How to Pack on the Pounds in Red Dead Online: A Comprehensive Guide
Gaining weight in Red Dead Online (RDO) is surprisingly straightforward, albeit a bit time-consuming. It primarily boils down to one simple principle: consuming more calories than you burn. This means indulging in a regular eating routine, prioritizing high-calorie foods, and minimizing strenuous activities. The game tracks your weight based on your caloric intake over time, so consistency is key. It’s not an instant transformation, but with a dedicated approach, you can definitely bulk up your character in the Wild West.
The Nitty-Gritty of Gaining Weight
The most effective method for gaining weight in RDO involves establishing a consistent cycle of eating and resting. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
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Maximize Caloric Intake: Focus on high-calorie foods. Saloon meals, particularly those costing $5, are an excellent option. Cooked big game meat is another fantastic source, offering a whopping 10 calories per serving. Candy and chocolate can also be used to quickly refill your cores after depleting them through activity, contributing to overall weight gain. Don’t neglect cheaper options. Multiple lower-value food items eaten consistently throughout the day will have the same effect, it might just take longer to achieve your weight goals.
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Establish a Routine: Eating 2-3 meals per in-game day is a good starting point. Eating more will accelerate your weight gain. Stagger your meals throughout the day rather than consuming everything at once.
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Minimize Energy Expenditure: While some activity is unavoidable, reduce unnecessary running, jumping, and swimming. Fast traveling after eating will add to weight gain.
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Rest Regularly: Sleeping allows the game to process the caloric intake and apply the weight gain. Sleep after a substantial meal or a series of snacks to maximize the effect.
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Be Patient: Weight gain isn’t instantaneous. You likely won’t notice a significant change until you reload the game. Exit to the main menu and return to Free Roam to refresh your character’s appearance.
Importance of Weight in RDO
Why bother gaining weight in RDO? Your character’s weight affects their health and stamina.
The Health & Stamina Connection
An Underweight character benefits from increased stamina (+7.5%), allowing them to run and perform actions for longer. However, their health is reduced (-7.5%), making them more vulnerable to damage. An Overweight character experiences the opposite effect: increased health and reduced stamina. A Perfect weight offers a balance between the two.
Strategic Weight Management
The ideal weight depends on your playstyle. For PvP, a slight advantage in Health might give you a slight edge. For exploration and hunting, the additional Stamina of being underweight can be beneficial. Experiment and find what suits you best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Weight Gain in RDO
Here are some common questions and answers related to weight gain in Red Dead Online:
How quickly can I gain weight in RDO?
It varies depending on your eating habits and activity levels. Consistent overeating and minimizing exertion will yield the fastest results, generally within a few in-game days.
Does fast travel affect weight gain in RDO?
Yes. Fast traveling after eating promotes weight gain because you’re not burning calories during travel.
What is the best food to eat for weight gain in RDO?
Cooked big game meat and $5 saloon meals are the most calorie-dense options. Ducks and waterfowl can be hunted, and the fat used to replenish stamina and gain weight.
Can I become obese in RDO?
Yes, it is possible to become noticeably overweight in RDO. You can change your appearance if you don’t like being fat.
How often should I eat to gain weight?
Aim for 2-3 meals per in-game day, or even more frequently if you’re actively trying to gain weight quickly.
Does sleeping affect weight gain in RDO?
Yes, sleeping allows the game to process your caloric intake and update your character’s weight.
Does my horse’s weight affect its performance?
No, only the character’s weight has an effect.
Does weight affect my character’s movement speed?
No, movement speed is not significantly affected by weight. The primary impact is on health and stamina.
How do I check my character’s weight in RDO?
There’s no direct indicator. The only way to reliably see your character’s weight change is visually. Look at your character in a mirror or ask a friend to assess.
Can I lose weight in RDO if I stop eating?
Yes, if you reduce your caloric intake and increase your activity levels, you will gradually lose weight.
What happens if I delete my character in RDO?
Deleting your character erases all progress. You’ll have to start from scratch.
Can I have multiple characters in RDO?
No, you are limited to one character per account.
How do I change my character’s appearance in RDO?
You can change your character’s appearance by opening the Player Menu (left on the D-Pad), selecting Online Options, and then “Change Appearance”. This will cost a fee.
Does weight affect my aim in RDO?
No, weight does not affect your aim or accuracy in RDO.
Where can I learn more about the impact of games and learning?
The Games Learning Society is a great resource for understanding the intersection of games, learning, and education. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
Conclusion: Embrace the Bulge
Gaining weight in Red Dead Online is a simple process once you understand the mechanics. Prioritize high-calorie foods, establish a regular eating routine, minimize exertion, and rest frequently. While it may take some time and dedication, you’ll eventually see the pounds pack on. Whether you’re aiming for a specific build or simply experimenting with different playstyles, understanding the weight system in RDO adds another layer of depth to the game.