Does saving affect my horse’s stamina or health?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, saving your game does not directly affect your horse’s stamina or health. When you save your progress, the game records the current state of your horse, including its stamina, health, bonding level, and any injuries or conditions it may have. This means that if your horse is in poor condition when you save, it will remain in that state when you reload the game. However, saving and reloading can indirectly impact your horse’s condition depending on how you manage your gameplay.\n\nFor example, if your horse is injured or exhausted when you save, you can use the reloaded save as an opportunity to address these issues. Upon reloading, you can immediately visit a stable or use horse care items like Horse Stimulant, Horse Medicine, or Wild Carrots to restore your horse’s stamina and health. This is particularly useful if you’re in a remote location and don’t have immediate access to a stable or supplies. By planning ahead and ensuring your horse is in good condition before saving, you can avoid unnecessary challenges when you reload.\n\nAnother important mechanic to consider is the bonding level between Arthur and his horse. Bonding affects your horse’s overall performance, including its stamina and health. If you save the game while your horse is at a low bonding level, reloading won’t automatically improve this. You’ll need to spend time grooming, feeding, and calming your horse to increase the bonding level. This is especially important for new players who may not yet understand the significance of bonding. A higher bonding level unlocks better stamina and health stats, making your horse more resilient during long rides or intense combat situations.\n\nTo save your game, you can use the pause menu and select the ''Story'' tab, then choose ''Save Game.'' You can also enable autosave in the settings, but be cautious as this may overwrite manual saves. When reloading, ensure you select the correct save file to avoid losing progress. If you’re in a dangerous area or your horse is in poor condition, consider fast traveling to a safer location like Valentine, Saint Denis, or Blackwater before saving. These towns have stables and general stores where you can purchase supplies to restore your horse’s condition.\n\nPractical tips for managing your horse’s stamina and health include always carrying Horse Stimulant and Horse Medicine in your inventory. These items can be purchased from general stores or crafted using herbs like Ginseng and Yarrow. Additionally, feeding your horse regularly with Hay, Oats, or Wild Carrots will keep its stamina core full. Grooming your horse at camps or using the brush item removes dirt and improves its health core. Finally, avoid overworking your horse by using the ''Calm'' command (L3/LS on consoles) during long rides to restore stamina.\n\nIn summary, saving your game in Red Dead Redemption 2 does not directly alter your horse’s stamina or health, but it preserves its current state. By understanding the game’s mechanics and planning ahead, you can ensure your horse remains in peak condition when you reload. Use save points strategically, stock up on essential items, and prioritize bonding to maximize your horse’s performance throughout your journey.