How do I ensure Arthur’s horse is fully bonded before the endgame?

To ensure Arthur’s horse is fully bonded before the endgame in Red Dead Redemption 2, you need to focus on building a strong bond with your horse through consistent care, interaction, and gameplay mechanics. Bonding with your horse is crucial because it unlocks better stats, such as increased health, stamina, and responsiveness, which are essential for surviving the game’s intense final missions. The bonding system has four levels, and reaching Level 4 requires time, patience, and specific actions.\n\nFirst, choose a horse that suits your playstyle. Horses like the White Arabian (found near Lake Isabella) or the Missouri Fox Trotter (available in the Epilogue or through specific missions) are excellent choices due to their high stats. Once you have your horse, start bonding by riding it frequently. Simply mounting and dismounting your horse increases bonding, but riding long distances accelerates the process. Use the horse for exploration, missions, and hunting to maximize bonding opportunities.\n\nNext, focus on caring for your horse. Regularly brush your horse to clean it, especially after muddy or dusty rides. You can do this by approaching your horse and selecting the brush option. Feeding your horse is equally important. Use hay, wild carrots, or purchased horse meals to keep its cores full. A well-fed horse recovers stamina faster and performs better in stressful situations. Additionally, patting your horse (by pressing the appropriate button while mounted) boosts bonding and calms it during combat or dangerous encounters.\n\nAnother key mechanic is leading your horse. Dismount and hold the lead button to walk your horse for short distances. This action increases bonding and is particularly useful when exploring on foot. You can also hitch your horse at camps or towns to keep it safe and further strengthen your bond. Avoid leaving your horse unattended in dangerous areas, as it may get injured or stolen.\n\nTo speed up bonding, use horse tonics and stimulants. These items, available at stables or crafted using herbs, temporarily boost your horse’s stamina and health cores. They are especially helpful during long rides or intense missions. Additionally, avoid actions that harm your bond, such as overworking your horse, crashing into obstacles, or neglecting its needs. If your horse dies, you lose all bonding progress, so always carry Horse Reviver in your inventory.\n\nFinally, complete challenges and missions that involve your horse. For example, the Horseman challenges reward you for riding specific distances or taming wild horses. These activities not only improve your skills but also deepen your bond with your horse. By consistently following these steps, you can reach Level 4 bonding before the endgame, ensuring your horse is a reliable companion during Arthur’s final moments.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry Horse Reviver, brush and feed your horse after every mission, and avoid reckless riding. Use the stable in Valentine or Saint Denis to store and manage multiple horses. If you’re struggling to find specific items like wild carrots, check near water sources or purchase them from general stores. By prioritizing your horse’s needs, you’ll ensure it remains a loyal and powerful ally throughout the game.