Mastering the Horizon: A Guide to Red Dead Redemption 2's Sharpshooter 3 Challenge and Prime Long-Range Kill Locations
There's a unique kind of silence that exists in the world of Red Dead Redemption 2, one that's often broken by the distant, satisfying crack of a rifle shot. For many dedicated cowboys and cowgirls, the journey to 100% completion brings them face-to-face with one of the game's more demanding tests of skill: the Sharpshooter Challenge 3. The objective seems straightforward – "Kill 3 enemies who are very far away from you with a rifle without using a scope" – but as any seasoned gunslinger knows, the devil is in the details. This challenge isn't just about pulling the trigger; it's about understanding the tools, the terrain, and the tactics required to become a true long-range virtuoso.
If you've been struggling to find the perfect spots or are frustrated with your shots falling short, you've come to the right place. This guide is designed to walk you through every aspect of conquering this challenge, from gearing up correctly to revealing the most effective and reliable locations on the map for those crucial long-range kills.
Gearing Up for Success: Your Rifle is Your Best Friend
Before we even talk about location, let's address the most critical component: your weapon. The challenge explicitly forbids the use of a scope, which means you'll be relying on your rifle's iron sights. This might seem daunting, but it's entirely manageable with the right firearm.
The absolute best tool for this job is the Rolling Block Rifle or the Carcano Rifle. While the Carcano is technically a sniper rifle, it can be used without activating its scope by simply not aiming down sights for too long. However, the Rolling Block Rifle is the community's favorite for this specific task. Its inherent accuracy and power are unmatched. Once you have your rifle, make sure it's clean – a well-maintained weapon has better accuracy and less bullet drop. Using High Velocity Ammo is also highly recommended. This type of ammunition has a flatter trajectory and is less affected by bullet drop over extreme distances, making it the ideal choice for long-range shooting without a scope.
The technique is just as important as the tool. You won't have the luxury of a zoomed-in view, so you need to learn to "walk" your shots onto the target. Fire a first shot to gauge the distance and observe where the bullet lands (you can often see the dust kick up). Then, adjust your aim slightly higher to compensate for bullet drop and take your second, more accurate shot.
Prime Long-Range Kill Spots: Your Hunting Grounds
Now, for the main event: where to go. The key is to find locations with enemies who are stationary or predictable in their movements, positioned at a significant elevation below or across from you. Here are three of the most effective and easily accessible spots for completing the Sharpshooter 3 challenge.
1. Hanging Dog Ranch: The Classic Approach
Located in the sprawling plains of Big Valley, West Elizabeth, Hanging Dog Ranch is arguably the most famous and reliable location for this challenge. It's a permanent O'Driscoll hideout, meaning enemies are always present.
- The Strategy: Do not charge in. Instead, position yourself on the large, rocky hill directly to the north-west of the ranch. From this vantage point, you have a clear, downward view of the entire compound.
- The Targets: You'll see enemies milling about, chopping wood, or standing guard. Their distance from your position is perfect for the "very far away" requirement.
- The Execution: Use the rocks for cover. Line up your shot using the iron sights of your Rolling Block Rifle. Aim just a hair above the head of a stationary target to account for the slight bullet drop. The key here is patience. Wait for an enemy to stop moving. Once you get one, the others will be alerted but will often struggle to locate you, giving you time to pick off two more. This location is perfect for achieving multiple long range rifle kills in a single engagement.
2. Fort Brennand: A Sniper's Playground
Situated just north of Rhodes in Scarlett Meadows, Fort Brennand is an abandoned fort taken over by Lemoyne Raiders. Its open layout and elevated enemy positions make it another excellent choice.
- The Strategy: The best approach is from the south or east. Find a ridge or a cluster of trees that gives you a clear line of sight into the fort's main courtyard and the raised platforms where the Raiders patrol.
- The Targets: Look for enemies standing on the wooden watchtowers or walking along the fort's walls. These elevated targets are often easier to spot and track against the skyline.
- The Execution: The distance from the surrounding ridges to the fort walls is well within the "very far" threshold. Because the enemies are often moving along a predictable path, you can lead your shot slightly. This spot teaches you the value of predicting enemy movement for successful long distance kills without a scope.
3. The Loft: A Hunter's Paradise
For those who prefer a more methodical, hunting-style approach, the area around The Loft in Ambarino is perfect. This location uses the random encounter camps that dot the valleys below.
- The Strategy: The Loft itself is a watchtower located in the Grizzlies East region. From this high point, you can use your binoculars to scout the valleys and roads below. You are looking for small campfires set up by rival gangs or hostile travelers.
- The Targets: Once you spot a camp with two or three occupants, you've found your opportunity. These targets are often completely unaware, sitting by their fire.
- The Execution: Carefully maneuver along the ridges until you have a clean, long-distance shot. The sheer distance from the mountain ridges down to the valleys below is more than enough to fulfill the challenge's requirements. This method requires more patience and a bit of luck to find a camp, but it offers a safe and controlled environment to line up your perfect shots. It’s one of the best secret sniper spots for the patient marksman.
Troubleshooting and Pro Tips
Even with the best locations, things can go wrong. Here’s how to solve common problems:
- What counts as "very far away"? The game doesn't give a precise measurement, but a good rule of thumb is that the target should appear quite small on your screen. If you're using the above locations, you're almost certainly at the correct distance.
- The enemies keep hiding! If you alert a camp and they take cover, it can be tricky. The solution is often to simply wait. They will eventually peek out. Alternatively, you can relocate slightly to get a new angle. At Hanging Dog Ranch, for example, moving along the ridge can reveal enemies hiding behind buildings.
- Do I have to do all three in one go? No, the challenge progress is cumulative. Your first two kills can be at Hanging Dog Ranch, and your final one can be at a random camp days later. The game will remember.
- My bullet isn't hitting! This is almost always due to bullet drop. Remember to aim slightly above your target. The farther they are, the higher you need to aim. High Velocity Ammo minimizes this issue significantly.
Mastering the Sharpshooter 3 challenge is more than just ticking a box; it's a rite of passage. It forces you to appreciate the mechanics of your weapons, the lay of the land, and the art of patience. By using the right rifle, the correct ammunition, and positioning yourself at these proven long-range kill spots, you'll not only complete the challenge but also gain a new level of confidence in your abilities. So saddle up, head to one of these locations, and show the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 what a true sharpshooter can do. Happy hunting
