The world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is a breathtakingly detailed and immersive one, filled with sprawling wilderness, hidden treasures, complex systems, and unexpected consequences. But while the game does offer tutorials and helpful prompts, it leaves quite a bit of crucial information unexplained. Whether you’re new to Arthur Morgan’s wild ride or knee-deep into the Van der Linde gang’s adventures, here are 17 tips, tricks, and features that Red Dead Redemption 2doesn’t clearly tell you—but absolutely should.

1. Manual Saving Is a Lifesaver

You can manually save your game by entering the pause screen, going to the Story menu, and selecting Save Game. This might seem basic, but in a game where a wrong move can lead to bounty hunters or long treks back from nowhere, a manual save can save hours.

2. Fences Are the Go-To for ‘Shiny’ Goods

If the general store clerk won’t buy your jewelry (which may or may not be stolen), head to a fence. These criminal merchants become available after a mission with Hosea near Emerald Ranch. Fences not only buy stolen goods but also craft trinkets and talismans from legendary animal pelts, giving you permanent stat boosts.

3. Collectibles Come with Side Quests

Many collectibles in the game—like cigarette cards—aren’t just there for show. Complete sets have buyers and attached side quests. Premium cigarette packs, which contain random cards, can be bought or found in the world, helping speed up the collection process.

4. Hidden Weapons Are Found, Not Bought

Some of the best weapons aren’t bought—they’re discovered. Raid enemy gang camps or rob homesteads to get your hands on powerful gear. Keep your eyes peeled and explore off the beaten path.

5. The Bandana Doesn’t Fully Hide You

Wearing a bandana during a crime doesn’t shield your honor rating, and it doesn’t make you unidentifiable. However, removing it after escaping the scene will help your wanted level drop more quickly—provided you’re outside the search zone.

6. Honor Isn’t Always Black and White

Killing rival gang members typically won’t damage your honor—but antagonizing them first will. Sometimes, a dishonorable act isn’t in what you do, but how you do it. Watch your interactions if you’re trying to maintain a heroic cowboy image.

7. Kill Cams Reflect Your Honor

Your level of honor even affects how the game frames your kills. High-honor Arthur gets more heroic kill cam angles; low-honor Arthur sees the brutal side—focused more on the death than the shooter. Your legacy is literally in the lens.

8. Horses Don’t Like Thieves

Trying to steal from another person’s horse? Don’t be surprised if it kicks you in the chest. Calm and pat the horse first to earn its trust—then help yourself to the saddlebags.

9. Fast Travel Requires Upgrades

To unlock fast travel from camp, you’ll first need to upgrade Dutch’s tent, then Arthur’s lodging. Beyond that, you can only fast travel using trains or stagecoaches—and only to places you’ve already visited.

10. Cinematic Rides Are Hands-Free

You can ride in cinematic mode by holding the run button while in Cinematic Camera. What the game doesn’t tell you is that once the journey begins, you can release the button. Your horse will follow the path automatically, letting you enjoy the ride without steering.

11. Keep Your Horse Alive

Your horse is not immortal. It won’t teleport back to safety if you leave it behind or lead it into danger. Always carry horse reviver, avoid dangerous terrain, and tell your steed to flee before combat starts. Treat it like a partner—not a tool.

12. Hygiene Matters

NPCs notice your personal hygiene. If you’re filthy, they’ll react with disgust. You can clean up with a bath at a hotel or simply jump into a river. Don’t underestimate how much a good scrub influences how people treat you.

13. Know Your Pelts

When hunting, study an animal and select “Show Info” to see its quality level. Only perfect pelts will yield the best crafting and selling results. Knowing what you’re after ensures you don’t waste ammunition or time.

14. Cooked Meals Are in the Satchel

Campfire meals provide some of the biggest stat boosts, but they don’t appear on your quick-access wheel. Instead, they’re stored in your satchel. Use them strategically before or after tough missions or long travels.

15. Cheat Codes Are Hidden in the World

Cheat codes make a return in Red Dead 2, and many are hidden as environmental phrases—graffiti on walls, writings in tunnels, even etchings in ice. To use them, go to Settings, press triangle (or Y), and enter the code. Once unlocked, it’s stored forever—but enabling cheats disables saving and trophies/achievements.

16. The World Reacts in Layers

Your identity is more than a bandana. People recognize your hair, beard, body type, and even your horse. Changing your appearance helps dodge lawmen and witnesses, especially after a string of crimes. Blend in—or stand out.

17. Careful Where You Roam

The world is beautiful, but not always friendly. From scripted ambushes to roaming predators, danger lurks everywhere. Keep your senses sharp, don’t travel at night without a plan, and always listen for clues in the environment. Survival is earned.

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Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game where every detail matters. By learning the hidden mechanics and understanding what the tutorials don’t tell you, you’ll carve your own path in the old West with confidence. Keep your gun clean, your horse healthy, and your honor in check—or don’t. Either way, now you know what the game didn’t tell you.