When it comes to horse mechanics in gaming, every game developer is scared to take on the challenge. Why? Well, recreating a realistic horse movement is much harder than it seems. That is probably the reason why we don’t have many video games that feature realistic horse movement.

On top of that, it is not only about the movement. There are other mechanics like your character interacting with the horse, breeds, abilities, and many other things.

So, it is safe to say that it is really hard to recreate the ultimate horse mechanics in video games. But some games have achieved perfection, so if you want the best horse-riding adventure, check out these games:

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

This is kind of a no-brainer, right? Red Dead Redemption 2 is not only the best video game in terms of horse mechanics and features, but it is still a game that rivals the latest games even though it was first released a while back.

In other words, if you want the most realistic horse movement, go for RDR2. Why? Well apart from the incredible horse mechanics and tail and mane movement, this game features many other elements such as the unique stats and personalities that horses have. Plus, you can form a bond with your riding pal, and not many games have this feature.

For example, the fastest horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 is the Rose Gray Bay Arabian, so if there was a race in RDR2, I’d put my bet on this horse. If you don’t know how to place a horse racing bet, check out TwinSpires guide to horse racing betting.

The animation is incredible, it is as close to real life as possible. On top of that horses have realistic behavior. They respond to terrain, and threats, and can even be scared by wildlife.

After all, we are talking about a game coming from Rockstar, which explains why it is still one of the best horse games on the market.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Here we have a slightly different game, which some might argue is not realistic due to its design, but we are interested in horse mechanics. The latest two games of The Legend Of Zelda have incredible horse mechanics.

First, we have the natural movements, which are smooth and have realistic acceleration and deceleration.

Additionally, the game features a taming system, and each horse has unique traits affecting its speed, stamina, and temperament. So, it is not just another mount in the game, but it has many features, which are quite explainable since horses play an important role in going from one place to another.

3. Ghost of Tsushima

I would say that this is one of the most beautiful games ever designed. In Ghost of Tsushima, you follow the story of the samurai Jin Sakai, who has his beloved horse that accompanies him throughout his treacherous journey.

But this game has a unique element that the other two we mentioned so far don’t. It features an incredibly realistic combat while mounted on a horse. In terms of the mechanics, they are not as smooth as RDR2, but they are still good and realistic.

Plus horses aren’t just there for combat and transport, you can also establish an emotional connection, making it less like a tool.

4. Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey & Valhalla

I know that many of you are furious with Ubisoft and their lack of effort in recent games, but they’ve made some jewels in the past, especially for horse lovers.

Here we have both Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Valhalla, which both feature horses. The mechanics are good, and both games come with plenty of features such as combat, and responsive AI (your horse responds to calls, navigates through terrain autonomously).

Yes, they might not be the most complex horse mechanics, but these games still deserve to be on this list.

5. Black Desert Online

For those seeking an online horse experience, Black Desert Online (BDO) takes the cake. This MMO features an in-depth horse system with mechanics that rival even single-player games:

  • Breeding and Training: Horses in BDO can be bred for traits, trained, and even sold. Higher-tier horses come with better stats, giving players a realistic horse management experience.
  • Stamina and Health: Horses tire, get hungry, and even need proper gear. Managing your horse’s health and stamina adds a layer of strategy.
  • Realistic Movements and Animations: With a realistic take on movement and control, BDO’s horses feel grounded, adding to the game’s immersive world.

There are plenty of ways to get horses in Black Desert Online, and they are very important as you progress through the game.

6. Elder Scrolls: Skyrim

Lastly, we have a unique game, which some may say is not as realistic as the others, but we are still going to include it. We are talking about Skyrim, the game where horses play a crucial role.

This is a game where horses dive headfirst in the fight, and the designs range from ghosts to scary horses with horns.

The mechanics and horse movements are good, but this game falls short in one category – realism. The horses from Skyrim are popular for defying all physics and they can climb to impossible inclines. But that’s the fun part, right?

Yes, horses might not have a chance to do that in real life, but this is a game where everything is possible.