Navigating the vast, untamed wilderness of Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a reliable companion, and no companion is more crucial than your horse. Your steed is more than just transportation; it’s your partner in crime, your getaway vehicle, and your confidant on long, lonely trails. But with so many breeds to choose from, finding The Best Horse In Rdr2 Story can feel like a daunting task. Are you looking for raw speed, unwavering courage in a gunfight, or a resilient beast that can gallop for miles? This guide will break down the top contenders to help you find the perfect equine partner for Arthur Morgan’s journey. Making the right choice is crucial, and it’s a question many players ask when trying to determine what is the best horse in rdr2 story mode.
What Makes a Horse “The Best” in RDR2?
Before we crown a winner, it’s essential to understand what separates a champion from a common nag. A horse’s performance is determined by several key attributes that you need to consider based on your playstyle.
Core Stats: The Foundation of Performance
Every horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 is defined by its core statistics for Health and Stamina, along with its Speed and Acceleration ratings.
- Health: This stat determines how much damage your horse can take before becoming critically injured or dying. A horse with high health is vital for players who frequently find themselves in the middle of intense shootouts.
- Stamina: This governs how long your horse can gallop at full speed before getting tired. High stamina is perfect for long-distance travel and outrunning the law across the vast map.
- Speed: As the name suggests, this is the horse’s maximum potential top speed. While a few points might not seem like much, they can make all the difference in a race or a desperate escape.
- Acceleration: This stat dictates how quickly your horse can reach its top speed from a standstill. High acceleration is excellent for getting a quick start and navigating tight, winding paths.
Handling and Bonding
Beyond the numbers, a horse’s handling classification plays a significant role in how it feels to ride. These categories range from “Heavy” and “Standard” to the more responsive “Race” and “Elite.” Elite handling horses feel incredibly agile, responding instantly to your commands, making them a joy to ride.
Furthermore, your bond with your horse is critical. As you increase your bond level (from 1 to 4) by feeding, brushing, and calming your horse, its stats will improve. A fully bonded horse will have increased Health and Stamina, can be called from a greater distance, and will be less likely to panic in stressful situations.
Top Contenders for the Best Horse in RDR2 Story
While personal preference plays a huge part, a few elite breeds consistently stand out from the herd. These horses offer a superior combination of stats and handling that makes them top-tier choices for any outlaw. The journey of where to find the best horse in rdr2 story often leads players to these specific breeds.
The Arabian: A Legendary Ghost
Often hailed as the ultimate status symbol, the Arabian is a class-defining horse known for its exceptional stats and “Elite” handling. It’s nimble, incredibly fast, and accelerates like a lightning bolt. There are a few coat variations available, but one, in particular, is the stuff of legend.
- The White Arabian: This magnificent creature is one of the best horses you can acquire, and it’s available for free if you have the nerve to tame it. It can be found in the wild, roaming the snowy banks of Lake Isabella in the northwestern part of the map.
- Pros: Elite handling, fantastic speed and acceleration, available for free from Chapter 2 onwards.
- Cons: It’s notoriously skittish. Its bravery is low, meaning it’s more likely to buck you off during a wolf attack or a heavy gunfight. Its smaller size might not appeal to players who prefer a more imposing mount.
Taming the White Arabian requires patience. You must approach it slowly, calming it as you get closer, before you get the prompt to mount it. Once on, be prepared for a wild ride as you break it in. The reward, however, is one of the finest mounts in the game.
The Missouri Fox Trotter: The Perfect All-Rounder
If you’re looking for a horse that expertly balances speed, stamina, and a decent temperament, look no further than the Missouri Fox Trotter. This magnificent steed is a popular choice for players who want a reliable partner for any situation, combining the traits of a racehorse and a workhorse. Many consider this the true best horse rdr2 story due to its balanced excellence.
- Availability: The Missouri Fox Trotter isn’t found in the wild. You’ll need to purchase it from a stable. The Amber Champagne coat becomes available at the Scarlett Meadows Stable from Chapter 4, while the Silver Dapple Pinto is available at the Blackwater Stable in the Epilogue.
- Pros: Incredible base speed and high stamina, making it a fantastic travel horse. It’s generally braver than the Arabian, holding its nerve better in chaotic situations.
- Cons: It comes with a hefty price tag and is not available until the middle chapters of the game.
