Red Dead Redemption 2 offers an incredibly immersive world, and for many players, the bond with their horse is central to that experience. The introduction of new horses throughout the story mode isn’t just about acquiring a new mode of transport; it’s about finding a loyal companion that complements your playstyle and enhances your adventures across the rugged American frontier. Whether you’re a seasoned outlaw or a new rider, understanding the nuances of each breed and where to find them can significantly impact your journey. This guide delves into the exciting world of New Horses In Rdr2 Story Mode, offering insights into their characteristics, acquisition, and how they contribute to the game’s rich narrative.
Throughout Arthur Morgan’s and John Marston’s journeys, the stable becomes more than just a place to park your steed; it’s a reflection of your progress and your chosen path. As you transition from the early, often unpredictable stages of the Van der Linde gang’s exploits to more settled periods, the quality and type of horse available to you evolve. This evolution mirrors the player’s own growth within the game, offering a tangible representation of advancement. From sturdy workhorses suited for long hauls to swift steeds perfect for a quick getaway, the variety of horses available ensures there’s a perfect match for every outlaw.
Discovering New Equine Companions
The thrill of finding a new horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 often comes unexpectedly, through exploration or as part of a story mission. Unlike Red Dead Online, where purchasing horses is a primary mechanic, the story mode integrates horse acquisition more organically. Some of the most sought-after breeds become available as you progress through the chapters, while others can be “borrowed” or found in the wild. This natural integration makes each new horse feel like a genuine discovery, a reward for your dedication to the game’s immersive world.
Early Game Steeds: The Foundation
In the initial chapters, your horse options are somewhat limited, often consisting of horses provided by the gang or those you can afford early on. These horses, while perhaps not the fastest or most elegant, are reliable workhorses. They’ll serve you well during the initial heists and encounters, teaching you the fundamentals of horse care and combat. It’s during these early stages that you learn to appreciate the subtle differences in handling and stamina, preparing you for the more specialized breeds to come.
Mid-Game Advancements: Unlocking Potential
As the story progresses into Chapters 2 and 3, more diverse and capable horses begin to appear. This is often when players start actively seeking out specific breeds to enhance their gameplay experience. The stable options expand, and you might find yourself drawn to the superior stats of certain breeds. Missions will frequently lead you to areas where unique horses can be found, sometimes as rewards, other times as opportunities for a quick (and potentially illicit) acquisition. This phase of the game is crucial for understanding how different horse types can influence your success in various situations, from bounty hunting to long-distance travel.
Late-Game Powerhouses: The Pinnacle of Equine Excellence
By the later chapters, players have access to the most impressive and statistically superior horses in the game. These are the breeds that offer the best combination of speed, acceleration, health, and stamina, making them ideal for the most demanding challenges. Whether you’re engaging in high-stakes pursuits or simply want the fastest, most responsive mount for traversing the vast landscape, these late-game powerhouses are the ultimate companions. Acquiring them often involves dedicated searching or completing specific story milestones, making them a true testament to your progress in RDR2.
Notable New Horses and Where to Find Them
Red Dead Redemption 2 boasts a wide array of horse breeds, each with unique characteristics. Here are some of the most notable new horses you’ll encounter or can seek out in story mode, along with their typical acquisition methods.
The Arabian Horse: A Crown Jewel
The Arabian is arguably the most famous and sought-after breed in RDR2, renowned for its exceptional speed, acceleration, and handling. It’s considered a “saddlebred” type horse, prized for its agility and responsiveness.
- Where to Find: The most accessible wild Arabian, a stunning white coat, can be found at the northern tip of O’Creagh’s Run in the Grizzlies East area. Other coat variations can be purchased from stables later in the game or occasionally appear as mission rewards. The black Arabian and the perlino mỹ Arabian are typically available for purchase in later chapters.
- Key Features: Superior speed and acceleration, excellent handling, good stamina. It excels in races and quick getaways due to its agility.
The Turkoman: A Powerful and Elegant Mount
Turkomans are another breed that stands out for its impressive stats, particularly in health and stamina, combined with good speed. They possess a strong, noble build and are excellent for long journeys and combat.
- Where to Find: You can purchase Turkoman horses from stables in later chapters of the game. For instance, the black Turkoman is often available in the Saint Denis stable. Wild Turkoman horses are less common and typically found in specific regions, often requiring exploration.
- Key Features: High health and stamina, good speed, and decent acceleration. They are very reliable mounts for extended periods of travel and intense situations.
The Missouri Fox Trotter: Speed and Endurance
The Missouri Fox Trotter is celebrated for its incredible speed and stamina, making it one of the fastest horses in the game over long distances. Its gait is exceptionally smooth, providing a comfortable ride.
