Red Dead Redemption: How To Use Dead Eye

Red Dead Redemption: How To Use Dead Eye

As a seasoned gamer with countless hours spent roaming the wild west in Red Dead Redemption, I can confidently say that the Dead Eye mechanic is one of the game’s crown jewels. It’s not just about aiming and shooting; it’s about precision, strategy, and the thrill of slow-motion takedowns that make every encounter feel like a cinematic masterpiece.


In the world of the Red Dead Franchise, Dead Eye stands out as a signature gameplay feature, making its debut in the initial installment, Red Dead Revolver. It was then polished and developed more fully in Red Dead Redemption, a popular choice among newcomers to the series. There’s a unique thrill in pinpointing your target accurately with the reticle and watching as a controlled burst of shots is released in slow motion.

The skill of Dead Eye develops gradually across different stages within the narrative of Red Dead Redemption. This mechanism proves to be incredibly beneficial throughout the game, enabling players to effortlessly eliminate swift targets or massacres of adversaries with astonishing swiftness.

How to Use Dead Eye Targeting in Red Dead Redemption 2

In the game “Red Dead Redemption”, players gain access to the Dead Eye ability straight from level 1, following the completion of the second mission titled “New Friends, Old Problems”. This mission commences immediately after John Marston regains consciousness at MacFarlane’s farm and Bonnis leads him on a horseback trip for rabbit hunting.

In the game, there are various stages to the Dead Eye Targeting system. This guide will explain each level of Dead Eye and how to achieve them.

LevelHow Does It Work?How To Unlock
Dead Eye Level 1Allows 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 2After 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 3The 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 number of markers you can put on enemies is determined by how many shots your active weapon currently holds. For instance, if you’re using a shotgun with two bullets loaded, you can only place two markers on an enemy.

Using Dead Eye on a Keyboard or Controller

Here’s how to use Dead Eye on different input devices in Red Dead Redemption.

Input DeviceActivate Dead EyePlacing MarkersExecute
KeyboardMiddle Mouse Click“Q” keyLeft Mouse Click
ControllerRight-Stick Click (RS or R3)Right Bumper (RB or R1)Right Trigger (RT or R2)

How to Refill Dead Eye Meter

In the game “Red Dead Redemption”, Dead Eye isn’t an endless resource; instead, you have to accumulate it before you can use it for a barrage of shots against your enemies. Here are various methods to replenish the Dead Eye meter:

  • Kill enemies without using Dead Eye
  • Drink Moonshine (it refills the meter and makes it infinite for 10 seconds)
  • Use Snake Oil
  • Consume a crafted Tonic
  • Use Chewing Tobacco

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2024-10-31 17:05