Welcome to the world of Red Dead Redemption 2. Take a deep breath. Look at that sky. Listen to the wind rustling through the pines. It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it? This isn’t just a game; it’s a world, vast and unyielding, and if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, a little lost in its sheer scale, that’s completely normal. You’ve taken your first step into a masterpiece, but masterpieces with a slow, deliberate rhythm can sometimes feel intimidating to the modern gamer.
You’re what we’ll call a “Greenhorn.” You’re new to this frontier, and you’re likely filled with questions. You’ve probably already wondered how to make some quick cash, how to get a better horse than that nag they give you, and maybe, just maybe, if there’s a way to get across the map without it taking all afternoon. You’re wrestling with a beautiful paradox: the game’s stunning, immersive realism versus your desire for a convenient, smooth experience.
This guide is for you. It’s not just a checklist. It’s a friendly hand on your shoulder, from one outlaw to another. We’re going to explore the “why” behind your questions and give you the tools to not just survive, but thrive in your opening hours. We’ll show you how to respect the game’s incredible depth while also giving you those little shortcuts that make the whole experience feel more manageable. And don’t you worry this entire guide is designed to be as spoiler-free as possible.
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What’s in our 15 Things You Should Do First in RDR2
Embrace the Story (It’s the Key to Everything)
I know, I know. You see that giant, open map and all you want to do is run off into the sunset. But trust me on this: the single most important thing you can do first is to play the main story missions in Chapter 2. Think of these missions, marked by yellow icons on your map, not as a tutorial you have to endure, but as the very key that unlocks the entire game.
Completing the initial handful of missions for your gang members will introduce you to fundamental systems and, most importantly, unlock three critical features: the Camp Ledger, Stables, and even a quest that gives you a fishing pole. Without doing these missions, you’re essentially exploring the world with one hand tied behind your back. So, for the first few hours, stick with your fellow outlaws. It’s the fastest way to get to the good stuff.
Become the Camp’s Favorite Outlaw: Use the Ledger
Once you complete a specific mission for Herr Strauss, you’ll unlock the camp’s Ledger. This book, sitting next to the gang’s tithing box, is your gateway to making life better for yourself and everyone else. Your first priority here should be two specific upgrades.
First, upgrade Dutch’s tent. This will inspire the rest of the gang to contribute more, filling the tithing box with more cash for future upgrades. Next, and this is the big one, upgrade Arthur’s tent. Doing so unlocks a map on the side of your tent. This is it. This is the fast travel system you’ve been looking for. It’s a one-way ticket, meaning you can travel from camp to any settlement you’ve discovered, but it’s a massive time saver and the perfect solution when you just don’t have the patience for a long ride.
The Secret to a Huge Inventory: Craft the Legend of the East Satchel
You’re going to be picking up a lot of stuff in this game. Pelts, herbs, food, tonics, valuables it all adds up, and your starting satchel is laughably small. The single greatest quality of life upgrade in the entire game is the Legend of the East Satchel, which allows you to carry 99 of every single item.
To get it, you need to visit Pearson, the camp cook. First, you’ll need to purchase his Leather Working Tools from the Ledger. Once you have, you can ask him to craft a series of satchel upgrades. You’ll need to bring him a variety of perfect pelts, which means you’ll need to get good at hunting (use a bow or the Varmint Rifle and aim for the head on three star animals). It’s a long term project, but start it immediately. Every perfect pelt you get, bring it straight to Pearson. You will thank yourself for this later.
Find Your First Great Horse (For Free!)
Your starting horse is fine, but it’s not great. You want a steed with speed, stamina, and courage. While you could save up to buy one, one of the best horses in the entire game is waiting for you up in the snowy mountains, and it’s completely free.
Head north to the western side of Lake Isabella. There, wandering in the snow, you’ll find a magnificent White Arabian. This horse is a statistical powerhouse, but it’s skittish and won’t be easy to tame. You’ll need to approach it very slowly, calming it as you get closer. Once you’re near, you can hop on its back and get ready for a rodeo. You’ll have to fight its movements to break it. Once you do, put your saddle on it, and it’s yours. Take it to a stable to officially bond with it, give it a new name (the option is right there in the stable menu!), and you’ll have a loyal, top tier companion for your entire journey.
Start Your Treasure Hunting Career Early
Feeling poor? The most effective way to answer the question “how to make money early” is not by robbing folks, but by becoming a treasure hunter. The world is filled with hidden lockboxes and treasure maps that lead to multiple gold bars, each worth a whopping $500 at a Fence.
Your first map is practically handed to you. As you explore the wilderness, you might find a stranger named Maximus, who is about to fall off a cliff. Save him, and he’ll give you a treasure map. If you don’t run into him, you can find your first map by investigating a place called Limpany, a burnt down town just southwest of Valentine. Look in the old Sheriff’s office to find a lockbox with a gold bar. Or, start the Jack Hall Gang Treasure Map, which you can buy from a stranger overlooking the river northwest of Flatneck Station. Following these maps is an adventure in itself and will solve all your early game money problems.
Arm Yourself with Free, Powerful Guns
Don’t waste your hard earned cash buying guns in the early game. You can find some excellent weapons for free just by exploring. During a mission in Chapter 2, you’ll have a chance to pick up a Lancaster Repeater, a fantastic all around weapon. But even before that, you can find a Schofield Revolver. Go to Valentine and look for the doctor’s office. Peep through the back window, and you’ll see something suspicious. This will open up a robbery option on the back door. Go inside, deal with the folks in there, and you’ll find the revolver in a weapon case on the table. It’s a powerful and accurate sidearm that will serve you well.
