Ever found yourself with a stable full of magnificent steeds in Red Dead Redemption 2 and wondered, “How do I actually turn these beauties into some much-needed cash?” It’s a common question for aspiring cowboys and cowgirls alike. While RDR2 offers a vast world filled with opportunities, selling horses isn’t as straightforward as selling a rifle or a pelt. It requires a bit of know-how and understanding the game’s mechanics. Let’s break down the process so you can start clearing out your stables and filling your pockets.
The primary way to sell horses in Red Dead Redemption 2’s story mode is by taking them to a stable. However, there’s a crucial detail: you can’t sell every horse you come across. You can only sell horses that you have purchased from a stable or those that have been permanently bonded with you. Wild horses you’ve broken and tamed cannot be sold. This distinction is key to understanding the horse-selling economy in the game.
Understanding Horse Acquisition and Sale Eligibility
Before you can sell a horse, you need to understand how you acquire them and which ones are eligible for sale.
Purchased Horses
When you visit any stable in the game world, you have the option to purchase a variety of horses. These horses are yours to keep, train, and, importantly, sell back if you decide you want to upgrade or free up a stable slot. When you sell a purchased horse, you’ll typically get back about half of what you originally paid for it. This makes buying horses a temporary investment, allowing for strategic upgrades as you progress through the story and earn more money.
Bonded Horses
As you ride a horse and care for it (feeding, brushing, etc.), your bond level with it increases. Once you reach the maximum bond level (Level 4), that horse becomes permanently bonded to you. This signifies a deep connection, and these horses, whether purchased or found and tamed (though again, wild untamed horses cannot be sold), become eligible for sale. The selling price for a bonded horse is generally higher than for a recently purchased, unbonded horse.
Wild Horses
You’ll encounter many wild horses roaming the plains, deserts, and mountains of the RDR2 world. You can tame these horses, and they can become valuable companions. However, the game is designed so that these tamed wild horses cannot be sold at a stable. Their value lies in companionship and their unique stats, not in their monetary worth to the game’s economy. If you want to sell a horse, it’s best to focus on those you acquire through legitimate stable purchases.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Your Horse
Selling a horse is a simple process once you know where to go and what to do.
Step 1: Go to a Stable
Stables are located in most of the major towns throughout the game world, such as Valentine, Strawberry, Saint Denis, Tumbleweed, and Blackwater. Look for the horseshoe icon on your mini-map to locate the nearest stable.
Step 2: Access the Stable Services
Approach the stable master and interact with them. You’ll be presented with a menu of services. Select the “Stable Services” or a similar option.
Step 3: Choose the “Sell Horse” Option
Within the stable services menu, you will find an option to “Sell Horse.” Select this option to proceed.
Step 4: Select the Horse You Wish to Sell
The game will then display all the horses currently in your possession, including those in your active stable and any others you own that might be stabled elsewhere. You can scroll through your available horses and select the one you want to sell. Remember, only purchased or fully bonded horses will be available for sale.
Step 5: Confirm the Sale
After selecting the horse, the game will show you the amount of money you will receive for selling it. This amount is typically half of the horse’s purchase price, possibly with a small bonus for bonded horses. Confirm your decision to sell, and the horse will be removed from your possession, and the money will be added to your account.
Maximizing Your Earnings from Horse Sales
While the basic mechanic is to sell at half price, there are ways to potentially increase your earnings, or at least make the most of your horse investments.
Investing in High-Value Horses
When you’re at a stable, you’ll see a variety of horse breeds with different stats and price tags. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option early on, investing in a slightly more expensive horse can pay off in the long run. Better horses have superior speed, acceleration, health, and stamina, which can make your journeys more efficient and enjoyable. When you eventually decide to sell these higher-value horses, you’ll recoup a larger portion of your initial investment.
Bonding Your Horses
As mentioned, reaching Level 4 bonding with your horse increases its overall stats and can slightly increase its selling price compared to a newly bought, unbonded horse. Dedicate time to bonding with your horses through regular riding, feeding, and grooming. This not only makes them better companions in gameplay but also offers a slight financial advantage when you decide to sell.
Strategic Stable Management
You have a limited number of stable slots. To maximize your potential earnings and maintain a functional stable, be strategic about which horses you keep. If you find a horse you love, commit to it. If you’re experimenting with different breeds or need quick cash, consider selling horses you no longer use or that have been replaced by superior mounts. This means regularly evaluating your stable and making choices about which horses are essential for your gameplay experience.
Alternatives to Selling Horses for Cash
While selling horses is a direct way to get money, it’s not always the most lucrative or efficient method. Red Dead Redemption 2 offers numerous other avenues for players to earn money:
- Hunting and Pelts: This is arguably the most consistent and profitable way to make money, especially early in the game. Hunt animals, skin them, and sell the pelts and carcasses to the Butcher. Legendary animals offer particularly high rewards.
- Bounty Hunting: Taking on bounties from the Bounty Board in towns can yield significant rewards, especially for more challenging targets. This also increases your honor and reputation.
- Robberies: While risky and detrimental to your honor, robbing trains, stagecoaches, or stores can bring in quick cash. Be prepared to deal with lawmen.
- Story Missions: Many story missions offer substantial monetary rewards upon completion.
For most players, selling horses should be seen as a way to finance upgrades or switch out companions, rather than a primary income source. The real wealth in RDR2 comes from mastering its various economic systems, from hunting and trading to more illicit activities.
Conclusion: Riding Off into the Sunset with More Gold
Selling horses in Red Dead Redemption 2’s story mode is a straightforward process centered around utilizing stable services. By understanding which horses are eligible for sale – primarily purchased or fully bonded steeds – and following the simple steps of visiting a stable and selecting the “Sell Horse” option, you can effectively manage your equine assets. While not the most profitable venture in the game, it’s an essential mechanic for upgrading your ride and keeping your stable diverse. So, the next time you’re ready for a new steed, don’t hesitate to sell your current one and venture out to find your next reliable partner on the dusty trails of the Wild West.
