Should We Split Up or Use Bait in Red Dead Redemption 2? A Hunter’s Guide

The choice between splitting up and using bait when hunting the Legendary Bear with Hosea in Red Dead Redemption 2 boils down to personal preference and play style. Using bait is the more direct and often quicker route, triggering a Dead Eye encounter and initiating the bear hunt immediately. Splitting up offers a more immersive hunting experience, allowing for exploration and the potential for a more organic encounter with the bear, but can be time-consuming. Ultimately, bait is the more efficient method for initiating the Legendary Bear hunt, while splitting up caters to players seeking a more authentic hunting simulation.

The Pros and Cons of Each Approach

To make an informed decision, let’s delve into the specific advantages and disadvantages of each strategy.

Using Bait: The Fast Track to the Legendary Bear

• Pros:

  • Guaranteed Encounter: The bait method triggers a scripted encounter with the Legendary Bear, guaranteeing you’ll find it.
  • Time Efficiency: This is the fastest way to begin the hunt, saving you valuable in-game time.
  • Dead Eye Opportunity: The scripted encounter starts with a Dead Eye sequence, providing a crucial advantage in landing initial shots.
  • Direct to the Location: You are delivered right to the bear’s location.

• Cons:

  • Less Immersive: It can feel less like a natural hunt and more like a triggered event.
  • Limited Exploration: You miss out on potential exploration opportunities in the surrounding area.

Splitting Up: The Hunter’s Immersion

• Pros:

  • Greater Immersion: Provides a more realistic and immersive hunting experience.
  • Exploration Opportunities: Allows you to explore the environment and potentially discover other wildlife or points of interest.
  • Organic Encounter: The encounter feels less scripted and more natural.
  • Sharpen Hunting Skills: It is a good opportunity to hone your tracking and hunting skills.

• Cons:

  • Time-Consuming: Finding the Legendary Bear without the scripted encounter can take a significant amount of time.
  • Uncertainty: There’s no guarantee you’ll find the bear quickly, or at all.
  • Increased Risk: You’re more vulnerable to other predators and environmental hazards while searching.

The Aftermath: Continuing the Hunt

Regardless of your initial choice, the hunt isn’t over after the first encounter. Whether the bear flees after the Dead Eye sequence initiated by the bait or you encounter it while exploring after splitting up, you’ll likely need to track it. This is where your hunting skills come into play. Pay attention to tracks, blood trails, and the bear’s roars to pinpoint its location. Patience and persistence are key to successfully bagging this legendary creature.

Preparing for the Hunt

Before embarking on either strategy, preparation is crucial. Equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge to increase your chances of success.

Essential Gear

• Powerful Rifle: A scoped rifle, such as the Rolling Block Rifle or Carcano Rifle, is essential for long-range accuracy.
• Ammunition: Use high-velocity or express rounds for maximum damage.
• Dead Eye Tonics: Stock up on Dead Eye tonics to maintain your focus during the hunt.
• Health and Stamina Items: Carry health tonics and stamina-boosting items to survive potential attacks and maintain your endurance.

Strategic Considerations

• Weather Conditions: Be aware of the weather, as rain and fog can reduce visibility and make tracking more difficult.
• Time of Day: Consider hunting during dawn or dusk, when wildlife is typically more active.
• Positioning: Choose a high vantage point for a clear view of the surrounding area.
• Downwind Approach: Approach the bear from downwind to avoid alerting it to your presence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you hunt the Legendary Bear before the mission?

No, the Legendary Bear will not appear in Red Dead Redemption 2 before the “Exit Pursued By A Bruised Ego” mission with Hosea. This mission unlocks the bear’s spawn location and initiates the hunt.

2. What is the best weapon for the Legendary Bear?

A scoped rifle or long-range weapon is recommended. The Rolling Block Rifle, paired with Dead Eye, is highly effective. Aim for headshots to maximize damage.

3. Does potent predator bait work on cougars?

No, cougars seem to be uninterested in potent predator bait. Players have had more success using their mount as bait.

4. Where is the best place to use predator bait in RDR2?

The best place to use predator bait is in the middle of the wilderness around map areas where predators are listed. Stay downwind, move far away, and crouch while waiting.

5. Does bait even work in RDR2?

Yes, bait works, but it’s not magic. It attracts animals that are already nearby, tricking them into walking over to a specific location. Think of it as a lure rather than a summon. The Games Learning Society may have insightful publications on game mechanics, but they focus primarily on educational applications.

6. How do you know which bait to use in RDR2?

Specific bait types are effective for different types of fish. For example, bread, corn, and cheese are good for smaller fish, while worms and crickets are better for medium-sized fish. Crayfish are good for larger fish in deeper waters. For land animals, predator and herbivore baits are self-explanatory.

7. What do you get for killing the Legendary Bear in RDR2?

Killing the Legendary Bear yields a legendary bear pelt and a bear claw. The pelt can be sold to the trapper to craft the Bear Hunter Outfit, including the iconic bear head hat.

8. What is the best weapon for black bears in RDR2?

A long-scope rifle is sufficient for taking down black bears. Their claws and fat can be used for crafting, and their meat can be consumed.

9. Can you buy predator bait in RDR2?

Yes, you can buy bait from the bait shop in Lagras, a swamp area north of Saint Denis. You can also craft it using ingredients like Stringy Meat and Raspberries.

10. Should I sell the legendary bear pelt?

Yes, definitely sell the legendary bear pelt to the Trapper. He will use it to craft unique clothing items for you to purchase.

11. Can you stand your ground against the legendary bear?

You can stand your ground, but it is not recommended as the bear will likely attack. It is best to keep your distance and use a rifle.

12. Where is the best place to find black or grizzly bears in RDR2?

Watson’s Cabin, west of Wallace Station in Big Valley, West Elizabeth, is a good spot for American Black Bears.

13. What berries are good for potent predator bait in RDR2?

Any berry will work but if you have extras use blackberries. Create Potent Predator bait by crafting a berry with Gritty Fish Meat.

14. How do you attract cougars in RDR2?

A reliable method involves setting up camp northwest of Strawberry, along the western edge of Big Valley in West Elizabeth, sleeping until morning, and using yourself or your horse as bait.

15. Do I stay or go with Hosea?

Staying allows you to hunt the bear immediately, while going back to camp fast travels you back to Horseshoe Overlook. The choice depends on whether you want to begin the hunt directly or return to camp first. GamesLearningSociety.org explores the connection between gaming and education, offering insights into how game mechanics influence learning.

Conclusion: A Matter of Choice

Ultimately, the decision to split up or use bait when hunting the Legendary Bear in Red Dead Redemption 2 depends on your priorities and playstyle. If you prioritize efficiency and a guaranteed encounter, bait is the way to go. If you seek a more immersive and exploratory experience, splitting up offers a more rewarding, albeit riskier, path.