Where can I find the best horse for early missions?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, finding the best horse for early missions can significantly improve your gameplay experience. Horses are essential for travel, combat, and carrying items, so securing a reliable mount early on is crucial. While the game provides a starter horse, upgrading to a better one can make missions easier and more enjoyable. Here’s a detailed guide on how to find the best horse for early missions.\n\nOne of the best horses you can acquire early in the game is the White Arabian, located near Lake Isabella in the Grizzlies West region. This horse is known for its speed, stamina, and handling, making it an excellent choice for early missions. To find it, head northwest of Valentine toward Lake Isabella. The White Arabian spawns in the snowy area near the lake, and you’ll need to tame it by approaching slowly and calming it with the L2/LT button. Once tamed, it becomes your permanent mount.\n\nAnother great option is the War Horse, which is available as a pre-order bonus or through the Special or Ultimate Edition of the game. If you have access to this horse, you can claim it from the Valentine stable early in Chapter 2. The War Horse has high health and stamina, making it ideal for combat-heavy missions. If you don’t have the bonus, you can still find solid horses like the Tennessee Walker or Morgan in the wild or purchase them from stables.\n\nFor players who prefer a more hands-on approach, stealing a horse from an NPC is another viable option. During missions or random encounters, you may come across NPCs riding high-quality horses like the American Standardbred or Thoroughbred. Use stealth to approach and calm the horse, then mount it and ride away quickly to avoid detection. Be cautious, as stealing horses can lead to bounties or hostile encounters.\n\nGame mechanics play a significant role in horse bonding, which improves your horse’s stats and responsiveness. Spend time grooming, feeding, and patting your horse to increase bonding levels. A higher bonding level unlocks better stamina, health, and handling, making your horse more effective in missions. Additionally, equip your horse with a better saddle and stirrups to further enhance its performance.\n\nPractical tips for early-game horse management include always carrying horse revivers and keeping an eye on your horse’s health core. If your horse dies, you’ll lose it permanently unless it’s insured. To avoid this, avoid dangerous areas like cliffs or predator-infested regions until you’re confident in your horse’s abilities. Finally, always hitch your horse when stopping in towns to prevent it from wandering off or being stolen.\n\nIn summary, the White Arabian near Lake Isabella is the best horse for early missions due to its superior stats and availability. If you don’t have access to bonus horses or prefer not to tame wild horses, stealing or purchasing a solid mount is a good alternative. Focus on bonding with your horse and upgrading its gear to maximize its potential. With these tips, you’ll have a reliable companion for all your early-game adventures in Red Dead Redemption 2.