Transforming Red Dead Redemption 2 with Umamusume: Pretty Derby Mods

09/10/2025
Discover how one dedicated modder is completely reimagining the Wild West landscapes of Red Dead Redemption 2 by integrating characters from the popular anime series, Umamusume: Pretty Derby, turning the game into a charming and unexpected fusion of genres.

Embrace the Unexpected: Wild West Meets Anime Horse Girls!

The Unforeseen Fusion: Anime Characters Galloping Through the Wild West

Despite Red Dead Redemption 2's meticulous attention to detail, particularly regarding its equine companions—boasting thousands of animations and intricate physics—a singular modder is now reshaping this realism. The game's iconic horses are being replaced with characters from Umamusume: Pretty Derby, offering a whimsical twist to the rugged frontier.

The Visionary Modder Behind the Transformation: JohnTanner1899's Creative Journey

The individual responsible for this imaginative project, known as JohnTanner1899, has been consistently rolling out various modifications over recent months. These mods systematically transform a wide array of game elements, from the noble steeds to the non-playable characters, into the esteemed racers from Tracen Academy.

Pioneering Anime Integration: Early Mod Releases and Character Substitutions

JohnTanner1899 was an early adopter of the Umamusume trend, releasing a mod in early March that swapped a male NPC with Tamamo Cross, long before the anime gained global popularity. Following this, the modder introduced more character changes, such as Aston Machan stepping in for Mary-Beth Gaskill, Almond Eye taking the place of Sadie Adler, and Taiki Shuttle becoming an actual horse within the game's world.

Expanding the Roster: New Umamusume Characters Join the Frontier

Kitasan Black has also been added to the mix, though her specific in-game replacement remains a mystery. Furthermore, if the standard fishing experience isn't quite enchanting enough, players can now trade their fishing rod for Cheval Grand, further blurring the lines between the two distinct worlds.

The Driving Force: A Modder's Mysterious Motivation and Artistic Expression

The rationale behind these unconventional modifications is not explicitly stated by JohnTanner1899; their mod descriptions are often concise, sometimes omitting the precise function of the mod. However, a machine translation of the Cheval Grand mod reveals a preference for the "old Italian Western style of Redemption 1" over the "Yellowstone style of Redemption 2." This intriguing detail hints at a deeper, perhaps nostalgic, motivation behind infusing the game with anime elements.

A Grand Vision: Imagining a Fully Anime-Infused Red Dead Redemption 2

There's a hopeful anticipation that JohnTanner1899's ultimate goal is to completely transform Red Dead Redemption 2 into an Umamusume universe. Imagine Arthur Morgan as Special Week and Dutch van der Linde as Grass Wonder. The prospect of exchanging firearms for anthropomorphic horse girls and engaging in a shootout alongside Sakura Bakushin O and Gold Ship could provide a fresh and compelling reason to finally complete the game.