The Turkoman: The Fearless War Horse
When bullets start flying, you want a horse that won’t lose its head. The Turkoman is a fearless and formidable war horse that blends the best qualities of a racehorse with the grit and health of a warhorse. Its bravery is its standout feature, making it an ideal choice for bounty hunters and enforcers.
- Availability: Like the Missouri Fox Trotter, the Turkoman must be purchased. Different coats become available at various stables as you progress through the story, such as the Saint Denis stable in Chapter 4.
- Pros: High health and good speed, making it both fast and durable. Its exceptional bravery means it will rarely abandon you, even in the most intense firefights.
- Cons: It’s one of the more expensive horses in the game. Its acceleration isn’t as snappy as the Arabian’s.
How to Get the Best Horse Early in the Game
For players eager to get a top-tier horse right from the start, the clear winner is the White Arabian. As soon as you gain access to the open world in Chapter 2, you can make the perilous journey up to Lake Isabella to find and tame this legendary animal. Having a horse with such high speed and elite handling so early in the game can give you a significant advantage in missions, challenges, and general exploration. While some question its bravery, its sheer performance makes it an undeniable asset for Arthur’s early adventures. This is a common strategy for players looking into where to buy the best horse in rdr2 story, even though this one is acquired through taming.
Comparison Table: RDR2’s Best Story Horses
To make the decision easier, here’s a quick comparison of the base stats for these top-tier horses. Note that these stats will improve with high-quality saddles and as you reach the maximum bond level.
| Horse Breed | Type | Health | Stamina | Speed | Acceleration | Handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Arabian | Elite | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | Elite |
| Missouri Fox Trotter | Race/Work | 5 | 6 | 7 | 5 | Standard |
| Turkoman | Race/War | 7 | 5 | 6 | 5 | Standard |
As you can see, the choice isn’t simple. The Arabian excels in agility and acceleration, the Missouri Fox Trotter boasts the best base speed, and the Turkoman is the toughest of the three.
Beyond the Stats: What’s the Best Horse for You?
Ultimately, the debate over what’s the best horse in rdr2 story comes down to personal preference. Do you value the nimble and almost telepathic responsiveness of the Arabian, even if it might get scared by a snake? Or do you prefer the steadfast and courageous nature of the Turkoman, knowing it will stand by you through a hail of bullets? Perhaps the balanced, long-distance prowess of the Missouri Fox Trotter is the perfect fit for your exploratory playstyle.
The best horse is the one that connects with you. It’s the one you trust to carry you across the Grizzlies or through the swamps of Lemoyne. Try different breeds, see how they feel, and choose the companion that best suits your vision of Arthur Morgan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the absolute fastest horse in RDR2 Story Mode?
The Missouri Fox Trotter has the highest base Speed stat in the game at 7 out of 10. When fully bonded and equipped with a top-tier saddle and stirrups, it can reach an incredible speed that is unmatched by other breeds.
Where exactly can I find the White Arabian?
The White Arabian is located on the western, snowy bank of Lake Isabella, in the Ambarino region. It often roams the area alone. Due to its white coat, it can be difficult to spot in the snow, so using your Eagle Eye can help highlight it.
Is the Arabian horse really that easily scared?
Yes, the Arabian’s main drawback is its temperament. It has a tendency to panic during predator attacks (like wolves or cougars) and in heavy combat, often bucking you off at the worst possible moment. A fully bonded Arabian is braver, but it remains more skittish compared to war horses like the Turkoman.
What about Buell? Can I keep him?
Buell is a unique Dutch Warmblood horse with a beautiful cremello gold coat that you can acquire through the veteran’s side-mission arc with Hamish Sinclair. He has excellent stats and a brave temperament. You can acquire him as Arthur, but if you want to keep him permanently through the end of the game, you must complete the final mission with Hamish during the Epilogue as John Marston.
What is the best horse I can get in Chapter 2?
Without a doubt, the best horse you can get in Chapter 2 is the wild White Arabian found at Lake Isabella. It’s completely free and outperforms any horse you can buy from stables at that point in the game by a massive margin.
Conclusion
Choosing your trusted steed is one of the most personal and rewarding experiences in Red Dead Redemption 2. While the stats point towards the Arabian, Missouri Fox Trotter, and Turkoman as the elite trio, every horse has a personality. The true champion is the one that feels right under your saddle, the one that carries you faithfully through epic adventures and quiet moments alike. Whether you tame the legendary ghost of the mountains, save up for a high-end stable purchase, or simply bond with a horse you saved from bandits, finding the best horse in rdr2 story is a core part of your unique journey through the Old West.
