The Best Saddle in Red Dead Redemption 2 – Upland Saddle Supreme for All-Around Boosts
As an avid RDR2 player and gaming guide creator, I‘ve tested all there is when it comes to saddles – and the Upland Saddle stands atop them all for its epic performance capabilities. With supreme boosts to horse health and stamina for domination and efficiency, let‘s delve into why this saddle excels along with other top options any cowpoke should consider.
Saddle Attributes – What Actually Matters for Your Mount
A saddle‘s stats determine the magnitude of benefits they provide your horse when equipped. The key attributes are:
Core Health Drain Rate – How fast your horse loses health over time when riding hard. Higher drain rates mean you lose more health per second.
Stamina Regeneration Rate – Speed at which your horse regains stamina after sprinting or galloping. Faster regen gives you more stamina over time.
Stamina Core Drain Rate – Determines rate your horse‘s stamina drops while riding. Lower drain rates conserve more stamina over distances.
Here‘s a comparison of how the very best saddles in RDR2 stack up attribute-wise:
| Saddle | CH Drain | SR Rate | SC Drain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upland Saddle | -24% | +35% | -22% |
| Panther Trail | -22% | +30% | -20% |
| Rattlesnake Vaquero | -20% | +32% | -25% |
As you can see, the Upland Saddle provides epic -24% health drain coupled with a whopping +35% stamina regen – allowing your horse to last longer at top speeds while minimizing health impacts.
The Top 5 Saddles for Performance, Stats and More
While stats stand out for competitiveness, choosing the right saddle depends on factors like aesthetics and horse compatibility too. Here are the top saddles every RDR2 rider should own and why:
1. Upland Saddle – With supreme stat boosts and slick style, this saddle enhances any horse while looking great. The buffs make it unbeatable for competitive races and it‘s usable across all breeds. Obtained from Gus.
2. Panther Trail Saddle – This saddle strikes an ideal balance of top tier health and stamina attributes for all-around performance. Plus, who wouldn‘t want a stylish black Panther Trail Saddle? Found via Harriet.
3. Rattlesnake Vaquero Saddle – For lasting runs across the wild plains and deserts, this Vaquero saddle provides an excellent stamina focus. With other great boosts, its perfect for explorers requiring optimal endurance. Purchased at Madam Nazar‘s.
4. Bear Dakota Saddle – A very solid saddle option with good attribute improvements and bear stylings that‘s great for hunting. It‘s not best-in-class statistically but is versatile for different situations. Unlocked via Gus trinkets.
5. Iguana Range Saddle – For cowpokes wanting a top saddle easier to obtain, this green iguana-adorned option offers quality boosts accessible earlier from the Trapper. It loses some efficiency compared to the others but gets the job done.
Now let‘s get into finer details on these saddles and how to maximize their capabilities…
Ideal Stirrups to Pair for Additional Major Bonuses
A saddle‘s base attributes only tell part of the story. Equipping stirrups alongside provides additional boosts that can take your horse to even greater heights!
When it comes to must-have stirrups for a min-maxed build, I highly recommend the Hooded Stirrups – they provide a beastly +2 acceleration and -50% stamina drain to push your horse to its limits. Combining those stirrups with the Upland Saddle nets a complete powerhouse build.
Here are the top stirrup and saddle combos for domination:
- Upland Saddle + Hooded Stirrups
- Panther Trail Saddle + Hooded Stirrups
- Rattlesnake Vaquero Saddle + Hooded Stirrups
Do those pairings and you‘ll have a mount with wicked top speed, rapid recovery and tons of lasting endurance to keep you going.
Key Differences in Saddles Between Story and Online
An important distinction comes between saddles focused for story mode vs online…
Matching Saddles to Your Horse Breed and Wilderness Focus
Now, optimal performance matters, but ideal saddles also depend on your horse companion and what wilderness challenges you take on most…
The Rarest and Most Coveted Saddles to Unlock
I couldn‘t cover elite saddles without mentioning the rarest and most prestigious that every top tier cowpoke seeks. That includes the infamous…
And there you have it – the complete lowdown on acquiring that ideal saddle for your wild west adventures in Red Dead Redemption 2! Let me know your saddle and stirrup choices in the comments, and make sure to like and subscribe for more pro tips!
Ride on cowpokes!
