In the sprawling, untamed world of Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse is more than just a mode of transport; it’s your most trusted companion. From dusty trails to frantic getaways, your equine partner is crucial to survival and success. Understanding the complete roster of Rdr2 All Story Mode Horses is key to finding the perfect mount for your journey. Whether you’re a seasoned outlaw or a new player, this guide will walk you through every breed, their stats, and where to find them. This journey has some parallels to the detailed exploration of the arabian horse story, where lineage and characteristics define value.
Understanding Horse Stats and Classes
Before diving into the specific breeds, it’s essential to understand what makes a good horse in RDR2. Every horse is defined by a few key attributes: Health, Stamina, Speed, and Acceleration. Handling also plays a significant role, determining how responsive your horse is. These stats are organized into different classes, giving you a general idea of a horse’s purpose.
- Health: The amount of damage your horse can sustain before becoming critically injured or dying. A high health bar is vital for a gunslinger who often finds themselves in a firefight.
- Stamina: This determines how long your horse can sprint, swim, or jump before getting tired. A larger stamina pool is perfect for long-distance travel across the vast map.
- Speed: The maximum top speed your horse can achieve. While important, it’s often balanced with acceleration.
- Acceleration: How quickly your horse can reach its top speed from a standstill. High acceleration is invaluable for quick escapes.
- Handling: This hidden stat comes in Standard, Race, Heavy, and Elite variants. Elite handling, found on the best horses, feels incredibly responsive, while Heavy handling can feel clunky.
Horses are also grouped into seven main classes: Riding, Draft, Work, War, Race, Multi-Class, and Superior. A War horse like the Ardennes will be brave in a gunfight, whereas a Race horse like the Thoroughbred is built for pure speed.
The legendary White Arabian, one of the most sought-after of all rdr2 story mode horses, stands majestically in the snowy landscape near Lake Isabella.
The Best of the Breeds: Finding Your Perfect Mount
While there are 19 distinct breeds available in story mode, a few stand out from the herd due to their exceptional stats and unique qualities. Finding the right one often depends on your playstyle and what you prioritize in a companion. For players interested in tracking down specific animals, the process is similar to finding rdr2 story rare horses, requiring patience and a keen eye.
The Superior Class: Arabian Horses
When it comes to the absolute best of rdr2 all story mode horses, the Arabian breed is in a class of its own. Boasting the only “Elite” handling in the game, these horses are incredibly agile and responsive. They also have some of the highest overall stats.
- White Arabian: This legendary horse can be found for free in the wild, a true treasure for those willing to brave the cold. You can find it near the western bank of Lake Isabella in the snowy region of Ambarino. It has excellent speed and acceleration, but taming it requires a patient and steady hand.
- Black Arabian: Available for purchase at the Saint Denis stable from Chapter 4 onwards, this horse offers slightly better health and stamina than its white counterpart, making it a more robust option for a price.
- Rose Grey Bay Arabian: This top-tier mount becomes available at the Blackwater stable during the Epilogue. It possesses the best all-around stats of any horse you can purchase, making it a true endgame companion.
The Power Trio: Missouri Fox Trotter, Turkoman, and Ardennes
Beyond the Arabian, several other breeds offer a fantastic balance of stats that can rival the top tier.
Missouri Fox Trotter
This breed is a fan favorite for good reason. It combines the speed of a racehorse with the stamina of a workhorse. With a base speed stat that is among the highest in the game, the Missouri Fox Trotter is perfect for crossing the map quickly. You can purchase the Amber Champagne coat from the Scarlett Meadows stable in Chapter 4, and the beautiful Silver Dapple Pinto becomes available at the Blackwater stable in the Epilogue.
Turkoman
If you’re looking for a horse that is both fast and brave, the Turkoman is an excellent choice. It’s a multi-class horse, blending the attributes of both Race and War horses. This means you get great speed and acceleration combined with high health, and it won’t easily buck you off during a wolf attack or a shootout. Different coats, like the Gold and Dark Bay, can be purchased from various stables starting in Chapter 4.
Ardennes
For the outlaw who is always in the thick of it, the Ardennes is the ultimate war horse. What it lacks in speed, it more than makes up for in health and bravery. This horse is a tank, able to absorb significant damage and remain calm under fire. The Strawberry Roan variant, available from the Van Horn stable starting in Chapter 6, has an incredibly high health stat, making it a reliable partner in any fight. The question of loyalty and companionship brings to mind a common player concern: does your horse die in rdr2 story, a topic that highlights the deep bonds formed with these virtual animals.
Free & Unique Horses Worth Acquiring
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great horse in Red Dead Redemption 2. The world is full of high-quality mounts that you can acquire through taming or as rewards from specific missions.
How do you get the best free horses?
The best free horse is undeniably the White Arabian found near Lake Isabella. For a unique and powerful mount, seek out the Tiger Striped Bay Mustang located in the Rio Del Lobo Rock area of New Austin. It’s a one-of-a-kind horse with solid stats and a striking appearance.
Another fantastic and unique horse is Buell, a Cremello Gold Dutch Warmblood. You can obtain this horse by completing the stranger mission series “The Veteran” with Hamish Sinclair. Buell has great stats, particularly in health and stamina, and comes with a touching backstory that makes him a special companion for Arthur or John. The full list of available mounts is vast, and a comprehensive look at all red dead redemption 2 story horses can help you plan your collection.
Complete List of Horse Breeds
For the dedicated collector, here is a list of all 19 horse breeds you can find in the Red Dead Redemption 2 story mode. Each breed has multiple coat variations with slightly different stats and can be found in the wild, purchased from stables, or acquired through other means.
- American Paint
- American Standardbred
- Andalusian
- Appaloosa
- Arabian
- Ardennes
- Belgian Draft
- Dutch Warmblood
- Hungarian Half-bred
- Kentucky Saddler
- Missouri Fox Trotter
- Morgan
- Mustang
- Nokota
- Shire
- Suffolk Punch
- Tennessee Walker
- Thoroughbred
- Turkoman
Exploring the world to find and tame these different breeds is a core part of the Red Dead Redemption 2 experience.
Conclusion: Your Faithful Steed Awaits
Choosing a horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a deeply personal decision. While the Arabian may have the best stats on paper, you might prefer the steadfast bravery of an Ardennes or the raw, untamed look of a Mustang. The world is filled with a diverse and incredible selection of rdr2 all story mode horses, each waiting for a rider. Take your time, explore the wilderness, visit the stables, and form a bond with the equine companion that best suits your vision of life in the Wild West. Your perfect horse is out there, waiting to be discovered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fastest horse in RDR2 Story Mode?
The Missouri Fox Trotter and the Arabian have the highest top speed and acceleration stats when fully bonded, making them the fastest horses in the game. The Brindle Thoroughbred is also a contender for pure sprinting power over short distances.
Can you keep any horse you find in the wild?
Yes, you can tame almost any wild horse you encounter. To make it your own, you must put your saddle on it or take it to a stable. Once stabled, it will become one of your main horses.
Where is the rarest horse in RDR2?
The Tiger Striped Bay Mustang is one of the rarest, as it’s a unique coat that only spawns in one location near Rio Del Lobo Rock. The White Arabian is also considered rare due to its specific spawn point and legendary status.
How many horses can you own in RDR2 Story Mode?
You can own up to four horses at any time. Three can be kept in the stable, while one will be your active horse. You can switch between them at any stable.
Does a horse’s gender affect its performance?
No, there is no in-game difference in stats or performance between male and female horses. The distinction is purely cosmetic.