- Where to Find: While not found wild in the same way as the Arabian, Missouri Fox Trotters can be purchased from specific stables once you reach certain points in the story. The amber champagne coat variation, for example, becomes available for purchase at the Blackwater stable after Chapter 6.
- Key Features: Top-tier speed and stamina, excellent for long-distance travel and pursuits. Its smooth gait is also a notable advantage for comfort.
The Andalusian: A Strong and Hardy Companion
Andalusians are known for their strength, health, and good stamina. They have a powerful build and are very reliable, making them a solid choice for players who prioritize durability and resilience in their mounts.
- Where to Find: Andalusians can often be found in the wild in areas like the west of the map, near the Owanjila Dam, or can be purchased from stables in earlier chapters. They are frequently used as sheriff’s horses, so you might encounter them during law enforcement encounters.
- Key Features: High health and stamina, strong build, reliable in combat and for heavy-duty tasks.
The Shire Horse: The Gentle Giant
While not the fastest, Shire horses are the largest breed in the game, offering immense health and great stamina. They are perfect for players who value a horse’s ability to withstand damage and pull heavy loads, often used for wagons.
- Where to Find: Shire horses are commonly found pulling carriages or used by NPCs. They can be purchased from stables in various locations throughout the game, often appearing in the “Work Horse” or “Draft Horse” categories.
- Key Features: Highest health pool in the game, excellent stamina, very strong. Ideal for players who prefer a durable, less skittish mount.
The Dutch Warmblood: A Versatile Breed
Dutch Warmbloods offer a good balance of speed, acceleration, health, and stamina. They are a jack-of-all-trades horse, suitable for a variety of situations and playstyles.
- Where to Find: These horses can be purchased from stables starting in Chapter 2. Their availability increases as you progress through the story, with different coat variations appearing in different locations and at different times.
- Key Features: Well-rounded stats across the board, making them a versatile choice for nearly any task.
Acquiring and Caring for Your New Horse
The process of obtaining a new horse in RDR2 story mode is as varied as the horses themselves. Beyond the story-driven acquisitions and stable purchases, players can also tame and break wild horses they encounter. This process requires patience and skill, involving sneaking up on the horse, mounting it, and then calming it through a series of button prompts as it attempts to buck you off.
Once you have a new equine partner, proper care is essential to maintain their performance and bond. This includes:
- Grooming: Regularly brushing your horse removes dirt and improves its core stats slightly.
- Feeding: Providing horses with food, such as hay, oats, or tonics, replenishes their stamina and health cores and can offer temporary boosts.
- Riding: Consistent riding builds your bond with the horse, unlocking new abilities like improved evasion or the ability to navigate tighter turns. A higher bond also makes the horse less likely to be spooked.
- Stabling: When not in use, storing your horse in a stable ensures it’s safe and readily available. You can own multiple horses and switch between them at any time.
The bond you build with your horse is a core mechanic in Red Dead Redemption 2. As your bond level increases, your horse becomes more responsive, gains access to new skills, and is generally more reliable in stressful situations. This symbiotic relationship is a testament to the game’s design, making your horse feel like a true extension of your character.
The Impact of Your Horse on Gameplay
Your choice of horse significantly influences your experience in Red Dead Redemption 2. A faster horse makes covering long distances less tedious and is invaluable for escaping lawmen or pursuing targets. A horse with high health and stamina can endure longer fights and survive more perilous falls. For players focused on activities like hunting legendary animals or completing timed challenges, the right horse is not just a convenience; it’s a necessity.
Consider the different playstyles:
- The Explorer: Prefers horses with high stamina and a comfortable gait, like the Missouri Fox Trotter or a well-bonded Shire. Speed is less critical than endurance for long treks.
- The Bounty Hunter: Needs a fast and agile horse with good acceleration for pursuits and escapes. The Arabian or Turkoman are excellent choices here.
- The Collector: Benefits from a horse that can navigate varied terrain reliably and has decent stamina for covering large areas. A balanced horse like the Dutch Warmblood or a strong Andalusian works well.
- The Pure Roleplayer: May choose a horse based on aesthetics or perceived personality, aligning it with their character’s identity.
The introduction of new horses as you progress also signifies your growing capabilities and resources within the game world. From the basic steeds of the early chapters to the elite breeds of the epilogue, each new mount represents a step forward in Arthur’s or John’s journey, underscoring the importance of these equine companions in the unfolding narrative of Red Dead Redemption 2. The quest for the best horse is an integral part of the RDR2 story mode experience, adding layers of depth and personalization to the Wild West adventure.
