Red Dead Redemption 2’s world is vast, unforgiving, and incredibly beautiful, and traversing it is made infinitely better with the right steed. In Story Mode, your horse isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s a loyal companion, a trusted partner in your outlaw adventures, and a crucial element of your survival. Choosing the best horse can significantly impact your gameplay experience, from faster travel and better handling to increased combat effectiveness and the simple joy of riding a magnificent animal. This guide will delve deep into the world of RDR2 Story Mode horses, helping you find the perfect equine partner to accompany Arthur Morgan on his journey.
Understanding Horse Stats and Bonds in RDR2
Before we dive into specific breeds, it’s essential to understand how horses are rated and how your bond with them influences their performance. Each horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 has five core stats:
- Health: Represents the horse’s stamina in combat and how much damage it can sustain.
- Stamina: Determines how long your horse can sprint before becoming exhausted.
- Speed: The horse’s maximum running speed.
- Acceleration: How quickly the horse reaches its top speed.
- Riding Speed: The base speed of the horse when not sprinting.
These stats are further enhanced by your Horse Bonding Level. As you ride, feed, groom, and care for your horse, your bond level increases, unlocking new abilities and improving the horse’s overall performance. At bonding level 1, your horse will respond to basic commands. By level 2, it gains the ability to buck off attackers. Level 3 unlocks the ability to perform sharp turns. At level 4, your horse gains the much-coveted “Sliding Stop”, allowing for dramatic and precise braking. Finally, at level 5, your horse gains access to its full potential, with improved stats and the ability to perform “Courageous” actions, like resisting fear in dangerous situations and helping Arthur stay mounted.
Types of Horses and Their Roles
RDR2 features a wide variety of horse breeds, each falling into one of ten different classes, defined by their unique characteristics:
- Thoroughbred: Known for their speed and acceleration, making them excellent for racing and covering long distances quickly.
- Standardbred: A balanced breed with good speed and stamina, offering a reliable all-around performance.
- American Paint: Offers a good balance of speed and health, often with striking appearances.
- American Quarter Horse: Renowned for their stamina and acceleration, making them great for extended rides and quick bursts of speed.
- Appaloosa: Known for their hardiness and good stamina, often a solid choice for general gameplay.
- Arabian: While not the strongest, Arabians are exceptionally fast and agile, making them a top-tier choice for those prioritizing speed and maneuverability.
- Belgian: A sturdy and powerful breed with high health and stamina, ideal for tough terrain and combat.
- Breton: Similar to Belgians, these horses are robust and dependable, offering good health and stamina.
- campuran ( campuran ): These horses are often bred for specific purposes and can vary widely in their stats, offering unique advantages.
- Shire: One of the largest horse breeds, Shires boast impressive health and stamina, making them incredibly resilient.
Top Horse Recommendations for RDR2 Story Mode
Finding the absolute “best” horse is subjective and depends on your playstyle. However, certain breeds consistently stand out for their exceptional performance in Story Mode.
The Best All-Around Horses
For players who want a reliable companion that excels in most situations, these breeds are highly recommended:
1. Turkoman
The Turkoman is a fantastic choice for an all-around horse. Available in several coat variations (White, Dark Bay, Silver, and classic Turkoman), these horses offer a superb blend of speed, acceleration, and stamina. They possess impressive base stats that only get better as you increase your bonding level. Their health is also quite respectable, allowing them to withstand a fair amount of damage. You can purchase Turkomans from the stables in Blackwater and Tumbleweed.
2. Hungarian Halfbred
Another excellent all-rounder, the Hungarian Halfbred, often comes with a sleek appearance and a balanced set of stats. They are quick, have good stamina, and their health is sufficient for most encounters. Their acceleration is particularly noteworthy, allowing you to get up to speed rapidly. You can find Hungarian Halfbreds at the stables in Saint Denis and Strawberry.
3. Andalusian
The Andalusian is a large, powerful horse that offers a great balance of health, stamina, and decent speed. While not as fast as some of the lighter breeds, their sheer resilience and ability to handle rough terrain make them a top pick for players who engage in frequent combat or explore challenging environments. They are known for their brave temperament, which helps significantly at higher bonding levels. The Andalusian can be found in the stables at Benedict Point and Puerto Los Lobos.
