Red Dead Redemption 2: Handy Lesser-Known Gameplay Tips

To say that Red Dead Redemption 2 is a hard game to master would be a huge understatement. The game’s beauty is matched only by its complexity, thus it’s natural that minor details get lost in the shuffle. Fortunately, we’ve gone ahead and compiled some useful lesser-known Red Dead Redemption 2 tips for you to keep as a frame of reference.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Lesser-Known Tips

Red Dead Redemption 2 players can immediately draw into Deadeye.

Whether you’ve just started your Wild West adventures or you’re already several hours in, the following tips can prove helpful. The information we’ve shared likely won’t drastically alter your gameplay, but it can at least streamline things a bit. For more specialized guide content, be sure to read up on how to craft Poison Arrows. We also covered how to retrieve the game’s Legendary Bear Pelt.

  • Holding the Start/Options button on your controller immediately brings up the Map screen.
  • Press up on the D-Pad with a gun equipped to shoot into the air and scare away predators.
  • Tapping the X (PS4)/A (Xbox One) button in time with your horse’s gallops uses less stamina.
  • Lightly holding down R2/RT allows you to immediately draw into Deadeye.
  • Lasso crime witnesses to avoid being caught and preserve your honor rating.
  • “Punch” an NPC with the lasso equipped to instantly hog-tie them.
  • Lasso animals to pull them in for a knife kill and preserve their hide.
  • Dead animals floating in rivers can be lassoed and pulled to shore.
  • You can whistle for your horse to follow you while you’re driving a carriage or train.
  • Use different outfits and weaponry when committing crimes since witnesses will remember them even if you’re wearing a mask.
  • If you lose track of your horse, save and reload to have it spawn nearby.
  • Eagle Eye can be used to spot environmental objects like harvestable plants.