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What to Buy in Red Dead Redemption 1: A Comprehensive Guide

Venturing into the vast and unforgiving world of Red Dead Redemption 1 can be overwhelming, especially when you’re starting out. Knowing what to prioritize for purchase can make the difference between struggling to survive and thriving in the Wild West. Here’s a detailed guide on what you should be buying in RDR1 to get a leg up:

Essential Purchases in Red Dead Redemption 1

If you are looking to quickly enhance your experience in Red Dead Redemption 1, focus on these purchases right away:

Elegant Suit: Purchase the Elegant Suit for $70 at the Tailor in Thieves Landing. This isn’t just for looking dapper; it’s crucial for accessing higher-stakes poker games where the real money is made.
Double-Barrel Shotgun: Secure a Double-Barrel Shotgun for $300 in Armadillo. This powerful weapon is invaluable for close-quarters combat, especially when dealing with packs of wolves or charging enemies.
Improved Campsite: Buy the Improved Campsite for $175 at any General Store. It allows you to save your game outside of towns, a massive time-saver and safety net in the open world.
Bandolier: Acquire the Bandolier for $125 at any Gunsmith and certain General Stores. This upgrade will allow you to carry more ammunition, essential for extended firefights and hunting expeditions.
Bandana: This inexpensive item is critical. While it doesn’t cost much (or anything at all), it prevents you from gaining more notoriety, which is essential for a smooth gameplay experience.
Rabbit’s Foot: This is a random item, but should be purchased if you see it. It’s a luck boost that increases the amount of loot you find.
Maps: Inexpensive, but essential, maps will guide you to various locations in the game. This allows you to explore the world easier.
Bait: Crucial for hunting animals, which is one of the best ways to make money early on in the game. It is also useful for completing challenges.

Prioritizing Weapons and Upgrades

The Best Weapons to Acquire

While the initial weapons are sufficient for the first few missions, you’ll soon want to upgrade to the most effective tools of the trade. Here are some must-have firearms:

Bolt Action Rifle: The Bolt Action Rifle is versatile and reliable. It has good stopping power, range, and accuracy, making it ideal for various combat situations.
LeMat Revolver: This revolver combines the firepower of a pistol with a shotgun blast, making it a deadly option.
Henry Repeater: A solid all-around repeater with decent range, accuracy, and a good fire rate.
Mauser Pistol: For players preferring a fast-firing pistol, the Mauser Pistol has an extremely high fire rate, ammo capacity, and reload speed.

Horse Power

Beyond weapons, your horse is your most crucial asset for traversal. When looking to upgrade, keep these factors in mind:

Hungarian Half-bred: Considered the best horse in RDR1, the Hungarian Half-bred boasts the highest stamina, excellent health, and impressive speed.
American Standardbred: For those prioritizing speed, the American Standardbred offers the highest speed, but with average stamina.

Economic Strategies

Making Money Efficiently

To afford these valuable items, you need to master the art of making money in RDR1. Here’s how:

Hunt Bounties: Capturing bounties alive yields the highest monetary rewards.
Loot Dead Bodies: Consistently loot bodies as they often hold money and valuable items.
Gamble: While risky, gambling can bring quick profits if you’re lucky.
Clear Gang Hideouts: Completing gang hideouts offers a mix of money and loot.
Hunt and Sell Pelts: Hunting animals and selling their pelts is a reliable source of income.
Complete Missions: Story missions and side missions provide good payouts.
Carry out Robberies: Robberies, while morally questionable, are effective for making a quick buck.

Smart Spending Habits

Ammo Conservation: Ammo can be expensive, so vary your weapons to save on ammunition costs and take the time to scavenge ammo from bodies.
Utilize Free Ammo: Always be mindful of where you can scavenge free ammo in the world.
Hunting: Hunting can help replenish some of your resources that can be depleted through combat.

Red Dead Redemption 1 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best all-around weapon in Red Dead Redemption 1?

The Bolt Action Rifle is generally considered the best all-around weapon due to its balance of power, range, and accuracy. It is effective in most scenarios you will encounter.

2. Which pistol has the highest fire rate in the game?

The Mauser Pistol has the highest rate of fire, reload speed, and ammo capacity of all pistols, making it deadly in close-quarters situations.

3. How do I unlock the Buffalo Rifle in RDR1?

You unlock the Buffalo Rifle by completing Rank 5 of the Master Hunter Challenges. It then becomes available for purchase at any gunsmith.

4. What is the best horse to buy in Red Dead Redemption 1?

The Hungarian Half-bred is the best horse due to its high stamina, health, and impressive speed. It is the ideal choice for long journeys and intense situations.

5. Where can I find the fastest horse in RDR1?

You can find the American Standardbred in West Elizabeth, often near Manzanita Post and Beecher’s Hope. It is the fastest horse in the game.

6. Is it better to capture bounties alive or dead?

Capturing bounties alive is more profitable as it earns you a higher reward. You will be paid much less for dead bounties.

7. What is the fastest way to make money in RDR1?

Capturing bounties alive is one of the fastest ways to make money. Also, completing gang hideouts and looting dead bodies are highly efficient.

8. How can I increase the amount of ammo I can carry?

Purchasing a Bandolier from any Gunsmith or General Store will increase your maximum ammo capacity. It is essential to maintain your combat effectiveness.

9. What is the importance of the Elegant Suit?

The Elegant Suit is needed to participate in high-stakes poker games, which offer opportunities to win large sums of money.

10. Can I save my game outside of towns in RDR1?

Yes, by purchasing the Improved Campsite from any General Store, you gain the ability to save your game anywhere on the map.

11. What should I purchase early to save money?

Prioritize items like the Bandana (to limit notoriety), the Improved Campsite (for saving), and a basic rifle. These will save you time and money.

12. What is the most powerful pistol in Red Dead Redemption 1?

The Volcanic Pistol has the highest damage output. It can take down enemies quickly, but it does come with the drawback of a slow fire rate and reload speed.

13. Are there any free resources or weapons I can obtain in Red Dead Redemption 1?

Yes, you can find plenty of free ammo by looting bodies and completing treasure challenges. You can also pick up starting weapons in the beginning of the game.

14. Does honor affect the prices of weapons?

Yes, having high honor can sometimes grant you discounts on certain items, such as the Double Barreled Shotgun in Armadillo. Conversely, low honor will discount a Sawed-Off Shotgun in Thieves Landing.

15. What is the main way to replenish resources in Red Dead Redemption 1?

Hunting is the best way to replenish some of your resources. Hunting also allows you to make money by selling the pelts.

By strategically purchasing the right items and understanding how to make money efficiently, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the challenges of Red Dead Redemption 1 and become a legend of the Wild West. Remember to prioritize the items listed above, and then enjoy the immersive and expansive world that RDR1 has to offer.

What to buy in Red Dead Redemption 1?