In the sprawling, rugged world of Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse is more than just a mode of transport; it’s your confidant, your partner in crime, and your key to survival. The bond you forge is as real as any other in the game. With a vast world to explore, knowing all about the Rdr2 Story Mode All Horses is essential for any aspiring outlaw. From wild mustangs roaming the plains to elite Arabians hidden in the mountains, this guide will walk you through every horse available, where to find them, and how to choose the perfect companion for your journey. Finding the best horse in story mode rdr2 is a game-changer, and your adventure starts here.
Understanding Your Steed: Horse Stats and Classes
Before you start your search, it’s crucial to understand what makes a horse great. Each horse is defined by its Health, Stamina, Speed, and Acceleration stats. These core attributes are influenced by the horse’s breed, coat, and your bonding level with it.
Horses are also categorized into several classes, which give you a quick idea of their strengths:
- Riding: Balanced and reliable, great for general travel.
- Draft: Strong and sturdy, but often slow. Primarily used for pulling wagons.
- Work: Resilient and calm, with good health and stamina.
- War: Brave in combat, with high health and stamina, but can be less speedy.
- Race: Built for speed, with excellent acceleration but often lower health.
- Superior: A special class reserved for the best all-around horses in the game, excelling in multiple categories.
The Elite Mounts: Superior Horses You Can’t Ignore
While every horse has its charm, a few breeds stand head and shoulders above the rest. These Superior class horses offer the best stats and are highly sought after by players looking for a legendary mount.
The Legendary Arabian
Often hailed as the king of horses in RDR2, the Arabian is in the Superior class for a reason. It boasts “Elite” handling, making it incredibly responsive, and its stats are some of the highest you can find.
- White Arabian: This iconic horse can be found in the wild, roaming the western shores of Lake Isabella in the snowy region of Ambarino. It’s a completely free, top-tier horse available from Chapter 2, but be prepared for a challenge; it’s famously difficult to tame.
- Black Arabian: Available for purchase at the Saint Denis stable from Chapter 4. It has slightly better health and stamina than its white counterpart.
- Rose Gray Bay Arabian: This rare coat becomes available for purchase at the Blackwater stable during the Epilogue. It possesses the highest combined stats of any horse you can buy.
- Warped Brindle Arabian: A unique coat found in the wild just west of the Wapiti Indian Reservation. It’s another excellent free option with stats comparable to the White Arabian.
The Powerful Turkoman
A fantastic mix of the War and Race classes, the Turkoman is a brave, fast, and healthy horse. It won’t get spooked easily in a gunfight, making it an incredibly reliable partner. You can’t find them in the wild; they must be purchased from stables.
- Gold Turkoman: Available at the Saint Denis stable starting in Chapter 4.
- Silver Turkoman: Found at the Tumbleweed stable in the Epilogue.
- Dark Bay Turkoman: Can be bought from the Blackwater stable during the Epilogue.
The Swift Missouri Fox Trotter
If raw speed is your goal, the Missouri Fox Trotter is your horse. It shares the highest base speed stat in the game and has a massive stamina pool, making it perfect for crossing the map in record time. Like the Turkoman, these must be purchased.
- Amber Champagne: Available at the Scarlett Meadows stable starting in Chapter 4.
- Silver Dapple Pinto: Can be purchased at the Blackwater stable during the Epilogue.
A Comprehensive Guide to All Horses and Locations
Beyond the “big three,” the world is filled with a rich variety of breeds to discover. Having a grasp of all horses in rdr2 story mode will enrich your gameplay experience immensely.
Wild Horses of Note
Many excellent horses can be tamed for free if you know where to look. The wilderness is home to some hidden gems.
- Mustang: A fantastic War/Work hybrid. The rare Tiger Striped Bay coat is found in the Rio Del Lobo Rock area of New Austin, while the Grullo Dun and Wild Bay can be found in the Heartlands.
- American Standardbred: A solid racehorse. The jet Black coat can be found in the wild at Little Creek River in West Elizabeth, and the Buckskin is also found roaming the Heartlands.
