Are you struggling to trigger horse races in Red Dead Redemption 2? Many players find it frustrating to encounter these random events. If you’re looking to unlock horse perks quickly, this guide will show you a reliable method to find horse races early in your RDR2 playthrough. This strategy has been tested and confirmed by multiple players, allowing you to experience horse races within the first 10-20 hours of gameplay, right after free roam becomes available in Chapter 2.
Finding the First Race at Wallace Station
To kickstart your horse racing journey, head to Wallace Station. Just downhill from the station, you’ll find a major road intersection near the waterfall. This location is key to triggering the first race encounter.
You might need to spend a little time in the area to get the event to spawn. Try camping nearby and resting until the next day, or simply ride in loops around the intersection. In most cases, the “old man racer” NPC will appear here, almost guaranteed, ready to challenge you to a race.
Alt text: A picturesque landscape of Wallace Station area in Red Dead Redemption 2, showcasing the station building nestled amidst trees and hills.
He will propose a race to Diablo Ridge, a landmark situated near the Appleseed Timber Co. Accept the challenge and complete the race to secure your first horse race victory.
Securing the Second Race at Strawberry Stables
After completing the first race, you’ll need to wait approximately one in-game week before proceeding to the next location for the second race.
Travel to Strawberry Stables. From the stables, take the road leading downhill towards an intersection. You’ll know you’ve reached the correct spot when you see a distinctive large rock situated right at the crossroads. This intersection is the spawning point for the old man racer for the second race.
Similar to the first location, the old man racer should appear here with a high probability, offering you the second race.
Alt text: Overview of Strawberry Stables in Red Dead Redemption 2, displaying the stable building and the natural environment with trees and mountains in the background.
Troubleshooting Tip: If, for any reason, the old man racer doesn’t appear at the Strawberry Stables intersection, there’s a simple trick to try. Enter the stables and make a minor adjustment to your horse’s equipment, such as changing the style of your bedroll.
Alternatively, you can undertake a minor story mission or a short Stranger mission to advance the game world slightly. After completing one of these actions, exit the stables, create a manual save, and return to the intersection. This should almost guarantee the racer’s appearance at the intersection down the hill from the stables.
Once you’ve completed both races using this Rdr2 Guide, you’ll unlock valuable horse perks that will enhance your gameplay for the rest of your Red Dead Redemption 2 adventure.
Important Reminder:
This method is most effective when implemented early in the game, ideally before you’ve encountered any horse race NPCs. It’s best to utilize this guide before your first random horse race encounter to maximize your chances of triggering these events successfully. Keep in mind that declining a horse race encounter if you happen to stumble upon one randomly can decrease the likelihood of future race encounters.
