Red Dead Redemption 2 is massive. Rockstar’s critically acclaimed open-world Western isn’t just a game; it’s a living, breathing world filled with danger, beauty, and boundless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re tracking a legendary animal through snow-covered peaks, robbing a train with the Van der Linde gang, or quietly fishing as the sun sets over the Dakota River, every moment in this game feels cinematic and immersive.
But with so much to do and discover, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. From complex game mechanics like Dead Eye, Honor, and horse bonding, to survival elements like weapon degradation, cold weather, and animal hunting, Red Dead Redemption 2 doesn’t hold your hand. Even the most seasoned gamers can find themselves lost in its detailed systems and dense world.
That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re a total newcomer or returning for another ride, this comprehensive tips and tricks article is designed to enhance your journey. We’ve compiled expert advice, in-game strategies, and essential survival tips, covering everything from combat and hunting to money-making, travel, and immersion options. We’ve also cleaned up repeat info from various sources to give you a clear, structured, and complete guide.
Want to find the best horse early? Learn how to upgrade your satchel. Or maybe figure out how to make money fast and stay clean with the law? We’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll help you avoid rookie mistakes, like galloping too fast through Saint Denis or ruining a perfect pelt with the wrong weapon.
So grab your hat, mount your horse, and get ready to master the Wild West. This is your ultimate guide to surviving and thriving in Red Dead Redemption 2. Let the adventure begin.
General Gameplay Tips
Customize Your HUD and Play Your Way
Red Dead Redemption 2 is all about immersion. You can customize your HUD to show only the essentials, removing the minimap and health bars unless necessary. This tweak not only enhances the cinematic feel but also allows you to appreciate the stunning visuals more freely.
Check the Journal Often
Arthur’s journal is more than just a recap; it’s an artistic and narrative extension of your journey. It records side quests, events, and personal reflections, helping players stay immersed and aware of what’s unfolding in the world.
Make the Most of the Camp
Early in the game, invest time in upgrading your camp. Upgrade Dutch’s tent first to unlock fast travel from Arthur’s tent. Doing chores like chopping wood or feeding horses also rewards you with small Dead Eye boosts and improves camp morale.
Time-Saving Travel Options
You can use the cinematic camera with a waypoint to auto-travel by holding the run button after enabling the camera. This works wonderfully when you’re on long routes and want to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Combat and Survival Strategies
Master Dead Eye and Aim for the Head
Dead Eye is your best friend in a gunfight. As you progress through the story, the system evolves, letting you manually mark multiple targets. For efficiency, always aim for headshots. They’re instant kills and save you precious ammo during tense shootouts.
Keep Your Weapons Clean and Maintained
Weapons degrade over time and exposure to the elements. Use Gun Oil to clean them regularly, or store them in reinforced holsters to slow down deterioration. Dirty weapons deal less damage and are more likely to misfire.
Warning Shots and Flourishes
Hold up on the D-pad while aiming to fire a warning shot; great for startling enemies or scaring away predators. Also, double-tap L1/LB to holster your weapon with a stylish flourish, adding that classic outlaw flair.
Use Cover and Patience in Combat
Gunfights can get intense quickly. Always find cover, use Dead Eye wisely, and manage your stamina. Avoid charging into a group of enemies; take your time, especially when your health core is low.
Horses, Travel, and Exploration
Bond with Your Horse
Your horse is your lifeline in RDR2. Groom it regularly, feed it, pat it using L3 while riding, and avoid overexerting it. As the bond increases, you’ll unlock special moves like rearing, skid turns, and calming techniques.
Get the Best Horse Early
The White Arabian horse near Lake Isabella is one of the best in the game and can be tamed early in Chapter 2. It has excellent stats and adds serious speed and reliability to your adventures.
Carry Multiple Outfits
The weather changes drastically in RDR2. Always keep at least three outfits on your horse: one for cold weather, one for hot areas, and one for crimes (your “outlaw disguise”). Wearing the wrong clothes affects your stamina and can ruin your stealth.
Don’t Speed Through Towns
Galloping through crowded towns like Saint Denis can cause accidental collisions and alert lawmen, resulting in unwanted bounties. Trot slowly and avoid the extra hassle.
Money, Bounties, and Crime
Don’t Worry Too Much About Money
While the early game can feel tight on cash, there are many ways to earn money: treasure maps, looting, hunting, and missions. By mid-game, you’ll likely be flush with cash, so don’t stress early on.
