Dead Eye is one of the defining mechanics of theRed Dead Franchise. It’s been used since the first game in the franchise,Red Dead Revolver, and further refined intoRed Dead Redemption, which is an entry point in the series for most players. There’s a certain satisfaction to precisely aiming your reticle at the target and unleashing a barrage of shots in slow motion.
The Dead Eye mechanic slowly evolves through its multiple levels inRed Dead Redemptionasplayers progress through the story. It’s one of the most useful mechanics in the game, which makes taking down either a quick-moving target or mowing down hoards of enemies possible in a split second.
Players unlock the Dead Eye ability at level 1 after completing “New Friends, Old Problems”, the second mission inRed Dead Redemption. This mission starts right after John wakes up on MacFarlane’s farm and Bonnis takes him on a horse ride to hunt rabbits.
There are different levels to the Dead Eye Targeting mechanic in the game. Here’s an explanation of all the Dead Eye levels and how to unlock them.
How To Unlock
Dead Eye Level 1
Allows players to slow down time and land a single shot on the enemy. After firing a single shot, the time slowdown ends.
Complete the second mission of the game, “New Friends, Old Problems” by Bonnie.
Dead Eye Level 2
After activating Dead Eye, hovering the reticle over enemies will automatically place markers on them. Once the meter runs out or the players decide to execute, John will target and start shooting where the markers were placed.
During the “You Shall Not Give False Testimony, Except for Profit” mission by Nigel West Dickens.
Dead Eye Level 3
The final upgrade of the Dead Eye lets players manually place markers on enemies and shoot once ready.
Complete the “The Gunslinger’s Tragedy” mission after reaching Mexico for Landon Ricketts in Chuparosa.
The maximum number of markers placed on enemies depends on the number of rounds the player’s current weapon has. E.g. a shotgun with 2 bullets in the chamber will only let you place 2 markers on an enemy.
Here’s how to use Dead Eye on different input devices inRed Dead Redemption.
“Q” key
Right-Stick Click (RS or R3)
Right Bumper (RB or R1)
Right Trigger (RT or R2)
Dead Eye isn’t unlimited and needs to be earned before players can use it to start shooting enemies left and right. Here are all the ways to refill the Dead Eye meter inRed Dead Redemption.