The Fastest Horses for Pure Speed
If your priority is covering ground as quickly as possible, whether for races or escaping the law, these breeds are your best bet:
1. Arabian (White Coat)
Often cited as the best horse in the game, the White Arabian is a legendary find. It boasts unparalleled speed and acceleration, coupled with surprisingly good stamina and health for its class. Its agility is also exceptional, allowing for quick turns and dodges. The White Arabian can be found in the wild, at O’Creagh’s Run in the Grizzlies East. It’s a wild horse, so you’ll need to approach and break it.
2. Turkoman (White or Silver Coat)
As mentioned earlier, the Turkoman excels in speed. The White and Silver coat variations, in particular, offer some of the highest speed and acceleration stats available for purchase, making them excellent choices for those who value raw velocity.
The Most Resilient Horses for Combat and Tough Terrain
When facing down enemies or navigating treacherous landscapes, you need a horse that can take a beating and keep going:
1. Shire
The Shire is one of the largest and most powerful horses in RDR2. Their Health and Stamina stats are exceptionally high, making them incredibly durable. While not the fastest, their resilience means they can endure significant damage during shootouts or ambushes, and their higher bonding levels enhance their courage, making them less prone to spooking. You can purchase Shires at the stables in Emerald Ranch and Strawberry.
2. Belgian Draft
Similar to the Shire, the Belgian Draft is a powerhouse. They offer a formidable combination of high Health and Stamina, making them ideal for players who prefer a horse that can withstand a lot of punishment. Their imposing size also contributes to their intimidating presence. You can find Belgian Draft horses at the stables in Saint Denis and Van Horn.
Where to Find and Acquire Your Horse
Horses can be acquired in a few ways in RDR2 Story Mode:
- Purchasing from Stables: This is the most straightforward method. Stables are located in major towns like Valentine, Strawberry, Saint Denis, Tumbleweed, Blackwater, and Emerald Ranch. Each stable offers a selection of horses for sale, with prices varying based on breed and coat.
- Wild Horse Catching: Several breeds, most notably the Arabian, must be found and broken in the wild. This involves tracking the horse, approaching it carefully, and then engaging in a mini-game to break it. Once broken, you can saddle it and take it to a stable to register it.
- Story Progression: Certain horses are given to Arthur as part of the main story missions. These are often good starter horses that will serve you well in the early chapters.
Pro Tips for Horse Care and Bonding
Maximizing your horse’s potential involves more than just picking the right breed. Consistent care and attention are key:
- Regular Grooming: Grooming your horse not only increases your bond but also replenishes its Health and Stamina cores.
- Feeding: Ensure your horse is well-fed. Use horse snacks or feed it from your inventory. A well-fed horse has full cores and performs better.
- Use Horse Snacks During Sprints: When your horse’s stamina core is depleted, using a horse snack will instantly refill it, allowing for continuous sprinting.
- Call Your Horse: Regularly call your horse using the whistle function. This keeps it close by and increases your bond.
- Stay Calm in Dangerous Situations: Panicking can cause your horse to buck you off. Try to remain calm, and your higher bond level will help your horse resist fear.
Frequently Asked Questions About RDR2 Story Mode Horses
Q1: What is the fastest horse in RDR2 Story Mode?
The White Arabian is widely considered the fastest horse in RDR2 Story Mode due to its superior speed and acceleration stats.
Q2: How do I get the best horse in RDR2 Story Mode?
The “best” horse depends on your playstyle. For speed, the White Arabian is unmatched. For a balance of stats and resilience, consider the Turkoman or Hungarian Halfbred. For combat and durability, the Shire or Belgian Draft are excellent choices.
Q3: Can I have multiple horses in RDR2 Story Mode?
Yes, you can stable multiple horses and switch between them at any stable. You can have up to three active horses stored with you at any given time.
Q4: How does horse bonding affect my horse’s performance?
As your bonding level increases, your horse gains new abilities like sliding stops and improved handling, and its overall stats for Health, Stamina, Speed, and Acceleration are enhanced.
Q5: Where can I find the Turkoman horse?
Turkomans can be purchased from stables in Blackwater and Tumbleweed. There are several coat variations available.
Conclusion: Your Loyal Companion Awaits
Choosing the right horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 Story Mode is a decision that significantly enhances your gameplay experience. Whether you prioritize breakneck speed, unwavering resilience, or a perfect balance of all-around performance, there’s a horse in Arthur’s world ready to become your trusted companion. Remember that consistent care and a strong bond will unlock the true potential of any equine friend you choose. So, explore the vast landscapes, embark on daring heists, and face down your enemies, all with the best partner by your side. Happy trails!
