Fresh gameplay material reveals many new details about the upcoming Western title Red Dead Redemption 2. And like in any good Western, the horse plays an important role. But these animals are much more than just a means of transport for the player. We have the details.
Red Dead Redemption 2 impresses with a huge world and an enormous attention to detail. The world surrounding the player feels alive. For example, horses are now much more than just a way to quickly get from A to B. They can become a real friend, just like in a Western – and it is in your hands.
Horses in RDR 2 – Loyal friends and indispensable companions
More than just a means of transport: Compared to its predecessor, horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 have been massively improved. A great effort has been made to depict the animals as realistically as possible. This does not only include their realistic animations.
Different breeds have different temperaments and react differently to the current terrain, to water, or to stress situations. They behave just as real horses would. For example, the animals will not throw themselves off a cliff – even if you try to push them.
Engage with the animal. First and foremost, you now have to see them as a loyal emotional companion. Horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 are intelligent creatures with their own needs, feelings, and different personalities. Therefore, it is up to you to build a strong connection with your stallion.
The more time you spend with the horse, the more trusting and close your relationship will gradually become. You must pay attention to your animal partner’s needs and respond accordingly. Depending on their emotional state, the animal needs to be calmed, groomed, fed, and possibly even medically treated. This creates trust, which in turn strengthens the bond.
If you have a good bond with the horse, there are benefits
A strong bond pays off. Most heavy items like the Winchester rifle or hunting loot can be stored on your companion to bring them to the nearest camp. Therefore, you don’t leave your horse unattended – if it dies or runs away, your belongings are gone too.
The stronger the connection between you and your thoroughbred, the more benefits you will gain from it. In a shootout, for instance, your horse will no longer panic as quickly.
If you dismount and leave it standing, the horse won’t run away as quickly, because it trusts you. A stronger bond makes it correspondingly more obedient. Additionally, the distance from which you can call it with a whistle increases.
Take care of your companion. If the horse dies, you will have to find a new one. While you can quickly acquire another working animal, the bond must be rebuilt completely. So, it may take a while before it becomes a real friend and a loyal companion again.
Deliberately emotional! The loss of a horse will hurt you deeply if you’ve spent several hours together. The developers consciously chose not to make the horse immortal or allow it to return endlessly.
This close bond with the horse is also useful when you rob trains. As we noted in our trailer analysis of Red Dead Redemption 2, robberies will be an important theme.
