How do I ensure Arthur’s horse survives until the end of the story?

Ensuring Arthur’s horse survives until the end of the story in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires careful attention to gameplay mechanics, horse care, and strategic decision-making. The horse is a vital companion throughout the game, and its survival can significantly impact Arthur’s journey. Here’s a detailed guide to help you keep your horse alive and thriving.\n\nFirst, prioritize bonding with your horse. Bonding increases your horse’s health, stamina, and responsiveness. To bond, spend time riding, brushing, feeding, and calming your horse. Each bonding level (up to level 4) unlocks new abilities, such as increased stamina and the ability to perform advanced maneuvers. For example, at level 4, your horse will gain a significant health boost, making it more resilient in dangerous situations.\n\nNext, invest in high-quality horse care items. Purchase horse revivers, tonics, and food from stables or general stores. Horse revivers are essential for reviving your horse if it gets critically injured. Always carry at least one in your inventory. Additionally, feed your horse regularly with hay, apples, or wild carrots to maintain its health core. A well-fed horse is less likely to collapse during intense moments.\n\nAvoid dangerous situations whenever possible. While exploring, steer clear of areas with predators like wolves, cougars, or bears, as they can attack and kill your horse. If you must traverse these areas, keep your horse at a safe distance and use your weapons to eliminate threats quickly. For example, when hunting in Big Valley or Roanoke Ridge, stay alert and use your rifle to take down predators before they can harm your horse.\n\nDuring missions, be mindful of combat scenarios. Horses can die from gunfire, explosions, or falls. In missions like the Saint Denis bank robbery or the assault on Cornwall Kerosene and Tar, dismount your horse and leave it in a safe location before engaging in combat. This reduces the risk of your horse being caught in crossfire or collapsing from injuries.\n\nUpgrade your horse’s equipment. Purchase a better saddle and stirrups from stables to improve your horse’s stamina and health regeneration. The best saddles, like the Panther Trail Saddle or the Rattlesnake Vaquero Saddle, provide significant bonuses. Additionally, equip your horse with a horse blanket or mask to protect it from harsh weather conditions, which can drain its health core over time.\n\nFinally, choose a durable horse breed. While all horses can bond with Arthur, some breeds are naturally tougher and more resilient. War horses like the Ardennes or Turkoman have higher health stats, making them ideal for surviving dangerous situations. You can acquire these breeds from stables or through specific missions. For example, the Turkoman can be purchased in the Scarlett Meadows stable after Chapter 4.\n\nIn summary, keeping Arthur’s horse alive until the end of the story involves bonding, proper care, strategic planning, and investing in high-quality equipment. By following these steps, you can ensure your horse remains a loyal and reliable companion throughout Arthur’s journey.