In the sprawling, untamed world of Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse is more than just transportation; it’s your confidant, your pack mule, and your steadfast partner in every gunfight and getaway. Choosing the right mount can dramatically change your experience, but with so many options, figuring out Where To Buy The Best Horse In Rdr2 Story can feel overwhelming. Whether you prioritize blistering speed, unwavering courage in a firefight, or the stamina to cross the entire map, this guide will lead you to the perfect equine companion for Arthur Morgan’s journey. For a complete overview of all available mounts, see our guide on all horses rdr2 story mode.
Understanding What Makes a Horse “The Best”
Before we gallop off to the nearest stable, it’s crucial to understand what the stats mean. A horse’s quality in RDR2 is defined by its Health, Stamina, Speed, and Acceleration. Top-tier horses belong to the “Superior” class and excel in these areas, especially once you reach the maximum bonding level.
- Health and Stamina: These cores determine how much damage your horse can take and how long it can sprint before getting tired. A horse with high health and stamina is essential for surviving ambushes and long pursuits.
- Speed and Acceleration: These stats govern how fast your horse can go and how quickly it reaches top speed. High ratings here are perfect for racing and outrunning the law.
- Handling: This hidden stat determines how nimble your horse is. “Elite” handling, found only on Arabians, means they can turn on a dime, while “Race” and “Standard” handling are progressively less responsive.
- Bonding: As you ride, feed, and care for your horse, your bond will increase from Level 1 to 4. Each level unlocks new maneuvers (like drifting and piaffe) and provides significant boosts to Health and Stamina, turning a great horse into an unstoppable one.
The Holy Trinity: Best Horses You Can Buy
When you have the cash to spend, three breeds stand head and shoulders above the rest. These horses become available for purchase at specific stables as you progress through the main story.
The Arabian: A Legendary Speed Demon
Famed for its “Elite” handling and breathtaking speed, the Arabian is often considered the pinnacle of performance. It’s an agile, incredibly fast horse that makes navigating dense forests or chaotic shootouts a breeze. However, its one weakness is its temperament; Arabians are notoriously skittish and can buck you off if a predator gets too close or gunfire erupts nearby.
- Black Arabian: This sleek, beautiful horse becomes available at the Saint Denis stable starting in Chapter 4 for a hefty $1,050. It boasts impressive base stats that make it one of the fastest mounts you can own as Arthur.
- Rose Grey Bay Arabian: Unlocked in the Epilogue, this Arabian can be purchased from the Blackwater stable. It features the highest combined Health and Stamina of all Arabians, making it a superb end-game choice.
The Missouri Fox Trotter: The Perfect All-Rounder
If the Arabian’s skittish nature is a deal-breaker, the Missouri Fox Trotter is your answer. This magnificent horse combines the speed of a racehorse with the solid work ethic and bravery of a multi-class animal. It’s fast, has a massive stamina pool, and won’t panic at the first sign of trouble, making it arguably the most balanced horse in the game.
- Amber Champagne: Available at the Scarlett Meadows stable (near Rhodes) from Chapter 4.
- Silver Dapple Pinto: Can be purchased from the Blackwater stable during the Epilogue.
Both variations share the same fantastic base stats, making them a reliable and speedy choice for any task, from hunting legendary animals to chasing down trains.
A player viewing a beautiful Silver Dapple Pinto Missouri Fox Trotter in a stable, with the horse's excellent stats visible on the screen for the best horse in RDR2 story.
The Turkoman: The Fearless War Horse
When your adventures frequently involve lead-filled air, you need a mount that stands its ground. The Turkoman is a unique blend of a race and war horse, offering great speed, solid health, and, most importantly, incredible courage. This horse is far less likely to bolt in a gunfight than others, allowing you to focus on the enemies at hand.
As Dr. Alistair Finch, a fictional equine historian, notes:
“The Turkoman is the gunslinger’s choice. It possesses the spirit of a warrior, combining the velocity needed for a swift escape with the fortitude to remain calm under the deafening roar of a repeater. It’s a true battlefield companion.”
- Gold Turkoman: Find this stunning horse at the Saint Denis stable starting in Chapter 4.
- Dark Bay Turkoman: Available for purchase at the Blackwater stable in the Epilogue.
- Silver Turkoman: This elegant variant can be bought from the Tumbleweed stable during the Epilogue.
The Best Horse You Don’t Have to Buy
Not everyone wants to spend over a thousand dollars on a horse, especially in the early game. Luckily, one of the best horses in the entire story is available for free from the very beginning, if you know where to look and have the patience to tame it.
The Legendary White Arabian
Hidden in the snowy mountains northwest of Lake Isabella in Ambarino, you can find a one-of-a-kind wild White Arabian. Taming this legendary creature can be a challenge; you’ll need to approach it slowly, calming it repeatedly until you can mount it, and then break it in. The effort is well worth it. This horse has stats that rival the expensive Arabians sold in stables, giving you an elite-tier mount as early as Chapter 2. This is, without a doubt, the best early-game horse you can acquire. While you can find many horses in the wild, understanding the difference between keeping them and selling them is key; for more on that, read about if you can you sell stolen horses in rdr2 story mode.
So, Which Horse Should You Choose?
The “best” horse ultimately depends on your playstyle.
- For the Explorer & Racer: The Arabian is unmatched. Its elite handling and speed make traversing the world and winning races a joy. Just be ready to calm it down often.
- For the All-Around Outlaw: The Missouri Fox Trotter is the supreme choice. It’s fast, resilient, and brave, excelling in every situation the game throws at you. It’s a workhorse and a racehorse in one.
- For the Gunslinger: The Turkoman is your loyal war mount. Its bravery in combat is a significant advantage, ensuring you’re never left on foot in the middle of a deadly ambush.
Regardless of your choice, remember that investing in a good saddle and stirrups can provide significant boosts to your horse’s Speed, Acceleration, and stamina regeneration. Bonding with your mount is just as crucial, as a Level 4 bond unlocks its true potential. Exploring the world might also introduce you to rdr2 story mode new horses through random encounters or missions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the absolute fastest horse in RDR2 story mode?
With the right saddle and stirrups at full bond, the Rose Grey Bay Arabian and the Missouri Fox Trotters tie for the fastest horse, both reaching a Speed stat of 10. The White and Black Arabians are just a fraction behind.
Can you get the best horses early in the game?
The best purchasable horses, like the Missouri Fox Trotter and Turkoman, only unlock in stables starting in Chapter 4. However, you can tame the elite wild White Arabian near Lake Isabella as early as Chapter 2.
Is the White Arabian worth the trouble of taming?
Absolutely. It’s a completely free, top-tier horse with elite handling that you can get very early in the game. It will reliably serve you through most of the story until the premium stable horses become available.
Where is the best stable in RDR2?
The “best” stable depends on the game’s chapter. The Saint Denis stable is the best in Chapter 4, as it’s the first place to sell the Black Arabian and Gold Turkoman. In the Epilogue, the Blackwater stable offers the best selection, including the top-tier Arabian, Missouri Fox Trotter, and Turkoman variants.
Does horse gender make a difference in RDR2?
No, the gender of your horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 is purely cosmetic. It has no impact on stats, performance, or behavior.
