In the sprawling, untamed world of Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s your most loyal companion, your partner in crime, and a crucial tool for survival. The bond you forge with your steed is as important as the gun on your hip. Choosing the right one from the vast selection of Rdr2 Story Mode Horses can dramatically change your experience, making every journey, chase, and escape more thrilling. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the best breeds to where to find them.
The connection you build with your horse is a core mechanic of the game. A strong bond unlocks impressive maneuvers like drifting and piaffing, making you a formidable force in a gunfight. A skittish, untrained horse might buck you off at the first sign of a predator, while a brave, loyal steed will stand its ground. Understanding this relationship is fundamental, much like knowing about all horses rdr2 story mode provides a complete picture of your options. Let’s saddle up and explore the finest mounts the Old West has to offer.
Understanding Horse Stats: The Big Four
Before you go chasing after a specific coat, it’s vital to understand what makes a horse great. Every horse in RDR2 is defined by four main attributes: Health, Stamina, Speed, and Acceleration.
- Health: This is the amount of damage your horse can take before it’s critically injured or dies. A horse with high health is essential for surviving ambushes and intense shootouts.
- Stamina: This stat determines how long your horse can gallop at full speed before getting tired. High stamina is perfect for long journeys across the map and outrunning the law.
- Speed: This is the horse’s maximum top speed. While a high speed stat is great, it’s often balanced by other attributes.
- Acceleration: This determines how quickly your horse can reach its top speed from a standstill. High acceleration is invaluable for quick getaways.
A hidden stat, “Handling,” also plays a role. Horses are categorized with Standard, Race, Heavy, or Elite handling, affecting their agility and responsiveness. Elite handling, found on the best horses, makes them feel incredibly nimble and easy to control.
The Best RDR2 Story Mode Horses to Find
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, some horses are statistically superior to others. If you’re looking for the best of the best, these breeds should be at the top of your list.
The Legendary White Arabian
Often hailed as the king of wild horses, the White Arabian is one of the best mounts you can acquire for free, and it’s available relatively early in the game.
- Location: You can find this elusive beauty roaming the western bank of Lake Isabella in the snowy region of Ambarino.
- Stats: It boasts Elite handling and starts with high stats across the board, which only improve with bonding.
- Taming: Be prepared for a challenge. You’ll need to approach slowly, calming it as you get closer. Once you mount it, be ready to balance as it tries to buck you off. It’s a test of patience but well worth the reward.
Missouri Fox Trotter
For those who prefer to buy their steeds, the Missouri Fox Trotter is a top-tier choice available at stables. It offers a fantastic blend of speed and stamina, making it arguably the best all-around horse in the game.
- Location: The Amber Champagne coat becomes available at the Scarlett Meadows Stable starting in Chapter 4. The Silver Dapple Pinto is available at the Blackwater Stable in the Epilogue.
- Stats: With a base speed that’s hard to beat and excellent stamina, this horse is built for covering long distances quickly without tiring out. This is often considered the rdr2 best story mode horse for players who value pure performance.
Turkoman
If you need a horse that won’t flee at the first gunshot, the Turkoman is your answer. This breed is a mix of a race and war horse, giving it great speed, health, and bravery.
- Location: Different coats become available at various stables as you progress. The Gold Turkoman can be found at the Saint Denis stable in Chapter 4.
- Stats: Its high health and stamina make it a reliable partner in combat situations. It’s fast, brave, and can take a punch, making it a favorite for bounty hunters and gunslingers.
How to Get a Great Horse for Free
Not everyone wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a horse. Luckily, the world is full of high-quality steeds you can acquire through taming or other means. Besides the White Arabian, you can often find decent breeds like the Appaloosa, Nokota, and Mustang in the wild.
To tame a wild horse:
- Spot a horse: Use your binoculars to identify the breed and coat from a distance.
- Approach slowly: Hold L2/LT to focus on the horse and approach with caution.
- Calm it: Speak to the horse in a soothing tone by pressing the “Calm” button as you get closer. Watch its agitation meter.
- Pat and mount: Once you’re close enough, you’ll have the option to pat it before swinging into the saddle.
- Break it in: The horse will immediately try to buck you off. You need to pull the left stick in the opposite direction of the horse’s movement to stay balanced.
Once the horse stops bucking, it’s yours. Just remember to put your saddle on it to make it your primary horse. While you can find many horses, one thing that is not possible is breeding. The question often comes up, can you breed horses in rdr2 story mode, and the answer is a firm no; the game’s mechanics do not support it.
Building the Ultimate Bond with Your Horse
Acquiring a great horse is just the beginning. The real magic happens as you increase your bond level, which goes from 1 to 4. A higher bond level unlocks new abilities and improves your horse’s stats.
How to Increase Horse Bonding:
- Riding: Simply riding your horse will slowly increase the bond.
- Feeding: Give your horse treats like oatcakes, apples, and hay. A well-fed horse is a happy horse.
- Grooming: When your horse gets dirty, its health core will drain faster. Brushing it regularly keeps it clean and strengthens your connection.
- Praising: Patting and praising your horse frequently, especially when it’s performing well, is the quickest way to bond.
Unlocked Abilities:
- Level 2: Your horse can rear back on its hind legs.
- Level 3: It can perform a skid turn or skid stop, perfect for quick direction changes.
- Level 4: Your horse learns to piaffe (drift), allowing it to move sideways while trotting.
A fully bonded horse will be more courageous, have more health and stamina, and come when you whistle from a much greater distance. It truly transforms your horse from a simple vehicle into a trusted partner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fastest horse in RDR2 story mode?
The Missouri Fox Trotter and the Rose Grey Bay Arabian (available in the epilogue) have the highest base speed stats in the game. With the right saddle and by winning races, their speed can be maxed out.
What happens to my rdr2 story mode horses if they die?
If your horse is critically injured, you have a short window to revive it with a Horse Reviver tonic. If you don’t, or if it dies instantly, it is gone forever. Always keep Horse Revivers on hand.
Where can I find new horses?
Besides taming wild ones, you can purchase rdr2 story mode new horses from stables found in major towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, and Strawberry. You can also acquire them by stealing them, though you won’t be able to saddle or sell them at a stable unless they are broken in.
Can you sell stolen horses?
Yes, but not at regular stables. You’ll need to find a Horse Fence, like the one run by Clay and Clive at Clemens Cove. However, as the game makes clear when you wonder can you sell stolen horses in rdr2 story mode, the payout is significantly less than what you would get for a legally owned horse.
How many horses can you own at once?
You can own up to four horses at a time. Three can be stabled, and one will be your active horse. Managing your stable allows you to pick the right horse for the right mission.
Your Perfect Companion Awaits
The world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is designed to be immersive, and the deep, rewarding system for rdr2 story mode horses is a testament to that. Whether you spend hours tracking the legendary White Arabian in the mountains, save up your earnings for a top-tier Turkoman, or simply find a wild Mustang that captures your heart, your journey will be defined by the companion you choose. Take the time to build that bond, care for your steed, and it will repay you with loyalty that can’t be bought. Now go find your perfect four-legged friend and ride off into the sunset.
