What to avoid at the beginning of Red Dead Redemption 2 and how to make the start easier for yourself, we show you here with these tips.
You know the scenario: After several hours in the game, a buddy says to you, “Why don’t you just do it this way? It’s much easier,” and you think, “Man, I wish I had known that earlier.”
In this article, we want to show you tips that are particularly helpful at the start of Red Dead Redemption 2.
1. Don’t venture out too early
In the story, you start in a snowy environment and have your first camp there. Of course, the adventurous players would love to grab their horse and explore the world right away, but that would have bad consequences.
That’s why you shouldn’t leave the first camp too far: Don’t leave the first camp to go on a big exploration tour. The cold weather will quickly take its toll on you.
2. Loot, loot, loot – Here’s how to earn money in RDR 2
Right at the beginning, you should definitely loot the enemies after you take them down. Money is an important resource that is very scarce at the start.
So loot everything and everyone in the first shootouts, even if your gang members say you should hurry.
Those who loot find valuable items: Don’t just walk past the corpses, but take the time to search them. This also includes crates, chests, shelves, and other storage options.
Our guide: How to earn money quickly in Red Dead Redemption 2
3. Dress warmly – Winter clothing
When you reach Chapter 2 and explore the world in many regions, your paths may also lead you into the mountains. As mentioned before, the cold will get to you.
So take warm clothes with you if you are riding into the mountains. The clothing can be stored in the saddlebags of the horses.
Plan your clothing choices before a trip: Traveling to the mountains in light, thin clothing is not a good idea.
4. Look for weapons in the world – Valentine Doctor
When you are in the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 and visit the impressive locations, you should also get new weapons. Some firearms at the gun shop are initially locked.
How to unlock new weapons? Raid houses or shops controlled by enemy gangs. You can find such shops by keeping your eyes open as you walk through the towns. Often, weapons can be unlocked there.
Where to find weapons? As a first point of contact, you should visit the doctor’s house in Valentine. If you look through the back window, an activity will start that rewards you with a revolver. If you go through the door into the doctor’s back room, you will find another locked door. With a bit of pressure, the doc will let you in.
In the following activity, you will secure a new revolver.
Such activities with occupied houses can be found more frequently in RDR 2.
5. Always carry a horse reviver with you
Once you have stabled or purchased your first horse, new features open up to you. This includes gear for horses.
Always carry a revival kit with you: If you don’t want your beloved horse to die, be prepared. Always carry a survival kit with you when you go on trips. These can be found in general stores and stables. This will help your horse with serious injuries.
Our guide: RDR 2: Horse Guide – Everything about brushing and bonding
6. Warning shot with the D-Pad
If you aim with a weapon and press up on the D-Pad (the directional pad), Arthur will aim directly into the air. If you then shoot, Arthur will fire a warning shot.
Why should you give warning shots? With such a warning shot, you can intimidate NPCs or scare off wild animals.
7. Change shoulder view at the touch of a button
Are you in an unfavorable situation where aiming over one shoulder is totally in your way?
Here’s how to change the shoulder view: While aiming, press left on the D-Pad (directional pad). This will switch the shoulder that is aimed at in third person.
8. Help NPCs in the wilderness
When you ride through the vibrant landscape of Red Dead Redemption 2 on your horse, you will occasionally encounter NPCs with problems. Some just want small favors from you, like treating their snake bites.
These advantages come to you when you help NPCs: If you help NPCs, they will reveal important locations to you. For example, hidden weapons lie there. Some NPCs will only reward you when you next meet them in town.
9. The Companion App helps you – Companion App
Rockstar introduced a companion app simultaneously with the launch of Red Dead Redemption 2. It works on Android and iOS devices and is designed to assist you in your adventures.
Am I doing something wrong without the app? No. The Companion App is optional and can make your open-world adventure easier. However, it’s not a beginner’s mistake not to install it.
What can the app do? We have presented the functions of the Companion App for Red Dead Redemption 2 here the functions of the Companion App from Red Dead Redemption 2 in detail.
10. Don’t always do what the game suggests
Just because yellow dots are displayed on the map, you don’t have to run there right away. Red Dead Redemption 2 plays best when you take your time. Take your time, explore everything.
Instead of rushing to the next point, you can first take a look at how the town is built. Are there sights or characters that seem strange to you? Also check out the surroundings.
Take your time to look around, without tunnel vision: Don’t just walk stubbornly from one mission spot to another. Play at your own pace and see what the game has to offer.
But listen if RDR 2 advises you against something
In various situations, RDR 2 clearly shows you what you should better avoid.
Some situations are intentionally difficult: Right at the beginning, you have high bounties on you in certain areas. Bounty hunters are actively looking for ways to earn money with your head. The quietest shot from your gun could draw their attention.
Often, you realize in such situations that it is better to return at a later time.
11. Use camera angles to your advantage – Change camera
In Red Dead Redemption 2, you can choose between three different third-person cameras behind Arthur. In addition, there is the cinematic camera and first-person view.
On the view button (touchpad on PS4, view button on Xbox), you can switch between the different perspectives. If you like playing in third person, you can change between close, medium, or far camera distances.
Switch to first-person view when looting: If you want to loot specific items from a shelf, it’s usually easier to switch to first-person view. This way, you can precisely select what you want to loot or pick up.
This is how you start the cinematic camera: For a bit of cinematic feeling, the cinematic cam is offered. You start it by holding down the view button. While doing this, hold A (on Xbox) or X (on PS4) to keep your horse or carriage on track.
12. Be anonymous when you mess up – Put on your scarf
If you do things in Red Dead Redemption 2 that are against the law, you should conceal your identity.
This is how you put the scarf on your face: Put on your bandana before such actions. You can find it in the item menu at the bottom left. This way, at least your face won’t be associated with the deeds you commit.
You can show your face on our Facebook page for Red Dead Redemption 2 – Here you will be provided with the best news and stories.
13. Remember the best weapons when getting off your horse – Weapon slots
Every time you get off your horse, you should check the saddlebags. This is important so that you are prepared for whatever may come.
When you are next to your horse, you can open the saddlebags with L1 or LB. Then select your loadout.
What weapon slots are there? You have the choice of:
- One-handed weapons like pistols or other sidearms
- Fists
- Knives
- Larger weapons on the back – like rifles or bows
- Throwables like lassos or dynamite
- Larger weapons over the shoulder – the 2nd slot of this type, also for rifles and bows
Make the right choice for your loadout: When planning a mission, you already know roughly what to expect. Just a small hunt for wildlife? The bow is probably enough. If a bigger fight is coming, you should equip both slots for large weapons with rifles for different distances. Like a shotgun and a repeating rifle.
On the next page, we continue with 11 tips for advanced players.
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