Red Dead Redemption 2: 7 Things To Do In Your First Hours Of Gameplay

Red Dead Redemption 2 is filled with tons of re-playable content that keeps players engaged for hours. The immersive, open-world map, NPC interactions, and the beauty of Arthur Morgan keep players entertained and wanting more. When players first dive into Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar Games provides a complete rundown of the character and the mechanics that are to be experienced within.

The main goal is having the most money, the best horse, and knowing how to take down an enemy, but achieving this doesn’t always come easy. Knowing which tips, tricks, and essential moves might get players there a bit faster. Here are seven things every player must do in their first hours of gameplay to make the most of that early gameplay experience.

7 Explore The Major Parts Of The Map

Get Familiar With Points Of Interest

• Discover secret treasures, hiding spots, camps, and easter eggs
• Unlock map regions, and stranger and side missions
• Explore each region and become familiar with the challenges

The world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is filled with life. From wild animals roaming around to strangers needing a ride, there are countless points of interest to keep players entertained for hours. As players explore the map, be sure to unlock map regions, and explore large areas on the map to make them playable for Arthur Morgan.

Becoming familiar with these large areas will help players learn the secret hiding spots, campsites, best hunting areas, and points of interest in each region, making players ready for even the toughest challenge.

6 Learn To Loot

Loot Every Single Enemy For Ammunition, Provisions, and Money

• Looting enemies will help players get valuables and collectibles quickly
• Items can be sold for money
• Loot to stock up on craftable items instead of buying them later on

Coming from a loot goblin, looting is essential in Red Dead Redemption 2. Looting enemies is a quick and efficient way to acquire valuable items and collectibles without having to search for hours or spend a big buck.

From weapons and ammunition to money and resources, there’s always something to be gained from fallen foes. Remember, looted items can be sold for money or used to craft essential items, saving players time and resources in the long run. Make it a habit to search every enemy encountered, and players will be well-equipped for traveling the land.

5 Bond With A Horse

• Improve horse performance to increase speed, stamina, and health
• Unlock special abilities, quick turns, jumps, etc
• Make for a loyal, well-tamed horse by Arthur Morgan’s side

A good horse makes for a good companion. Base game unlockable horses may not pack a punch, but bonding with the horse will make for better speed, stamina, and health. Investing time and effort into bonding makes it quicker to unlock the full potential of the horse.

Groom the horse regularly, feed it well, and take it on adventures to strengthen the connection. A well-trained and bonded horse can significantly enhance the gameplay experience, providing valuable assistance in combat, exploration, and travel.

4 Practice Mastering Dead Eye

For a Steady, Accurate Shot Against Animals And Enemies

• Slow down time to take a precise, slow-motion shot against enemies or while hunting
• Practice to prioritize abilities and become a master gunslinger
• Use Dead Eye strategically to escape dangerous situations

Dead Eye is a powerful ability in Red Dead Redemption 2 that allows players to slow down time and target enemies with deadly accuracy. Mastering Dead Eye is essential for success in combat and can help players overcome any challenging situation.

By practicing early on in the game and experimenting with different aiming techniques, players can become proficient in using Dead Eye to their advantage, whether it’s taking out multiple enemies at once or catching a 3-star animal kill. Practice using Dead Eye in these different scenarios, experiment with different aiming techniques and pound out multiple shots in Dead Eye to maximize effectiveness while using it. With enough practice, players will become masters of Dead Eye and a formidable force on the frontier, fast.

3 Get A Solid Arsenal

Having the Right Guns Compliments the Right Gameplay

• Head to the store and buy a solid, strong gun ready to challenge any enemy or animal
• Upgrade your weapons: As players progress through the game, weapons can be upgraded to improve performance
• After the first fight, clean the gun with gun oil to improve efficiency

Guns aren’t easy to unlock as a new player, but a well-equipped arsenal is crucial for survival in the Wild West. As you progress through Red Dead Redemption 2, be sure to upgrade weapons to improve their performance and experiment with different types of firearms to find the ones that suit players’ playstyle.

A solid arsenal, or at least one favorite pistol, will give players the tools needed to take on any challenge, from hunting to defending the camp against bandits and lawmen.

2 Store The Correct Gear

Be Prepared For Any Challenge, Including the Weather

• Equip the right gear for different situations: Equip the appropriate gear for different activities, such as hunting, fishing, or combat
• Have one outfit for hot weather and a jacket for cold weather stored in the saddle
• Be sure to stock up on meats, canned goods, and veggies for long travels and top-ups

In the unpredictable lands of Red Dead Redemption 2, players may find themselves fighting a bear in the snow or wrestling an alligator in the swamp. Being prepared for any weather condition is essential for survival. Equipping the right gear for different activities and having one outfit ready for hot weather and one for cold storage in the saddle is crucial for gameplay from the beginning of the game.

Players should immediately stock up on meats, canned goods, and veggies for long travels and quick energy boosts. By planning ahead and staying prepared, players will be better equipped to face the challenges of the wild frontier.

1 Progress Through the Story at Your Own Pace

Fully Engage In Everything Arthur Morgan’s Story Has To Offer

• Advance the story: Completing missions will advance the main story and unlock new regions and content
• Earn rewards: Completing missions players with money, XP experience, and even gold nuggets
• Red Dead Redemption 2 has a rich and engaging story, take the time to appreciate all it has to offer

To truly experience the full depth of Red Dead Redemption 2, actively participate in all aspects of the game. Completing missions early on will advance the main storyline, unlocking new regions and content for players. Better guns, better horses, better outfits, and better experiences. Along the way, players will earn rewards such as money, XP, and even gold nuggets.

Taking the time to appreciate the intricate storytelling, compelling characters, and immersive open-world is what makes this game a truly unforgettable experience from the very beginning. Saddle up, explore the map and embark on a journey with these tips and tricks to tackle the challenges of the most loved cowboy franchise and enjoy all of the Red Dead Redemption 2 experience.