Do You Keep Arthur’s Horses in the Epilogue of Red Dead Redemption 2?
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The short, definitive answer is: No, you do not keep Arthur’s horses in the epilogue of Red Dead Redemption 2. All of the horses that Arthur Morgan owns at the end of Chapter 6 are lost when the narrative transitions to John Marston. This is a significant and often heartbreaking detail for players who have formed strong bonds with their steeds. Despite the wealth of items and progress that does carry over, your beloved horses will not make the journey to the epilogue. This is a reset point where a new chapter, with new possibilities and a few old friends, begins. Let’s explore this further and delve into related questions to ensure clarity.
The Fate of Arthur’s Horses
The loss of Arthur’s horses is a hard pill to swallow for many players. Regardless of the breed, bond level, or how much time you’ve invested with them, all are gone when the game moves to the epilogue. This includes any unique horses, such as Buell, given to Arthur by Hamish Sinclair. This is particularly painful for those who have carefully selected and meticulously cared for their steeds throughout the game. The narrative choice to cut ties with the horses is a narrative element designed to highlight the loss and change John experiences as he inherits the mantle of protagonist.
The reasoning behind losing the horses is never explicitly explained in the game. Some players speculate that it’s a consequence of the narrative shift to a different character in the story. Others consider it a poignant way to underscore the magnitude of Arthur’s death and the passage of time. Regardless, it’s a deliberate design choice that emphasizes the sense of loss and the new beginning John is starting.
What You Do Keep in the Epilogue
While horses are lost, it is not a total reset. Many items do carry over into the epilogue, ensuring that players do not lose all the progress they made as Arthur Morgan. This includes:
- Weapons: All of Arthur’s weapons are carried over to John. However, you do need to complete a few missions early in the epilogue to access them.
- Outfits: Similarly, Arthur’s complete wardrobe transfers over to John.
- Special Items: This includes things such as trinkets, talismans, and valuable items that Arthur acquired.
- Collectibles: Any collectibles you acquired as Arthur are kept when you are playing as John.
- Sellable Loot Items: Any loot items that can be sold are also preserved.
- Documents: Any important documents or progress that you’ve made will also carry over.
- Character Progress: Core stats and progress (Recipes, Challenges) remain mostly, however, core stats are reduced.
However, you will lose:
- All of Arthur’s Horses
- All of Arthur’s Money, however, you are given $20,000 at the start of the epilogue.
- Player and Horse Tonics
- All food, flowers, plants, and berries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to horses, the epilogue, and item transfer in Red Dead Redemption 2, to provide further clarity:
1. Does John Marston inherit Arthur’s stabled horses?
No. Any horses that Arthur has stabled at the end of Chapter 6 are lost and are not passed on to John.
2. What happens to unique horses like Buell when Arthur dies?
Unique horses, like Buell, are also lost. They do not carry over to John. If you want Buell as John, you have to finish the last part of Hamish Sinclair’s mission chain after the main story concludes.
3. Can you retrieve Arthur’s horses after completing the epilogue?
No, you cannot retrieve any of Arthur’s horses. They are permanently gone.
4. What is the best horse to get in the epilogue?
The Rose Grey Bay Arabian horse, which can be purchased in the Blackwater stable during the epilogue, has the highest health and stamina of the Arabian horses. The White Arabian is another very popular choice, which is found in the wild at Lake Isabella.
5. Are there any special horses only available in the epilogue?
Yes, the Rose Grey Bay Arabian is only available for purchase in the Blackwater stable during the epilogue.
6. Do any other items besides horses and money get lost?
Yes, you will also lose all player and horse tonics, food, flowers, plants and berries.
7. Can I get the White Arabian horse again in the epilogue if Arthur had it?
Yes. The White Arabian spawns in the wild at Lake Isabella, even if Arthur had it. John can tame it again.
8. Can I get Arthur’s saddle back?
Yes. You can get Arthur’s saddle back as John. It will be available in your inventory.
9. Does horse bonding level carry over?
No. Horse bonding level is tied to the specific horse, so it is not transferred when you go to the epilogue since those horses are lost.
10. Is the Arabian horse the best in the game?
The Arabian horses generally have the highest stats in Red Dead Redemption 2. They are fast, agile, and have good stamina and health. The Rose Grey Bay variant is among the best with its high stats.
11. What is the best free horse to get in the epilogue?
The best free horse in the epilogue is the White Arabian, located in the wild at Lake Isabella.
12. What is the fastest horse in RDR2?
The Arabian horses are some of the fastest in RDR2, with the White Arabian being a very popular choice due to its speed and accessibility.
13. What other items carry over from Arthur to John?
Weapons, outfits, kit items, trinkets, talismans, valuables, and documents all transfer over to John.
14. Is it worth playing RDR2 after the epilogue?
Absolutely. The epilogue provides a new chapter with plenty of content. After the main story, there is still a large amount of activities and side quests that can be completed as John Marston, adding many more hours of gameplay.
15. What should I do before the end of Chapter 6 to prepare for the epilogue?
Make sure you have completed as much of the map exploration and side quests as possible. Any specific collectibles or items that you want Arthur to find before the epilogue should be done. Keep in mind you will lose your money and horses, so any horses you want to sell off before completing the main game will give you money.
Conclusion
The loss of Arthur’s horses in the epilogue is a poignant aspect of Red Dead Redemption 2. While it is a disappointing experience for some, it is a purposeful narrative choice that emphasizes loss and change. Although you lose your horses, many of your other possessions and progress are carried over to John, allowing you to continue enjoying the vast open world and experiences available in the epilogue. While you can’t keep Arthur’s beloved companions, you have a whole new journey ahead with John and his future adventures.