Use Treasure Maps and Hunt Gold Bars
Treasure maps lead to gold bars, each worth $500 at any Fence. They’re hidden across the map and often require puzzle-solving, but are well worth the effort. Don’t hesitate to use a guide if you’re stuck.
Wear a Disguise When Committing Crimes
Throw on a bandana or mask to hide your identity during robberies or crimes. It slows down the bounty process and makes it easier to avoid recognition. Always remove the disguise after the act to lower your Wanted level faster.
Pay Off Bounties Regularly
High bounties can ruin exploration and invite bounty hunters constantly. Visit a post office and pay them off, especially in towns you frequent often. It’s a good investment for a peaceful journey.
Hunting and Crafting Tips
Use the Right Weapons for Hunting
For small animals, use the Varmint Rifle. For clean kills on larger game, use the Bow or high-powered rifles with appropriate ammo. Clean kills result in perfect pelts, which are essential for crafting and earning more money.
Dead Eye Makes Hunting Easier
Use Dead Eye to slow down time and tag animals precisely. This increases the chance of a clean kill and makes hunting more enjoyable and effective, especially for fast or elusive prey.
Upgrade Your Satchel ASAP
Arthur’s base satchel has limited storage. Upgrade it through Pearson at camp after donating crafting materials. Eventually, you’ll be able to craft the “Legend of the East” satchel, increasing your inventory to 99 for most items.
Use Scent Mask and Eagle Eye
When hunting, use scent-masking lotion and Eagle Eye to track animal trails and manage your scent. Animals can smell you if you’re downwind, ruining your stealth approach.
Immersion and Customization
First-Person Mode Freshens Up Gameplay
Switching to first-person mode offers a new perspective and makes the game feel like a fresh experience. It’s especially intense in shootouts and tight quarters. Just be aware of limited peripheral vision.
Use Beard Tonics for Maximum Grizzliness
Arthur’s beard grows naturally over time but caps out at 7/10. To go full mountain man, use beard tonics. It’s purely cosmetic but adds a lot to Arthur’s rugged aesthetic.
Pet the Dogs
You can pet every dog in the game, and you should. Not only is it adorable, but once you’ve petted a dog, it won’t bark at you in the future, which is handy during stealthy criminal activities.
Smart Inventory and Time Management
Loot Fast, Sort Later
After a shootout, don’t waste time analyzing every item; quickly loot bodies before your gang does. Once you’re in safety, sort through your haul and discard what you don’t need.
Hold to Exit Menus Quickly
Instead of tapping back multiple times, hold the back button while in menus to jump straight into the game. This saves time and keeps the pacing tight.
Use Mods on PC for a Better Experience
PC players can enhance their game through mods. From visual overhauls to gameplay tweaks, mods add longevity and personalization. Just ensure your system can handle it, especially when pushing for 4K with high-end graphics mods.
Final Words: Be the Outlaw You Want to Be
Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t just a game; it’s an experience. With the freedom to be an honorable cowboy or a ruthless outlaw, each decision you make shapes Arthur’s world. Engage in side quests, build bonds with your horse, master your weapons, and lose yourself in one of the richest game worlds ever made.
So saddle up, holster your revolver, and ride into adventure fully prepared. The West is waiting.
FAQs
Can you change Arthur’s body type (weight/muscle) in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Yes, Arthur’s body type can change based on how much he eats and how physically active he is.
- Eat frequently (especially high-calorie foods) to make him gain weight.
- Skip meals and stay active (lots of running or riding without eating) to make him lose weight.
- However, this system isn’t overly complex; there are only three states: underweight, average, and overweight, and the effects are minor (slight stamina or health boosts/penalties). You can’t significantly change his muscle mass or build.
Use this feature mostly for roleplay or immersion rather than gameplay advantage.
Can you replay story missions, and do choices still matter in replays?
Yes, you can replay any story mission from the Progress > Story menu.
- Replaying lets you try for better medal rankings (Gold, Silver, Bronze) without affecting your main story progress.
- Choices you make during mission replays (like sparing or killing someone) do not carry over to your main timeline; they are isolated.
This makes replays great for testing different outcomes or improving your score without altering your ongoing game.
Are there missable items or missions in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Yes, RDR2 has a number of missable missions, items, and collectibles, especially tied to specific chapters or characters.
- Stranger missions, unique weapons, and even journal entries can disappear if not completed before progressing too far in the story.
- For example, certain side quests in Chapters 2 or 3 become unavailable later.
To avoid missing out, try to explore thoroughly and finish side content before starting major story missions that might move you to a new region or chapter.
