Red Dead Redemption 2 boasts many weapons all different from each other (there are over fifty) and each with its own types of bullets. Arthur can carry a limited number with him and keep the rest on the horse, ready for use in case of need. Such an expanded arsenal, including ammo and customization options, could understandably leave you wondering which one is suitable to keep with you at all times. Spoiler: There is no better solution than others - it all depends on what works for your play style. All these possibilities, however, make it long and complex to find out what suits you best. If you've just started your adventure as Arthur Morgan, this handy gun guide is for you.
When a man with a gun meets a man with a gun ...
Broadly speaking, we can divide the arsenal of Red Dead Redemption 2 into two large categories: sidearms and long range weapons (we exclude the knife from this analysis). Revolvers are a classic example of a sidearm, while repeating rifles fall into the second group - you can also think of the one-handed / two-handed subdivision. Any weapon you get in the game will fall into one of these two categories; the bow itself is considered a two-handed weapon. You can carry one sidearm and two long-range guns with you when you choose the equipment from the saddlebags: later on you will earn a second holster that will allow you to add an extra gun but here we are talking about the first few hours of the game, and basically having one will not change your attitude to fill enemies with lead.
Also Read: Red Dead Redemption 2 Guide: 12 Things to Know Before You Begin
When, by logging in to the wheel of weapons with L1 / LB or “leafing through” the catalog of a gunsmith, you focus on a specific weapon you can take a look at its statistics: the six you see in the image below are more or less what you would expect. The damage obviously corresponds to how much harm your bullet will do once it hits the target; the range marks the maximum distance the weapon can cover; the rate of fire indicates how often you can fire; the recharge lets you know the waiting time to refill the magazine; accuracy refers to how often your shots will hit; the conditionfinally, it is a particular statistic that deserves a separate discussion.
Always take care of your weapons
Continued use will bring your rifle or pistol to wear out and get dirty. You may not notice it from day to day but when it does, the weapon's stats will start to drop: you can find out by checking its condition and looking for the red segments at the ends of each individual indicator. If the firearm is dirty, press the right stick while selecting it in the L1 / LB wheel to examine it more closely and access the cleaning screen. You will have several options that will allow you to observe the weapon from as many angles but you will be interested in cleaning: you will need gun oil, easy to get as loot or in stores.
I prefer this one!
Whether it's a Colt or a Winchester, there are weapons that will become a real extension of your arm. You will no longer be able to part with them and constant use, if on the one hand you wear them often, on the other hand it will reward you by making them rank up in the ranking of your favorite weapons. You can track this by going into the menu and choosing Progress - Compendium - Weapons and from there selecting the affected weapon. Don't expect stats to check here, but the weapon you use most often will eventually give you an increase in accuracy, range, or damage.
Gunsmiths
Many cities will provide you with a shop in which to shop. Their offering ranges from weapons to ammunition to upgrades for your current equipment. Take advantage of it!
Catalog to browse
Every self-respecting gunsmith makes available to the customer a list of items for sale, which is screened like in any other shop: you browse it and see if something catches your attention in a particular way. The statistics of the weapon you are observing are marked at the bottom of each page but the catalog is not limited to every possible category: you can also find the list of ammunition and any other related items like belts and the precious oil for weapons.
Customization
All weapons look alike, it is our touch to make them unique and special. You can replace parts of the pistol or rifle with a better version of them in terms of statistics or simply more beautiful: some choices are only aesthetic, such as engravings, while others such as rifled canes they will affect the statistics. At the bottom left you can always keep an eye on the changes you are making and their effectiveness, in order to decide if the game is worth the candle.
Collect weapons (and equip old ones again)
During firefights or, more generally, every time you pass by a corpse fresh from the day, you will have the opportunity to press L1 / LB to make a change in the arsenal: this will lead you to drop the weapon in your hand in favor of the one on the ground A particularly useful option if you have realized that you have chosen the wrong equipment when getting off your horse. After the shooting, however, you may want your weapons back; Fortunately your horse's saddlebags will always count the arsenal in your possession, even if you've just dropped a pistol or shotgun.
Ammunition all types +1
Each weapon can be reloaded with different types of bullets, you can see it in the weapon wheel under the selected weapon - that line of icons indicates the other ammunition available. You can build your own ammo at a bonfire, if you know the recipe, otherwise the gunsmiths will always be willing to pocket a handful of dollars. In both cases, avoid mistakes: revolvers will not be able to equip the same bullets as a pistol and so on. Remember, to each type its use. Some will empty the Dead Eye gauge faster, while others like varmint cartridges or small arrows do no harm to furs. Also, not being omniscient, you will not be able to know all the recipes available for a good piece of the game, which is why it is always a good idea to consult the catalogs and your creation menu to understand what you need exactly: match the right ammunition to the right task will only make your life easier. Do you often use Dead Eye? Do you go hunting? Adjust accordingly.
Dead Eye allows you to ignore a lot of this
This skill known to fans since the days of Red Dead Revolver can drastically impact the way you play if you choose to use it. If you like to aim, shoot, seek cover and reload, the above will help you choose the right weapon for you; if you prefer the superhuman precision of the Dead Eye and, above all, you use it often, then much of the previous speeches will be useless. After all, if a skill allows you to place half a dozen shots in the heads of as many enemies, the damage and cooldown time won't matter that much. This doesn't mean having to constantly rely on the Dead Eye, nor that there is a right way to exploit your weapons: we just want to say that, like much of this game, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers options - many options - thanks to which to approach and know where to look, the game itself will point you in the best direction for you cowboys. There is no better method than another.
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