Red Dead Redemption 2: The Glutton’s Guide to Gaining Weight
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So, you want to bulk up Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2? The key is consistency and excess. Aim for at least two substantial meals per in-game day, ideally three if you want to see results faster. Saloon meals are a convenient option, as are those you cook yourself. The game caps the weight you can gain before certain actions like sleeping, so eating multiple times before resting is crucial. Think of it as a dedicated overeating routine – miss a few meals, and Arthur’s gains will stall.
The Science of Surplus: Understanding Weight Gain in RDR2
Gaining weight in Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t just about aesthetics; it impacts Arthur’s stats. A heavier Arthur can withstand more damage (increased health), but his stamina will suffer. A slimmer Arthur is quicker and more agile but more vulnerable. Achieving the “perfect” or “overweight” status requires a dedicated effort, much like a real-world fitness regime, just in reverse!
The Core Principles: Eat, Sleep, Repeat
The core strategy revolves around three fundamental actions: eating frequently, sleeping regularly, and minimizing strenuous activity. This allows Arthur to maximize calorie absorption and minimize calorie expenditure. Let’s break down each element:
- Eating Frequently: Don’t just eat to refill your cores. Instead, indulge in multiple meals throughout the day. Variety is important, but quantity is king.
- Sleeping Regularly: Sleep is crucial for triggering weight gain. It’s the catalyst that converts those excess calories into visible bulk.
- Minimizing Strenuous Activity: Avoid long-distance riding, constant sprinting, and excessive combat, especially when trying to gain weight quickly. These activities burn calories and counteract your efforts.
Dietary Delights: What to Eat to Pack on the Pounds
Not all food is created equal in the world of Red Dead Redemption 2. While any food will contribute to weight gain, some are significantly more effective than others.
The Power of Protein: Meats and Saloon Meals
- Big Game Meat: This is the undisputed champion of calorie-dense foods. Sourced from predators like alligators, bears, wolves, panthers, and cougars, Big Game Meat provides a substantial calorie boost. Cook it for added effectiveness!
- Venison: A good alternative to Big Game Meat, Venison is obtained from deer, pronghorns, and elk. It’s readily available and relatively easy to hunt.
- Saloon Meals: For convenience and variety, saloon meals are an excellent choice. Order multiple entrees, focusing on hearty dishes like stews and roasts. Remember that eating two $5 meals and then sleeping can quickly increase Arthur’s weight.
Snacking for Success: Maintaining the Caloric Surplus
Don’t underestimate the power of snacks! Between meals, keep Arthur’s metabolism running high by consuming smaller, calorie-rich items like:
- Chocolate Bars: A quick and easy way to add calories on the go.
- Canned Goods: Beans, peaches, and other canned foods offer a convenient source of sustenance.
- Cheese: Another readily available and calorie-dense snack.
Avoiding Calorie Deficits: Foods to Consume in Moderation
While almost anything will help, some food items are less efficient for weight gain:
- Fruits and Vegetables: While healthy, these are lower in calories and primarily replenish cores.
- Stringy Meat and Gamey Meat: Less calorie-dense than venison or big game meat.
The Overweight Grind: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a practical routine to follow to maximize your weight gain efforts:
- Wake up and eat: Start the day with a hearty meal, ideally cooked Big Game Meat or a saloon breakfast.
- Snack Regularly: Consume snacks throughout the day to maintain a constant caloric intake.
- Midday Meal: Visit a saloon or cook another substantial meal around midday.
- Evening Feast: Before sleeping, indulge in a large meal, preferably multiple saloon entrees.
- Rest and Repeat: Sleep for a full night to allow Arthur to process the calories and gain weight. Repeat this cycle until Arthur reaches the desired weight.
- Kneel to Rest: While near a camp, players can continually eat and then rest, increasing Arthur’s weight until he is overweight.
Tracking Your Progress: Monitoring Arthur’s Weight
Pay attention to Arthur’s appearance and the stat indicators. You’ll notice visual changes as he gains weight, and his health core will increase while his stamina core may decrease. Check your character’s information in the player menu to confirm his current weight status.
