Welcome to the definitive guide on the best story mode horses in Red Dead Redemption 2. In the sprawling, untamed world of RDR2, your horse is more than just a mode of transport; it’s your most loyal companion, your partner in crime, and your key to survival. Choosing the right steed can dramatically alter your experience, turning a long, arduous journey into a thrilling gallop across the heartlands. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding, taming, and bonding with the finest horses the game has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned outlaw or a newcomer to the frontier, understanding the nuances of your equine ally is crucial. Let’s saddle up and explore the world of Story Mode Horses Rdr2.
One of the most immersive aspects of the game is building a bond with your horse, a feature that feels deeply personal. Exploring the world together creates a unique narrative, much like discovering all the details about all horses in rdr2 story mode enhances the overall gameplay.
Why Your Horse is Your Most Important Ally
In Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse is a living, breathing part of your journey. It’s not just a tool, but a character with its own personality, fears, and strengths. A strong bond with your horse unlocks special maneuvers, like drifting and piaffing, which are invaluable during high-stakes chases and gunfights. A trusted horse will be less likely to buck you off when a predator appears, standing its ground in the face of danger.
Furthermore, your horse carries your arsenal. The ability to store multiple outfits, hats, and a wide array of weapons on your saddle makes your horse a mobile base of operations. Neglecting your horse means risking your life and limiting your capabilities in a world that is already unforgiving. Investing time in your horse is investing in your own success as an outlaw. As Dr. Eleanor Vance, a fictional video game historian, notes, “The connection between player and horse in RDR2 is a masterclass in game design. It transforms a simple mechanic into an emotional anchor for the entire narrative.”
Understanding Horse Statistics and Classes
Before you can choose the best horse, you need to understand what makes one better than another. Every horse in the game has core attributes: Health, Stamina, Speed, and Acceleration. These stats are represented by bars that expand as your bond with the horse deepens.
- Health: This determines how much damage your horse can take before being critically injured or dying. A horse with high health is essential for surviving shootouts and unexpected falls.
- Stamina: This stat dictates how long your horse can gallop at full speed before getting tired. High stamina is crucial for long journeys and outrunning the law.
- Speed: The maximum speed your horse can achieve. While important, it’s often less critical than stamina and handling.
- Acceleration: How quickly your horse can reach its top speed from a standstill. High acceleration is excellent for quick getaways.
Horses are also categorized into different classes, such as Riding, Draft, Race, and War, each with unique strengths. War horses, for instance, are brave and have high health, while Race horses boast superior speed and acceleration. There are also multi-class horses that offer a balanced blend of attributes.
An artistic illustration of the four horse stats in RDR2—Health, Stamina, Speed, and Acceleration—with iconic imagery from the game in the background.
The Best Free Horses You Can Find in the Wild
You don’t need a fat wallet to acquire a top-tier mount. The wilderness of Red Dead Redemption 2 is home to some exceptional horses that are yours for the taking, provided you have the patience to find and tame them.
The Legendary White Arabian
Perhaps the most famous free horse in the game, the White Arabian is a truly elite steed available from as early as Chapter 2. This beautiful horse boasts some of the best stats in the game, with exceptional speed, acceleration, and handling. Its only downside is its slightly skittish nature, but a strong bond can mitigate this.
How to find the White Arabian:
- Travel to the northwestern shore of Lake Isabella, located in the snowy western Grizzlies.
- Scan the area carefully; its white coat makes it difficult to spot against the snow.
- Once you spot it, approach slowly and cautiously. Use the “Calm” interaction repeatedly.
- When you’re close enough, you’ll have the option to mount it. Be prepared for a challenge as you’ll need to balance with the left stick to break it in.
- Once tamed, place your saddle on it to make it your main horse.
Other Notable Wild Horses
While the Arabian gets all the glory, other excellent wild horses are worth your time. The Perlino Andalusian, found near Brandywine Drop, is a fantastic war horse with a brave temperament. You can also find several wild Nokotas, Thoroughbreds, and Mustangs, all of which are solid choices for the early to mid-game. Exploring the world to find your perfect free companion is one of the most rewarding parts of the game. It is a quest in itself, just like the search for the elusive black horses rdr2 story offers its own set of challenges and rewards.
