Dealing with Sky-High Bounties in Red Dead Redemption 2: A Guide for Outlaws

So, you’ve been a bit of a menace in Red Dead Redemption 2? Perhaps a string of unfortunate events, a misunderstanding involving a stagecoach, or maybe you just really, really needed that hat from the fancy gentleman in Saint Denis. Whatever the reason, you’ve found yourself with a bounty so high that lawmen are sniffing you out from miles away, and bounty hunters are practically tripping over each other to claim your head. What do you do?

The straightforward answer is this: you need to lower your bounty. The most direct way to do that is to pay it off at a Post Office. Head to any town with a Post Office (Valentine, Strawberry, Rhodes, Saint Denis, Blackwater, etc.), interact with the clerk, and select the option to pay off your bounties. The game will display your active bounties in each state, and you can choose to pay them individually. Once the payment is processed, you’re a free man (or woman, depending on your online character).

However, a high bounty can feel insurmountable. It can limit your movements, make simple tasks like entering towns dangerous, and generally turn your wild west adventure into a constant game of cat and mouse. Fortunately, there are more nuanced strategies for managing a hefty price on your head. Let’s delve deeper.

Understanding the Bounty System in RDR2

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s quickly recap how the bounty system works in Red Dead Redemption 2.

• Severity of Crimes: The higher the severity of your crime, the higher the initial bounty placed on you. Robbing a stagecoach nets you a higher bounty than disturbing the peace.
• Witnesses: If someone witnesses your crime, they’ll report it to the authorities, increasing your chances of incurring a bounty.
• Multiple Crimes: Bounties accumulate. If you commit multiple offenses without paying them off, they’ll add up to a considerable sum.
• Wanted Status: A bounty effectively acts as a low-key Wanted status. Lawmen and bounty hunters will actively search for you in the region where the bounty is active.

Strategies for Managing a High Bounty

Now, let’s explore different strategies for managing your high bounty, beyond simply paying it off.

1. The Post Office Solution: As mentioned earlier, paying off your bounty at a Post Office is the most direct method. This instantly removes your Wanted status and allows you to roam freely. However, this can be expensive if your bounty is substantial.

2. Surrender to the Law: If you’re running low on funds, you can surrender to the law. Find a lawman, holster your weapons, and allow them to arrest you. You’ll spend some time in jail, and your bounty in that state will be cleared. The length of your jail time depends on the severity of your crimes and the size of your bounty. Be warned: you could potentially lose money from the time you are incarcerated.

3. Lay Low and Travel to Unaffected States: If your bounty is confined to specific states, consider traveling to a state where you have no bounty. This allows you to engage in activities without being constantly hunted. You can then focus on earning money to eventually pay off your outstanding bounties. States like Ambarino, which sees very little traffic, is good to lay low in.

4. Strategic Criminality: While it sounds counterintuitive, consider committing minor crimes in areas where you have no bounty and then surrendering to the law. This allows you to strategically clear specific bounties one state at a time, potentially saving you money compared to paying off a massive accumulated bounty.

5. The Mask/Bandanna Tactic: Moving forward, when committing crimes, always wear a mask or bandana to conceal your identity. This prevents witnesses from identifying you and significantly reduces your chances of incurring a bounty. Remember to put on the mask before you commit the crime.

6. Take Advantage of Story Missions: Certain story missions or side quests might inadvertently clear smaller bounties as part of their narrative. Keep an eye out for these opportunities.

7. Bounty Hunting (Irony Alert!): Believe it or not, you can earn a substantial amount of money by becoming a bounty hunter. Track down other outlaws and bring them in (alive for double the reward!) to accumulate funds to pay off your own bounty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bounties in RDR2

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the bounty system in Red Dead Redemption 2:

How long does it take for a bounty to disappear in RDR2?

A bounty will remain active until you pay it off, surrender to the law, or complete specific story events that might clear it. There is no natural expiration date.

Is it bad to have a high bounty in RDR2?

Yes, a high bounty can significantly hinder your gameplay. It attracts lawmen, bounty hunters, and vigilantes, making it difficult to enter towns or travel safely.

How do you avoid getting a bounty in RDR2?

Wear a mask or bandana when committing crimes and avoid being witnessed. If you’re spotted, eliminate the witness quickly and quietly.

Does dying get rid of a bounty in RDR2?

No, dying does not remove your bounty. You’ll still need to pay it off or surrender to the law.

Can you avoid being wanted dead or alive in RDR2?

There is no way to remove bounties for free in the story mode. However, some players have discovered glitches or exploits that may temporarily circumvent the system. But as a general rule, no.

Do you get more money for taking in bounties alive in RDR2?

Yes, you receive double the reward for bringing in bounty targets alive compared to killing them.

How do you surrender a bounty in RDR2?

Holster your weapons and stand in front of a lawman. They will approach you and initiate the surrender process.

What is the highest bounty in RDR2?

The highest achievable bounty in Red Dead Redemption 2 is $1500.

How do I turn myself in in RDR2?

Holster your weapons and approach a lawman. Do not make any aggressive moves. They will recognize your intention to surrender.

What is the point of wearing a mask in Red Dead Redemption 2?

A mask conceals your identity from witnesses, preventing them from reporting your crimes and reducing your chances of incurring a bounty.

How can I quickly earn money to pay off my bounty in RDR2?

Rob trains, complete missions, hunt valuable animals, find treasure maps, or become a bounty hunter. Selling horses is a particularly lucrative option.

What legendary bounty pays the most in RDR2 Online?

Etta Doyle, Red Ben Clempson, and Tobin Winfield usually pay the most for legendary bounties.

Does dying matter in RDR2?

Dying has minimal consequences. You respawn nearby without losing items or money (though you may lose a small amount of money in the main game).

How long does a lockdown last in RDR2?

A lockdown, which occurs when you commit too many severe crimes in a short period, lasts for approximately six in-game hours.

Where can I find more information about gaming and learning?

For more insights into how games can be used for educational purposes and skill development, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Conclusion: Reclaiming Your Freedom in RDR2

A high bounty in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be a major obstacle, but it’s not insurmountable. By understanding the bounty system and employing strategic approaches, you can either pay off your debt to society, temporarily evade the law, or find ways to earn enough money to settle your scores. Whether you choose the path of redemption or continue your life of crime, remember that freedom, however fleeting, is always within reach in the wild west.