What’s the best way to bond with a horse during missions?
Bonding with a horse during missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for improving your horse''s stats and ensuring a reliable companion throughout the game. The bond level ranges from 1 to 4, with each level unlocking new abilities and increasing your horse''s trust in you. During missions, you can maximize bonding by focusing on specific actions and mechanics that build trust and improve your horse''s performance.\n\nFirst, always ensure you are riding your horse during missions. Simply being on your horse and traveling together increases bonding over time. Missions often involve long rides, so take advantage of these moments to bond. Additionally, avoid fast traveling during missions, as this skips opportunities to interact with your horse. Instead, ride manually and use the time to build your bond.\n\nAnother effective way to bond is by calming your horse during stressful situations. Missions often involve gunfights, chases, or encounters with predators, which can spook your horse. Press the L3 button (on PlayStation) or LS button (on Xbox) to calm your horse when it becomes agitated. This not only prevents your horse from bucking you off but also increases your bond level. For example, during a mission like ''Pouring Forth Oil,'' where you engage in a train robbery, calming your horse during the chaos will help maintain and grow your bond.\n\nFeeding and grooming your horse during missions is another key bonding mechanic. Carry items like hay, apples, or wild carrots in your satchel to feed your horse. You can also brush your horse using the horse brush, which is especially useful after riding through muddy or dusty terrain. For instance, during the mission ''The First Shall Be Last,'' where you ride through the swamps of Lemoyne, take a moment to brush your horse after the mission to remove dirt and increase bonding.\n\nPatting your horse is a simple yet effective way to bond. Press the L3 or LS button while riding to pat your horse. This action can be done frequently during missions, especially after completing objectives or during downtime. For example, after a mission like ''Polite Society, Valentine Style,'' where you escort a group to Valentine, pat your horse as you ride back to camp to reinforce your bond.\n\nFinally, avoid actions that harm your horse, such as running into obstacles, overworking it, or letting it take damage. These actions decrease bonding and can make your horse less reliable during missions. Always keep an eye on your horse''s stamina and health cores, and use horse tonics or stimulants if needed. For example, during the mission ''Blessed Are the Meek?,'' where you chase a target through rough terrain, ensure your horse is well-fed and rested to maintain a strong bond.\n\nIn summary, bonding with your horse during missions involves riding, calming, feeding, grooming, and patting your horse while avoiding actions that harm it. By following these steps, you can quickly increase your bond level and enjoy the benefits of a loyal and high-performing horse throughout the game.