In the sprawling, untamed world of Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse is more than just a mode of transport—it’s your most loyal companion, your partner in crime, and your key to survival. The bond you forge with your steed is as crucial as the guns you carry. Choosing the right mount from the many Horses Rdr2 Story Mode has to offer can dramatically change your experience, affecting everything from travel speed to your success in a frantic firefight. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find, train, and bond with the perfect equine partner for Arthur Morgan’s journey. Exploring the world on horseback is a core part of the game, much like discovering the various rare horses rdr2 story that roam the wilderness.
Understanding Horse Stats in RDR2
Before you go hunting for a specific breed, it’s essential to understand what makes a horse great. Every horse in the game is defined by a few key attributes: Health, Stamina, Speed, and Acceleration.
- Health: This determines how much damage your horse can take before being critically injured or dying. A horse with high health is crucial for surviving ambushes and shootouts.
- Stamina: This stat governs how long your horse can gallop at full speed before getting tired. High stamina is perfect for long journeys across the map or outrunning the law.
- Speed: The maximum top speed your horse can reach. While important, it’s often balanced by acceleration.
- Acceleration: How quickly your horse can reach its top speed from a standstill. High acceleration is fantastic for quick getaways.
These stats are represented by rings around your horse’s core icon on the HUD. As you increase your bond with your horse, these stats will improve, unlocking new abilities along the way.
The Best Horses in RDR2 Story Mode (And Where to Find Them)
While any horse can get you from Valentine to Saint Denis, some breeds are simply a cut above the rest. These elite horses combine top-tier stats, making them the most sought-after mounts in the game.
The White Arabian: A Legendary Ghost
Often considered the best horse you can get for free, the White Arabian is a truly exceptional animal. It belongs to the “Elite” handling class, meaning it responds to your commands with incredible precision.
- Base Stats: 6 Health, 6 Stamina, 6 Speed, 6 Acceleration.
- Location: This legendary beauty can be found in the wild, roaming the snowy banks of Lake Isabella in the western Grizzlies. Taming it is a challenge; you’ll need to approach slowly, calm it repeatedly, and be persistent. But the reward is a top-tier horse available as early as Chapter 2.
A stunning white Arabian, one of the best horses in RDR2 story mode, standing in the snowy landscape of Lake Isabella.
Turkoman: The Battle-Ready Beast
If you’re looking for a horse that won’t panic at the first sign of gunfire, the Turkoman is your best bet. This breed is a cross between a war horse and a racehorse, giving it excellent health, great speed, and a brave temperament. It’s a reliable partner for any bounty hunter or outlaw.
- Base Stats: High health and good speed. Different coat colors become available at various stables as you progress through the story.
- Location: You can purchase a Gold Turkoman from the Saint Denis stable in Chapter 4, a Dark Bay Turkoman from the Blackwater stable in the epilogue, and a Silver Turkoman from the Tumbleweed stable, also in the epilogue. The variety of options is great for players wanting to find the perfect companion, unlike the more limited selection of new horses in rdr2 story mode which can be harder to come by.
Missouri Fox Trotter: Speed and Stamina
For those who prioritize speed and endurance above all else, the Missouri Fox Trotter is the pinnacle of equine performance. It boasts some of the best base stats in the game, making it an ideal choice for traversing the massive map quickly and efficiently.
- Base Stats: Excellent speed and stamina, with decent health.
- Location: The Champagne Amber coat becomes available at the Scarlett Meadows Stable from Chapter 4, while the Silver Dapple Pinto can be found at the Blackwater Stable in the epilogue.
How to Get a Great Horse for Free
Not everyone wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a new horse. Thankfully, the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is full of opportunities to acquire a quality steed without spending a dime. Besides the legendary White Arabian, you can find other wild horses with decent stats, such as the Nokota or the American Paint.
The key is taming. To tame a wild horse:
- Approach Slowly: Hold L2/LT to focus on the horse and approach with caution.