Adjusting Your Routine: Adapting to Arthur’s Changing Needs
Once Arthur reaches his ideal weight, you’ll need to adjust your eating habits to maintain it. Reduce the frequency of meals and incorporate more physical activity to balance calorie intake and expenditure.
The TB Factor: Addressing Weight Loss in Chapter 6
As Arthur’s tuberculosis progresses in Chapter 6, he will inevitably lose weight. While you can counteract this to some extent by following the overeating routine, the disease’s effects will eventually become noticeable. Focus on enjoying the game and Arthur’s character arc rather than obsessing over maintaining his weight in the final stages.
Red Dead Online: Weight Gain in the Multiplayer World
The principles of weight gain in Red Dead Online are similar to the story mode. Eat frequently, sleep regularly, and minimize strenuous activity. However, there are some additional options:
- Weight Gain Tonics: Harriet Davenport sells Weight Gain and Loss Tonics.
- Session Switching: Eating and switching sessions can add weight.
- Moonshine Shack: Entering your Moonshine Shack after eating can also contribute to weight gain.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Feast!
Gaining weight in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a fun and engaging way to customize Arthur Morgan and impact his gameplay. Embrace the feast, experiment with different foods, and enjoy the journey as you transform Arthur into the ultimate outlaw tank! Understanding how games can influence real-world behaviors and choices is important, as explored by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the fastest way to gain weight in RDR2?
The fastest way is to consistently eat three saloon meals a day, sleep regularly, and minimize strenuous activity. Prioritize Big Game Meat and high-calorie snacks. Eating multiple times before sleeping helps maximize weight gain.
2. What is the most fattening food in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Big Game Meat is the most fattening food in the game, offering the highest calorie count. Cook it with herbs for added benefits.
3. Does Arthur lose weight with TB?
Yes, as Arthur’s tuberculosis progresses, he will inevitably lose weight, regardless of his eating habits. While you can counteract this to some extent, the disease’s effects will eventually become apparent.
4. How do you fix underweight in RDR2?
To fix underweight, eat frequently, sleep regularly, and minimize strenuous activity. Prioritize high-calorie foods and snacks. Eat something when you wake up and right before going to sleep.
5. Can you overeat in RDR2?
Yes, you can overeat. However, the game limits how much weight you can gain before performing actions like sleeping. Thus, continuous overeating will not make Arthur endlessly obese.
6. Is it better to be overweight in RDR2?
It depends on your playstyle. An overweight Arthur has more health but less stamina. A slimmer Arthur is quicker and more agile. Find the balance that suits your preferences.
7. How much food does Arthur need to eat to gain weight?
Aim for at least two substantial meals per in-game day, ideally three for faster results. Supplement with snacks throughout the day to maintain a constant caloric intake.
8. Does eating different kinds of food matter?
Yes, different foods have different calorie values. Prioritize Big Game Meat, Venison, and Saloon Meals for maximum weight gain.
9. Does Arthur lose weight if I don’t eat?
Yes, neglecting to eat will cause Arthur to lose weight over time, especially if he is engaging in strenuous activities.
10. How often should I sleep to gain weight in RDR2?
Sleep for a full night regularly to allow Arthur to process the calories and gain weight. Sleeping is a crucial part of the weight gain process.
11. What are the benefits of being overweight in RDR2?
The main benefit is increased health, allowing Arthur to withstand more damage. However, it comes at the cost of reduced stamina.
12. Can I control how much weight Arthur gains?
Yes, by regulating your eating habits and activity levels, you can control Arthur’s weight and maintain his desired physique.
13. What happens if Arthur becomes underweight?
An underweight Arthur will have reduced health and be more vulnerable to damage. He will also appear visibly thinner.
14. Do tonics affect weight gain in RDR2?
No, tonics primarily affect core stats like health, stamina, and Dead Eye. They do not directly impact weight gain or loss in the story mode. The online mode has tonics that do affect this.
15. How does honor affect weight gain in RDR2?
Honor does not directly affect weight gain. Weight gain is solely determined by calorie intake, activity levels, and rest. Honor impacts story outcomes, discounts, and Arthur’s interactions with NPCs.