting or cantering (not sprinting), its stamina will regenerate. Learn to moderate your sprints, especially on long journeys. Tapping the sprint button rhythmically is more efficient than holding it down constantly, allowing stamina to regenerate between bursts.
- “Hitching” for Stamina: A common technique is to repeatedly tap the sprint button. This allows the stamina bar to drain and refill rapidly, effectively letting you sprint almost continuously without fully depleting the stamina core.
The Fastest Horse: Verdict
While “the fastest horse” can be subjective due to bonding levels, equipment, and rider skill, the Arabian (especially the White or Black coat), Turkoman, and Missouri Fox Trotter are consistently at the top for speed and acceleration in Red Dead Redemption 2’s story mode.
For raw, unadulterated speed, the Turkoman often edges out the others in pure top-end velocity. However, the Arabian’s superior handling and acceleration make it feel faster in many dynamic situations, and its smaller size can be advantageous in tight spots. The Missouri Fox Trotter offers a compelling package with excellent speed and a remarkably smooth ride, making long-distance travel less taxing.
Ultimately, the best horse for you might depend on your playstyle and when you can access these breeds. Experiment with different horses, maximize your bond, and utilize the best equipment and techniques to ensure you’re always riding the fastest horse in RDR2 story mode possible. Happy trails!
