Red Dead Redemption 2 is a massive open world game with tons of missions, challenges, side-quests and more. It can be overwhelming, but this guide contains tips that will help you get started and become a better outlaw.
A lot of the gameplay in Red Dead Redemption 2 is focused on realism. This includes things like the physics of clothing and weapons. Arthur’s hat, for example, can fall off his head just like in real life.
Use the Right Stick to Take a Headshot
Shooting is a huge part of Red Dead Redemption 2, whether you’re taking out enemies in gang hideouts or hunting animals to sell for cash. It’s important to hit enemies with as few bullets as possible, ideally with headshots.
To do this, you can tweak the aiming settings under Control Options. By default, the game sets your reticle to automatically lock onto enemies. However, you can also set it to free aiming, which will make it a little harder but allow you to take out targets more easily with precision.
Another helpful tip for improving your shooting is to chew on some tobacco. This will fill your Dead-Eye meter, allowing you to quickly kill more enemies with fewer bullets. It’s a great way to save money and increase your accuracy.
Turn On Auto-Run
Red Dead Redemption 2 is all about realism, which means that your clothes and gear can fall off when you get shot. This includes your hat, which won’t automatically re-appear on your head if it gets knocked off; you’ll have to go and retrieve it manually.
RDR2’s world is massive and despite the game’s many forms of fast travel, it can take a long time to get around. Luckily, there’s a trick to quickly traversing the map with Arthur’s trusty steed: just press the A or X button repeatedly and your horse will automatically gallop (or trot or canter) toward a waypoint.
Just don’t rely on this to do all your traveling, as it won’t work for gang rides and other activities where Arthur isn’t actively shooting or riding. Make sure to manually save frequently anyway.
Don’t Reload the Rolling Block Rifle
There are some games that feel like they are designed to be played quickly. They encourage you to skip stranger missions and try to fast-track your way through the storyline. Red Dead Redemption 2 is not one of those games.
Rockstar has packed the massive open-world title with tons of interesting little details that help you immerse yourself in Arthur Morgan’s world. Some of these are obvious while others are less-obvious but still very important.
For example, tapping up on the D-pad while aiming will make Arthur aim into the air. This can be used to scare off wildlife and intimidate NPCs. You can also switch shoulders by clicking the right analogue stick. Likewise, using the pump-action shotgun is a monster at close range.
Don’t Look at NPCs With Your Hands Empty
A lot of players have a hard time slowing down and listening to the non-player characters in Red Dead Redemption 2. This is a shame because some of the game’s most endearing side stories are tucked away in these NPCs.
One of the easiest ways to ruin a good story in RDR2 is to look at NPCs with your hands empty. This will cause the NPC to get angry at you and start a fight. The NPC will even yell threatening words, and they’re often times twice as high level as your character.
This is why it’s important to always have loot on hand. The little dark crosses on the map mark items that can be picked up and are oftentimes worth a pretty penny.
Take the Easy Way to Earn Money
A lot of people play games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and just go into it guns blazing, rushing around trying to tick off every objective they can. This is a game that needs to be savored, however.
There are plenty of ways to make money in RDR2. You can rob shops or other merchants, but you’ll get more cash if you intimidate them by pulling your bandana over your face and avoid revealing your identity.
You can also hunt down criminals and turn them over to the sheriff at town halls or post offices for a quick payout. There’s also the option to gamble in saloons, with poker and blackjack being particularly lucrative. Looting is always a good idea as well, with little dark crosses on the map marking lootable items that will earn you a decent amount of cash.
