The Unwritten Rules of Red Dead Redemption 2 Explained

Released in 2018, Red Dead Redemption 2 follows the adventures of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang as they grapple with a changing country and the encroachment of modernity. It’s a fascinating game filled with exciting and emotional moments, and though it’s quite long, Rockstar makes sure every minute is enjoyable. Years later, RDR 2 holds up well and is still definitely worth playing.

In typical Rockstar fashion, the game is teeming with secrets, and gamers are still discovering new hidden details. Whether one is a returning player or experiencing Red Dead Redemption 2 for the first time, it’s worth learning some of the unwritten rules of the game. Knowing them enhances the gameplay and helps players understand the epic story better.

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The Unwritten Rules of Red Dead Redemption 2’s Story

Spend Time at the Van der Linde Camp

When the gang isn’t out robbing or sparring with the O’Driscolls, they take a break at camp. Here, players can rest, change clothing, complete chores, or just play dominoes. Although it’s not as action-packed as exploration is, it’s advised that players spend a lot of time at camp talking to the various Van der Linde gang members. Speaking to Arthur’s friends reveals more about the story and gives life to the different characters. It’s a good way to learn everyone’s backstory and how they found their way into Dutch’s gang.

Contribute to the Van Der Linde Camp

Red Dead Redemption 2 quietly encourages Arthur (and players) to contribute to the Van Der Linde camp, but it can seem optional during the early parts of the story. Donating to the lockbox and investing in the Camp Ledger are not framed as must-do objectives, so they can be easy to ignore; however, the more players contribute, the warmer the atmosphere around the camp becomes. Arthur needs to take care of the people around him if he wants to belong, and he is directly thanked for improving the gang’s situation by unlocking upgrades or completing supply runs.

The World Remembers Everything Arthur Does

Red Dead Redemption 2‘s world is not static, and Arthur does not live in a vacuum. Nothing truly disappears, and the game not only tracks Arthur’s actions but also who he is. The honor system makes it fairly easy to gauge society’s opinion of Arthur, but it goes beyond just a meter. NPCs remember past interactions, and their behavior changes depending on whether they have a positive or negative history with the player. Committing a violent crime or being trigger-happy results in wide-reaching and long-lasting effects rather than an immediate chase, particularly if witnesses are involved. Arthur and the player must live with the consequences of their actions, and their public identity is showcased through tone rather than just a stat. This goes both ways, too, as a helpful act can inspire NPCs to aid Arthur.

Avoid Fast Travel as Much as Possible

Though it isn’t obvious at first, it is possible to fast travel in RDR 2. This is done by hiring a stagecoach or purchasing a train ticket. Alternatively, if Arthur has $545 to spare, he can unlock the fast travel map. Once the map is acquired, it’s a piece of cake to fast travel from Arthur’s tent at camp. Though fast travel is convenient, it’s not advised that players use it if they can avoid it. By traveling on horse or foot, Arthur has a high chance of running into side quests that allow him to make money or just learn more about the world of RDR 2. It’s worth the time and effort it takes to travel manually if players want to squeeze RDR 2 for all its content.

Red Dead Redemption 2’s Unwritten Rules of Combat and Exploration

Head to Saint Denis to Raise Arthur’s Honor

RDR 2 features an honor system for Arthur, and he gains honor by doing good deeds and loses honor by harming innocent folks. Raising honor is important if players want to see the good ending, but it can be difficult to raise Arthur’s honor by completing chores around camp. Fortunately, there is a quick shortcut to gaining honor fast. Simply visit Saint Denis and have Arthur visit everyone he crosses paths with. Saint Denis is so packed with NPCs that Arthur’s honor will be sky-high in no time.

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Hunt What You Need And Never For Sport

Plenty of open-world games incorporate hunting as a side-activity, but RDR2 presents it as an inescapable part of life. Arthur hunts to live, creating an act that is purposeful and not just a distraction. Hunting is not glamorized, and the game presents the process in sobering detail. Not only is it possible to overhunt an animal, but it is also pointlessly cruel. Arthur should only hunt what he needs and can carry, and he should never leave behind a carcass because he does not have the space for it. RDR2 punishes overhunting by exposing it as the wasteful act that it is. This extends to the tools used for the hunt, as players are rewarded with superior pelts if they use the ideal weapon and ammo. A sloppy kill is more painful for the animal and can impact Arthur’s honor.

Violence Is The Last Resort, Not The First Option

Pulling the trigger is effortless, making it a tempting solution when things get heated. However, while the act is simple and quick, the ramifications are not. A single shot often results in complete chaos, both in the immediate aftermath and also due to its impact on Arthur’s reputation and the bounty system. Witnesses do not forget or forgive, and they respond to violence with panic. In turn, their reaction attracts attention and a response from the world rather than just that town or region. Lawmen will begin to come in waves, and they are frustrating to deal with rather than just another way to get some kills. RDR2 remembers a violent act’s context, which intensifies the need to de-escalate encounters or simply choose not to fight.

Still, Do a Low Honor Playthrough at Least Once

RDR 2 is a long game, but it’s worth playing more than once, as there are multiple endings. Naturally, players will likely go for the good ending the first time around, but gamers shouldn’t neglect going for the bad ending as well, just to see what happens. There are also a few benefits that come with playing as bad Arthur Morgan, including having the freedom to kill NPCs in a carefree manner without having to worry about losing honor.

Rockstar knocked it out of the park with RDR 2, and it’s possible to sink hundreds of hours into the game. It may be a long time before fans get RDR 3, as the studio is currently busy with GTA 6. However, RDR 2 has enough content to keep fans occupied for a long time.

Released

October 26, 2018

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol