Saddling up in the vast, untamed world of Red Dead Redemption 2 means your horse is more than just a ride—it’s your most trusted partner. When you need to outrun the law or chase down a legendary animal, speed is everything. So, the big question for every outlaw is, What Is The Fastest Horse In Rdr2 Story Mode? While the answer isn’t just a single name, a couple of breeds stand head and shoulders above the rest for pure, unadulterated velocity.
The crown for the fastest horse is fiercely contested between two breeds: the Missouri Fox Trotter and the Arabian. Both boast incredible base speed and acceleration stats that leave most other horses in the dust. The choice between them often comes down to player preference, availability, and what you value most in a mount besides raw speed. To help you decide, let’s break down the top speedsters you can acquire and how to turn them into legendary companions. Understanding the nuances between the top contenders is similar to learning about the best horse in rd2 story, where overall performance often outweighs a single stat.
The Top Contenders for the Fastest Horse
While many horses in RDR2 are quick, only a select few have the elite stats to be considered the absolute fastest. These horses combine top-tier speed and acceleration, ensuring you can both reach and maintain incredible speeds across the game’s diverse terrain.
The Missouri Fox Trotter
Many veterans of the game will argue that the Missouri Fox Trotter is the undisputed king of speed. It combines a fantastic base speed stat with excellent stamina, making it a perfect choice for long journeys and intense chases.
- Base Stats: With a base speed of 7 and acceleration of 5, the Missouri Fox Trotter is a powerhouse from the get-go. Once you reach maximum bonding, its speed hits a blistering 9 out of 10.
- Stamina and Health: This breed has a robust health and stamina pool, meaning it can take a bit of a beating and run for long stretches without needing a stimulant.
- Temperament: Crucially, the Missouri Fox Trotter has a much calmer temperament than its main rival, the Arabian. It’s less likely to buck you off during a predator attack or a heavy gunfight, which is a massive advantage when things get chaotic.
- How to Get It: The Missouri Fox Trotter becomes available to purchase from stables in Chapter 4. You can find the Amber Champagne coat at the Scarlett Meadows Stable and the Silver Dapple Pinto at the Blackwater Stable as John Marston in the epilogue.
The Arabian
The Arabian is often the first elite horse players encounter, thanks to a legendary wild spawn. It’s a pure-bred racing machine known for its incredible acceleration and handling.
- Base Stats: The Arabian boasts a base speed of 6 and a superior acceleration of 6. This means it gets up to top speed almost instantly. The prized Rose Grey Bay Arabian, available in the epilogue, has the highest stats of all, reaching a potential 9 speed and 8 acceleration.
- Handling: This breed has “Elite” handling, making it feel incredibly responsive and nimble. It can turn on a dime and navigate tight spaces with ease, a feature few other horses can match.
- Temperament: Here is the Arabian’s biggest weakness. It is notoriously skittish and fearful. A wolf howl or a nearby alligator can be enough to send it into a panic, potentially leaving you stranded at the worst possible moment.
- How to Get It: The legendary White Arabian can be found and tamed in the wild near Lake Isabella in the western Grizzlies. It’s available from Chapter 2 onwards, making it the earliest top-tier horse you can acquire. Other coats, like the Black Arabian, can be purchased in Saint Denis from Chapter 4. The discussion of cost naturally brings to mind the most expensive horse in rdr2 story mode, where the Arabian is a prime example.
A side-profile view of the beautiful Silver Dapple Pinto Missouri Fox Trotter, what is the fastest horse in rdr2 story mode, galloping across the plains of West Elizabeth.
How to Maximize Your Horse’s Speed
Finding the fastest horse is only half the battle. To truly unlock its potential, you need to invest in bonding and the right equipment. No matter which horse you choose, these steps will significantly boost its performance.
1. Achieve Maximum Bonding
Bonding is the single most important factor in improving your horse’s stats. As you increase your bond level from 1 to 4, your horse’s speed and acceleration will permanently increase. You’ll also unlock advanced maneuvers like drifting and piaffing.
- How to Increase Bonding: Regularly feed, brush, and praise your horse. Calming it when it’s agitated and riding it are the most effective ways to build your bond quickly.
2. Equip the Right Tack
Your saddle and stirrups are not just cosmetic; they provide substantial statistical bonuses that can push a great horse into the realm of legendary.
- Best Saddle: The best saddles are crafted by the Trapper from legendary animal pelts. The Panther Saddle, in particular, is a top choice, offering a -22% Stamina Core Drain rate and a +2 bonus to Speed and Acceleration when paired with the best stirrups.
- Best Stirrups: Always equip the best stirrups available at the stable. Hooded Stirrups, for example, grant a +2 bonus to the horse’s speed and acceleration bars, which is a massive boost.
Dr. Eleanor Vance, a (fictional) video game historian, notes: “The developers at Rockstar created a deep system where the player’s investment directly impacts performance. It’s not just about finding the best horse; it’s about building the best horse. The tack and bonding mechanics transform a simple mount into a fully customized, high-performance partner.”
With a top-tier horse like the Missouri Fox Trotter, maximum bonding, and the best tack, you can reach a speed rating of 10. This makes your horse an absolute blur, capable of crossing the map in record time. Exploring all the available rdr2 horses story mode options is key to finding the perfect fit for your playstyle.
The iconic White Arabian, what is the fastest horse in rdr2 story mode, standing majestically in the snowy landscape near Lake Isabella.
Other Honorable Mentions
While the Missouri Fox Trotter and Arabian are the top dogs, a few other breeds are worthy of consideration, especially in the earlier chapters of the game before the best mounts become available.
The Nokota (Brindle Coat)
This is a hidden gem. The brindle-coated Nokota is a race horse with a base speed of 7, matching the Missouri Fox Trotter. You can find this specific coat by completing the “Horse Flesh for Dinner” mission or by purchasing it from the Saint Denis stable from Chapter 4. It’s fast and agile but lacks the stamina and health of the top-tier horses.
The Brindle Thoroughbred
Another speedy option, the Brindle Thoroughbred, can be acquired after the main story or sometimes found in the wild. It’s a pure racehorse with great speed and acceleration but suffers from low health, making it a “glass cannon” in a fight.
The Mustang (Tiger-Striped Bay)
Don’t sleep on the Mustang. While not as fast as the others, the Tiger-Striped Bay variant is an excellent all-around horse. It has good speed and stamina, and its key advantage is its courage. It’s a multi-class horse (war and work), making it far less skittish than the racing breeds. You can find it in the Rio Del Lobo Rock area of New Austin during the epilogue. The search for the ultimate mount is a common theme, leading many players to seek out the rdr2 best horses story mode has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the absolute fastest horse in RDR2 Story Mode?
The Missouri Fox Trotter and the Rose Grey Bay Arabian share the highest potential speed stat in the game. With the right saddle and max bonding, both can reach a speed of 10. The Missouri Fox Trotter is often preferred for its balanced stats and brave temperament.
Is the White Arabian the best horse in the game?
Not necessarily. While it’s one of the fastest and available very early, its extremely skittish nature is a significant drawback for many players. It excels at racing and travel but is a liability in combat or near predators.
How do I get the Missouri Fox Trotter for free?
There are a few glitches and exploits that have been discovered over time, such as the Albert Mason mission exploit, but they are often patched out by Rockstar. The most reliable way to obtain this horse is by purchasing it from a stable once you reach Chapter 4.
Does my horse’s speed really matter that much?
Yes and no. For getting from point A to point B quickly and winning horse races, it matters a great deal. However, for general gameplay, a horse with good stamina, health, and a brave temperament can often be more useful than a pure speed demon.
What is more important: speed or acceleration?
Acceleration is arguably more important in many gameplay scenarios. High acceleration allows you to get out of danger quickly and is beneficial in situations with frequent starting and stopping, like navigating dense forests or towns. Speed determines your absolute top velocity on open ground.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
So, what is the fastest horse in RDR2 story mode? The title belongs to the Missouri Fox Trotter. While the Arabian matches its potential for raw speed, the Fox Trotter’s superior courage, excellent stamina, and well-rounded stats make it the more practical and reliable choice for an outlaw’s unpredictable life. It delivers blistering speed without the frustrating skittishness of the Arabian, making it the perfect companion for any situation the Wild West throws at you.
Ultimately, the best horse is the one that fits your playstyle. Whether you choose the brave Missouri Fox Trotter, the nimble Arabian, or another trusty steed, remember to invest in your bond and equip the best tack. By doing so, you’ll ensure your four-legged partner is always ready for the next adventure.
