Summary

After years of waiting, players can finally follow John Marston’s journey from the firstRed Dead Redemptionnow on PC.This open-world classic set in the Old Westoffers a rich experience in narrative and exploration, with mechanics that remain relevant and challenging for new players.

With its arrival on PC, various opportunities emerge for those venturing for the first time into the game’s wild lands. These beginner tips forRed Dead Redemptionhelp players make the most of the gameplay, from hunting to navigating the vast map, and aid in understanding the nuances that shape Marston’s journey in a setting as hostile as it is fascinating.

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

10Equip John Marston With The Bandana

Be Prepared In Case Of Crimes

The main character’s actions are measured by an honor system that can change some game mechanics. Although this mechanicdoes not influence the endingas it does in the franchise’s second game, players can avoid losing honor when committing crimes. Therefore, a beginner tip inRed Dead Redemptionis always to equip John Marston with a bandana.

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

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

9Always Have The Best Equipment

Keep An Eye Out For Other Options In The Game

Some challenges inRed Dead Redemption, especiallyshootouts against multiple enemies, require John Marston to always have the best equipment available to deal as much damage as possible and also emerge unscathed from these confrontations. Therefore, players should always keep an eye on the equipment options the game offers, especially firearms.

Although some weapons acquired throughout the game have certain lore behind them, particularly those to which John Marston has emotional attachment, players should not stick with them for too long. These options are incredibly weak, and it doesn’t take long for other revolvers, shotguns, and rifles to appear to make the protagonist a true threat of the Old West.

Challenges menu showing ‘Explosive Rifle Mastery - Rank 1’ challenge in Red Dead Redemption

8Complete The Challenges As Soon As Possible

They Offer Permanent Perks For John Marston

New players of the firstRed Dead Redemptionshould complete the challenges the game offers early in the journey, as many of them provide bonuses for 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, upon completing the four ambient challenges, players will receive theLegend 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 frequently.

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

7Fast Travel Is Limited

Players Should Plan Their Journey Routes Carefully

Although many modern open worlds are more lenient in allowing players to fast travel across the map, the firstRed Dead Redemptionoffers a different pacing, limiting players' use of this feature. While immersive, some people just want to traverse the map quickly to complete missions or explore.

In such cases, players can set up a campsite on the map and, from there, travel automatically to any town they have already visited without major issues. Additionally, it’s also possible to use fast travel in the firstRed Dead Redemptionby placing the main character on a stagecoach, which is available in the game’s major settlements.

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

6Campsites Are Important For John Marston

An Easy Way To Access Various Game Resources

Besides allowing fast travel across the game’s map, campsites are alsoimportant forRed Dead Redemptionplayersin other ways, as they offer access to different essential resources. One of them is the ability to manually save game progress, since the autosave handles the rest.

Furthermore, it’s 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 replenishes John’s ammunition, so it’s always important to have one set up near where exploration is taking place.

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

5Prefer Using Manual Aim

Auto-Aim May Not Be So Useful

For beginners who feel that combat inRed Dead Redemptionisn’t dynamic enough, it’s possible to improve this by disabling the game’s auto-aim option. This is because this function, although extremely useful, locks John Marston’s aim onto the nearest target in view, which can be helpful during Dead Eye but doesn’t offer the same freedom in normal combat.

Therefore, using manual aim makes combat more satisfying, allowing players to better choose 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 Old West gun combat.

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

4Capture Bounties Alive

Best Way To Get More Money On These Missions

Bounty hunting is one of the main activities inRed Dead Redemptionand 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 offers better payments.

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

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

3Don’t Sell Pelts At The Nearest Stores

Greater Profits Can Be Obtained Elsewhere

Hunting is a secondary activity inRed Dead Redemptionthat can yield some profits for players during the journey, but it’s still possible to maximize the money obtained from pelts if they are sold in different places. Some towns, usually the more distant ones, tend to pay more for pelts that can be obtained from animals.

Thus, although money is important for John Marston to access other game items, players should not rush and should use fast travel to towns to see where higher payments for items are offered. Prices can become 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.

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

2Caution Is Needed When Hunting

The Wildlife Can Be Aggressive

The wildlife inRed Dead Redemptionis significantly more violent compared to the second game in the franchise. Players may find themselves surrounded by wolves, cougars, or grizzly bears during hunts, requiring constant vigilance and adequate preparation to avoid dangerous ambushes.

To minimize risks, it is essential 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 the character stays alive and progress is not lost.

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

They Are More Game-Changing Than In The Second Game

Players who feel lucky in the firstRed Dead Redemptionwill find in gambling an intense and rewarding experience. The game modes are faster and more engaging, requiring skill and strategy to maximize gains, and thesebets can transform John Marston’s finances.

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