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Does John Get Arthur’s Other Horses? Untangling the Red Dead Redemption 2 Equine Inheritance

The short answer, and likely the one you came here for, is: no, John Marston does not automatically inherit Arthur Morgan’s horses in Red Dead Redemption 2. While John gains access to Arthur’s meticulously curated wardrobe and a significant portion of his hard-earned cash, the faithful steeds that carried Arthur across the Wild West remain tragically tied to Arthur. This is a design choice that emphasizes the finality of Arthur’s story and the deep bond players forge with their chosen mount.

However, fear not, aspiring equestrian! There are ways for John to acquire horses of similar quality and characteristics, allowing you to build a new stable of exceptional companions throughout the epilogue. This article will delve into the nuances of horse ownership in Red Dead Redemption 2, exploring why Arthur’s horses don’t transfer and providing tips for John to find equally impressive replacements.

The Epilogue and Loss: Why No Horse Transfer?

Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t just a game; it’s a narrative masterpiece centered around Arthur Morgan’s journey. The epilogue, starring John Marston, marks a significant shift in tone and character. Forcing Arthur’s horses upon John would undermine this transition. It’s a symbolic severing of ties, reinforcing the profound loss players feel at Arthur’s demise.

Furthermore, from a gameplay perspective, inheriting Arthur’s prized steed would diminish the motivation for exploring and engaging with the horse-taming and bonding mechanics that are so integral to the RDR2 experience. Discovering and developing a connection with a new horse becomes a core part of John’s journey toward building a new life. The game wants you to experience the challenge and reward of finding your own perfect partner. This is why you can’t transfer any of Arthur’s owned horses.

Rebuilding Your Stable: Finding Top-Tier Horses as John

While you can’t magically summon Buell or a max-bonded Arabian for John, the epilogue presents ample opportunities to acquire exceptional horses.

Hunting for Wild Mustangs and Arabians: The same wild horses Arthur could tame are still available for John. Head back to the areas where you found them before, and with patience and skill, you can break and bond with a new champion. Pay close attention to their coat colors and stats when deciding which horse you want to keep.
Visiting Stables: The stables throughout the map offer a wide variety of breeds and colors. Look for horses with high base stats in health, stamina, and speed. Consider investing in a War Horse for increased toughness or a thoroughbred for speed.
Completing Challenges: Some challenges reward you with unique horses. Check your progress in the progress menu to see if any rewards are horses you’re interested in.
Horse Fences: Horse Fences offer stolen horses for sale. While their morality might be questionable, it’s a quick way to add a new mount to your stable.

Mastering the Art of Bonding

No matter where you acquire your horse, building a strong bond is crucial. A maxed-out bond unlocks benefits such as increased health and stamina, improved handling, and the ability to perform advanced maneuvers.

Regularly Brush Your Horse: Keeping your horse clean is essential for maintaining its health and happiness.
Feed Your Horse: Provide your horse with nutritious food such as hay, oats, and carrots to replenish its stamina and health.
Ride Your Horse: Spending time riding your horse is the most effective way to increase its bond.
Calm Your Horse: When your horse becomes agitated, soothe it by patting it and speaking calmly.

The Importance of Saddle and Equipment

Don’t forget to equip your horse with a high-quality saddle and other essential gear. A good saddle increases your horse’s stamina and provides other valuable benefits. Consider investing in stirrups, blankets, and saddlebags to improve your horse’s comfort and carrying capacity.

Horse Care and Maintenance

Taking good care of your horse is essential for its well-being and performance. Regularly check your horse’s health and stamina, and provide it with the necessary care and attention. This includes cleaning its hooves, treating injuries, and providing it with a comfortable place to rest. You will need to purchase the items to groom your horse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Horses in Red Dead Redemption 2

Can I find the same breed of horse that Arthur had? Yes, all horse breeds available to Arthur are also available to John. The Arabian, Missouri Fox Trotter, and Turkoman, among others, can be found in the wild or purchased at stables.
Does Arthur’s saddle transfer to John? Yes, thankfully! Arthur’s saddle and any associated equipment (stirrups, blankets, saddlebags) will transfer to John, allowing him to immediately equip his new horse with quality gear.
What happens to Arthur’s horse equipment? The saddle and other horse equipment are transferred to John during the epilogue.
Can I replay missions to get Arthur’s horse back? No. Once Arthur’s story concludes, those specific horses are gone for good. Replaying missions will not restore them in the epilogue.
Is Buell available for John in the epilogue? If you completed the Hamish Sinclair stranger missions with Arthur, and Buell survived, John will inherit Buell during the epilogue.
What is the best horse for John to get in the epilogue? There’s no single “best” horse. It depends on your play style. For speed, a thoroughbred or Arabian is ideal. For all-around performance, the Missouri Fox Trotter or Turkoman are excellent choices. The Ardennes and Shire horses are known for their strength.
How do I increase my horse bonding level quickly? The most effective ways are riding long distances, feeding your horse regularly, and calming it when it’s agitated. Grooming also helps.
Do stables sell different horses depending on the location? Yes, each stable specializes in different breeds and colors. Check them all out to find the horse that best suits your needs.
What are horse tonics used for? Horse tonics replenish your horse’s health and stamina. Use them during long rides or when your horse is injured.
How does horse insurance work? If your insured horse dies, you can retrieve it from any stable for a small fee. Without insurance, the horse is permanently lost.
Where can I find wild horses in the epilogue? Common locations include the Heartlands, near Emerald Ranch, and around the Dakota River. The Mustang can be found in the Great Plains.
Are there any unique horses John can find only in the epilogue? No, the horse breeds available to John are the same as those available to Arthur. However, the opportunity to bond with them anew provides a unique experience.
Can I sell stolen horses to the horse fence? Yes, you can sell stolen horses to the horse fence to make quick money.
Does the type of saddle affect my horse’s stats? Yes, different saddles provide different stat boosts. Choose a saddle that complements your horse’s strengths and weaknesses.
What is the Games Learning Society? The Games Learning Society is a group of researchers, educators, and game developers who explore the potential of games for learning and engagement. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion: Forging New Bonds in the West

While the loss of Arthur’s horses is a poignant reminder of his passing, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers John the opportunity to forge new bonds with exceptional steeds. By exploring the world, visiting stables, and mastering the art of horse bonding, you can build a stable of loyal companions that will carry you through the challenges and adventures of the epilogue. Remember that the journey of finding and connecting with a new horse is an integral part of John’s story, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Wild West and the powerful connections we form with our equine partners.

Does John get Arthur’s other horses?