The Unwritten Rules of Red Dead Redemption 2 Explained

Released in 2018, Red Dead Redemption 2 tells the story of Arthur Morgan and his gang as they struggle to survive in a rapidly changing America. The game is full of thrilling and heartfelt experiences, and despite its length, Rockstar Games keeps it engaging from beginning to end. Even years after its release, RDR 2 remains a fantastic and worthwhile game to play.

Like most Rockstar games, Red Dead Redemption 2 is full of hidden surprises, and players are still finding new things. Whether you’re revisiting the game or playing it for the first time, it’s helpful to learn some of its little-known tricks. Understanding these details makes the game more enjoyable and gives you a deeper appreciation for its incredible story.

The Unwritten Rules of Red Dead Redemption 2‘s Story

Spend Time at the Van der Linde Camp

Between missions and fights, the gang returns to camp to relax. At camp, you can rest, change clothes, do tasks, or play games like dominoes. While it’s a calmer pace than exploring, it’s really beneficial to spend time talking to the other gang members. These conversations reveal more of the story and help you get to know everyone’s history and why they joined Dutch’s crew.

Contribute to the Van Der Linde Camp

In Red Dead Redemption 2, players are gently encouraged to help the Van Der Linde camp, though it doesn’t always feel required at first. While donating to the lockbox or investing in the camp’s ledger isn’t explicitly demanded, contributing makes the camp a more welcoming place. Arthur’s efforts to support the gang are noticed and appreciated, and directly lead to improvements and upgrades, helping him feel like a true part of the group.

The World Remembers Everything Arthur Does

The world of Red Dead Redemption 2 feels alive because it reacts to everything Arthur Morgan does. The game remembers your choices and how you treat people, and nothing you do is ever truly forgotten. While there’s an honor system that shows how society views you, it’s more than just a number. Characters remember your past interactions and will behave differently based on whether you’ve been kind or cruel to them. If you commit crimes, especially in front of witnesses, you’ll face lasting consequences – people will talk, and your reputation will suffer. Being helpful, on the other hand, can earn you allies. The game focuses on showing the impact of your actions through how characters react to you, rather than simply tracking a statistic, meaning you truly live with the results of your choices.

Avoid Fast Travel as Much as Possible

While it might not be immediately clear, you can quickly travel around in Red Dead Redemption 2 by using stagecoaches or trains. There’s also an option to unlock a fast travel map for $545, letting you travel from your camp tent easily. However, it’s generally better to avoid fast travel if possible. Exploring on horseback or on foot gives you a much higher chance of discovering side quests, earning money, and learning more about the game’s world. Taking the time to travel manually is worth it if you want to experience everything Red Dead Redemption 2 has to offer.

If you want to experience everything Red Dead Redemption 2 has to offer, it’s worth taking the time to travel across the game world yourself, rather than relying on fast travel.

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

Head to Saint Denis to Raise Arthur’s Honor

In Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur Morgan has an honor system – doing good deeds increases his honor, while harming innocents lowers it. While completing tasks around camp can slowly raise his honor, players who want the best ending may find it tedious. Luckily, there’s a fast way to boost Arthur’s honor: simply travel to Saint Denis and politely greet every person you encounter. The city is so full of people that Arthur’s honor will increase rapidly.

Hunt What You Need And Never For Sport

Many open-world games include hunting, but in Red Dead Redemption 2, it’s a core part of survival. Arthur Morgan hunts out of necessity, making it a meaningful activity rather than just a diversion. The game doesn’t romanticize hunting; instead, it shows the process realistically and sometimes brutally. Players can deplete animal populations, and the game highlights the cruelty of unnecessary killing. Arthur is encouraged to hunt only what he needs and can carry, avoiding waste. RDR2 penalizes overhunting by demonstrating its wasteful nature. Skill also matters: using the right weapons and ammunition yields better quality pelts, while poorly executed kills cause more suffering and can negatively affect Arthur’s honor.

Violence Is The Last Resort, Not The First Option

It’s easy to resort to violence when tensions rise, but the consequences are far-reaching. A single gunshot can quickly spiral into widespread chaos, damaging Arthur’s reputation and attracting unwanted attention from the bounty system. People remember acts of violence and react with fear, which draws law enforcement from all over. These lawmen aren’t just enemies to defeat; they’re a persistent and frustrating problem. Red Dead Redemption 2 keeps track of your actions, making it crucial to avoid fights whenever possible and prioritize de-escalation.

Still, Do a Low Honor Playthrough at Least Once

As a huge fan of Red Dead Redemption 2, I can tell you it’s a massive game, but totally replayable! There are different ways the story can end, and while most of us probably aim for the ‘good’ ending on our first playthrough, I really recommend going for the ‘bad’ ending too – it’s fascinating to see how things play out differently. Plus, playing as a more ruthless Arthur Morgan has its perks! You get to roam around and, well, let’s just say you don’t have to worry so much about your honor if you decide to take out a few NPCs. It’s a freeing experience, honestly.

Rockstar Games really delivered with Red Dead Redemption 2, and players can easily spend hundreds of hours enjoying it. While fans might have to wait a while for Red Dead Redemption 3—Rockstar is currently focused on Grand Theft Auto 6—RDR2 offers so much content that it will keep players engaged for years to come.

2026-01-19 04:07