A reliable steed is more than just transportation in the rugged world of Red Dead Redemption 2; it’s your partner in crime, your escape vehicle, and your trusted companion through thick and thin. Finding the best mount can significantly change your experience, but the vast wilderness holds many secrets. This guide details the top Rdr2 Story Horse Locations, ensuring you’re saddled up on the finest equine talent available, from untamed beasts in the wild to prized breeds in city stables. Understanding the best horse rdr2 story location for your playstyle is the first step toward dominating the frontier.
Understanding Horse Stats in RDR2
Before we gallop into the specific locations, let’s quickly break down what makes a horse great. Every horse has core attributes: Health, Stamina, Speed, and Acceleration.
- Health: The amount of damage your horse can take before it’s critically injured or dies.
- Stamina: Determines how long your horse can sprint, climb steep hills, or swim before getting tired.
- Speed: The horse’s maximum top speed.
- Acceleration: How quickly the horse reaches its top speed from a standstill.
These stats are represented by bars that fill up as you increase your bond with the horse. A higher bond not only improves stats but also unlocks special maneuvers like drifting and piaffe.
Best Wild Horse Locations in RDR2 Story Mode
The most rewarding mounts are often the ones you find and tame yourself. These horses are free, powerful, and finding them is an adventure in itself.
The Legendary White Arabian at Lake Isabella
Arguably the most famous wild horse in the game, the White Arabian is an elite, one-of-a-kind mount you can acquire early in Chapter 2. It boasts incredible stats right from the start, making it one of the best all-around horses in the game.
- Location: Found on the western, snowy bank of Lake Isabella, in the Ambarino region.
- How to Tame: This horse is notoriously skittish. You’ll need to approach it very slowly, using the “Calm” prompt repeatedly. Crouch and move forward only when the horse is calm. Once you’re close enough, you can pat it and then attempt to mount. It will try to buck you off, so be ready to counterbalance its movements with the left stick. Once tamed, place your saddle on it to make it your main horse. This process is a great example of why knowing specific rare horse locations rdr2 story mode is so valuable for players.
The Perlino Andalusian near Brandywine Drop
If you’re looking for a brave and sturdy War Horse without spending a dime, the Perlino Andalusian is a fantastic choice. It has excellent health and stamina, making it perfect for intense firefights where lesser horses might panic and flee.
- Location: Found atop a cliff overlooking Brandywine Drop in the Roanoke Ridge area of New Hanover.
- Characteristics: This horse is known for its courage. While it may not be the absolute fastest, its willingness to stand its ground during a gunfight is an invaluable trait. Its unique cream coat also makes it a visually stunning companion.
The Warped Brindle Arabian North of Wapiti
Another elite Arabian variant can be found roaming the wilderness, offering top-tier speed and acceleration. The Warped Brindle Arabian is a hidden gem for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
- Location: Find this horse on a hill just west of the Wapiti Indian Reservation, north of the “Wapiti” text on the map.
- Taming Tip: Like its white-coated cousin, the Warped Brindle Arabian is skittish. Use your binoculars to spot it from a distance and approach with patience. The terrain here is more open than Lake Isabella, making it slightly easier to keep the horse in your sights if it bolts.
Top Horses You Can Buy or Steal
If you’ve got the cash or the criminal inclination, some of the best horses can be acquired from stables as the story progresses.
The Black Arabian in Saint Denis
For those with deep pockets, the Black Arabian becomes available in the Saint Denis stable starting in Chapter 4. It offers the highest combined stats of any horse you can purchase, with elite handling that makes it feel incredibly responsive.
- Location: The main stable in Saint Denis.
- Cost: A hefty $1,050. It’s an investment, but its performance is unmatched for many activities. As you progress, you’ll encounter a variety of rdr2 story mode new horses in stables, but the Black Arabian remains a top contender.
According to veteran RDR2 player, Dr. Alistair Finch, “The Black Arabian’s elite handling is a game-changer in tight situations. Its ability to turn on a dime and accelerate out of danger can mean the difference between a clean getaway and a coffin.”
Missouri Fox Trotter and Turkoman Breeds
Two of the best all-around horse breeds, the Missouri Fox Trotter and the Turkoman, become available for purchase in stables during Chapter 4 and later in the Epilogue.
- Missouri Fox Trotter: Known for its incredible base speed, this horse is a dream for traversing the map quickly. You can find it at the Scarlett Meadows Stable (Chapter 4) and Blackwater Stable (Epilogue).
- Turkoman: A unique crossbreed of Race and War horses, the Turkoman has great speed, health, and courage. It’s an excellent choice for bounty hunting. Look for it at the Saint Denis Stable (Chapter 4) and Blackwater Stable (Epilogue).
How to Tame a Wild Horse: A Step-by-Step Guide
Found a wild horse you want to make your own? The taming process requires a gentle touch and some patience.
- Spot Your Target: Use your binoculars to identify a horse from a distance.
- Approach Slowly: Dismount your current horse and crouch. Move towards the wild horse very slowly.
- Calm the Horse: As you get closer, a white bar in the bottom-right corner will begin to empty. Tap the “Calm” button to soothe the horse and prevent the bar from emptying completely. If it empties, the horse will bolt.
- Pat and Mount: Once you are close enough, you will get a prompt to pat the horse. After a pat, you can attempt to mount it.
- Break the Horse: As soon as you’re on its back, the horse will try to buck you off. Hold the left analog stick down and move it in the opposite direction of the horse’s bucking to stay balanced.
- Saddle Up: Once the horse stops fighting, you’ve successfully broken it. You can now ride it. To make it your primary horse, take your saddle off your old horse and place it on your new one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fastest horse in RDR2 Story Mode?
The Missouri Fox Trotter and the Arabian breeds (White, Black, and Warped Brindle) share the top spots for speed and acceleration once fully bonded.
Can you get a dead horse back?
If your horse is critically injured (not dead), you can revive it with a Horse Reviver tonic. However, if your horse truly dies, it is gone for good unless you reload a previous save file.
Where is the best free horse?
The White Arabian found at Lake Isabella is widely considered the best free horse you can get in the game, offering elite stats very early in the story.
Does horse color matter?
Horse color, or coat, is purely cosmetic and does not affect the horse’s stats. However, certain rare coats, like the Tiger Striped Bay Mustang, are unique finds.
Can you keep stolen horses?
Yes. If you steal a horse, you can take it to a stable to saddle it and purchase Horse Insurance. However, to bond with it and make it your own, you must first put your saddle on it.
Your Perfect Companion Awaits
The world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is massive, and choosing the right horse is a crucial part of your journey. Whether you prefer the thrill of taming a wild, legendary beast from the mountains or the prestige of purchasing a top-tier breed from a bustling city, there are plenty of rdr2 story horse locations to explore. Your perfect four-legged partner is out there waiting for you. Now, saddle up and ride
