Hey guys, I'm about to start on Red Dead Redemption 2 for the first time. Is there anything that I should know (best settings, pro tips, hdr on or off, etc) that I should know before embarking on this journey?
Use the aiming and control scheme listed in the OT. The default settings are wonky as hell.
Exploration, upgrading and criminal activity is best done during chapter two and three for a great many reasons, all of which are pretty massive spoilers. Get your wanderlust out of the way early.
Don't feel obligated to complete challenges, or upgrade everything. The game is easily completed without all of that. This also (especially) applies to the collectibles like dinosaur bones. If things feel like a grind, stop doing what you're doing.
If you think you want to shoot for the Legend of the East satchel, which increases carrying capacity of all items from 3-9 to 99 each, decide to get it early on. It requires a lot of hunting and, for story reasons, it will cause great narrative dissonance if Arthur suddenly disappears from camp for weeks at a stretch just to go hunting on a whim. Begin gathering the pelts needed during chapter 2. The remaining animals needed will be available in the area introduced by chapter 3. Which leads me to the next tip:
When exploring during chapter 2, focus on going north and west. Chapter 3 is great for exploring the south.
Don't go to Saint-Denis until the story introduces it. Leave yourself something to look forward to as well as making more sense from a plot perspective.
Your map is dynamic and updates throughout the game with notes and illustrations in Arthur's own hand. Keep an eye on this!
Buildings you can enter are not always labeled but instead are represented by black squares and rectangles on the map. These are worth exploring! Many of them contain useful upgrades which permanently increase your health, stamina or deadeye as well as unique one-off weapons, clothing items or opportunities to acquire guns before the story introduces them and without spending money in the store.
Speaking of which, don't stress about money. It will be tight in the early game but you'll soon have so much you'll easily be the best-dress, most heavily armed cowboy on the range and still have thousands in your pocket. Relish being poor in the beginning and make the most of your limited means.
Treat your horse like a friend. The best horses are impossible to get until fairly late in the game but that doesn't mean you shouldn't pick one early on and pamper it. Regular feeding, brushing and encouragement will make even the most average horse a capable steed and will see you through the game nicely.
Consider playing with the HUD switched off.
Consider playing in first person at least some of the time. It's a pretty amazing way to experience the gorgeous world and will often allow you to notice details you would otherwise miss. I settled for a loose rule where I'd switch to first person for interiors as this allows you to see your environment more clearly as well as mitigating some of the clumsy movement in tight spaces.
Lastly, buckle in. This game is a slow burner. Everything is meant to be taken at a snails pace. Don't be one of those people who sprints everywhere and then complains that you got in a fight for colliding with someone in the street. The default movement speed is a slow walk for a reason. Take your time. The game has an absurd amount to offer so don't rush it. It's an epic not a novella.
Hope you enjoy!
