When you’re outlaws on the run in the rugged Wild West of Red Dead Redemption 2, every second counts. Whether you’re making a daring escape from the law, chasing down a rival gang, or simply trying to get to the next town before sundown, having a swift steed can make all the difference. But in a game with dozens of breeds and countless unique horses, which one truly reigns supreme in the speed department for story mode? Let’s dive into the world of equine excellence and uncover the Fastest Horse In Red Dead Redemption 2 Story Mode.
The quest for speed in RDR2 isn’t just about raw velocity; it’s about a combination of stats, handling, and the sheer thrill of outmaneuvering your opponents. While many players have their favorites, a consensus often emerges when discussing pure, unadulterated speed.
Understanding Horse Stats in Red Dead Redemption 2
Before we crown a king of speed, it’s crucial to understand how horse stats work in the game. Each horse has several key attributes:
- Health: Represents the horse’s stamina and resistance to damage.
- Stamina: Dictates how long a horse can sprint before needing to rest.
- Speed: The horse’s maximum achievable velocity.
- Acceleration: How quickly a horse reaches its top speed.
- Braking: The horse’s ability to slow down and turn sharply.
- Health Core & Stamina Core: These replenish over time and can be refilled with tonics.
For our discussion on the fastest horse, Speed and Acceleration are the most critical stats. A horse with high Speed can go faster, while high Acceleration means it gets to that top speed much quicker, which is invaluable for quick bursts of speed, crucial for escapes and pursuits.
The Contenders: Top Speed Horses
Several horse breeds are known for their impressive speed, making them strong candidates for the title. These often include:
- Arabian: While often lauded for its overall good stats and calm temperament, the Arabian isn’t typically the absolute fastest in terms of pure top-end speed, though its acceleration is decent.
- Turkoman: A beautiful and capable horse, the Turkoman offers a good balance of Speed and Stamina, making it a reliable choice for long journeys and quick sprints.
- Missouri Fox Trotter: Known for its smooth gait and good all-around stats, the Missouri Fox Trotter is a strong contender, offering a blend of speed and endurance.
- American Paint/Quarter Horse: These breeds are often solid performers, offering good acceleration and decent top speeds, especially with upgrades.
However, when we talk about absolute, record-breaking speed in story mode, one breed consistently stands out.
The Unrivaled Champion: The Black Arabian
While several horses offer excellent speed, the Black Arabian is widely considered the fastest horse available in Red Dead Redemption 2’s story mode. This particular variant of the Arabian breed boasts exceptional Speed and Acceleration stats that are hard to beat.
Here’s why the Black Arabian often takes the crown:
- Exceptional Speed: Its base Speed stat is among the highest in the game, allowing it to reach incredible velocities.
- Rapid Acceleration: The Black Arabian gets up to speed remarkably fast, which is a significant advantage in dynamic situations where split-second maneuvers are key.
- Excellent Handling: Despite its speed, the Arabian breed is known for its responsive handling, making it agile and easier to control at high speeds, even on rough terrain.
Acquiring the Black Arabian
The Black Arabian is a superior horse and, as such, comes with a higher price tag. You can typically purchase the Black Arabian from the stables in Blackwater once you reach Chapter 4 of the story. Its cost is significant, but for players prioritizing speed above all else, it’s an investment that pays off in thrilling chases and swift escapes.
Beyond the Black Arabian: Speed-Boosting Strategies
While the Black Arabian might be the fastest horse out of the stable, you can further enhance your horse’s speed and performance with a few key strategies:
1. Bonding with Your Horse
Horse bonding is crucial. As you increase your bond level with any horse, you unlock new abilities and slightly improve its stats, including speed and stamina. A level 4 bond provides the maximum benefits, making even a decent horse feel significantly faster and more responsive. Keep your horse fed, brush it regularly, and spend time riding it to increase that bond.
2. Saddle and Stirrup Upgrades
The equipment you choose for your horse can have a tangible impact on its performance. Investing in high-quality saddles and stirrups can provide significant boosts to your horse’s Stamina and Speed.
- Saddles: Certain saddles, especially those from the higher tiers (like the Nacogdoches Saddle), offer substantial improvements to your horse’s core stats and regeneration rates.
- Stirrups: Stirrups are particularly effective at increasing a horse’s top speed. Equipping the best available stirrups can add several points to your horse’s speed stat, making a noticeable difference.
3. Horse Stimulants and Tonics
Don’t forget about your consumables! Horse Stimulants are powerful items that temporarily boost your horse’s stamina and speed. Using a Stimulant allows your horse to sprint at full speed for a longer duration, effectively making it faster for critical moments. They are invaluable during intense chases or when you need to cover ground quickly.
4. Race with the Wind: Proper Galloping Technique
Even with the fastest horse, how you ride matters. To maximize your horse’s speed:
- Tap, Don’t Mash: When sprinting, repeatedly tap the sprint button rather than holding it down. This conserves stamina more effectively and allows for longer periods of maximum speed.
- Stamina Management: Keep an eye on your horse’s stamina core. When it starts to deplete, let it recover for a moment before sprinting again. Avoid draining it completely, as this can lead to exhaustion and a significant slowdown.
- Use Roads: While horses are capable off-road, paved roads and well-trodden paths generally allow for higher sustained speeds with less risk of hitting obstacles.
What About Other Fast Horses?
While the Black Arabian is the king of speed, other breeds offer compelling alternatives, especially if you prefer a different playstyle or can’t access the Black Arabian early on.
- The White Arabian: Similar to its black counterpart, the White Arabian also features excellent speed and acceleration, making it another top-tier choice for speed enthusiasts. It can be found wild in the snowy region of Lake Isabella.
- The Buell Horses: These are a set of unique horses obtained through specific missions. Some, like the Buell (owned by Charles Smith), offer very competitive speed and handling.
- The Rose Grey Arabian: Another variant of the Arabian, often found wild, offering comparable speed to the other Arabians.
These horses, when fully bonded and equipped with the best gear, can rival the Black Arabian in practical terms, especially if you consider their availability at different stages of the game.
Conclusion: Gallop into Victory
In the vast and dangerous world of Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse is your most trusted companion and your primary means of rapid transit. While many horses can get you where you need to go, for those who crave the thrill of unmatched speed, the Black Arabian stands as the ultimate choice in story mode.
By understanding horse stats, acquiring the best breed, and employing smart strategies like bonding, upgrading gear, and using stimulants, you can ensure your journey across the American frontier is not just survivable, but exceptionally swift. So saddle up, embrace the wind in your hair, and experience the unparalleled exhilaration of riding the fastest horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 story mode. Your adventures await, and with a steed like the Black Arabian, you’ll be sure to outrun any trouble that comes your way.
