Here we show you the best weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2 and Red Dead Online. These are the best guns in the categories of revolvers, pistols, rifles, shotguns, snipers, throwing, and melee weapons.
In Red Dead Redemption 2, you have a wide selection when browsing through the gunsmith’s catalog. But which firearm should one choose?
We list the best weapons by type and also show you alternatives in these categories. This way, you are well equipped as a sniper and melee cowboy.
The ratings are based on our experiences and player feedback, as well as the weapon stats.
The best Revolvers
This is the best revolver: Schofield Revolver
What makes the weapon so powerful? The advantage of the Schofield over other revolvers is that it offers slightly more damage and accuracy. However, the fire rate is slightly lower and the reload speed is a bit slower. You can customize the weapon at the gunsmith.
Location: The Schofield Revolver can be found at the gunsmith after you complete the mission “Blessed are the Meek?” in Chapter 2. You can also start a robbery at the Doctor in Valentine and secure the revolver in the back room. You can find out how to do this in our tips for Red Dead Redemption 2.
More powerful revolvers: The Double-Action Revolver is another strong choice in this category. It becomes available at the gunsmith after the quest “Strange Kindness” in Chapter 2. The high fire rate and reload speed distinguish this weapon.
GTA players even receive a golden version of this revolver.
Schofield Revolver in Red Dead Online
In online mode, many players swear by this revolver. The reason is the accuracy that cowboys appreciate.
Price: In Red Dead Online, the Schofield Revolver currently costs $192.
Rank: You only need rank 9 to unlock the revolver. This is easily achievable.
The best Pistols
These are the best pistols: Volcanic Pistol, Semi-Automatic Pistol
What makes the weapons so powerful? The Volcanic Pistol has the highest damage and is inexpensive to purchase. The Semi-Automatic Pistol, on the other hand, impresses with its high fire rate, good accuracy, and short reload time.
Location: The Volcanic can be found at the gunsmith after the mission “Eastward” in Chapter 1. Owners of the Special/Ultimate version receive it for free. The Semi-Automatic is available at the gunsmith in Valentine and Saint Denis after the mission “The Pleasures of Civilization” in Chapter 4.
More powerful pistols: Some players praise the Mauser Pistol for having a large magazine and being able to fire bullets very quickly. However, it is more recommended for “having fun”.
Semi-Automatic Pistol in Red Dead Online
Online players praise the Semi-Automatic for its high fire rate. This fits perfectly in PvP game modes, where you fight as a team and deal with multiple opponents. The high purchase price and rank requirement are problematic.
Price: The Semi-Automatic Pistol currently costs $537 in Red Dead Online.
Rank: You need rank 22 to unlock the weapon.
The best Shotguns
This is the best shotgun: Semi-Automatic Shotgun
What makes the weapon so powerful? Like the semi-automatic pistol, the semi-automatic shotgun has a high fire rate. This allows you to fire many shots in a short amount of time. The low reload time and damage also speak for the Semi-Auto. A top choice for short-range fights!
Location: After the mission “A Night of Debauchery” in Chapter 4, you can get it at any gunsmith. You can also find it in Watson’s cabin in the basement. You can find the cabin by riding west of Valentine. On the map, you will see “Wallace Station”. Ride a bit west of Wallace Station and then a little north to discover the cabin.
More powerful shotguns: The sawed-off shotgun is also recommended because you can draw it at the same time as another weapon. The sawed-off shotgun becomes available after the mission “Step Up, Followed by Memories” in Chapter 1 at any gunsmith.
Repeater Shotgun in Red Dead Online
The Repeater Shotgun is highly praised in the community. The outstanding damage it deals is remarkable. Additionally, it has decent accuracy, which is important in intense battles. This shotgun excels at close and medium ranges. The downside is the relatively high price.
Price: The Repeater Shotgun currently costs $434 in Red Dead Online.
Rank: You need rank 11 to unlock it.
The best Rifles
This is the best rifle: Bolt-Action Rifle
What makes the weapon so powerful? In accordance with the nature of a repeater rifle, this rifle has a low fire rate. However, the damage per bullet is enormous, and accuracy is high. You can also equip it with a scope.
