Red Dead Redemption 2 Hunting Guide Score: Realism Ratings

Hunting in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most immersive and detailed mechanics in the game, offering players a realistic experience that mirrors the challenges and rewards of actual 19th-century hunting. From tracking animals to preserving pelts, Rockstar Games has gone to great lengths to simulate the wilderness survival aspect of the Old West.

In this guide, we’ll evaluate the realism of hunting in Red Dead Redemption 2 by breaking down key elements such as animal behavior, weapon selection, tracking mechanics, and pelt degradation. Each category will be scored on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the most realistic).

1. Animal Behavior & AI (Score: 9/10)

One of the most impressive aspects of hunting in RDR2 is the lifelike behavior of animals. Different species exhibit distinct habits—deer graze cautiously, wolves hunt in packs, and predators like cougars stalk their prey.

Realistic Reactions: Animals flee, fight, or freeze depending on the threat level. A startled deer will bolt, while a grizzly bear may charge if provoked.
Day/Night Cycles: Nocturnal animals like owls and coyotes are more active at night, mirroring real-world behavior.
Herd Mentality: Bison and elk move in groups, and if one is spooked, the rest follow.

Why Not a 10?
While incredibly detailed, some rare glitches can break immersion—such as animals getting stuck in terrain or reacting oddly to gunfire at extreme distances.

2. Weapon Selection & Ballistics (Score: 8.5/10)

Choosing the right weapon is crucial for clean kills. The game enforces realism by penalizing players who use improper firearms—damaging pelts with excessive force or incorrect ammunition.

Bow & Small Game Arrows: Essential for hunting rabbits and birds without ruining their carcasses.
Rifles for Big Game: A Springfield or Rolling Block Rifle with a scope is ideal for deer, bears, and elk.
Shotguns & Pistols: Poor choices for hunting—they destroy pelts and are inefficient for ethical kills.

Where It Falls Short:

Some weapons, like the Varmint Rifle, are unrealistically effective against larger animals (e.g., foxes and coyotes).
The lack of bullet drop and wind resistance slightly detracts from true ballistic realism.

3. Tracking & Scouting (Score: 9.5/10)

The tracking system in RDR2 is one of the most realistic in gaming. Players must examine footprints, droppings, and broken foliage to locate prey.

Scent & Sound: Moving against the wind alerts animals, forcing hunters to approach carefully.
Eagle Eye: A useful (if slightly gamey) mechanic that highlights tracks and animal trails.
Calling & Bait: Using animal calls or bait mimics real hunting tactics, though success rates can be inconsistent.

Why Not a 10?
Eagle Eye, while helpful, is a supernatural element that slightly detracts from pure realism.

4. Pelt Degradation & Preservation (Score: 8/10)

Pelts and carcasses degrade over time, especially if left exposed or stored improperly.

Star Ratings Matter: A three-star pelt requires a clean kill with the right weapon.
Storage & Transport: Pelts left on horseback can be lost if the horse dies or the player fast-travels recklessly.
Butchering & Selling: Different vendors pay varying prices based on pelt quality—just like real fur trade economics.

Room for Improvement:

Pelts should degrade faster in rain or extreme heat, adding another survival layer.
The Trapper’s unlimited storage feels slightly unrealistic—real hunters would face spoilage issues.

5. Hunting Challenges & Legendary Animals (Score: 7.5/10)

Legendary animals add a mythical twist to hunting, but their mechanics are less realistic than standard game.

Unique Behaviors: Legendary animals are tougher and more aggressive, requiring specialized tactics.
Supernatural Elements: Some legendary creatures (like the Ghost Bison) defy realism.
Rewards: Crafting special gear from legendary pelts is fun but leans into fantasy.

Verdict:
While legendary hunts are entertaining, they sacrifice some realism for gameplay variety.

Final Realism Score: 8.7/10

Red Dead Redemption 2 delivers one of the most authentic hunting experiences in gaming. The attention to detail in animal behavior, weapon mechanics, and tracking makes it a standout feature. However, minor gameplay concessions (like Eagle Eye and legendary creatures) prevent it from being a perfect simulation.

For players seeking a true-to-life hunting challenge, RDR2 comes remarkably close—just remember to aim carefully, track patiently, and respect the wilderness. Happy hunting, partner!