- Calm It: As the horse becomes agitated, press Square/X to calm it. A white bar in the bottom right will show its agitation level.
- Mount: Once you’re close enough, you’ll get a prompt to mount the horse.
- Break It: The horse will try to buck you off. Hold the left stick in the opposite direction of the horse’s movement to stay balanced until it calms down.
Once tamed, place your saddle on it to make it your main horse. This process applies to most wild horses rdr2 story mode offers. Knowing the value of a horse is key, and some players might wonder, can you sell horses in rdr2 story mode, which you can at stables for a modest price.
Mastering Horse Bonding and Its Perks
Bonding with your horse is a critical mechanic that unlocks its full potential. A stronger bond not only increases its Health and Stamina but also grants you access to new maneuvers. There are four bonding levels:
- Level 1: The base level. Your horse’s stats are at their minimum.
- Level 2: Your horse can rear by holding R1/RB and pressing Square/X. Its stamina and health increase.
- Level 3: Your horse can perform a skid turn or skid stop by holding R1/RB and X/A while moving. More health and stamina are gained.
- Level 4: Your horse can perform piaffe (drifting) by holding Square/X while moving. Its stats are maxed out, and it becomes much more reliable.
To increase your bond, you should regularly feed, brush, and calm your horse. Riding it, patting it, and leading it also contributes to the bond over time. A strong bond is the hallmark of a true gunslinger’s relationship with their companion.
Arthur Morgan brushing his loyal horse in RDR2 story mode to increase their bond and stamina.
Upgrading Your Steed: Saddles and Stables
Even the best horse can be improved with the right equipment. Saddles are not just cosmetic; they provide significant stat boosts. A high-quality saddle can improve your horse’s Stamina Core, Stamina Regen Rate, and Health Core. Combine this with upgraded stirrups, which add a direct boost to your horse’s Speed and Acceleration bars, and you can turn a good horse into a legendary one.
Stables are your hub for all things horse-related. Here you can:
- Buy and sell horses.
- Purchase provisions and equipment.
- Customize your horse’s appearance, from its mane and tail style to the saddle horn.
- Store multiple horses, allowing you to have different mounts for different tasks.
It’s a good idea to visit a stable regularly to stock up on Horse Reviver and ensure your companion is well-cared for. While you can’t bring over your prized multiplayer mounts, understanding the options among the base rdr2 horses story mode is part of the core single-player experience. Many wonder if there is a way to get rdr2 online horses in story mode, but unfortunately, the two inventories are kept separate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fastest horse in RDR2 story mode?
The Missouri Fox Trotter and the Arabian generally have the highest top speed and acceleration stats, especially when fully bonded and equipped with the best tack.
Can you lose a horse permanently?
Yes. If your horse is critically injured, you have a short time to use a Horse Reviver. If you fail to do so or if it dies from a major fall or explosion, it is gone for good. Always keep Horse Reviver on hand.
How do you calm your horse in combat?
During a fight, your horse can become agitated. Pressing L3/LS to calm it will help it stay steady, preventing it from bucking you off at a critical moment. This is especially useful for horses with a lower bravery stat.
Where is the best place to find wild horses?
The Heartlands and the plains of West Elizabeth are excellent areas for finding a wide variety of wild horse breeds. For more unique breeds, you’ll need to explore specific locations, like Lake Isabella for the White Arabian.
Does the horse’s gender matter in RDR2?
No, the gender of your horse is purely cosmetic and has no impact on its stats, performance, or behavior in the game.
Your Journey Awaits
Choosing from the diverse roster of horses rdr2 story mode provides is a deeply personal and rewarding part of the adventure. Whether you prefer the raw speed of an Arabian, the steadfast courage of a Turkoman, or the balanced grace of a wild Mustang, your horse will be your shadow through every sunset, shootout, and long ride home. Take the time to build that bond, care for your companion, and you’ll have a partner you can truly rely on in the beautiful but brutal American frontier.
