Beginner's Guide to Red Dead Redemption 2
New to the Wild West? This guide covers everything you need to survive and thrive.
Getting Started
- 1Take your time exploring. RDR2 rewards slow, immersive gameplay.
- 2Follow the main story through Chapter 2 to unlock most game mechanics.
- 3Visit the camp regularly to upgrade it. Upgrades benefit the whole gang.
- 4Use the ledger at camp to unlock fast travel from your tent.
- 5Save often using manual saves. The game has limited auto-save.
Honor System
- 1Your choices affect Arthur's Honor rating, changing story outcomes.
- 2High Honor: better shop discounts, different cutscenes, and the best ending.
- 3Greet NPCs, help strangers, and spare enemies to gain Honor.
- 4Donating to camp, catching fish and releasing them also raises Honor.
- 5Low Honor unlocks different outfits and some unique encounters.
Dead Eye & Combat
- 1Dead Eye slows time and lets you paint targets for rapid kills.
- 2Level up Dead Eye by getting headshots, crafting, and skinning animals.
- 3Clean your weapons regularly at a gunsmith or with Gun Oil. Dirty weapons jam.
- 4Dual-wielding requires an off-hand holster from the trapper or shop.
- 5Use cover extensively. Arthur is not a bullet sponge.
Hunting Basics
- 1Study animals with binoculars first to learn the best weapon to use.
- 2Three-star animals give perfect pelts. Only hunt 3-star animals for crafting.
- 3Match weapon to animal size: Small Game Arrows for small, Varmint for medium-small, Rifle for large.
- 4Get the Buck Antler Trinket early - it increases pelt quality chance.
- 5Use Cover Scent Lotion and approach from downwind to avoid spooking prey.
Money & Economy
- 1Loot every enemy and building. Small amounts add up quickly.
- 2Sell pelts, carcasses, and cooked meat to butchers.
- 3Complete treasure maps for large gold bar payouts.
- 4Rob trains and stagecoaches for good money but watch your bounty.
- 5The fence buys stolen goods, gold bars, and jewelry.