In the sprawling, untamed world of Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse is more than just transportation; it’s your confidant, your partner in crime, and your key to survival. The bond you forge is real, but let’s be honest, not all steeds are created equal. You’re here for an answer to the ultimate question: What Is The Best Horse In Rdr2 Story Mode? While many magnificent beasts roam the plains, a few stand head and shoulders above the rest, with one breed, in particular, dominating the conversation.
The world of Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a vast selection of horses, and choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. A reliable mount is crucial for escaping the law, hunting legendary animals, and simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery. For a deeper dive into the options available, consider exploring the topic of the rdr2 best story mode horse to see a broader comparison.
The Short Answer: The Arabian Reigns Supreme
If we’re talking pure, unadulterated stats, the Arabian breed is the undisputed king of the corral. Specifically, the Rose Grey Bay Arabian, which becomes available in the epilogue, boasts the highest potential stats in the game. However, for players wanting the best mount during Arthur Morgan’s journey, the free and legendary White Arabian is the top prize. It possesses “Elite” handling, making it incredibly responsive, and boasts phenomenal speed and acceleration that few can match.
Understanding What Makes a Horse “The Best”
Before we crown a winner, it’s crucial to understand the metrics. A horse’s quality isn’t just about raw speed. Several factors contribute to its overall performance, and knowing them will help you choose the mount that’s truly best for your playstyle.
Decoding Horse Stats
Every horse in RDR2 has core attributes that improve as your bond deepens. These are the numbers that separate a common nag from a legendary steed.
- Health: This determines how much damage your horse can take before being critically injured or killed. A high health bar is essential for surviving ambushes and shootouts.
- Stamina: This dictates how long your horse can gallop at full speed before getting tired. A deep stamina pool is vital for long chases across the map.
- Speed & Acceleration: Represented by bars in the horse’s stats, these determine the top speed and how quickly it can be reached. For many players, these are the most important attributes.
- Handling: This is a hidden stat that defines how nimble your horse is. There are four types: Heavy, Standard, Race, and Elite. Elite handling, found only on Arabians, offers the sharpest turns and most responsive controls.
The Hidden Stat: Courage
Beyond the numbers, there’s an unlisted attribute often called “courage” or “bravery.” This determines how your horse reacts to threats like predators and gunfire. Some horses, despite having excellent stats, are notoriously skittish and may buck you off in the middle of a wolf attack. Others are steadfast and reliable under pressure. This is a critical factor that stats alone don’t reveal.
As seasoned wrangler Dr. Alistair Finch once noted, “You can have the fastest horse in five states, but if it throws you at the first sight of a grizzly, it’s no better than a mule. A good horse has a steady heart, not just fast legs.”
The Top Contenders for Best Horse in RDR2
While the Arabian holds the crown, other breeds offer compelling combinations of stats and temperament that make them worthy contenders for the title. Here’s a breakdown of the elite mounts.
The White Arabian: The Legendary Ghost of the Mountains
The White Arabian is a legendary horse for a reason. It’s one of the best you can acquire, and you can get it for free as early as Chapter 2. Its brilliant white coat makes it a stunning sight, but its performance is even more impressive.
- Stats: It starts with a Health and Stamina of 5, which grows to 8 at max bonding. Its base Speed is 6, hitting 8 at max bond, with a blistering Acceleration of 6 (maxes at 8).
- Location: Found in the wild, northwest of Lake Isabella in the snowy region of Ambarino. Taming it requires patience, as it’s easily spooked.
- Pros & Cons: Unmatched speed and elite handling make it a dream to ride. However, its lower health and notoriously skittish nature mean it can be a liability in heavy combat or when facing predators.
The beautiful and legendary White Arabian, considered the best horse in RDR2 story mode, standing in its snowy habitat near Lake Isabella.
The Rose Grey Bay Arabian: The Ultimate Steed
If you have the cash and the patience to wait for the epilogue, the Rose Grey Bay Arabian is statistically the best horse money can buy. It’s a true endgame mount with nearly perfect stats once fully bonded.
- Stats: Boasts the highest overall stats in the game, with Health and Stamina reaching a staggering 10 at max bond and Speed and Acceleration hitting 9.
- Location: Available for purchase at the Blackwater Stable during the epilogue.