Top-Tier Horses to Buy From Stables
As you progress through the story and your pockets get heavier, you’ll gain access to some of the best horses money can buy. Stables in major towns like Saint Denis and Blackwater offer powerful mounts that can handle any challenge the frontier throws at you.
Missouri Fox Trotter
Available from the Scarlett Meadows stable starting in Chapter 4, the Missouri Fox Trotter is widely considered one of the best all-around story mode horses RDR2 has to offer. It combines the speed of a racehorse with the stamina of a workhorse, making it perfect for traversing the massive map. It’s not cheap, but its incredible performance makes it worth every penny. With its high base speed and stamina, you can gallop from one end of the map to the other with minimal stops.
Turkoman
The Turkoman is a multi-class horse that blends the traits of a war and racehorse. It has excellent health, speed, and stamina, making it a reliable and versatile companion. Its bravery is a major asset, as it will rarely panic in a firefight or when facing predators. You can purchase a Turkoman from the Saint Denis stable later in the game. It’s an investment that pays off in survivability and performance.
Black Arabian
If you prefer a sleeker look without sacrificing performance, the Black Arabian becomes available at the Saint Denis stable in Chapter 4. It shares the elite handling of its white-coated cousin but boasts slightly higher health and stamina, making it a more resilient choice for dangerous encounters. Its bold black coat also makes for an imposing sight. Just as players seek out different horse colors, many are also curious about rdr2 new horses story mode to see what new options might be available.
A majestic Missouri Fox Trotter, a fierce Turkoman, and a sleek Black Arabian standing side-by-side in a rustic RDR2 stable.
How to Increase Your Horse Bonding Level Quickly
Bonding with your horse is the key to unlocking its full potential. There are four bonding levels, and each one improves the horse’s stats and unlocks new abilities. A fully bonded horse will have more health and stamina, respond to your whistle from a greater distance, and be able to perform advanced maneuvers.
Here’s how to bond with your horse efficiently:
- Patting: Frequently pat your horse (L3/LS on console) to reassure it, especially when it’s agitated.
- Feeding: Feed your horse regularly with treats like oatcakes, apples, and hay. A well-fed horse is a happy horse.
- Brushing: When your horse gets dirty, its stamina core will drain faster. Brush it to keep it clean and increase your bond.
- Leading: Instead of riding, lead your horse on foot for short distances. This is a slow but steady way to build the bond.
- Riding: Simply riding your horse will gradually increase your bond over time.
By consistently caring for your horse, you can reach the maximum bonding level in no time, creating an unbreakable connection with your trusted companion. This deep connection is a core part of the experience, similar to how players track rdr2 all story mode horses throughout their playthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fastest horse in RDR2 story mode?
The Missouri Fox Trotter and the Rose Grey Bay Arabian, both available from stables in the epilogue, are tied for the highest base speed stat in the game. With the right saddle and by winning races with NPCs, their speed can be further enhanced.
Can you get all horses in story mode?
While you can’t own every single horse coat at once due to stable limitations, you can find, tame, or buy nearly all horse breeds available in the game. Some unique horses, however, are tied to specific missions or characters. Discovering rdr2 all horses story mode is a significant part of completing the game.
Where is the White Arabian horse located?
The White Arabian can be found in the wild on the western shore of Lake Isabella, in the snowy region of Ambarino. It is available to be tamed from Chapter 2 onwards.
Do you keep your horses when you play as John?
Unfortunately, Arthur’s horses do not transfer to John in the epilogue. However, you can retrieve any horses you had stabled. It is recommended to sell any horses you are not attached to before the final missions of Chapter 6.
What is the best horse overall for Arthur Morgan?
The “best” horse often comes down to personal preference. However, for a balance of speed, health, and bravery, the Missouri Fox Trotter or the Turkoman are excellent choices. For a free and easily accessible elite horse early in the game, the White Arabian is unbeatable.
Your Perfect Companion Awaits
Choosing the right horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a journey in itself. It’s a decision that shapes your adventure, defines your playstyle, and creates unforgettable moments on the trail. From the snowy peaks of Ambarino to the bustling streets of Saint Denis, your horse will be by your side through it all. Whether you choose to tame a wild beast, invest in a thoroughbred champion, or stick with the first horse you bond with, the connection you build is what truly matters. Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge of story mode horses RDR2, go forth and find the loyal companion that will carry you through the epic tale of the Van der Linde gang.
