Things You Need to Do First in Red Dead Redemption 2

Summary

• Red Dead Redemption 2 players should focus on mastering Dead Eye for precise shots and strategic combat.
• Upgrading weapons and looting enemies can provide valuable resources.
• Bonding with a horse and completing side missions can enrich the gameplay experience.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is filled with tons of re-playable content that keeps players engaged for hours. The immersive, open-world map, NPC interactions, and the beauty of Arthur Morgan’s story keep players entertained and wanting more. When players first dive into Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar Games provides a complete rundown of the characters and the mechanics that are to be experienced within.

The main goal is having the most money, the best horse, and knowing how to take down an enemy, but achieving this doesn’t always come easy. Knowing which tips, tricks, and essential moves might get players there a bit faster. Here are some things that every player must do during their first hours of gameplay to make the most of the experience.

Updated January 20, 2025, by Jordan Marie Tassiello: Whether one is a newcomer or simply revisiting the game, there are some essential steps that can help players start their Red Dead Redemption 2 adventure on the right foot (or in the right boot). Red Dead Redemption 2 continues to captivate players years after its release, offering an open world full of unforgettable moments. While there is so much to take in and encounter, it’s important to stick to the basics within the opening few hours. Setting up camp, bonding with the gangs, and getting acquainted with different characters and environments are all part of the journey.

10

Explore The Camp

Get To Know Your Gang

• Become familiar with the basic functions of the camp
• Learn how to move campsites around the map
• The campfire is the central cooking location. Start a fire there and enjoy

Whether exploring Red Dead Online or Arthur’s story, the camp is an essential part of Red Dead Redemption 2. Whether it’s hunting and gathering, bringing back meats to craft and cook at the camp, or learning about tents and supplies, the camp is there as a backbone for every player. Conversing with NPCs here can provide assistance in the game and enrich the story.

The camp in the story is home to the Van Der Linde gang, Arthur’s outlaw group. Players should take the time to bond with the outlaws, improve the camp, and enjoy the little moments. In doing so, players will find the gang’s home to be as much of a character as any other person in the game.

9

Search For Collectibles

Gather Some Treasure To Get Ahead

• Experience new challenges and fun side missions along the way
• Stay ahead of competitors by having collectibles in the player’s stash
• Look for cigarettes, flowers and herbs, maps, and more

Treasure hunting is rewarding, and getting a jump start never hurt anyone. Collecting in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a large part of the exploration experience, offering rewards and challenges as players explore the ever-changing world around them.

Whether hunting for tarot cards, rare herbs for crafting, or heirlooms to earn extra cash, collectibles give players extra motivation to explore parts of the map that they may not have been to before. There’s something that feels alive about secrets waiting to be discovered in Red Dead Redemption 2 that adds an extra layer of depth to the game.

8

Explore The Major Parts Of The Map

Get Familiar With Points Of Interest

• Discover secret treasures, hiding spots, camps, and Easter eggs
• Unlock map regions, and stranger and side missions
• Explore each region and become familiar with the challenges

The world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is filled with life. From wild animals roaming around to strangers needing a ride, there are countless points of interest to keep players entertained for hours. As players explore the map, they should aim to unlock map regions and explore large areas on the map to make them playable for Arthur Morgan.

Becoming familiar with these large areas will help players learn the secret hiding spots, campsites, best hunting areas, and points of interest in each region, ensuring that gamers are ready for even the toughest challenges the game has to throw at them.

7

Learn To Loot

Loot Every Single Enemy For Ammunition, Provisions, And Money

• Looting enemies will help players get valuables and collectibles quickly
• Items can be sold for money
• Loot to stock up on craftable items instead of buying them later on

Looting is essential in Red Dead Redemption 2. Looting enemies is a quick and effective way to acquire valuable items and collectibles without having to search for hours or spend a big buck.

From weapons and ammunition to money and resources, there’s always something to be gained from fallen foes. Players should remember that looted items can be sold for money or used to craft essential items, saving them time and resources in the long run. Gamers should make it a habit to search every enemy they encounter. In doing so, they will be well-equipped for traversing the land.

6

Bond With A Horse

• Improve horse performance to increase speed, stamina, and health
• Unlock special abilities, quick turns, jumps, etc.
• A loyal, well-tamed horse by Arthur Morgan’s side is incredibly reliable

A good horse makes for a good companion. Base game unlockable horses may not pack a punch, but bonding with the horse will make for better speed, stamina, and health. Investing time and effort into bonding makes it quicker to unlock the full potential of a horse in Red Dead Redemption 2.

