Horses have remained loyal companions throughout history. An animal that you share trust with, an animal with a bond, and an animal that makes it a whole lot easier to travel quickly - perfect for those sprawling open worlds we find ourselves in so often.
In video games, horses have appeared in many different ways - from stylized characters to ultra-realistic interpretations. We’ll be taking a look at the most memorable horses in video games, from these lovable characters to some truly astonishing depictions.
Updated on July 25, 2022: Horses will always be beloved. From fantasy adventures, to loyal companions, to that mystical friend by your side, these creatures are wonderful and offer so much to any experience. As such, we want to continue to celebrate horses in all of their majesty, with these favorites from a vast number of video games.
12 Shadowmere - The Elder Scrolls
Oh look, it's Skyrim. This colossus of a game can easily find itself in most discussions regarding video games, and it's no surprise to see it here. We're here to talk about a certain horse though - not those clunky, war-hungry steeds that seem to want to join the fight against a dragon.
No, instead we're here for Shadowmere. A dark and mystic horse, Shadowmere first made an appearance in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, before returning later in Skyrim. In both games, the horse is a reward as part of the Dark Brotherhood questlines, and features a silhouette-like coat and glowing red eyes. Also, it's invincible, so go fight all the dragons you wish - there will be no horse funerals today.
11 The Hero's Horse - Dragon Quest 11
As with any grand adventure, you can expect to be traveling across the land and exploring all manner of environments, high and low. In Dragon Quest 11, you'll be journeying across the world as you gather your party members and save the world from assured doom.
However, while you gather your party members, you'll always have your horse. As soon as you are free to go on your adventure, you can summon your horse from various bells dotted around the world. This creature will never let you down, and you even get to compete in a horse race later on - what's not to love?
10 Papi - Animal Crossing
In a game with hundreds of animal villagers, there are horses. Horses with many different types of personalities. We could have included Julian the unicorn on the list instead, but that’s just a fake horse with a horn. Also, everyone knows Julian the galaxy unicorn, but where’s the love for Papi?
Papi is a lazy villager from Animal Crossing, and doesn’t stand out that much. He’s a horse, he has a jumper, and he lives in a dirt house - but you know what, Papi is happy. He has a home, some nice neighbors, and doesn’t get ridden around by a human. Sure he’s in a little debt to a raccoon, but aren’t we all?
9 The Horse Of Your Choice - Kingdom Come: Deliverance
In the gritty medieval setting of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, a friendly and trustworthy companion can go a long way. When bandits lurk on the roads, judgment is passed within the streets, and you struggle to make your way through the world, the horse you choose is there alongside you.
Having a first-person perspective of a realistic world of knights and castles, you'll see your horses up close for plenty of your journey, which makes them even more fascinating as the details are astounding. Don them with armor to keep them safe, too - or, you know, to make them look stylish as heck.
8 Agro - Shadow Of The Colossus
- Spoilers Ahead For Shadow Of The Colossus
Agro - Aggravating comes to mind. This open-world PS2 game controls like a PS2 game, and can be a little less-than-perfect, but is great nonetheless. In Shadow of the Colossus, you’ll fight the camera as much as you fight Colossi, and sometimes Agro just doesn’t want to go where you do. Probably for the best, but you have things to do.
That being said, as much as this love-hate relationship blooms throughout your murderous journey through the forbidden lands, it always remains heartbreaking when Agro gives it her all to get you across that bridge - the bridge that she falls with, in the end. Luckily, she does survive and can be seen in the post-credits, but it doesn’t take away that pain in the moment. You did good, Agro. You did good.
7 Four Horses Of The Apocalypse - Undead Nightmare
Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare puts you in the shoes of John Marston, in somewhat of a drastic alternate reality - there are zombies everywhere. After setting out on a quest to figure out what’s going on, you can come across some strange and interesting creatures throughout the world.
These creatures include the Four Horses of the Apocalypse: Death, War, Pestilence, and Famine. Each horse is uniquely designed and can be taken on as a mount for Marston, offering their own benefits over any ordinary horse. They are memorable and a little terrifying, but we love them nonetheless. Whether you want a skeletal horse or one that’s only slightly aflame, they’ve got your back.
6 Jin’s Horse - Ghost Of Tsushima
- Spoilers Ahead For Ghost Of Tsushima
In Ghost of Tsushima, you’ll be spending a lot of time traveling around with your horse. Near the start of the game, Jin is provided with a steed and can pick which one it is he wants, as well as the name. The options for the name are Nobu (Trust), Sora (Sky), and Kage (Shadow). After picking your perfect horse, it’ll stick by your side through thick and thin.
However, as a cinematic and emotional story-driven game, tragedy strikes. In a truly heartbreaking series of events, your arrow-riddled horse will use every last bit of its life to get Jin out of danger. Eventually, it collapses, leaving Jin broken and ever-more angry to take vengeance on those who have wronged his people.
5 Roach - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Geralt of Rivia spends most of his time out in the wilds, with no one else around but Roach, his trustworthy friend. Whether it’s to travel a long distance, carry that severed Griffin head, or just to talk to, Roach never fails to be there for this not-so-hardened Witcher.
That said, Roach can be a little frustrating to actually control in-game, and will often do as she likes. She’ll even get spooked by all of the horrors you’ll come across, and you’ll need to use Axii to calm her often. Quirks aside, Roach is a loyal steed and one that you’ll appreciate your time with.
4 Shimmer - The Last Of Us Part 2
- Spoilers Ahead For The Last Of Us Part 2
Horses will stick by your side through thick and thin, and endure conditions no one should have to. In a world where cars are long since decayed and threats are ever-increasing, having a horse makes everything that bit easier.
That's why Shimmer stands out in The Last Of Us Part 2. This horse goes through so much with you, from infected threats to snow storms, and will do anything to get you out of danger. Unfortunately, Shimmer's last act is getting you to safety, and you will have to say a heartbreaking goodbye.
3 Torrent - Elden Ring
As you traverse The Lands Between of Elden Ring, your sturdy Spirit Steed named Torrent will always be at the ready to carry you into battle - or away from a battle, usually. The mystically horned horse cannot be summoned while indoors, while invaded, or in certain boss fights, but you will nevertheless come to rely on Torrent for many situations.
Able to materialize and charge at high speeds, Torrent is vital to your journey to become Elden Lord - or to burn the world, if that's more your thing. Plus, this horse can double jump. Can a normal horse double jump? Didn't think so.
2 Epona - The Legend Of Zelda
A series everyone has heard of, and a pivotal part of video game history, The Legend of Zelda is full of some of the best and most iconic parts of gaming. Ocarina of Time still remains the favorite of many fans, and was the first game to introduce Epona - Link’s unlikely horse companion.
Bonded with as a foal at Lon Lon Ranch, and rescued from there as an adult, Epona quickly became tied to Link and his iconic legacy. She continued to make appearances as the games went on, from Twilight Princess and even obtainable via an Amiibo in Breath of the Wild. We surely haven’t seen the last of this horse, as she seems to reincarnate just as much as Link and Zelda themselves.
1 Every Horse In Red Dead Redemption 2
No other video game has represented horses to the degree of Red Dead Redemption 2. Every species in this game has been crafted with great care, research, and accuracy - and the horses are the shining example of just how far this effort can go. From wild behavior to the trust it will gradually place in you, it will be difficult to top it.
We could talk about Arthur Morgan’s horse specifically and the emotional bond he shares with it across his journey, but every horse in this game deserves the praise. After all, you’ll spend so much time in camp with other characters’ horses around, and can tame and befriend as many as you wish. The level of detail here is unparalleled, and it’s a joy to spend time roaming with these creatures.