Red Dead Redemption 2 features a robust and immersive gunplay system that requires players to master various mechanics and techniques to succeed in combat. This informative guide will provide an overview of the gunplay in Red Dead Redemption 2, with two main sections focusing on shooting on foot and shooting on horseback.
The guide will cover essential aspects such as reloading, using Dead Eye, aiming, steadying your shot, and other useful tips. Once you are up to speed, check out this list of some of the best weapons in RDR2.
Table Of Contents
Shooting on Foot
Shooting while on foot is going to be the most common method of combat in RDR2. You will be in control of the main character and will need to take advantage of cover and natural obstacles to take out enemies.
Basic Controls for Shooting on Foot
- Aim: Hold the aim button (L2 on PS4, LT on Xbox One) to aim your weapon.
- Fire: Press the fire button (R2 on PS4, RT on Xbox One) to shoot your weapon while aiming.
- Reload: Press the reload button (Circle on PS4, B on Xbox One) while aiming to reload your weapon.
- Switch Weapons: Press the weapon wheel button (L1 on PS4, LB on Xbox One) and use the right thumbstick (RS) to select a different weapon.
Aiming and Steadying Your Shot
- Fine-tune Aiming: While aiming, use the right thumbstick (RS) to adjust your aim. Move the thumbstick slowly for more precise aiming.
- Cover: Utilize cover to protect yourself from enemy fire and steady your shot. Press the cover button (R1 on PS4, RB on Xbox One) near a wall, barrel, or other cover objects.
- Crouching: Crouch by pressing the crouch button (Square on PS4, X on Xbox One) to make yourself a smaller target and improve your aim stability.
- Breathing: Holding your breath can help steady your aim, especially when using scoped weapons. Click the left thumbstick (LS) while aiming to hold your breath.
Using Dead Eye
Dead Eye is a unique ability in Red Dead Redemption 2 that allows you to slow down time and target multiple enemies or specific body parts with pinpoint accuracy. To use Dead Eye:
- Press the Dead Eye button (R3 on PS4, RS on Xbox One) while aiming.
- While in Dead Eye mode, use the right thumbstick (RS) to move the targeting reticle over enemies or specific body parts.
- Press the fire button (R2 on PS4, RT on Xbox One) to mark targets.
- Release the Dead Eye button (R3 on PS4, RS on Xbox One) to exit Dead Eye mode and automatically fire at the marked targets.
Remember that using Dead Eye consumes your Dead Eye meter, which can be replenished with tonics or by resting.
Shooting on Horseback
Shooting on horseback adds an additional layer of complexity to gunplay, as you must control both your character and your horse simultaneously. This can be tricky when you are under fire and find yourself in a position were you are unable to take cover.
Basic Controls for Shooting on Horseback
- Aim: Hold the aim button (L2 on PS4, LT on Xbox One) to aim your weapon while riding.
- Fire: Press the fire button (R2 on PS4, RT on Xbox One) to shoot your weapon while aiming and riding.
- Reload: Press the reload button (Circle on PS4, B on Xbox One) while aiming and riding to reload your weapon.
- Switch Weapons: Press the weapon wheel button (L1 on PS4, LB on Xbox One) and use the right thumbstick (RS) to select a different weapon.
Aiming and Steadying Your Shot on Horseback
- Horse Control: Use the left thumbstick (LS) to control your horse’s movement while aiming and shooting. Practice maneuvering your horse while aiming to become more comfortable with shooting on horseback.
- Horse Bonding: Improve your bond with your horse to unlock additional horse control abilities, such as skid turns and drifts, which can help you maintain better control while shooting on horseback.
- Aim Assist: Red Dead Redemption 2 features aim assist options that can help you lock onto targets while shooting on horseback. Adjust the aim assist settings in the options menu to find a level that suits your preferences.
Using Dead Eye on Horseback
Using Dead Eye while riding your horse can help you take down multiple enemies or make more accurate shots on the move. The process of using Dead Eye on horseback is the same as when shooting on foot:
- Press the Dead Eye button (R3 on PS4, RS on Xbox One) while aiming and riding.
- While in Dead Eye mode, use the right thumbstick (RS) to move the targeting reticle over enemies or specific body parts.
- Press the fire button (R2 on PS4, RT on Xbox One) to mark targets.
- Release the Dead Eye button (R3 on PS4, RS on Xbox One) to exit Dead Eye mode and automatically fire at the marked targets.
By mastering the gunplay mechanics in Red Dead Redemption 2, both on foot and on horseback, you can enhance your combat effectiveness and enjoy a more immersive gameplay experience. Practice your shooting skills, experiment with different weapons and settings, and adapt your tactics to overcome various challenges and enemies in the game.
