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The other set of saddles are obtained from the Trapper, and provide even better bonuses than the stable saddles. However, Trapper or complete saddles have already been upgraded. Despite this fact, complete saddles can be better than fully upgraded stable saddles. This list will cover thebest saddles in RDR2, and explain why they stand out above the rest.
Updated December 10, 2021, by Payton Lott: Red Dead Redemption 2’s online counterpart continues to grow and evolve with players logging in to try their hand at taming the old west. But a player is only as good as their horse, and it’s arguable that a good saddle can make all the difference. But what are the best saddles in RDR2 online? There’s a small handful to choose from, but each one offers a pretty sizeable boost to things like Stamina Recharge and Drain, making them vital in unlocking the true potential of the best horses in the game. Here’s an updated look at the best saddles in RDR2 online, with a few more affordable options forthose new to the game.
5 Foxmore Saddle
The 2020 update introduced players to the Naturalist Role and brought the Foxmore Saddle along with it.
Core Health Drain Rate : -22% Stamina Regen Rate : +30% Stamina Core Drain Rate : -32% Stamina Drain Rate : 0%
The Foxmore Saddle is a great option for players in terms of its core stats but it’s rather expensive at $570. Unfortunately, there are much cheaper options that provide similar stats but those with filled pockets may want to opt for the Foxmore Saddle to flaunt their wealth. It’s aesthetically pleasing, for sure, featuring ornate designs stitched into the leather and a frilled edge. Its core health drain rate is a bit rough, but players that are looking for a good saddle to use for shorter distances can opt for this expensive option. Unlocking it is as simple as having the capital necessary to buy it.
4 McKinney Saddle
In terms of looks, the McKinney Saddle is not too impressive. The bonuses of the saddle do provide some notable benefits:
Core Health Drain Rate : -34% Stamina Regen Rate : +20% Stamina Core Drain Rate : -34% Stamina Drain Rate : 0%
The McKinney Saddle provides better benefits than the Nacogdoches in Health Drain, Regen Rate, and Core Drain Rate. The issue with the saddle is that it does not provide a buff to Drain Rate, which is crucial when trying to extend the horse’s range. It looks decent and actually beats the below saddles in a couple of categories, making it a viable option.
With Hooded Stirrups, each of these saddles (except the Upland) will receive a +2 speed boost and a 50% stamina drain boost. Getting the Hooded Stirrups is crucial to bridge the gap between the purchased and pre-purchased saddles. With that massive drain boost, the McKinney becomes much more in line with the Upland and Nacogdoches.
3 Delgado Saddle
The Delgado Saddle looks incredible, especially on horses with darker coats. It has some of the best stat upgrades as well:
Core Health Drain Rate : -22% Stamina Regen Rate : +32% Stamina Core Drain Rate : -22% Stamina Drain Rate : 0%
Just like the above saddle, Delgado does not buff the base Drain Rate of horses. The lack of a buff in that category limits the potential of the saddle compared to the two final options. With very good regen bonuses, the Delgado is still quite impressive compared to the other options. Because many RD2 players care about cosmetics, the best-looking saddle in the game had to be included.
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Stamina drain may be capped at -50% with the Hooded Stirrups, but the +32% regen will make up for it on longer journeys. The reality is that the McKinney and Delgado will just not go as far because of a base drain rate of 0%. Players can’t go wrong with the following two choices.
2 Nacogdoches Saddle
Until the Upland Saddle was introduced, the Nacogdoches Saddle was the undisputed top saddle in the game. The stats listed below make it clear why so many players love the saddle:
Core Health Drain Rate : -20% Stamina Regen Rate : +18% Stamina Core Drain Rate : -18% Stamina Drain Rate : -35%
For gamers that do not have the Bounty Hunter expansion, the Nacogdoches saddle is by far the best. Yes, it will be a little more expensive than the Upland in the end, but it is still quite affordable considering all of the amazing bonuses it provides. When coupled with a Missouri Fox Trotter, the saddle will allow players to zoom around the map without having to make a pit stop. With Hooded Stirrups equipped, the saddle actually has the highest stamina drain rate buff at -85%. Gamers need to decide between a slightly better drain rate or the $125 it will cost for the stirrups.
1 Upland Saddle
Based on the base stats alone, the Upland Saddle is hands down the best saddle in RDR2. All of the stats for the saddle are listed below:
Core Health Drain Rate : -24% Stamina Regen Rate : +30% Stamina Core Drain Rate : -30% Stamina Drain Rate : -65%
There is a reason why many in the community still use the Nacogdoches Saddle, however. It has the second-best stats and has a few customization options that the Upland Saddle does not. As mentioned above, it has a better Stamina Regen with stirrups too. The Upland Saddle is also the most expensive saddle in the game, but you pay for what you get. Gamers that buy this saddle will not have to mess with getting Hooded Stirrups for it.
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All of the pre-purchased saddles already have the +2 speed incorporated. Similarly, the Nacogdoches saddle ends up being more expensive if the cost of a saddlebag and Hooded Stirrups are included. That being said, the two saddles are quite comparable. The main difference in performance will be Stamina Drain Rate. Horses with the Upland Saddle can run almost as far as with the Nacogdoches for a fraction of the cost.
Though the above are the best saddles in the game is not essential to have one of the saddles above, and there are plenty of comparable options. See below for the best value saddles in RDO/RDR2:
Foxmore Ivers Fletcher Marinville
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Each of these saddles provides a nice boost to all the important stats mentioned above. They may not have quite as much of an impact, but for most missions, they will do the trick. Getting a top-tier saddle should not be a priority until gamers have logged a substantial amount of hours on the game. Plus, there are a lot of other essential items users will need to save their money for. The above saddles will do in the meantime until players can afford one of the flashy ones higher on the list.
Cheap Horses To Pair The Saddles With
To get even more bang for your buck, pick one of the cheaper versatile horses in the game to gear up with a cheap saddle. The Red Chestnut Arabian is one of the top value options for horses, as Arabians can do essentially everything they need to in RDO. They are fast enough and have solid stamina for the price. Plus, the Red Chestnut is much cheaper than the other Arabian options.
Likewise, Andalusians are well-rounded horses that will only set back players a few hundred dollars. The final value horse worth trying out is the Mustang. For getting from point A to B, no horse is more fun to use. However, stamina can be an issue on longer journeys.
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