Of all the professions to pursue in the vast, untamed world of Red Dead Redemption 2, few offer the same potent mix of danger, excitement, and cold, hard cash as that of the Bounty Hunter. And within that already perilous line of work, the Legendary Bounties stand as the ultimate test of a gunslinger’s skill, wit, and fortitude. Introduced as part of the online component, Red Dead Online, these ten multi-stage hunts are not mere chores; they are epic narratives in miniature, each requiring a unique strategy and a steady hand. This guide will walk you through all ten, offering tips to bring these notorious outlaws in alive and claim your substantial reward.
The Strategy Before the Shootout
Before you even pin that first poster to your map, preparation is key. Legendary Bounties are tiered; the first time you complete one, it will be a one-star difficulty. Successively completing it unlocks higher difficulties (up to five stars), which introduce new objectives, more enemies, deadlier AI, and restrictions like a single life or a shortened timer.
- Gear Up: Always ensure your weapons are cleaned and your ammo stocks are full. Express or High Velocity ammo is recommended for its stopping power. A powerful repeater like the Lancaster is versatile, while a shotgun (the Pump-Action is a reliable choice) is indispensable for close-quarters chaos. Don’t forget your trusty Rolling Block or Carcano rifle for long-range engagements.
- Stock Up: Max out on Health Cure, Snake Oil, and Potent Miracle Tonics. These fights are long and punishing. Also, bring along some horse reviver—your loyal steed will likely find itself in the crossfire.
- The Right Horse: A brave war horse or multi-class horse like the Turkoman or Breton will not buck you off at the first sign of trouble, which is crucial when bullets start flying.
- Form a Posse: While all bounties can be attempted solo, having a posse by your side makes the higher difficulty tiers significantly more manageable. Coordination is everything.
Now, let’s meet the prey.
The Ten Legendary Outlaws
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Philip “Phil” Carlier: A feral gator hunter in the bayou of Lemoyne. This hunt is less about a gunfight and more about a hunt. Track him through the swamps, but be warned: he is fast, agile, and attacks with a knife. Use a shotgun or a rifle with a scope to pick him off from a distance before he can close the gap. On higher difficulties, he becomes incredibly swift and the fog thickens.
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Yukon “The Beast” Nik: Located in the snowy Ambarino mountains, Nik employs a pack of wolves and a mounted gatling gun. Use cover wisely and prioritize taking out the gatling gun operator first. A long-range rifle is essential here. Nik himself is a tough brawler, so be ready to tie him up quickly after dealing with his defenses.
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Etta “The She-Wolf” Doyle: Perhaps the most infamous bounty due to a clever exploit, but a straight fight is tough. Set in Saint Denis at night, it’s an ambush with dozens of female gang members. The legitimate strategy requires careful timing to identify the real Etta (she’ll yell “Now, girls!”) and grab her in the confusion before fleeing on horseback. A smoke screen of dynamite can help.
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Barbarella “The Black Widow” Alcazar: Operating from a fortress-like hacienda in New Austin, Alcazar’s compound is heavily fortified. Snipe from the surrounding cliffs to thin the numbers before moving in. She will try to escape on a stagecoach, so be prepared to give chase and shoot the driver.
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Red Ben “The Train Robber” Clempson: This is a thrilling, multi-stage chase across New Hanover. You’ll first ambush a stagecoach, then follow clues to a moving train. Boarding the train and fighting your way through the cars to the engine is a classic cowboy moment. Shotguns excel in the tight corridors.
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Cecil “The Butcher” Tucker: A former surgeon turned cannibalistic serial killer hiding in the Bayou Nwa. This is a creepy, atmospheric hunt. You’ll need to find his hidden lair by investigating clues. He will send his deranged followers after you. Keep your head on a swivel and use a repeater to handle the chaotic, close-range attacks.
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Owlhoot “The Gang Leader” Family: This unique bounty targets four members of the same family scattered across West Elizabeth. Efficiency is key. It’s best to tackle this with a posse to capture them all before the timers run out. Alternatively, a solo player can methodically track and bag each one, though the difficulty spikes on higher tiers.
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Virgil “The Shepherd” Edwards: A cult leader holed up in a mining tunnel in Big Valley. You’ll fight through his brainwashed followers in dark, confined spaces. A lantern in one hand and a sawed-off shotgun in the other is a valid tactic here. Edwards will try to flee deep into the mines; be prepared for a final standoff.
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Carmela “The Panther” Montez: Located near Thieves’ Landing, Montez is protected by her gang and a literal panther. The big cat is a deadly surprise. Listen for its growl and be ready to dispatch it quickly. Montez is a skilled fighter herself and will put up a significant struggle.
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Giuseppe “The Sicilian” Machete: Found in the forests of Tall Trees, this bounty is a brutal melee affair. Giuseppe and his men favor machetes and will charge you en masse. This is the prime scenario for your shotgun and dynamite. Keep moving backwards and create space to avoid being surrounded and overwhelmed.
The Payday
Bringing your target in alive is always worth more. Once hogtied, you can stow them on your horse and deliver them to the designated jail or sheriff’s office. The wait before turning them in increases the reward, but also the risk of being attacked by rival players or enemy reinforcements.
Completing these bounties not only fills your pocket with cash and gold but also earns you a significant amount of Bounty Hunter XP, unlocking better gear and abilities. More than that, it earns you a reputation. It proves that in the dying days of the Wild West, you are the most legendary hunter of them all. So strap on your sidearm, stock up on tonics, and ride out. Justice, or at least a very lucrative facsimile of it, awaits.