Location: You unlock the rifle after the mission “He Preached Forgiveness” in Chapter 3. After that, it is available at all gunsmiths.
More powerful rifles: As you progress through the story in Red Dead Redemption 2, you unlock new weapons, such as the Lancaster Repeater. It has a higher fire rate than the Bolt-Action. The Springfield rifle, which is available shortly after “Eastward” in Chapter 1, is also a strong alternative in this weapon category.
The best rifles in Red Dead Online
Bolt-Action Rifle: Although the fire rate is low, the damage impresses the online community. This is also due to the fact that you only need a low rank to unlock the weapon. In PvP, this rifle is especially suitable on large maps to pick off enemies from a distance. With a scope, it is also a good sniper rifle. The rifle is available from rank 7 for $216.
Litchfield Repeater: This weapon is well-received by many players due to its solid stats. The large magazine is also impressive. It is said to be challenging to aim with the weapon. However, at medium range, it is a beast. If you can carefully aim from cover, the Litchfield becomes a serious threat to any opponent. You can get this weapon from rank 18 for $348.
Springfield Rifle: This rifle is one of the strongest weapons in Red Dead Online. At medium and long distances, this weapon is particularly effective. You will need to get used to the low fire rate. However, after one shot, an enemy shouldn’t have much left to say. If you hit them in the chest or head, they should die after one hit. The rifle is available for $156 from rank 38.
The best Snipers
This is the best sniper rifle: (Rare) Rolling-Block Rifle
What makes the weapon so powerful? The advantage of the Rolling Block is the extremely high damage and its early availability. If you don’t like the rifle in its original state, you can customize it at the gunsmith.
Location: You can buy the Rolling-Block Rifle at any gunsmith after you complete “Oiling” in Chapter 2.
More powerful sniper rifles: The Carcano Rifle has a higher fire rate and better reload time than the Rolling Block. However, it deals less damage and is only available late in the game.
Which sniper for the online mode? For kills from a greater distance, players in online mode often prefer the Bolt-Action Rifle. We have already mentioned this among the rifles. You can get this weapon with high damage output for $216 from rank 7.
The best Throwing Weapons
This is the best throwing weapon: Ancient Tomahawk
What makes the weapon so powerful? In terms of damage, the throwing weapons hardly differ from one another, except for the strong dynamite. The ancient tomahawk is rare and looks cool. Players love it.
Location: You can find the tomahawk at a broken target on the east wall of the Calumet Gorge. This is to the east of the Waipiti Indian Reservation.
More powerful throwing weapons: Another cool throwing device is the Viking axe. This is part of an “outfit” that you can loot on the map. Red Dead Redemption 2 has a Viking outfit and here you can find it.
Tomahawk also popular in online mode: In Red Dead Online, you can get the tomahawk from rank 36. Whoever gets in the way of this throwing weapon pays for it with their life. In online mode, you can start certain showdown series with this weapon.
The best Melee Weapons
This is the best melee weapon: Machete
What is special about melee weapons? With melee weapons, the choice is very much dependent on personal taste. There aren’t many differences, although the machete deals a little more damage. Players rave about the machete while others prefer the Viking axe.
Location: The machete and other melee weapons can be found at the fence in Red Dead Redemption 2.
What are your favorite weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2?
The Silent Killer in Red Dead Online
Players refer to the bow in Red Dead Online as a hidden gem. Many do not have it on their list of best weapons, but it offers many advantages.
What makes the bow in Red Dead Online special? Paired with your Dead Eye ability, the bow becomes the silent killer. In the game mode Hostile Territory, it is crucial for capturing areas to be quiet and not reveal your position.
Admittedly, hitting with the bow requires a high level of discipline. In intense fights, you need to calmly draw the bow and aim. This works differently than with pistols or rifles with high fire rates. But if you hit, it is deadly.
Price: The bow is available for just $124.
Rank? You must have reached rank 10 to unlock the bow.
