The Wild West of Red Dead Redemption 2 is a vast, untamed landscape, and no cowboy is complete without their trusty steed. In RDR2 Online, horses are more than just transportation; they are companions, essential tools for survival, and a significant part of the player’s identity. Whether you’re a seasoned outlaw or a fresh-faced greenhorn, understanding the nuances of acquiring, caring for, and utilizing horses in RDR2 Online’s Story Mode is crucial. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into everything you need to know about your four-legged partners, ensuring you’re always one step ahead in the rugged world of Red Dead Redemption 2.
The Importance of Horses in RDR2 Online
Horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 Online serve multiple critical functions. Primarily, they are your fastest mode of travel across the sprawling map, allowing you to cover great distances efficiently. Beyond speed, your horse influences your combat effectiveness. A faster, more stable horse can help you escape ambushes or close the distance on targets. Furthermore, your bond with your horse directly impacts its performance. A higher bond level unlocks new maneuvers, improves handling, and increases the horse’s stamina and health, making it a more reliable partner in all situations. The emotional connection players develop with their horses also adds a unique layer of immersion to the game, transforming them from mere AI-controlled assets into cherished companions.
Acquiring Your First Horse and Beyond
When you first start your journey in RDR2 Online, you’ll be given a starter horse as part of the tutorial. While functional, this horse is typically a lower-tier breed and won’t serve you well in the long run. As you progress, you’ll want to upgrade.
Purchasing Horses at Stables
The primary way to acquire new horses is by visiting any of the Stables scattered throughout the game world. Here, you can browse a variety of breeds, each with unique stats and characteristics. Stables offer horses across different classes, such as racehorses, workhorses, and all-rounders.
- Breed Matters: Different breeds excel in different areas. For instance, Arabian horses are known for their speed and courage, making them excellent for racing and combat, while the Shire, a draft horse, offers superior health and stamina, ideal for long journeys and heavy loads.
- Stats to Consider: Pay close attention to a horse’s Health, Stamina, Speed, and Acceleration stats. These directly influence how well your horse performs in various situations. Higher stats generally come with a higher price tag.
- Coat Variations: Within each breed, there are multiple coat variations, which are purely cosmetic. Choose the one that best suits your style.
Free Roam and Wild Horse Taming
For the more adventurous player, taming wild horses is a viable option, and can even lead to acquiring some of the rarer breeds for free.
- Locating Wild Horses: Different horse breeds spawn in specific regions of the map. For example, you’re more likely to find Mustangs in the Great Plains or Arabians in the northern parts of the map like near O’Creagh’s Run.
- The Taming Process: To tame a wild horse, you’ll need to approach it cautiously, calm it, and then attempt to mount it. Once mounted, the horse will buck and try to throw you off. You’ll need to counter its movements by gently pulling back on the analog stick in the direction it’s trying to move. It’s a delicate balance of control and gentle pressure.
- Breaking the Horse: After a successful mount and initial fight, you’ll need to “break” the horse. This involves staying mounted while the horse continues to buck and run. Continue to counter its movements until its stamina bar is depleted. Once broken, you can lead it to a stable to be registered and renamed.
Horse Care and Bonding
A well-cared-for horse performs better and is more loyal. Building a strong bond with your horse unlocks its full potential.
Maintaining Your Horse’s Well-being
- Feeding: Horses need to be fed regularly to maintain their health and stamina. You can feed them by approaching them with an apple, carrot, or by purchasing horse treats from the stables or a general store. Feeding your horse also increases your bond.
- Grooming: Grooming your horse by stroking it or brushing it not only strengthens your bond but also replenishes its cores. This can be done from the Player Menu.
- Healing: If your horse takes damage, its health core will be depleted. You can replenish it with tonics or by resting at a camp or hotel. Wounds can be treated with horse medicine.
The Bonding System
Your bond with your horse progresses through four levels. Each level unlocks new abilities:
- Level 1: Basic handling, basic whistle.
- Level 2: Improved stamina, can learn to move sideways.
- Level 3: Can learn to rear on command, improved acceleration.
- Level 4: Maximum stats, can learn advanced maneuvers like a drift turn, and whistles from further away.
You increase your bond by riding your horse, feeding it, grooming it, and completing missions with it. The more you interact with and rely on your horse, the stronger your bond will become.
Advanced Horse Mechanics and Tips
As you become more familiar with RDR2 Online’s horses, you’ll discover advanced techniques and strategies to maximize their utility.
Horse Equipment and Customization
At the stable, you can purchase various tack for your horse, including saddles, stirrups, saddlebags, and horseshoes. These items can provide significant stat bonuses.
- Saddles and Stirrups: These are crucial for improving your horse’s Health and Stamina cores and regeneration rates, as well as Speed and Acceleration. Higher-tier saddles and stirrups offer better bonuses.
- Saddlebags: These increase your horse’s carrying capacity for items like provisions and pelts.
- Horseshoes: These can boost your horse’s Speed and Acceleration.
Customization options extend to horse masks, lanterns, and different horn styles for your saddle.
Combat and Horse Maneuvers
Your horse plays a vital role in combat. Learning to control it effectively under fire is key.
- Mounted Shooting: You can shoot from horseback using a variety of weapons. Practice aiming while riding to become proficient.
- Drift Turn: At bond level 4, you can perform a drift turn, which allows for sharp, rapid changes in direction, invaluable for evading enemies or maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Rearing: Some horses, especially those with high courage, will rear up when threatened, which can help fend off attackers or give you a moment to react.
Choosing the Right Horse for Your Playstyle
- For Racers: Prioritize horses with high Speed and Acceleration, such as the Turkoman, Arabian, or Thoroughbred.
- For Bounty Hunters and Traders: Horses with high Health and Stamina, like the Shire, Suffolk Punch, or Dutch Warmblood, are excellent choices for long pursuits and carrying heavy items.
- For All-Rounders: Breeds like the Missouri Fox Trotter or the Nokota offer a good balance of speed, health, and stamina, making them versatile for various activities.
Conclusion: Your Journey is Better Astride
Horses are an integral part of the Red Dead Redemption 2 Online experience. From the thrill of taming a wild mustang to the satisfaction of a fully bonded, customized steed carrying you to your next objective, your horse is your constant companion in the untamed frontier. By understanding the best methods for acquiring horses, diligently caring for them, and mastering advanced mechanics, you’ll not only enhance your gameplay but also forge a deeper connection with your loyal equine partner. So saddle up, hit the trails, and make your RDR2 Online adventure truly unforgettable.
