Want to Ride Like the Wind in Red Dead Redemption 2? Here’s the Horsepower You Need
Let’s discuss horsepower in Red Dead Redemption 2. If your steed feels slow and you want to outrun the law or impress locals, you’re in the right place. We will explore the fastest horses in RDR2. Some are faster than a greased piglet.
The King of Speed: Rose Gray Bay Arabian
Quickly, let’s reveal the fastest horse in RDR2: the Rose Gray Bay Arabian. This isn’t just any old horse; it’s the premier choice in the game. If you can spare $1,250, go to Blackwater Stable. Investing in this horse means investing in speed.
Meet the Elite: Top-Tier Horses and Their Quirks
The Rose Gray Bay Arabian may be the Usain Bolt of horses, but there are more impressive breeds to think about. Each breed offers unique traits, like different drinks at a saloon. They all pack a punch in their own way.
The Arabian: Small But Mighty
Don’t underestimate Arabians; they are the sports cars of horses. Known for their spirited natures, taming one is hard work. But when you gain their trust, you get a lifelong companion. They excel in health, stamina, speed, and intelligence.
Meet the White Arabian Horse, an elite horse that you can find for free. To find her, go to Lake Isabella in Grizzlies West. She’s tamed early in Chapter 3. With bonding and a good saddle, her stats will improve. If she meets an early departure, she’ll respawn shortly after.
You may find other Arabian variants throughout the game. However, none match the White Arabian in availability or performance. It remains the people’s champion.
Missouri Fox Trotter: The Stamina King
The Missouri Fox Trotter is perfect for those who want to ride long distances without breaks. Available at Rank 58, this horse excels in stamina and speed. But it has “Standard” handling while Arabians have “Elite” handling. This horse balances power and endurance.
You can get an Amber Champagne version starting in Chapter 4 at Scarlett Meadows Stable. For the Silver Dapple Pinto, visit Blackwater Stable after the epilogue. Patience is key.
Turkoman: The All-Rounder
The Turkoman is great across the board. A solid horse that balances speed and stamina well. It may not be the fastest, but it is reliable and consistent. Just like a dependable pickup truck, it will get the job done without issues.
Thoroughbred: Speed from the Start
If you want a fast horse right away, look for random ambushes during Chapter 2. Survive an encounter with the O’Driscoll gang, and you might liberate a Brindle Thoroughbred. Free horses early in the game are valuable when you survive shootouts.
Boosting Your Horse’s Stats: Making Fast Horses Faster
You now have a speedy horse. What now? Let’s enhance those stats. Speed and acceleration can reach a maximum of 10. White markers show current stats, while grey markers indicate potential improvements.
For a permanent speed boost, join random horse races. Winning two of these races enhances your horse’s top sprint speed. Think of it as optimal training.
Your secret weapon is the Nacogdoches Saddle. This saddle cuts decay rates by 35%. Combine this with Hooded Stirrups, reducing it by 50%. You’ll see an 85% stamina drain reduction. Your horse will race with rocket-like energy.
To obtain the saddle, trade a perfect panther pelt to a trapper. Master panther hunting for this saddle is worth every second.
Temperament Matters: Not All Horses Are Created Equal
Speed isn’t everything; temperament plays a role too. Take Andalusian horses as an example. These horses are more aggressive and less prone to spooking. This quality makes them excellent for hunting. Facing a grizzly bear? You need a steady horse, not a runaway.
Horse Ownership: Till Death (or Chapter 6) Do Us Part
A heads-up: horse ownership isn’t eternal in RDR2. When Arthur meets his fate, you lose all your horses. This includes even prized companions like Buell. It’s a painful loss; like losing your car collection to fate.
Now, regarding the free White Arabian: some think selling her may cause her to respawn. Evidence suggests killing her guarantees her return. So if she gets hit by a train (it can happen), don’t worry. She’ll return for round two.
Bonus Horses and Trivia
Let’s add some fun facts about horses.
- Dutch’s Albino Arabian Stallion “The Count”: Dutch van der Linde rides an Albino Arabian named The Count. An apt mount for someone with grand ambitions.
- Micah’s Horse “Baylock”: Micah Bell rides a horse named Baylock, meaning “black hairs.” Subtle hints about characters through horse names abound.
- Hosea’s Silver Dollar Turkoman: Hosea Matthews rides a Silver Dollar Turkoman. Classy horse for a classy conman.
- The War Horse: Want one immediately? Enter the code “You are a beast built for war.” Instant war-ready horse.
Real-World Horsepower: A Need for Speed Comparison
Now, let’s compare RDR2 horses to their real-world counterparts.
- Quarter Horses: These are drag racers, reaching up to 55mph in short bursts.
- Thoroughbreds: These marathon runners can hit about 44mph in medium races. Winning Brew set a record at 43.97 mph!
- Arabians: Masters of endurance can maintain a respectable 30mph over long distances.
Game Mechanics: Beyond the Saddle
Let’s explore game mechanics that help you navigate effectively.
- Dead Eye for Precision: To eliminate outlaws on horseback, use Dead Eye. Aim with the left trigger; time slows down for targeting precision.
- Camp Travel for Speedy Journeys: Setting camp isn’t just for cooking. Use it to fast travel to any destination swiftly.
Your guide to horsepower in Red Dead Redemption 2 is now complete. Whether chasing bounties or evading the law, selecting the right horse is vital. Know how to enhance its stats to maximize efficiency. Go forth and ride as if you’ve stolen something! In RDR2, you often have.
