In the sprawling, untamed world of Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse is more than just a mode of transport; it’s your confidant, your pack mule, and your steadfast partner in adventure and peril. Choosing the right steed can dramatically alter your experience, making the difference between a clean getaway and becoming cougar chow. With a vast stable of options, finding the perfect equine companion can be daunting. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide to the Rdr2 Story Horses Ranked, helping you saddle up with the very best.
Understanding Horse Stats in RDR2
Before we gallop into the rankings, it’s crucial to understand what makes a horse great. The stats can seem confusing, but they boil down to a few key attributes that define your horse’s performance.
- Health: This is your horse’s life bar. A high health stat means your horse can endure more damage, whether from a hail of bullets or an unfortunate tumble down a rocky hillside.
- Stamina: This dictates how long your horse can sprint, swim, or jump before getting tired. A deeper stamina pool is essential for long-distance travel and outrunning the law.
- Speed: Represented by the white bars in the stats screen, this is your horse’s maximum potential speed. With the right saddle and stirrups, you can push this even further.
- Acceleration: This determines how quickly your horse can reach its top speed from a standstill. High acceleration is invaluable for quick escapes and winning races.
- Handling: This hidden stat defines how responsive your horse is. “Elite” handling, found only on Arabians, offers the sharpest turns and most nimble movement, while “Heavy” handling can feel sluggish.
- Bravery: While not a visible stat, a horse’s courage is paramount. A brave horse will stand its ground during a gunfight or near a predator, while a skittish one will buck you off and flee at the first sign of danger. War horses are typically the bravest.
The Best Free & Found Horses in RDR2
You don’t need a deep wallet to acquire a top-tier mount. Some of the game’s best horses are roaming wild, waiting for a skilled outlaw to tame them.
The White Arabian
Often hailed as the best “free” horse in the game, the legendary White Arabian is a ghost of the mountains. Its brilliant white coat makes it a stunning sight, but its performance is even more impressive. With elite handling, it feels incredibly responsive and agile.
- Location: Found roaming the western bank of Lake Isabella in the snowy region of Ambarino.
- Stats: Boasting high speed and acceleration, it’s one of the fastest horses you can get early on. Its health and stamina are decent but not exceptional.
- Pros: Elite handling is a game-changer; incredible speed and acceleration for free.
- Cons: Its skittish nature makes it unreliable in firefights or near predators. It is also smaller than other top horses, which some players dislike aesthetically.
The Perlino Andalusian
A true hidden gem, the Perlino Andalusian is a magnificent war horse with a stunning cream coat. It’s an excellent choice for players who value stability and courage over raw speed. This is a horse that won’t abandon you when the lead starts to fly.
- Location: Found at Brandywine Drop, northeast of the Annesburg mine, near the Roanoke Ridge waterfall.
- Stats: As a war horse, its main strengths are its phenomenal health and stamina pools. Its speed is average, but its bravery is top-notch.
- Pros: Extremely brave and a massive health bar make it perfect for combat situations.
- Cons: Slower than the top-tier racing horses.
The Warped Brindle Arabian
Another wild Arabian, the Warped Brindle, can be found much later in the game’s world but offers a slightly different profile. It’s a fantastic alternative if you’re seeking an Arabian without venturing into the snow.
- Location: Found west of the Wapiti Indian Reservation, near the cluster of rocks by the river.
- Stats: Shares the elite handling and excellent speed of its snowy cousin but possesses slightly better health.
- Pros: Superior handling and speed, easily tamed.
- Cons: Still prone to skittishness, though some players report it as being slightly braver than the White Arabian.
Top Tier Horses to Buy: RDR2 Story Horses Ranked
When you’re ready to spend some serious cash, the game’s stables offer the absolute best mounts money can buy. These horses represent the pinnacle of equine performance in the story mode.
Missouri Fox Trotter
The Missouri Fox Trotter is arguably the best all-around horse in the game. It perfectly blends the speed of a racehorse with the stamina needed for endless journeys. Many veterans consider this the peak of the rdr2 story horses ranked.
- Availability: The Amber Champagne coat is available from the Scarlett Meadows Stable (Chapter 4), and the Silver Dapple Pinto from the Blackwater Stable (Epilogue).
- Stats: It boasts incredible base speed and stamina, making it a true workhorse that can gallop across the map without breaking a sweat.