Become a Gunslinger and Claim Their Legendary Weapons
Early in Chapter 2, a writer will approach you in one of the saloons in Valentine and ask for your help in tracking down a group of legendary old gunslingers. Say yes. This starts the “Gunslingers” side quest, which is not only a fantastic series of missions but also your ticket to some of the most unique and beautiful revolvers in the game. Each gunslinger you track down and defeat will drop their signature weapon. Collecting them all is a satisfying journey that makes you feel like you’re truly becoming a legend of the West.
Understand and Manage Your Bounty
You’ll notice that if you cause trouble, you’ll get a bounty on your head, and bounty hunters will start coming after you. This can be a real pain. Here’s the simple breakdown of the Wanted/Bounty system: If you commit a crime and witnesses see you, they’ll report you to the law. A red “WANTED” meter appears. Escape the red search zone, and you’ll get away, but a price will be placed on your head in that state.
To clear it, simply ride to a Post Office and pay it off. It’s often better to just pay the fine than to deal with the constant harassment of bounty hunters. And remember to wear your bandana! If you pull it up over your face before committing a crime, witnesses won’t be able to identify Arthur, and the bounty will be placed on an “Unknown Assailant” instead, which is much easier to deal with.
Take a Moment to Practice and Save
The world of RDR2 is methodical, and so are its controls. It can feel clunky at first. Find a quiet spot outside of town, get off your horse, and just spend five minutes getting a feel for things. Practice walking, running, crouching, and taking cover behind rocks. Aim your weapon. The more comfortable you are with the basic movement, the less frustrating your first real firefight will be.
Equally important is knowing how to save your game. While the game does autosave, it’s not always reliable. To create a manual save, press pause, go to “Story,” and then “Save Game.” Get into the habit of doing this before starting a big mission or after completing a major task, like taming that Arabian. It’s a simple step that can save you a world of heartache.
Visit the Trapper and See What You Can Craft
Once you hunt your first Legendary Animal (the game guides you to a Legendary Bear in Chapter 2), you’ll be told to take its pelt to a Trapper. There is one in Saint Denis, but he also has several roving campsites around the world. The Trapper is a special vendor who can use your Legendary Pelts to craft unique outfits, hats, and gear that you can’t get anywhere else. Selling him the pelts “unlocks” the items for crafting. Always sell your Legendary Pelts to the Trapper; no one else will give you the full value or the crafting ability.
Clear Out Gang Hideouts
As you ride around, you’ll stumble upon camps of rival gangs, like the O’Driscolls. These are Gang Hideouts, and they are treasure troves. Taking on a whole camp can be tough, but if you’re careful and use cover, you can clear them out. Once everyone is dealt with, loot everything. You’ll find money, valuables, and often a lockbox with a treasure map or a large sum of cash. It’s a great way to hone your combat skills and make a profit.
Start Your Challenges
In your pause menu, under “Progress,” you’ll find a list of Challenges. These are sets of tasks across various disciplines: Sharpshooter, Explorer, Horseman, etc. You should start working on these as soon as possible. Not only do they give you a fun objective to focus on, but completing each challenge awards you with a permanent boost to your Health , Stamina , or Dead Eye cores, and completing a full set unlocks reinforced gear from the Trapper.
Become a Wilderness Chemist
Don’t just ride past all those plants and flowers! The world is your pharmacy. Get into the habit of hopping off your horse to pick Yarrow, Ginseng, and Indian Tobacco. At a campfire, you can craft these into potent health tonics, stamina potions, and Dead Eye restoratives that are far more effective than the cheap stuff you buy in stores. A stock of potent bitters and tonics can be the difference between life and death in a tough fight.
Keep an Eye Out for Collectibles
The world is littered with sets of collectibles, and finding them all can lead to big rewards. The easiest one to start with is the Cigarette Cards. You can find them scattered everywhere, but you can also get them by buying Premium Cigarettes from a general store (be warned, this can get expensive). Once you find your first card, it will trigger a side quest to mail the full set to a collector, who will pay you handsomely.
Just… Explore
Finally, and this might be the most important tip of all: give yourself permission to get lost. This guide is here to help you get your footing and solve those initial frustrations, but the true magic of Red Dead Redemption 2 lies in the unscripted moments. Now that you have the tools to thrive, use that freedom to truly live in the world.
Let the game’s slow pace wash over you. The “realism” isn’t a bug; it’s the central feature. It’s what allows you to find the game’s best kept secrets.
- Ride Without a Destination: Pick a direction on the compass and just go. Don’t set a waypoint. See what you stumble upon when you’re not just racing from one objective to the next.
- Investigate Your Surroundings: Follow a strange sound into the woods. Investigate a plume of smoke on the horizon. Help a stranger whose horse has died on the side of the road. These “random events” are the heart and soul of the game’s world.
- Listen to the Campfire Stories: Don’t always rush away from camp in the morning. Take a moment to drink a coffee and listen to the tales your gang members share. It will deepen your connection to the story in ways you can’t imagine.
- Search for Hidden Wonders: The world is filled with unmarked secrets waiting for you to find them. By exploring freely, you can discover anything from a crashed meteor site, a strange hermit living in a tree, or even witness a duel between two other gunslingers.
You now have the tools to make money, travel fast, and win a gunfight. Use that freedom not just to complete objectives, but to simply exist in this breathtaking world.
