With Rockstar’s surprise port of Red Dead Redemption to modern consoles, a fresh wave of players is galloping into the untamed frontier—some returning for another ride, others for their very first encounter with John Marston’s story. Even though many fans were hoping for a full remaster or remake, the port alone is enough to rekindle the fire for one of the most iconic open-world experiences in gaming history. But if you’re about to mount up and dive in, there’s a lot to remember, and even more to keep in mind. Let’s break it down so you get the most out of your adventure across the wild West.

Cover Your Tracks with the Bandana

Red Dead Redemption’s honor system isn’t just for show—it directly influences your game experience, including access to shops and interactions with NPCs. If you plan on causing some trouble or just doing what needs to be done, throw on your bandana first. It’s a small step, but doing so ensures that whatever criminal acts you commit won’t affect your honor rating. That way, you get to play your way without the world turning against you. Simple, effective, and necessary for those who ride the morally gray path.

Master Fast Travel with Campsites

Fast travel in Red Dead Redemption is deliberately limited to maintain immersion, but campsites offer a reliable workaround. They can be set up almost anywhere in the world, allowing you to travel quickly to towns you’ve already visited. And if you’re serious about convenience, make sure to purchase the improved campsite upgrade from general stores. Not only will it expand your fast travel capabilities to include waypoints, but it’ll also reload your weapons when used—an invaluable perk in a world where danger is always just around the bend.

Ditch Auto-Aim for a More Natural Gunfight

The combat system in the game is notably sticky by default, snapping your aim to targets as soon as you draw your weapon. While this makes things easier, it can also make shootouts feel too mechanical. Disabling auto-aim creates a looser, more immersive experience. It encourages you to use cover, time your shots, and lean into the grittier side of the West. Deadeye is still there when you need it, but free-aim brings the gunplay closer to how these fights were meant to feel: tense, personal, and earned.

Bounty Hunting: Shoot to Disable, Not to Kill

Bounties are lucrative, but bringing them in alive always nets a higher reward. However, targets will often bolt at the first opportunity, turning a clean job into a frantic chase. To avoid that, aim for the legs early on. A well-placed shot can cripple your target just enough to prevent them from running, giving you a clean window to hogtie them and haul them in without unnecessary bloodshed—or missed profit.

Treat Your Horse Like Gold

Unlike its sequel, Red Dead Redemption doesn’t build an emotional narrative around your horse, but that doesn’t mean they’re disposable. If you happen upon a horse with particularly good stats, protect it like it’s family. There’s no resurrection mechanic in this game—once your horse dies, it’s gone for good. And in a world where travel is frequent and chases are common, losing a good horse is more than just an inconvenience—it can seriously slow you down.

Manual Saves Are Your Best Friend

Many players from the current generation are used to generous auto-save systems, but Red Dead Redemption doesn’t always have your back in that department. Missions can fail unexpectedly, and bugs—though less frequent now—still happen. Accidental gun draws can cancel quests, too. Save your game often and in multiple slots if possible. It’s the safest way to ensure that a single mistake doesn’t undo hours of progress.

Challenges: The Hidden Treasure Trove

Challenges often fly under the radar for newcomers, but they’re well worth your attention. There are four categories, each with ten ranks, and hitting milestones like Rank 5 or 10 unlocks valuable rewards—Deadeye enhancements, additional ammo, unique outfits, and more. They’re optional, but if you’re chasing a completionist experience or simply want the best tools available, don’t ignore them.

Outfit Upgrades That Actually Matter

Two outfits in particular are game-changers. First, the Expert Hunter Outfit, which doubles the items you get from hunting. For players planning to make a side hustle out of pelts and hides, this is a must-have. Second, the Deadly Assassin Outfit makes Deadeye regenerate twice as fast, turning John into a bullet-time god during the game’s many chaotic firefights. Both are unlocked through collecting scraps, which ties back into completing challenges and side objectives—another reason not to skip them.

Stock Up with Bandoliers

Running out of ammo in the wild is a quick way to find yourself in a pine box. Bandoliers double your ammo capacity for repeaters and rifles, and they’re available early from general stores or gunsmiths. The sooner you get one, the better—especially as the difficulty ramps up and you start encountering more enemies with better firepower.

Don’t Splurge on Every Shiny Weapon

It’s tempting to blow your cash on every new piece of gear that shows up in a gunsmith’s window. But patience pays off. Many powerful weapons are given as mission rewards, so spending money early could result in buying a gun you would’ve gotten for free an hour later. Save your money and wait—odds are you’ll be better off in the long run.

Hunting: The Frontier’s Best Side Hustle

Even though it’s optional, hunting is one of the best ways to make fast money. Skins and pelts sell well, and with the Expert Hunter Outfit, each kill yields double. It’s not just profitable—it’s peaceful, meditative, and builds your familiarity with the world. Whether you’re tracking deer through the pines or taking down predators, hunting creates quiet moments that contrast beautifully with the chaos of bounty missions and shootouts.

Sell Smarter, Not Sooner

To maximize profit from pelts, sell them in a region different from where you hunted the animal. Distant stores pay more for exotic wares, so it’s worth holding onto those skins until you’ve traveled a bit. If you’re not in a rush, make use of fast travel from your campsite to visit a town where those pelts might fetch a higher price. Every dollar counts out here.

Fear the Cougar

Last but not least: beware the cougar. These apex predators are fast, deadly, and shockingly stealthy. They’re one of the few threats in the game that can take you out before you even react, especially if you’re not paying attention to your surroundings. If you hear one—or worse, see one—it’s probably already too late. Tread carefully in cougar territory, and keep your weapons loaded.

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Red Dead Redemption may be more than a decade old, but it’s still a masterpiece of open-world design, rich storytelling, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re riding for revenge, justice, or simply freedom, the Wild West is full of lessons—some learned at gunpoint. These tips should help smooth out the journey, keep your saddle bags full, and maybe even save your skin more than once. Now go on. The frontier’s calling.