How do I stop 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 temporary glitches. Understanding how the game’s horse mechanics work and applying specific fixes can help you avoid or resolve this problem.\n\nFirst, ensure your horse’s bonding level is high enough. Horses with low bonding levels (Level 1 or 2) are less likely to follow waypoints reliably. To increase bonding, spend time grooming, feeding, and calming your horse. You can also lead your horse on foot or pat it frequently. A Level 4 bonded horse is far more responsive and will follow waypoints more consistently.\n\nIf your horse still refuses to follow waypoints, check for environmental obstacles. The game’s pathfinding system can struggle in areas with dense foliage, steep terrain, or narrow paths. For example, in the Grizzlies or the swamps near Saint Denis, your horse may stop or take an inefficient route. In such cases, manually guide your horse through the tricky area before resuming waypoint navigation.\n\nAnother common cause is the game’s autopilot system. When you set a waypoint and activate cinematic mode, your horse will follow the path automatically. However, if the path is blocked or unclear, the horse may stop moving. To fix this, dismount and remount your horse, then reset the waypoint. This often refreshes the pathfinding system and allows your horse to continue.\n\nSometimes, the issue is tied to specific missions or locations. For example, during the mission ‘Pouring Forth Oil’ in Chapter 2, your horse may refuse to follow waypoints near the oil derrick. In such cases, save your game and reload it. This resets the mission state and often resolves the bug. If the problem persists, try restarting your console or PC to clear any temporary glitches.\n\nFor players on PC, mods or corrupted game files can also cause this issue. Verify the integrity of your game files through the Rockstar Games Launcher or Steam. If you’re using mods, disable them temporarily to see if the issue resolves. Reinstalling the game is a last resort but can fix persistent bugs.\n\nFinally, consider using a different horse. Some horses, like the Arabian or Thoroughbred, are more responsive and agile, making them better suited for following waypoints in challenging terrain. If you’re using a draft horse or a slower breed, switching to a faster, more agile horse may improve performance.\n\nIn summary, to stop the bug where your horse won’t follow waypoints, increase bonding, check for environmental obstacles, refresh the pathfinding system, and reload the game if necessary. For PC players, verify game files and disable mods. By understanding the game’s mechanics and applying these solutions, you can ensure smoother travels across the vast world of Red Dead Redemption 2.