#15 - Embrace the Story
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.
#14 - Camp's 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.
#13 - 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.
#12 - White Arabian Horse
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.
#11 - Treasure Hunting
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.
#10 - 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.
#9 - Become a Gunslinger
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.
#8 - Bounty System
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.
#7 - 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.
#6 - Legendary Animal
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.
#5 - 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.
#4 - 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.
#3 - 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.
#2 - 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.
#1 - 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.