- Pros & Cons: It’s the complete package: blazing fast, incredibly agile, and tougher than its White counterpart. The only real con is that you can’t use it during the main story with Arthur. Deciding on your mount often involves understanding where to buy best horse rdr2 story mode has to offer.
The Missouri Fox Trotter: The All-Around Champion
For players who find the Arabian too skittish, the Missouri Fox Trotter is the perfect alternative. It combines the speed of a racehorse with the solid stats of a workhorse, making it arguably the most practical and reliable top-tier mount.
- Stats: Comes in two coats (Amber Champagne and Silver Dapple Pinto) with a base speed of 7, the highest starting speed in the game. Its Health is solid at 5, and Stamina is a respectable 6.
- Location: The Amber Champagne is available at the Scarlett Meadows Stable from Chapter 4, while the Silver Dapple Pinto is at the Blackwater Stable in the epilogue.
- Pros & Cons: It’s incredibly fast, has good health, and is far less prone to panic than an Arabian. It’s a fantastic all-rounder with no significant weaknesses.
The Turkoman: The Fearless War Horse
If you want a horse that will stand its ground in a firefight, look no further than the Turkoman. This unique breed is a War/Race hybrid, offering a rare combination of high health and high speed. It’s a brave and beautiful mount that won’t let you down. The discussion around war horses is extensive, and learning about the best war horse rdr2 story can provide valuable insights.
- Stats: Its main selling point is its incredible Health, which starts at 7 and maxes out at 10. It also has a great Speed stat of 6, maxing at 9.
- Location: Different coats become available at the Saint Denis, Blackwater, and Tumbleweed stables as you progress through the story.
- Pros & Cons: The Turkoman’s bravery is its greatest asset. It’s a fast and fearless mount that is perfect for bounty hunting and missions with heavy combat. Its acceleration is slightly lower than other top horses, but its courage more than compensates.
How to Get the Best Horse in RDR2 Story Mode
Acquiring a top-tier horse takes effort, whether it’s tracking one in the wild or saving up the money to buy one. The process itself is a core part of the game’s experience, and understanding how to get the best horse in rdr2 story mode is a rewarding journey.
Taming the White Arabian:
- Travel to Lake Isabella in the northwest.
- Scan the area with your binoculars until you spot the horse.
- Approach it slowly while holding L2/LT to “Calm” it.
- When you get close, you’ll have the option to mount it.
- Once on, the horse will try to buck you. Pull the left analog stick in the opposite direction of the horse’s movement to stay on and break it.
Is the “Best” Horse Always the Right Choice for You?
While stats on paper point to the Arabian, the “best” horse is ultimately subjective. Do you value courage over speed? Do you prefer a large, imposing war horse or a sleek, agile racer? The emotional connection you build with your horse is just as important as its stats. Even a common horse can become a legendary partner with maximum bonding. The journey across the American frontier is personal, and so is the choice of the companion who will share it with you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fastest horse in RDR2 story mode?
The Missouri Fox Trotter and the Rose Grey Bay Arabian, when fully bonded and equipped with the best saddle and stirrups, can both reach a speed stat of 10, making them the fastest horses in the game.
What is the bravest horse in RDR2?
The Turkoman is widely considered one of the bravest horses, along with other war horses like the Andalusian and Hungarian Halfbred. They are far less likely to buck you off when faced with predators or gunfire compared to race breeds.
Can you get the best horse early in the game?
Yes, you can get the White Arabian, one of the best horses in the game, as early as the beginning of Chapter 2. It requires a trip into the mountains, but it is obtainable long before other elite horses become available.
Does the horse’s gender matter?
No, there is no statistical or gameplay difference between male and female horses in Red Dead Redemption 2. The choice is purely for cosmetic or role-playing purposes.
How do I increase my horse’s stats?
You increase a horse’s Health and Stamina by reaching new bonding levels. You can further boost its Speed and Acceleration stats by equipping it with high-quality saddles and stirrups, which can be purchased from any stable.
The Final Verdict
So, after weighing all the evidence, what is the best horse in RDR2 story mode? For pure performance and elite handling, the Arabian breed, particularly the Rose Grey Bay and the wild White Arabian, stands alone. However, for players who value bravery and a more balanced skill set, the Missouri Fox Trotter and the Turkoman present equally compelling cases. The ultimate choice rests with you. Whether you tame a ghost in the mountains or buy a champion from the stables, the best horse is the one you trust to carry you through the beautiful and brutal world of the American West.