Players should groom the horse regularly, feed it well, and take it on adventures to strengthen the connection. A well-trained and bonded horse can significantly enhance the gameplay experience of Red Dead Redemption 2, providing valuable assistance in combat, exploration, and travel.

5

Practice Mastering Dead Eye

For A Steady, Accurate Shot Against Animals And Enemies

• Slow down time to take a precise, slow-motion shot against enemies or while hunting
• Practice to prioritize abilities and become a master gunslinger
• Use Dead Eye strategically to escape dangerous situations

Dead Eye is a powerful ability in Red Dead Redemption 2 that allows players to slow down time and target enemies with deadly accuracy. Mastering Dead Eye is essential for success in combat and can help players overcome any challenging situation that the game throws their way.

By practicing early on in the game and experimenting with different aiming techniques, players can become proficient in using Dead Eye to their advantage, whether by taking out multiple enemies at once or by catching a 3-star animal kill. Players should practice using Dead Eye in these different scenarios, experiment with different aiming techniques, and pound out multiple shots in Dead Eye to maximize effectiveness while using it. With enough practice, players will become masters of Dead Eye.

4

Get A Solid Arsenal

Having The Right Guns Complements The Right Gameplay

• Head to the store and buy a solid, strong gun that’s ready to challenge any enemy or animal
• Upgrade your weapons: As players progress through the game, weapons can be upgraded to improve performance
• After the first fight, clean the gun with gun oil to improve efficiency

Guns aren’t easy to unlock as a new player, but a well-equipped arsenal is crucial for survival in the Wild West. As players progress through Red Dead Redemption 2, they should upgrade weapons to improve their performance and experiment with different types of firearms to find the ones that best suit their playstyle.

A solid arsenal (or at least one favorite pistol) will give players the tools needed to take on any challenge, from hunting to defending the camp against bandits and lawmen.

3

Take On A Side Mission

Deeper Interactions For Deeper Experience

• Side Missions pop up periodically throughout the game
• Treasure hunts are great for collecting, leveling up, and engaging in fun side activities
• Build a world of enrichment

Most Red Dead Redemption 2 players know that the main story has enough juice to keep them locked in for hours, but tackling a side mission early on will help build character, rank, and experience.

It not only adds hours to gameplay, but it can also lead to deeper interactions with Arthur (or even online character development) and NPCs, and many of them offer rewards that enhance skills, wealth, and gear. From tracking down criminals in pop-up bounty hunting missions or stranger missions, side quests keep the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 alive.

2

Store The Correct Gear

Be Prepared For Any Challenge, Including The Weather

• Equip the right gear for different situations: Equip the appropriate gear for different activities, such as hunting, fishing, or combat
• Have one outfit for hot weather and a jacket for cold weather stored in the saddle
• Be sure to stock up on meats, canned goods, and veggies for long travels and top-ups

In the unpredictable lands of Red Dead Redemption 2, players may find themselves fighting a bear in the snow or wrestling an alligator in the swamp. Being prepared for any weather condition is essential for survival. Equipping the right gear for different activities and having one outfit ready for hot weather and one for cold is crucial from the beginning of the game.

Players should immediately stock up on meats, canned goods, and veggies for long travels and quick energy boosts. By planning ahead and staying prepared, players will be better equipped to face the challenges of the wild frontier.

1

Progress Through The Story At Your Own Pace

Fully Engage In Everything Arthur Morgan’s Story Has To Offer

• Advance the story: Completing missions will advance the main story and unlock new regions and content
• Earn rewards: Completing missions rewards players with money, XP, and even gold nuggets
• Red Dead Redemption 2 has a rich and engaging story; players should take the time to appreciate all it has to offer

To truly experience the full depth of Red Dead Redemption 2, actively participating in all aspects of the game is a must. Completing missions early on will advance the main storyline, unlocking new regions and content for players. Better guns, better horses, better outfits, and better experiences will become available by doing so. Along the way, players will earn rewards such as money, XP, and even gold nuggets.

Taking the time to appreciate the intricate storytelling, compelling characters, and immersive open-world is what makes this game an unforgettable experience from the very beginning. To truly appreciate what the game has to offer from the get-go, players need only saddle up and embark on a journey with these tips and tricks in mind. There is no need to rush, as doing so may negatively affect one’s immersion.