Your Red Dead Redemption 2 Survival Guide – Tips You Need to Know!

Yeehaw, partner! So, you’ve decided to take the plunge into the wild and rugged world of Red Dead Redemption 2? Well, get ready for one of the most epic, action-packed, and jaw-dropping adventures you’ll ever experience. But before you start galloping through the dusty trails, let’s get you prepped with some killer tips to make sure you survive (and thrive) in the unforgiving wild west. Trust me, the road ahead is full of danger, but with these tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be the baddest cowboy or cowgirl around.

1. Take Your Sweet Time – The West is HUGE!

First things first, slow down, my friend. The world of RDR2 is massive, and trust me, you won’t want to rush through it. There’s so much to see, and half the fun is exploring everything!

  • Go off the beaten path: Sure, you’ve got missions to do, but don’t just zoom from point A to point B. Wander around, chat with strangers, and see what happens. You never know when you’ll stumble upon something cool (or hilarious).
  • Collect EVERYTHING: Cigarette cards, dinosaur bones, plants, and treasure maps – they’re all hiding out there, just waiting for you to find them. Don’t leave anything behind!

2. Weapons Are Your Best Friend – But They Need TLC

In the wild west, a trusty gun or bow can mean life or death. But hey, if you don’t take care of your weapons, they’ll betray you when you need them most!

  • Clean your weapons often: Dirty guns will jam during a shootout, and that’s just embarrassing. Take a few minutes to clean them at your camp or on your horse. Trust me, it’s worth it.
  • Upgrade those bad boys: Don’t just settle for the first gun you find. Head to a gunsmith and pimp out your weapons – better accuracy, faster reloads, and more damage? Yes, please!

3. Know When to Fight, and When to GTFO

You’re gonna get into some intense shootouts (you’re an outlaw, after all), but not every battle needs to end in bloodshed. Sometimes, running away is the smartest move.

  • Flee when you need to: You don’t have to take down every single enemy you see. If you’re outnumbered or low on ammo, it’s okay to hightail it outta there.
  • Cover is your bestie: When the bullets start flying, get behind cover ASAP. Duck behind rocks, trees, or buildings and pop out only when it’s safe to shoot.

4. Hunt, Fish, and Be a Wild West Survivalist

If you want to live like a true cowboy, you’ve gotta know how to hunt and gather in the wild. You’re not just here for the shootouts – it’s about surviving, baby!

  • Hunt smart: Use the right weapons for the right animals. A bow is great for sneaky kills, while a rifle is perfect for bigger game like deer and bison. Oh, and don't forget to skin those animals – their pelts can fetch a good price.
  • Cook up some grub: You’ll need food to keep your health up, and cooking at camp is a great way to restore your stats. Plus, a good stew is always a crowd-pleaser!

5. Your Horse is the Real MVP

Your horse is not just a way to get around – it’s your trusty sidekick. Take care of it, and your horse will take care of you!

  • Groom and feed your horse: A happy horse is a fast horse. Brush it regularly, feed it well, and make sure to bond with it. A strong bond means better stamina and control when you’re galloping across the plains.
  • Don’t neglect your saddle: Upgrade your saddle for more storage space. You’ll thank yourself when you’re out on a long ride and need to haul all your loot.

6. Honor, Honor, Honor – Be a Hero or a Villain (Or Both!)

The choices you make in RDR2 really matter, and they’ll affect how people treat you. You can be a saint, a ruthless outlaw, or somewhere in between. It’s your call!

  • Help or hinder: You’ll encounter a TON of strangers along the way. Sometimes, you’ll have the option to help them out or rob them blind. Just know that your actions will either boost your honor or sink it, so choose wisely.
  • Play both sides: You don’t have to pick a side – mix things up! Sometimes doing a good deed will open doors, and other times, you’ll need to act like a total badass to get what you want.

7. Upgrade Your Camp – It’s Home Sweet Home

Your gang’s camp is more than just a place to rest your head. It’s where you’ll improve gear, stock up on supplies, and build relationships. Treat it well, and your gang will prosper.

  • Donate to the camp: The more you contribute, the more upgrades you unlock. Better ammo, improved food, and fancier tents are all up for grabs!
  • Campfire bonding: Spend some time with your gangmates around the campfire. Trust me, you’ll hear some wild stories and maybe even some good laughs. Plus, it’ll improve your gang’s morale!

8. Dead Eye is Your Secret Weapon

Dead Eye is like your personal cheat code for combat, and mastering it will make you feel like an absolute legend.

  • Use Dead Eye wisely: Don’t waste it on easy fights. Use it during big shootouts or when you're surrounded by enemies. Slow time, target weak points, and let the bullets fly!
  • Upgrade your Dead Eye: As you progress, Dead Eye gets better and better. You’ll be able to slow time more efficiently and even target specific body parts for some seriously satisfying shots.

9. Money, Money, Money – Manage Your Cash

In the wild west, cash is king. But how you spend it makes a huge difference.

  • Save up: Don’t go blowing your cash on every shiny new thing. Save it for big purchases, like new weapons, camp upgrades, or even a new horse!
  • Loot EVERYTHING: Whether it’s from fallen enemies or abandoned cabins, loot everything you can. Gold bars, jewelry, and rare items can all be sold for a nice chunk of change. And don’t forget to rob trains – they're full of treasure!

10. Don’t Forget to Have Fun!

RDR2 is an experience, not just a game. So go out there and enjoy it all!

  • Poker, dominoes, and mini-games: If you need a break from the intense action, hit up a saloon and play a round of poker, or challenge someone to a game of dominoes. You’ll have a blast!
  • Photography: Take a moment to appreciate the stunning scenery. Use your camera to snap pictures of the beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and sunsets. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Final Thoughts: Ride Out, Cowboy (or Cowgirl)!

There you have it – your ultimate guide to surviving the wild west in Red Dead Redemption 2. It’s a game full of adventure, danger, and all sorts of unexpected moments, so embrace the chaos, make some memories, and remember: the journey is just as important as the destination. So get out there, start your own legend, and have an absolute blast!

You can get Red Dead Redemption 2 and many more games like it at crazy prices. Follow this LINK to Green Man Gaming and explore away!

Now, go get ‘em, cowboy! 🤠

-The Rough Cut Team

Back to blog