Even in the online mode of Red Dead Redemption 2, there is the ability Dead Eye. However, it works differently in Red Dead Online than players are already familiar with.
Players of Red Dead Redemption 2 know Dead Eye already as a handy ability that simplifies combat. While the ability evolves throughout the story in the single-player mode and players can “level up” Dead Eye through various tasks, in Red Dead Online the system is tied to ability cards.
This is Dead Eye in Red Dead Online
This is how Dead Eye differs in RDO: While Dead Eye slows down time in single-player mode, the ability has been adjusted for Red Dead Online. Since the mode is played online with other human outlaws, time slowing has been removed.
The ability also does not automatically evolve or is leveled up by players through specific tasks. Ability cards now determine how Dead Eye behaves in online mode.
This is how you use the skill in multiplayer: You use Dead Eye in Red Dead Online the same way as in the campaign. While you aim with your weapon using the left trigger of your controller, you can activate Dead Eye by pressing the right analog stick.
If you want to access your skills loadout, which includes Dead Eye, in online mode, select the weapon wheel with LB/L1 and then press Y/Triangle.
There you will see your card slots and can customize Dead Eye with various ability cards. Additional slots will be unlocked at levels 10, 20, and 40.
With these cards, you customize Dead Eye: At the beginning of your online adventure, three cards for Dead Eye are already unlocked:
- Concentrated Fire: While Dead Eye is active, you and your teammates deal a bit more damage. If teammates have the same card equipped, the effect does not stack.
- Crossfire: While Dead Eye is active, you can mark opponents while aiming. Pull the trigger to shoot at all marked targets. Each shot consumes Dead Eye.
- Short Breather: While Dead Eye is active, you gradually restore health. If you take damage, Dead Eye ends.
The respective cards can be leveled up and improved. Three levels are available for each ability.
The cards are improved with XP. The first three cards, which are already unlocked at the beginning of the game, require 10,000 experience points for the next level.
Three more cards will be unlocked as you progress through levels. You unlock the abilities at ranks 24, 44, and 50:
- Rank 24 – Steady Drop: While Dead Eye is active, you take slightly less damage and headshots do not kill you instantly. However, you cannot run or sprint.
- Rank 44 – A True Inspiration: While Dead Eye is active, you and your allies gradually restore health. If teammates have the same card equipped, the effect does not stack.
- Rank 50 – Slippery Bastard: While Dead Eye is active, enemy players cannot target you, but you cannot target them either. You become slightly harder to hit for other enemies. Dead Eye is consumed drastically.
As players level up, they are frequently rewarded with new ability cards. Also, cards that enhance other aspects of the character. In return, some cards, including those for Dead Eye, can also be purchased with in-game currency.
