What’s the best way to bond with a horse during duels?

Bonding with a horse during duels in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a mix of strategy, patience, and understanding of the game mechanics. Horses are essential companions in the game, and building a strong bond with them can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, especially during intense moments like duels. Here’s a detailed guide on how to bond with your horse effectively during duels.\n\nFirst, it’s important to understand the bonding system in Red Dead Redemption 2. Bonding with your horse increases its trust in you, which unlocks new abilities and improves its performance. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, with each level offering benefits such as increased stamina, better handling, and the ability to perform advanced maneuvers. During duels, a higher bonding level ensures your horse remains calm and responsive, which is crucial for quick getaways or repositioning.\n\nTo bond with your horse during a duel, start by ensuring your horse is nearby and not spooked. Horses can become frightened by gunfire or hostile actions, so it’s essential to keep them calm. Approach your horse slowly and pat it before the duel begins. This simple action increases your bonding level and reassures the horse. If your horse is already at a higher bonding level, it will be less likely to flee during the duel.\n\nDuring the duel, keep an eye on your horse’s position. If the duel takes place in an open area like Valentine or Rhodes, position your horse behind cover or at a safe distance. This prevents it from getting caught in the crossfire. If your horse does get spooked, use the calming mechanic by pressing the appropriate button (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) to soothe it. Calming your horse during tense moments not only prevents it from running away but also increases your bonding level.\n\nAfter the duel, immediately check on your horse. If it took any damage, use a Horse Reviver or Horse Medicine to restore its health. Feeding your horse or brushing it after a stressful event like a duel also boosts bonding. These actions show your horse that you care, which strengthens your relationship. Additionally, if you win the duel, take a moment to lead your horse on foot for a short distance. Leading your horse is an often-overlooked bonding activity that can be particularly effective after intense situations.\n\nFor players who frequently engage in duels, consider using a war horse breed like the Ardennes or Hungarian Halfbred. These horses are naturally more resilient and less likely to panic during combat. You can find these breeds at stables like the one in Valentine or by completing specific missions. A war horse with a high bonding level will remain steady even in the heat of battle, making it an ideal companion for duels.\n\nFinally, practice makes perfect. The more you engage in duels with your horse nearby, the more accustomed it will become to the chaos. Over time, your horse will learn to trust you implicitly, even in the most dangerous situations. Remember to always prioritize your horse’s safety and well-being, as a strong bond is the key to success in Red Dead Redemption 2.\n\nIn summary, bonding with your horse during duels involves calming it before and after the fight, positioning it safely, and using post-duel care to strengthen your relationship. By following these steps and choosing the right horse breed, you can ensure your horse remains a loyal and reliable partner, even in the most intense moments of the game.