What’s the best way to prevent the bug where the horse won’t follow waypoints?

The bug where your horse won’t follow waypoints in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be frustrating, especially during missions or when traveling long distances. This issue often occurs due to game mechanics, pathfinding errors, or corrupted save files. Understanding how the game handles horse behavior and waypoints is key to preventing this bug.\n\nFirst, ensure your horse is in good condition. A horse with low stamina, health, or bonding level may struggle to follow commands. Bonding with your horse by feeding, brushing, and calming it regularly improves its responsiveness. A fully bonded horse (level 4) is less likely to encounter pathfinding issues. Additionally, avoid overworking your horse by galloping for extended periods without rest, as this can cause it to ignore waypoints.\n\nNext, check your waypoint placement. The game’s navigation system relies on clear paths, so placing waypoints in areas with complex terrain, such as dense forests or steep mountains, can confuse your horse. Instead, set waypoints on roads or open areas whenever possible. For example, when traveling from Valentine to Strawberry, stick to the main roads rather than cutting through the Grizzlies, as this reduces the likelihood of your horse getting stuck.\n\nIf your horse still refuses to follow waypoints, try reloading your save file. This resets the game’s internal systems and often resolves temporary glitches. To do this, pause the game, go to the Story tab, and select Load Game. Choose a recent save and reload. If the issue persists, consider restarting your console or PC to clear any memory-related bugs.\n\nAnother common cause of this bug is conflicting commands. For instance, if you’re holding the sprint button while setting a waypoint, your horse may prioritize sprinting over following the path. To avoid this, release all controls before setting a waypoint and let your horse follow the path naturally. Additionally, avoid using cinematic mode during waypoint travel, as this can sometimes cause the horse to stop moving.\n\nIn some cases, the bug may be tied to specific locations or missions. For example, during the mission ‘Pouring Forth Oil’ in Chapter 2, your horse may refuse to follow waypoints near the oil derrick. If this happens, dismount and manually guide your horse to the destination. Once the mission is complete, the issue should resolve itself.\n\nFinally, keep your game updated. Rockstar frequently releases patches to fix bugs and improve performance. Ensure your game is running the latest version by checking for updates in your console or PC’s settings. If you’re playing on PC, verify the integrity of your game files through the Rockstar Games Launcher or Steam to ensure no files are corrupted.\n\nBy following these steps, you can minimize the chances of encountering the horse waypoint bug. Remember to maintain your horse’s health, choose clear paths, and reload your game if issues arise. With these tips, you’ll enjoy smoother travels across the vast world of Red Dead Redemption 2.