How to Shed Your Wanted Status in Red Dead Redemption 2: A Guide for Reformed Outlaws

So, you’ve found yourself on the wrong side of the law in Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2). Maybe you accidentally discharged your firearm in town, perhaps a stagecoach needed liberating from its riches, or possibly things went south in a bar fight. Regardless of the reason, that pesky Wanted level is cramping your style. Fear not, fellow outlaw, because shedding that scarlet stigma is entirely possible. The primary ways to become “not wanted” in RDR2 revolve around either escaping the law or settling your debts with society. These methods include:

• Outrun the Law: Evade capture until the Wanted level dissipates.
• Pay Your Bounties: Settle your debts at any post office.
• Surrender to Authorities: Serve your time and clear your name (with consequences).

Let’s delve into each of these options in detail, exploring the nuances and trade-offs associated with each approach.

Evading the Law: A Test of Skill and Stealth

This is often the most exhilarating, and occasionally the most challenging, way to lose your Wanted level. When you commit a crime, a red zone will appear on your map, representing the area where law enforcement is actively searching for you.

The Escape

Your first priority is to leave the red zone. Ride hard, ride fast, and don’t look back! Choose routes that offer cover, such as forests, rivers, or mountainous terrain. Avoid roads, as these are frequently patrolled.

The Identification Phase

Even after leaving the immediate search area, you’re not out of the woods. Your Wanted level will transition into an “identifying” phase, signified by the red color slowly fading. During this time, lawmen and bounty hunters are actively searching for a suspect matching your description. Avoid heavily populated areas and try to blend in.

Disguise and Camouflage

While RDR2 doesn’t offer elaborate disguise systems like some other games, you can still take steps to minimize your visibility:

• Change your clothes: A simple outfit change can significantly reduce your chances of being recognized.
• Shave your beard and change your hairstyle: A drastic alteration to your appearance can throw lawmen off your trail.
• Wear a mask or bandana: These can help conceal your identity, particularly during the initial crime.
• Avoid drawing attention: Don’t engage in further criminal activity while attempting to escape. The longer you remain inconspicuous, the better your chances of successfully evading the law.

When Things Go Wrong

If you’re spotted by lawmen during the identification phase, you have a few options:

• Run!: If possible, attempt to outrun them again.
• Fight!: Be prepared for a shootout. This will only increase your bounty and escalate the situation.
• Surrender: If you are not wanted dead or alive, holster your weapon, target a lawman, and choose to surrender.

Paying Your Dues: The Post Office Solution

The most straightforward method for clearing your name is to pay off your bounty at any post office.

Finding a Post Office

Post offices are located in most major towns and cities, such as Valentine, Strawberry, Rhodes, Saint Denis, and Blackwater.

Settling Your Debts

Inside the post office, speak to the clerk and select the option to pay off your bounties. The menu will display all your outstanding bounties across different regions. Simply select the bounties you wish to pay and hand over the necessary funds.

The Benefits

• Immediate Resolution: Clears your Wanted status instantly.
• No Jail Time: Avoids the inconvenience of serving a sentence.
• Safety: Allows you to travel freely without fear of lawmen or bounty hunters.

The Drawbacks

• Cost: Bounties can be expensive, especially after committing serious crimes.

Facing the Music: Surrendering to the Authorities

If you’re short on cash or simply want to take responsibility for your actions (a rare occurrence in the Wild West), you can surrender to the authorities.

How to Surrender

• Holster your weapon: This is crucial. Lawmen are far less likely to accept your surrender if you’re armed and dangerous.
• Target a lawman: Lock onto a lawman with L2 (PlayStation) or LT (Xbox).
• Select the surrender option: A prompt should appear, allowing you to surrender. The prompt will only appear if you’re not actively wanted dead or alive.
• Comply with instructions: Follow the lawman’s orders and don’t resist arrest.

The Consequences

• Jail Time: You’ll spend a certain amount of in-game time in jail.
• Bounty Reduction: While in jail, part of your total bounty will be removed.
• Loss of Freedom: You’ll be unable to engage in any activities while incarcerated.
• Possible Gang Intervention: Your fellow gang members may attempt to break you out of jail.

Bounty System: Factors and Considerations

Several factors influence the size of your bounty:

• Severity of the crime: Murder, robbery, and assault will result in higher bounties than minor offenses like disturbing the peace.
• Number of witnesses: The more people who witness your crimes, the higher the likelihood of a bounty being placed on your head.
• Location: Some regions are more lawless than others. Crimes committed in towns and cities with strong law enforcement presence tend to result in higher bounties.
• Being identified: If you are identified while committing a crime, you’re more likely to gain a bounty.
• “Dead or Alive”: Some of the worst crimes might make the law want you dead or alive. In this case, you can’t surrender or pay off a bounty; you must flee or be killed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get rid of a bounty without paying or surrendering?

No. The only legitimate ways to clear your bounty are to pay it off at a post office or surrender to the authorities. There are no glitches or exploits that permanently remove a bounty without consequences.

2. How long does it take for a bounty to go away in RDR2?

A bounty will never disappear on its own. It will remain active until you pay it off or surrender.

3. Can I turn myself in to any lawman?

Yes, as long as you are not wanted dead or alive and holster your weapon and target a lawman, you can surrender.

4. What happens if I have multiple bounties?

You can pay off each bounty individually at a post office. The game keeps track of your bounties in each region.

5. Does my honor level affect my bounty?

No, your honor level does not directly affect the size of your bounty. However, a low honor level might make you more likely to engage in criminal activities, indirectly leading to a higher bounty.

6. Can bounty hunters track me down even if I’m not wanted?

No, bounty hunters will only actively pursue you if you have an active bounty.

7. What happens if I die with a bounty?

Dying does not remove your bounty. It will remain active even after respawning.

8. Can my gang members pay off my bounty?

No, only you can pay off your bounty.

9. Can I rob a post office to get the money to pay off my bounty?

Yes, but this is not recommended as it will only increase your bounty!

10. How do I avoid getting a bounty in the first place?

Avoid committing crimes in populated areas, be mindful of witnesses, and try to resolve conflicts peacefully.

11. Can I wear a disguise to prevent getting a bounty?

Wearing a mask or bandana can help conceal your identity during a crime, but it won’t guarantee you’ll avoid getting a bounty, especially if you’re identified or commit a serious offense.

12. Is it better to pay off my bounty or surrender?

It depends on your financial situation and patience. Paying off the bounty is faster and avoids jail time, but surrendering is cheaper if you’re short on cash.

13. What happens if I resist arrest?

If you resist arrest, lawmen will likely resort to lethal force. If you survive, your bounty will increase.

14. Can I use dynamite to escape the law?

Yes, but be prepared for a massive shootout. Using explosives will attract even more attention and increase your bounty.

15. How do game developers use bounty systems to enhance learning?

Bounty systems, like those in RDR2, offer a compelling example of how game mechanics can reinforce real-world concepts such as cause-and-effect, consequence management, and economic decision-making. For more insights into the educational potential of gaming, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society, available at GamesLearningSociety.org.

So there you have it. With a bit of strategy and a dash of cunning, you can escape the grip of the law and continue your adventures in the Wild West. Happy trails, partner!