Red Dead Redemption 2’s world is full of opportunities. This section introduces the locations that will be of most relevance to you during the opening hours of your adventure. Note that certain services (such as shops) are unavailable when their icons are grayed out. A smaller icon inset in the main icon will sometimes appear to offer additional information on its current status. In general, most business premises will be unavailable if you have an active wanted level.
ICON VARIATIONS
CAMP
The Van der Linde gang is usually based in a camp where you can avail yourself of assorted services and fraternize with the other outlaws.
When fellow gang members are marked with an icon featuring their initials (for instance, D for Dutch), these correspond to mission starting points. Speak or move close to the character in question to trigger the assignment.
Gang members are not mere mission vendors, however. They are permanent inhabitants of the camp, offering countless ambient conversations, anecdotes, and day-to-day scenes that develop the story in more subtle ways.
After completing an early mission for Leopold Strauss you will be able to upgrade various features of the camp itself via the ledger outside Dutch’s tent. These upgrades require substantial financial investments, but they lead to significant benefits. These include the possibility to unlock the Fast Travel feature or to improve the range and quality of the free supplies that you can claim when you visit. To increase the camp funds required to purchase such upgrades, you can contribute directly by making donations via the tithing box near the ledger.
CAMP ICONS
TOWNS
Most towns offer all sorts of services and amenities, so it’s a good idea to visit them regularly. Some features are initially unavailable; you unlock them by completing specific missions during the adventure’s early chapters.
TOWN ICONS
THE WILDERNESS
Much of the world map in Red Dead Redemption 2 consists of large and untamed natural expanses, ranging from mountains, to plains, to swamps. As you explore these lands, you will soon find that they are full of dangers and opportunities.
Some of the most common encounters as you travel involve animals, from timid rodents to fearsome bears. All species have their own habitats, making it possible to stalk and avail yourself of their unique resources once you know where and when they might be found. We cover the topic of hunting a little later in this chapter (see page 22).
The world is also full of rivers and lakes that are home to all sorts of fish. As so
on as you receive your fishing rod during the second chapter of the adventure, you can lose yourself in this engrossing pursuit, which requires both specific gear and knowledge of where the best fishing spots are (see page 163 for details).
One point to keep in mind when you are in the wilderness is that you can set camp virtually anywhere. Select the camp option in the item wheel and you will create a campfire. This enables you to sleep, which refills your attribute meters, and to craft and cook. You should make it a habit to camp regularly, particularly when you notice that your attribute cores are running low.
Different regions have varying climates, and these can be potentially harmful to your character. Make sure that you change or adapt your outfits accordingly when required, by stopping either at camp or at a tailor’s shop. Wearing suitable attire will enable you to prevent the detrimental effects of hot or cold temperatures.
Last but not least, the game follows a day/night cycle, where one in-game day takes 48 minutes in real life (with the exception of your camp, where time flows more slowly). The current time of day has multiple game play consequences – for example, some shops or special characters can only be encountered during specific hours, certain missions play out differently during day or night, and various creatures may only be found at particular times. When you need to complete an objective at an exact hour, note that you can pass the time by sleeping at a campfire, in your tent at the gang camp, or by renting a room. You will usually be given three options regarding how long you want to sleep, enabling you to wake up at the most convenient time for you.
Red Dead Redemption II 