Mistakes Everyone Makes on a First Playthrough

A first playthrough of Red Dead Redemption 2 is eternal in the memory of many players because of how exceptional this ride through 1899 in the Old West really is. The vastness and immersion of Red Dead Redemption 2 are superb, but anyone who’s ridden a horse as their favorite outlaw has amassed embarrassing mistakes that most can’t avoid in a first playthrough.

For players who are feeling nostalgic about their first playthrough, or players who need a few spoiler-free warnings before they embark on their first time in Red Dead Redemption 2, these mistakes come from veterans who have been at the starting line before and know just what not to do.

8

Paying Too Much Attention to Honor

Max Honor, Good or Bad, Doesn’t Factor in So Soon

For new players, the reveal of an Honor Meter might strongly dictate the ethical code that they follow once they gain access to the open world. However, players shouldn’t be intimidated by virtual morality in Red Dead Redemption 2, especially since the story will make it quite clear when it’s time for redemption or damnation.

In the meantime, enjoy being an outlaw. If a man threatens Arthur, threaten him back with a bullet. Go robbing, or even help someone. Do whatever you feel like Arthur Morgan would do without worrying about how high or low his honor is from the moment he reaches Valentine.

7

Not Experiencing Missable Content

Chapter 2-6 Has Plenty of Missables

Once players leave the early region of Colter and enter into the vastness that awaits them and their horse, they might be curious as to what the story has in store for them and the Van der Linde gang going forward. However, it’s definitely worth mentioning that there are plenty of pieces of content that can be missed if players head through each chapter too fast.

From exclusive clothing to entire missions, there’s a lot of missable content that some players might have never experienced in their first playthroughs as there are cut-off points in the story that the game doesn’t make players aware of until it’s already too late to go back.

6

Focusing Too Much on Achievements

Don’t Get Burned Out on Collectathon Trophies

There are so many collectibles in Red Dead Redemption 2, and while it’s nice to have an excuse to remain in this beautiful world for countless more hours, it can also burn players out pretty fast if they are focusing purely on the content that will earn them trophies and gamer score for their profiles.

Getting 100% completion on any game is a triumph, especially with Red Dead Redemption 2 when so many achievements require a lot of work. However, players should focus on what they enjoy rather than chore lists of finding 144 cigarette cards, over 150 animals, and more.

5

Neglecting to Read Arthur Morgan’s Journal

Arthur’s Personality Thrives in His Private Writings and Drawings

Arthur Morgan has immense talent, and it’s a shame that he detests himself too much to realize it. What makes Arthur so compelling is his fragile nature and pure masculinity. Roger Clark’s portrayal is incredible, and the layers of Arthur can be felt within his words and emotions, but even more so when it comes to Arthur’s drawings and feelings that he puts to page in his journal.

After missions and random events, Arthur will often jot down a few thoughts in his journal. While Arthur might narrate some of these moments, there are entire pieces of written content that are never heard, so if players don’t go back and read his journal, they’re missing out on some beautiful thoughts from Arthur, along with his artistic talents.

4

Fast Travel Between Destinations

Players Are Missing Out on Key Moments of Exploration

Everyone likes to get to their destination quickly, but part of the charm of Red Dead Redemption 2 lies in exploring the open world and experiencing the many random encounters, both hilarious and dangerous, that may occur for players who are just trying to get from point A to point B.

While players don’t need to stray from the path, it’s not a good idea to use campfires to fast travel, or stagecoaches and trains, as players aren’t going to fill out their maps and witness the many random sights that the states have to offer since they are just reaching their destination far too fast.

3

Forgetting to Spend Time at Camp

Interacting with the Gang Shows How Important This Family Is

There are plenty of Van der Linde gang camp spots in Red Dead Redemption 2, and players shouldn’t avoid them. Sure, exploring is extremely fun, and it’s nice to see everything with Arthur and his horse, but players are missing some key content if they keep Arthur from camp for so long. After all, there’s a reason Arthur is so loyal to this gang.

Let Arthur hang out in camp, whether it’s singing around a campfire with his friends at night or sharing stories over some of Pearson’s stew, each character has so much to say and do in camp that not witnessing even a third of it is a sin in itself.

2

Crashing Your Horse

Rogue Rocks and Grass Snakes Can Cause a Nasty Fall

There’s a reason that seatbelts in cars are so important, and riding a horse too fast can show just that. If players ever run too fast into a tree or an obstacle, their horse is going to trip and Arthur is going flying into the dirt. It might be funny at first, but it can be a pretty annoying reoccurrence that everyone does, especially when trying to evade the law.

While there’s no real way to avoid crashing the horse into things other than to just be careful where you ride, it’s also worth noting that being bucked from the horse is less likely depending on its temperament, and if players calm it during a ride through predator country with cougars, gators, snakes, and bears.

1

Entering Sonny’s Shack

A Man Who Should Be Killed on Sight

Riding through the Bayou Nwa of Lemoyne territory is extremely dangerous. If alligators don’t get Arthur, then the Night Folk will. Surviving that, a friendly stranger might offer Arthur some food inside his shack. If Arthur is curious, he’s going to prove that curiosity kills the cat, for this stranger is going to do foul and non-consensual things to Arthur.

If players do stumble across Sonny sitting on his porch, feel free to antagonize him or even give him a bullet so he can’t hurt anyone else. It’s an act that nobody should have to go through, and first-time players might make the mistake of entering the shack as a friend instead of as the Grim Reaper.