RDR2 Complete Weapon Unlock Guide

Red Dead Redemption 2 immerses players in a vast open world filled with over 65 unique weapons, ranging from reliable revolvers to powerful rifles and brutal melee options. Unlocking them requires a mix of story progression, exploration, side missions, and strategic purchases. This guide breaks down every category, highlights early access tricks, and provides precise locations to arm Arthur Morgan or John Marston fully from the start.

Starting Arsenal: Weapons You Get Right Away

From the opening moments in Chapter 1, players receive a foundational set of weapons essential for survival. These include the Cattleman Revolver, a versatile sidearm available immediately, and the Hunting Knife for close-quarters combat. The Varmint Rifle and Springfield Rifle also unlock early through initial missions or gunsmith visits post-prologue.

• Cattleman Revolver: Default holster weapon; upgrade at any gunsmith.
• Hunting Knife: Standard melee; perfect for skinning and stealth kills.
• Unarmed: Counts toward completion; no acquisition needed.

By the end of Chapter 1, expect around 10 weapons unlocked, setting a strong base without spending a dime.

Chapter 2: Building Your Loadout Early

Chapter 2 explodes with opportunities to grab high-tier gear ahead of the story curve. Head to specific hideouts and complete stranger missions for free pickups, bypassing gunsmith costs. Videos demonstrate looting Schofield Revolver from a cabin west of Horseshoe Overlook, Volcanic Pistol via Gunslinger quests, and Pump-Action Shotgun from a chest near Colter.

Pro tip: Trigger the Gunslinger stranger mission early for Flaco’s and Granger’s Revolvers by dueling legendary outlaws. This nets dual-wield holsters too, allowing two sidearms without off-hand penalties. Stash gold bars from nearby treasures (e.g., 3 bars near Bacchus Bridge) to fund customizations.

Legendary Gunslinger Weapons: Hunt the Outlaws

The Noblest of Men, and a Woman stranger mission chain rewards unique revolvers. Track down figures like Flaco Hernandez in his hideout south of Fort Wallace—defeat him in a duel and claim his engraved revolver. Emmet Granger’s weapon drops after besting him at his mill. These irreplaceable pieces shine with custom engravings and superior stats.

• Flaco’s Revolver: Spider gag hideout.
• Granger’s Revolver: Pig farm duel.
• Midnight Pistol: Slim Grant encounter.
• Elevator Revolver: Exclusive to one mission.

Start this chain in Chapter 2 at the Rhodes train station for maximum replay value.

Shotguns and Close-Range Powerhouses

Shotguns dominate crowds and hunting. Double-Barreled enters via Chapter 2 missions or universal gunsmith stock. Sawed-Off arrives automatically in Chapter 1. Pump-Action requires Chapter 2 progression, while Semi-Auto unlocks in Chapter 4 at Saint Denis shops. Rare variants like the Viking Axe hide in Annesburg mines, accessible post-GTA Online crossover if linked.

Early free grab: Semi-Auto Shotgun from Watson’s Cabin ambush west of Strawberry. Pump from a tree stump treasure east of Bacchus Station.

Rifles for Long-Range Precision

Rifles form the backbone of mid-to-long engagements. Lancaster Repeater shines early—pick from fallen soldiers at Fort Wallace or buy post-Chapter 2. Bolt Action Rifle loots from Braithwaite Manor guards in Chapter 3. Rolling Block unlocks via mission or gunsmith.

• Lancaster Repeater: High fire rate; ideal for gangs.
• Evans Repeater: Large magazine; Chapter 2+ fences.
• Bolt Action Rifle: Post-Braithwaite assault.

Complete Chapter 2 missions like ‘A Strange Kindness’ for Schofield and Lancaster guarantees.

Melee Mastery: Axes, Knives, and More

Beyond fists, RDR2 offers brutal tools. Hatchets buy in Chapter 5, but craft or find earlier. Double-Bit Hatchet sits in a tree stump near Annesburg. Stone Hatchet requires GTA Online ‘After Hours’ completion at Native Burial site. Machete, Cleaver from fences post-Chapter 5 missions.

Throwing Knives and Dynamite story-unlock, with recipes at fences later.

Chapter Progression Unlocks

Chapters 3-4: Expanding Options

Chapter 3 brings Pump-Action permanence and Rare Shotgun variants. Semi-Auto Shotgun at Chapter 4 gunsmiths. M1899 Pistol loots from Blackwater soldiers—ambush carefully.

Chapters 5-6: Endgame Gear

Mauser Pistol from missions, Hatchet/Machete/Cleaver at fences. Carcano Rifle and Navy Revolver finalize the arsenal. Don’t miss the Viking Hatchet/Helmet in mines.

Special and Missable Weapons

Sixty unique weapons demand vigilance—48 for 100% completion. Missables like Ornate Dagger vanish if delayed; kill the vendor swiftly in Saint Denis. Gold-plated crossovers (e.g., Stone Hatchet) link Rockstar accounts. Special Edition bonuses claim via menu.

• Rare Shotgun: Chapter 2 chest.
• Midnight Pistol: Gunslinger duel.

Customization and Dual Wield Tips

Holsters unlock dual-wield post-Schofields/Grangers. Visit fences for engravings, scopes. Gold bars fund upgrades—hunt 6+ early.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many weapons for 100% completion?

48 of 65; focus non-missables.

Can I get all weapons as Arthur?

Yes, via Chapter 2 exploits and missions.

Where to buy unavailable guns?

Gunsmiths unlock with story; fences for crafts.

Are there free gold bars for ammo?

Yes, Bacchus Bridge and Limpany areas.

GTA Online link required?

Only for Stone Hatchet/Viking gear.