In the sprawling, untamed wilderness of Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse is more than just a mode of transport; it’s your confidant, your pack mule, and your steadfast ally in a gunfight. The bond you forge is crucial, but let’s be honest—speed kills. Whether you’re outrunning the law or chasing down a legendary buck, having one of the Fastest Horses In Rdr2 Story mode is a game-changer. This guide will walk you through the top-tier steeds, from the best free horse you can snag in the early game to the thoroughbred champions that become available as your journey unfolds.
Understanding What Makes a Horse Fast
Before we gallop into the list, it’s essential to understand what “fast” really means in RDR2. A horse’s performance isn’t just a single number; it’s a combination of several key stats that you can view in the player menu.
- Speed: This is the horse’s top-end velocity when it’s at a full gallop. It’s represented by a base stat that can be improved with high-quality stirrups.
- Acceleration: This stat determines how quickly your horse can reach its top speed from a standstill. High acceleration is crucial for getting out of trouble quickly.
- Stamina: The outer ring of your horse’s core meter, stamina dictates how long it can sprint before getting tired.
- Health: The inner circle of the core, representing how much damage your horse can take before being critically injured or killed.
- Handling: This determines how nimble your horse is. “Elite” handling means your horse can turn on a dime and responds instantly, while “Standard” or “Heavy” can feel clunkier.
Achieving maximum potential with any horse also requires reaching Level 4 bonding, which boosts health and stamina and allows for advanced maneuvers. Now, let’s find your perfect ride.
The Best Free & Fastest Horse (Early Game Champion)
For players just starting their adventure, you don’t have to wait until the epilogue to get a world-class mount. The best horse available early on is a legendary creature you can find and tame for free as soon as you unlock the stables in Chapter 2.
The Legendary White Arabian
The White Arabian is, without a doubt, the king of wild horses. While not possessing the highest base speed stat in the game, its combination of speed, acceleration, and “Elite” handling makes it feel incredibly fast and responsive. It’s a top-tier horse that can carry you through the entire story, and it costs you nothing but a bit of time and patience. Many players seek this specific mount, and for good reason, as its location is one of the better-known rdr2 story horse locations.
- Base Stats: 6 Speed / 6 Acceleration / 5 Health / 5 Stamina
- Handling: Elite
Once fully bonded and equipped with the best stirrups, its speed will reach a blistering 8, making it faster than almost anything else you’ll encounter for a long time.
How to Find and Tame the White Arabian
Finding this elusive beauty is an adventure in itself. You’ll need to head to the far northwestern corner of the map, specifically to the western bank of Lake Isabella.
- Travel to Lake Isabella: Ride up into the snowy mountains of Ambarino. The White Arabian typically roams on the western side of the frozen lake.
- Spot the Horse: Its white coat makes it difficult to spot in the snow. Use your binoculars to scan the area. It often spooks easily, so approach with caution.
- Approach Slowly: Once you spot it, dismount your current horse and approach on foot. Hold the “Calm” button and move forward slowly. If the horse gets agitated and raises its head, stop moving until it calms down again.
- Break the Horse: When you’re close enough, you’ll get a prompt to mount it. Once on its back, the horse will try to buck you off. You need to counteract its movements with your left stick (pull back when it lunges forward, and push forward when it rears up).
- Saddle Up: After a short struggle, the horse will be broken. Immediately transfer your saddle from your old horse to the Arabian to make it your main mount.
The Absolute Speed Champions (Late-Game Purchases)
While the White Arabian is phenomenal, if your sole focus is the highest possible speed stat, there are a few horses you can purchase in the later chapters that have a higher base speed. These mounts are true racing breeds and are considered among the very fastest horses in Rdr2 story.
Missouri Fox Trotter
The Missouri Fox Trotter is widely regarded by the community as one of the best all-around horses in the game. It combines a top-tier base speed stat with excellent stamina and health, making it a reliable and incredibly fast companion. The speed of these horses is a key reason players seek them out, very much like how they look for the rdr2 fastest horse story mode.
