RDR2 beginner guide: choose your next task

You do not need to collect everything at once. Use this spoiler-light checklist to get comfortable, then follow the guide for the task in front of you.

Story Mode · Reviewed: October 6, 2026 · Manual checklist

This site covers Red Dead Redemption 2 Story Mode, not Red Dead Online. The checklist is a planning aid; it does not read your save or unlock missions.

0 / 6 preparation steps

Make a separate manual save when availableKeep a checkpoint before experimenting. Browser checkboxes are not a backup of your game save.
Choose a horse for how you actually rideLearn bonding, care and equipment before chasing a single best-stat recommendation.
Compare Chapter 2 horse choices
Check Pearson's crafting menuRead the locked recipe requirements and camp-ledger upgrades before collecting materials.
Make a satchel material list
Study an animal before your first planned huntCheck its stars and Show Info. Match the weapon to the species instead of using one weapon for everything.
Find the right hunting weapon
Pick one collection or completion goalA full collection and the game's Total Completion requirements are not always the same target.
See what you can skip for 100%
Export your browser checklist backupCreate separate playthrough profiles and keep an exported copy before clearing browser data or switching devices.
Learn how progress and backups work

Your first four routes

Carry more supplies

Plan Pearson's recipes without hunting the same material twice by accident.

Hunt deliberately

Check quality, weapons and whether your task wants a pelt or an intact carcass.

Track a collection

Choose a location list and save your last confirmed pickup.

Work toward 100%

Compare the 35-objective checklist with the in-game Total Completion menu.

What this guide does not promise

No speedrun route, automatic unlocks, live player statistics or guaranteed perfect kills. These are original planning steps connecting the site's existing tools, not a new gameplay test. The official game page provides the publisher's overview. Read our independent-site policy.