Red Dead Redemption beginner tips

Important takeaways

  • Always equip John Marston with a bandana to avoid losing honor when committing crimes.
  • Use the best gear available in Red Dead Redemption to deal more damage and escape from gunfire.
  • Complete challenges early for useful perks and prioritize capturing rewards alive for more in-game cash.



After years of waiting, players can finally follow John Marston's journey from the very beginning Red Dead Redemption now on PC. This open-world Old West classic offers a rich experience of story and exploration, with mechanics that remain relevant and challenging for new players.

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When it comes to PC, various possibilities arise for those who venture into the wild land of gaming for the first time. These beginner tips for Red Dead Redemption helping players get the most out of the game, from hunting to navigating the massive map, and helping to understand the nuances that shape Marston's journey in an environment as hostile as it is fascinating.


10 Equip John Marston with the bandana

Be prepared in case of crime

Masked character standing next to a horse in an open desert area in Red Dead Redemption


The protagonist's actions are measured by an honor system that can change some game mechanics. While this mechanic doesn't affect the ending like it does in the franchise's other games, players can avoid losing honor when committing crimes. Therefore, a beginner's tip in Red Dead Redemption is always to equip John Marston with a bandana.

This ensures that certain actions in the game, which would affect the character's honor positively or negatively, do not have the same effects. Likewise, it prevents his fame from increasing, as he would theoretically be unrecognizable. It is also recommended not to carry this item when completing missions, as it may negatively affect the game experience.

9 Always have the best equipment

Keep an eye out for other in-game options

Weapon selection screen with Rolling Block Rifle stats as seen in Red Dead Redemption


Some challenges in Red Dead Redemptionespecially shooting multiple enemies, requires John Marston to always have the best gear available to deal as much damage as possible and also come out of these confrontations unscathed. Therefore, players should always keep an eye on the equipment options that the game offers, especially firearms.

While some weapons acquired throughout the game have some lore behind them, especially those that John Marston has an emotional attachment to, players should not hold onto them for too long. These options are incredibly weak, and it doesn't take long for other revolvers, shotguns, and rifles to show up to make the protagonist a true Old West threat.

8 Complete the challenges as soon as possible

They offer permanent benefits for John Marston

Challenge menu showing the challenge


New players of the first Red Dead Redemption should complete the challenges the game offers early in the journey, as many of them grant bonuses to John Marston that are extremely useful throughout the game. The majority are related to more frequent use of Dead Eye but also include other perks.

Additionally, after completing the four ambient challenges, players will receive the Legend of the West outfit, one of the best outfits in the game, which also allows the protagonist to use Dead Eye more often. Therefore, for those who rely on this ability to slow down time, this is secondary content that should be explored often.

7 Fast Travel is limited

Players should plan their travel routes carefully

Character standing near a horse-drawn wagon in a desert town in Red Dead Redemption


Although many modern open worlds are more lenient in allowing players to fast travel across the map, the first Red Dead Redemption offers a different pace, limiting players' use of this feature. Although they are immersive, some people just want to move through the map quickly to complete quests or explore.

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In such cases, players can set up a campsite on the map and from there automatically travel to any city they've already visited without much trouble. In addition, it is also possible to use fast travel in the first Red Dead Redemption by placing the protagonist on a stagecoach, which is available in the game's larger settlements.

6 Campsites are important to John Marston

An easy way to access various game resources

Character camping next to a horse in the desert landscape of Red Dead Redemption


In addition to allowing fast travel across the game's map, campsites are also important for Red Dead Redemption players in other ways, as they offer access to various important resources. One of them is the ability to manually save game progress, as autosave handles the rest.

In addition, it is also possible to change outfits obtained during the game at campsites, allowing players to change their appearance and gain new perks practically anywhere on the map. Additionally, the improved campsite even refills John's ammo, so it's always important to have one set up near where the exploration takes place.

5 Preferably use manual alignment

Auto-Aim might not be that useful

Character chasing a target on horseback during a Dead Eye in Red Dead Redemption.


For beginners who feel that the battle in Red Dead Redemption is not dynamic enough, it is possible to improve this by disabling the game's auto-aim option. This is because this feature, while extremely useful, locks John Marston's sights on the closest target in sight, which can be helpful during Dead Eye but doesn't offer the same freedom in normal combat.

Using manual aim therefore makes combat more satisfying, allowing players to better select targets during shootouts and also where they want to hit each one, making the experience more dynamic. However, it's worth noting that this also slightly increases the game's difficulty, requiring some time to master the Old West gunfight.

4 Catch Bounties Alive

Best way to get more money on these quests

Wanted poster for Sergio Abelda, offering a reward, in Red Dead Redemption


Prize hunting is one of the main activities in Red Dead Redemption and also one of the best ways to earn money in the game. However, despite being an option, players should avoid killing wanted criminals whenever possible. This is because delivering them alive to the authorities is more profitable and brings better payments.

However, this is not an easy activity, as targets often try to escape from John Marston as a last resort, forcing players to eliminate them to avoid losing the rewards. On the other hand, it is possible to use the game's available mechanics to prevent this, such as shooting each bounty's leg at the start of the battle, reducing the opponent's mobility and chance to escape.

3 Do not sell skins in the nearest shops

Greater profits can be obtained elsewhere

Character pointing a gun at a coyote near a fence in Red Dead Redemption


Hunting is a secondary activity in Red Dead Redemption which can provide some profits for players during the journey, but it is still possible to maximize the money obtained from skins if they are sold in different locations. Some towns, usually the more remote ones, tend to pay more for hides that can be obtained from animals.

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So while money is important to John Marston to access other game items, players should not rush and should use fast travel to cities to see where higher payments for items are offered. Prices can be even better if the protagonist's honor is high, with shopkeepers paying 50% more; if it's low, it's better to sell at Thieves' Landing.

2 Caution is required when hunting

Wild animals can be aggressive

Character on horseback aims at a deer running down a dirt road in Red Dead Redemption


Wild animals in Red Dead Redemption is significantly more violent compared to the other game in the franchise. Players may be surrounded by wolves, cougars or grizzly bears during hunts, requiring constant vigilance and adequate preparation to avoid dangerous ambushes.

To minimize the risks, it is important to always be well equipped with effective weapons and maintain a defensive posture. Strategically using Dead Eye and knowing escape points on the map can make the difference between surviving an attack and suffering serious consequences, ensuring that the character remains alive and progress is not lost.

1 Games in Red Dead Redemption have high stakes

They are more game changing than in the other game

Character playing Liar's Dice in a saloon with intense expression in Red Dead Redemption


Players who feel lucky in the first Red Dead Redemption will find gaming an intense and rewarding experience. The game modes are faster and more engaging, requiring skill and strategy to maximize winnings, and these bets can transform John Marston's finances.

A highlight is high-stakes poker at Blackwater, available only with formal attire and located on the top floor of the hotel. Winning at this table can bring over $1,200, although it is extremely challenging. Additionally, playing liar's dice in the “Lights Camera Action” mission offers the opportunity to win $600 per game, allowing players to accumulate funds quickly.

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