- Base Stats: 7 Speed / 5 Acceleration / 6 Health / 5 Stamina
- Handling: Standard
- Availability: Two coats, the Amber Champagne and the Silver Dapple Pinto, become available for purchase at the Scarlett Meadows Stable (Chapter 4) and the Blackwater Stable (Epilogue), respectively.
With proper equipment, a Missouri Fox Trotter can reach the maximum speed of 10, making it an absolute blur across the plains.
A powerful Missouri Fox Trotter, another one of the fastest horses in rdr2 story, gallops across the Heartlands at sunset, its dappled coat shining.
Brindle Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a born racer. While its health and stamina are slightly lower than other top-tier horses, its speed and acceleration are exceptional. The unique Brindle coat is a rare variant that can be difficult to acquire.
- Base Stats: 7 Speed / 5 Acceleration / 4 Health / 4 Stamina
- Handling: Race
- Availability: This horse is sometimes found as a random encounter being ridden by an NPC or can be purchased at the Strawberry Stables starting in Chapter 3.
Reverse Dapple Roan Nokota
The Nokota is another horse built for pure speed. It’s nimble and quick, though its lower health makes it a bit of a glass cannon in a firefight.
- Base Stats: 7 Speed / 5 Acceleration / 3 Health / 3 Stamina
- Handling: Race
- Availability: You can purchase the Reverse Dapple Roan coat from the Saint Denis Stable starting in Chapter 4.
Other Elite Horses Worth Considering
Speed isn’t everything. Sometimes, a balance of stats or a specific temperament is more valuable. The game features many excellent rdr2 story mode horses that offer different advantages. Here are a couple of other elite options.
The Black and Rose Grey Bay Arabians
If you love the elite handling of the White Arabian but want better stats, its stable-bought cousins are fantastic choices.
- Black Arabian: Available from the Saint Denis stable in Chapter 4. It boasts 6 Speed and 6 Acceleration with slightly better health and stamina than its white counterpart.
- Rose Grey Bay Arabian: Arguably the best horse in the entire game, but it’s only available in the Blackwater Stable during the epilogue. It has incredible, well-rounded stats that make it a true powerhouse.
Turkoman
The Turkoman is a unique crossbreed of a race and warhorse. It offers a fantastic balance of good speed (base 6), solid acceleration, and, most importantly, excellent health and a brave temperament. It won’t buck you off at the first sign of a predator, making it a reliable choice for dangerous territory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the absolute fastest horse in RDR2 story mode?
The horses with the highest base speed stat (7) are the Missouri Fox Trotter, the Brindle Thoroughbred, and the Reverse Dapple Roan Nokota. When fully bonded and equipped with the best tack, these horses can reach the maximum possible speed in the game.
Can I get a fast horse early in RDR2?
Yes. The best and fastest horse you can get for free in the early game (Chapter 2) is the White Arabian, found in the wild near Lake Isabella. It has excellent all-around stats and elite handling.
Does the saddle make a difference in horse speed?
Yes, absolutely. Your saddle and, more specifically, your stirrups provide significant boosts to your horse’s Speed and Acceleration stats. Equipping the best tack from a Trapper or stable is crucial for maximizing performance.
Is the Arabian the fastest horse in the game?
No. While Arabians are very fast and have the best “Elite” handling, the Missouri Fox Trotter and certain Thoroughbred/Nokota coats have a higher base speed stat. However, many players prefer the Arabian’s agility. This raises interesting questions about equine genetics, though unlike some speculation suggests, there is no way to answer [can you breed horses in rdr2 story mode](https://dogcarestory.com/can-you-breed-horses-in-rdr2-story-mode/).
Conclusion
Choosing the right horse is a pivotal part of your Red Dead Redemption 2 experience. For the early-game adventurer, the free White Arabian is a peerless companion that will serve you well through the entire narrative. As you progress and earn more money, you can invest in one of the true speed demons like the Missouri Fox Trotter to achieve the pinnacle of equine performance. Ultimately, whether you prioritize the raw velocity of a Fox Trotter or the nimble agility of an Arabian, finding the fastest horses in RDR2 story will make your journey across the American frontier that much more thrilling.