- Pros: Elite speed and a massive stamina pool make it perfect for any task. It’s also relatively brave in stressful situations.
- Cons: High price tag and not available until later in the game. Understanding how it compares to the best horse in red dead redemption 2 story mode is key for late-game players.
Turkoman
The Turkoman is a unique and highly sought-after breed that combines the traits of a race and war horse. With a slender, elegant frame and a fiery spirit, it’s a mount that looks as deadly as it feels.
- Availability: Various coats become available at the Saint Denis, Blackwater, and Tumbleweed stables as the story progresses.
- Stats: It features high health, great speed, and solid stamina. It’s a well-balanced steed that excels in combat while still being fast enough for a chase.
- Pros: The best combination of speed and health in a single package. It’s a brave and reliable partner in gunfights.
- Cons: Very expensive, with some coats locked until the epilogue.
Black Arabian
If you loved the wild White Arabian but wished for better stats, the Black Arabian is your answer. This sleek, powerful horse is the pinnacle of the Arabian breed.
- Availability: Can be purchased from the Saint Denis Stable starting in Chapter 4.
- Stats: It has the highest overall stats of any horse you can purchase before the epilogue, with fantastic speed, acceleration, and elite handling.
- Pros: Unmatched agility and responsiveness thanks to its elite handling. Extremely fast.
- Cons: Carries a hefty price tag and shares the breed’s trademark skittishness, making it less than ideal for hunting legendary predators.
Honorable Mentions: Great Horses for Your Journey
While the horses above represent the cream of the crop, many other breeds can serve you faithfully throughout your adventures.
- Dutch Warmblood: A reliable workhorse with excellent health and stamina. The beautiful Cremello Gold coat, “Buell,” can be obtained from Hamish Sinclair’s side missions.
- Andalusian: A sturdy and brave war horse found in the wild or at stables. The Perlino is the best, but other coats are still very dependable.
- Mustang: A fantastic horse that blends war and work traits. The Tiger Striped Bay is a unique, brave, and free mount found in the Rio Del Lobo Rock area.
How to Choose the Right Horse for You
Ultimately, the “best” horse depends on your playstyle. Do you prefer to face danger head-on? A brave Turkoman or Andalusian is your best bet. Are you a speed demon who loves to outrun your pursuers? The Missouri Fox Trotter or an Arabian will be your ideal companion. The variety of horses in rdr2 story mode ensures there is a perfect match for every kind of outlaw.
As seasoned horse trainer “Pathfinder” Jedediah Jones once noted, “A horse’s heart matters more than the numbers in a ledger. Find the one that feels right under your saddle, the one that shares your spirit. That’s the horse that’ll carry you through hell and back.”
Experiment with different breeds. Take time to bond with your horse, as maxing out the bonding levels will unlock crucial maneuvers and significantly boost its stats, turning a good horse into a legendary one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fastest horse in RDR2 story mode?
With a fully upgraded saddle and max bonding, the Missouri Fox Trotter has the highest potential top speed, closely followed by the Arabians and the Turkoman.
What is the bravest horse in RDR2?
War horses are the bravest class. The Turkoman, Andalusian, and Ardennes are known for their courage and will rarely buck you off, even in intense combat or when facing predators like cougars and bears.
Can you get the Rose Grey Bay Arabian in story mode?
No, the Rose Grey Bay Arabian is only available for purchase from the Blackwater Stable during the epilogue, making it an exclusive mount for John Marston.
Where is the best horse in RDR2 story mode?
The “best” horse is subjective, but the White Arabian found at Lake Isabella is considered the best free horse available early in the game. For purchase, the Missouri Fox Trotter and Turkoman, available in later chapters, are top contenders.
Does horse bonding really matter?
Absolutely. Reaching level 4 bonding with your horse is essential. It permanently increases its health and stamina cores by one full bar and unlocks advanced maneuvers like drifting and piaffe, making your horse far more capable and responsive.
Conclusion
Your journey through the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is defined by the companions you choose, and none is more important than your horse. Whether you prefer the untamed spirit of a wild Arabian, the steadfast bravery of a Turkoman, or the unmatched speed of a Missouri Fox Trotter, there is a perfect mount waiting for you. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, you can make an informed choice. So saddle up, explore the vast frontier, and find the loyal steed that will become a legend alongside you in our comprehensive rdr2 story horses ranked guide.