- Nokota: Another speedy breed. The unique Blue Roan and White Roan coats are often found in the fields west of Saint Denis and along the Kamassa River.
- Appaloosa: A striking and dependable workhorse. The extremely rare Few-Spotted coat has a chance to spawn with wild Appaloosa herds west of Donner Falls or at a specific campsite near the “H” in New Hanover on the map.
Unique and One-of-a-Kind Horses
Some horses are truly unique, tied to specific characters or missions. These are often missed by players on their first playthrough.
According to Dr. Alistair Finch, a digital historian specializing in virtual ecosystems, “The equine system in Red Dead Redemption 2 is remarkable. It’s not just a travel mechanic; it’s a relationship system. The process of finding, taming, and bonding with one of the game’s many distinct horses creates a narrative anchor for the player that is both personal and profound.”
- Buell: A beautiful Cremello Gold Dutch Warmblood with great stats. This horse is a reward for completing the stranger mission series “The Veteran” with Hamish Sinclair. You can get him as either Arthur or John.
- Raven Black Shire: This massive, impressive horse is given to you by Hosea during the Chapter 2 mission “Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego.” Many players sell it, but it’s the only one of its kind you can acquire.
- Rachel: The beautiful Seal Brown Thoroughbred that John gets during the Epilogue. She’s a loyal and dependable mount with a special connection to the story.
- Mahogany Bay Tennessee Walker: This is the first horse you get in the game during the opening chapter. While its stats are modest, it holds a special place as your first companion.
From Wild Beast to Loyal Companion: Taming & Bonding
Finding a wild horse is only the first step. To make it yours, you need to tame it. Knowing how to handle rdr2 all story mode horses is a fundamental skill.
- Approach Slowly: Spot the horse you want with your binoculars. Hold L2/LT to focus on it and approach slowly.
- Calm It: As you get closer, a “Calm” bar will appear. Tap the corresponding button (Square/X) repeatedly to talk to the horse and keep it from bolting. If it gets agitated, stop moving until it settles.
- Pat and Mount: Once you’re close enough, you’ll get a prompt to pat the horse. After patting it, you can swing your leg over and mount it.
- Break It In: The horse will immediately try to buck you off. You need to hold the left analog stick in the opposite direction of the horse’s movement (e.g., if it lurches forward, pull back). After a few seconds, it will submit, and the horse is yours.
Once tamed, you must build a bond with your horse to unlock its full potential. Bonding increases its stats and unlocks special maneuvers. You can increase your bond by patting, feeding, grooming, and riding your horse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best free horse in RDR2 story mode?
The White Arabian, found near Lake Isabella, is widely considered the best free horse. It has elite stats and handling and can be acquired as early as Chapter 2. The Warped Brindle Arabian is a close second.
Where is the rarest horse in RDR2?
The Few-Spotted Appaloosa is arguably the rarest, as its appearance among wild herds is based on random chance. Other contenders include unique coats like the Tiger Striped Bay Mustang, which can only be found in one region.
Can you get New Austin horses as Arthur?
In the standard game, Arthur cannot access New Austin as he is wanted dead or alive there. Therefore, horses like the Tiger Striped Bay Mustang are intended for players to find during the Epilogue as John.
How many horses can you stable?
You can own a total of four horses. Three can be kept in stables across the map, and one will be your primary, active horse that follows you.
What happens to your horses at the end of Chapter 6?
This is a major story spoiler. At the end of Arthur’s journey in Chapter 6, any horse you have bonded with will be lost. You will start the Epilogue with a new horse.
The Journey is the Destination
Your quest to find and catalog all the horses is a massive undertaking, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences the game has to offer. While the Arabians and Missouri Fox Trotters might top the stat sheets, the best horse is ultimately a matter of personal preference. It might be the rare mustang you spent hours tracking or the trusty Thoroughbred that got you through countless firefights. The true magic of the game lies in the stories you create with your loyal steed. So saddle up, explore the vast frontier, and find the perfect partner for your Red Dead Redemption 2 adventure. This comprehensive look at rdr2 story mode all horses should set you on the right path.
