The best saddles in Red Dead Redemption 2 are more than just fancy accessories for your horse; they're crucial for performance and aesthetics. Each saddle offers unique benefits and drawbacks, impacting your horse's stamina, health, and speed. Let's dive into the best saddles in RDR2 and see which one suits your riding style.
1. Nacogdoches Saddle
The Nacogdoches Saddle is often hailed as the top saddle in the game and is a community favourite. Arguably the coolest looking (and sounding! 'Na-cog-doches') saddle in the game. The ultimate -85% stamina drain rate, achieved with the Hooded Stirrups, allows you to travel vast distances effortlessly. Whether or not you opt for the additional stirrup expense, this saddle remains a prime pick for any serious bounty hunter.
Core Health Drain Rate: -20% | Stamina Regen Rate: +18% | Stamina Core Drain Rate: -18% | Stamina Drain Rate: -35%
Pros:
- Stamina Drain Buff: Best in class at -85% with Hooded Stirrups.
- Stamina Regen: Excellent, perfect for long rides.
- Versatile: Works well with various horses, Missouri Fox Trotter especially.
Cons:
- Cost: Higher initial investment and requires Hooded Stirrups ($125) to be considered the best saddle in the game.
2. Upland Saddle
Standing in the shadow of the Nacogdoches, the Upland Saddle offers its own charm with robust stamina regen and no need for extra stirrups. This is the priciest saddle in the stable, reflecting its unmatched quality and performance. Decked out in this saddle, your horse will dash through the plains like a spirit of the frontier, embodying the essence of the Wild West.
Core Health Drain Rate: -24% | Stamina Regen Rate: +30% | Stamina Core Drain Rate: -30% | Stamina Drain Rate: -65%
Pros:
- Stamina Regen: Second-best stamina regeneration in the game, even without stirrups
- Performance: High-end stats for serious riders.
Cons:
- Cost: Most expensive in the game.
- Health Regen: Not as high as Nacogdoches.
3. McKinney Saddle
The McKinney Saddle shines when it comes to enhancing your horse's health stats. It edges out the Nacogdoches in health drain and regeneration, but without a stamina drain rate boost, it doesn’t quite reach the same range. However, add Hooded Stirrups and this saddle nearly matches the top contenders, bridging the gap with added speed and stamina perks.
Core Health Drain Rate: -34% | Stamina Regen Rate: +20% | Stamina Core Drain Rate: -34% | Stamina Drain Rate: 0%
Pros:
- Health Benefits: Superior health drain and regen rates.
- Speed Boost: +2 speed with Hooded Stirrups.
- Versatile: Good all-around stats.
Cons:
- Stamina Drain: No base drain buff.
- Availability: Harder to find.
4. Delgado Saddle
The Delgado Saddle does not improve the base stamina drain rate, but it compensates with stellar regen bonuses and a sleek design. Even with its -50% stamina drain cap via Hooded Stirrups, the added 32% regen bonus ensures your rides are long and uninterrupted. This saddle combines functionality with elegance, appealing to riders who value both performance and style.
Core Health Drain Rate: -22% | Stamina Regen Rate: +32% | Stamina Core Drain Rate: -22% | Stamina Drain Rate: 0%
Pros:
- Regen Bonuses: Excellent stamina and health regen.
- Aesthetic: Stylish design.
- Affordable: Good value for its performance.
Cons:
- Stamina Drain: Lacks a base drain buff.
- Performance: Not as high as top-tier saddles.
5. Fletcher Saddle
The Fletcher Saddle is all about balanced performance, making it a reliable choice for diverse riding needs. It provides a stable, consistent boost across all core stats without specializing in any. Easy to acquire through the Trader Role, its understated leather craftsmanship adds a rugged yet refined touch to your horse’s gear.
Core Health Drain Rate: -28% | Stamina Regen Rate: +26% | Stamina Core Drain Rate: -28% | Stamina Drain Rate: 0%
Pros:
- Balanced Stats: Consistent across all cores.
- Appearance: Nice leather finish.
- Accessibility: Easy to acquire through the Trader Role.
Cons:
- Specialization: Doesn’t excel in any particular area.
- Stamina Drain: Moderate reduction.
6. Panther Trail Saddle
For many years, the Panther Trail Saddle was considered the best saddle in the game. The Panther Trail stands out not just for its stats but for its straightforward accessibility and lower cost. While it doesn't allow for stirrup modifications, its solid performance metrics make it a viable option for those with less time or currency to invest in more elaborate role-based gear.
Core Health Drain Rate: -20% | Stamina Regen Rate: +24% | Stamina Core Drain Rate: -26% | Stamina Drain Rate: -50%
Pros:
- Affordability: Cheaper than many other options.
- Stats: Good overall performance.
- Availability: Easy to acquire from any stable.
Cons:
- Customization: No options to add stirrups.
- Performance: Limited by lack of upgrades.