Mastering Red Dead Redemption 2: Sharpshooter 9 Explosive Kill Challenge Guide
Among the many challenges in Red Dead Redemption 2, the Sharpshooter series stands out for testing players’ precision, patience, and creativity. Sharpshooter 9, which requires players to “kill 3 enemies with a single stick of dynamite,” is particularly notorious. While it may sound straightforward, many players find themselves stuck due to the game’s physics, enemy behavior, and the delicate balance required for success. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to complete Sharpshooter 9 efficiently and with minimal frustration.
Understanding the Challenge Mechanics
Before attempting the challenge, it’s crucial to understand how explosive kills work in RDR2. Dynamite has a blast radius that can be affected by terrain, enemy positioning, and even weather conditions. The game requires that all three kills be registered from a single dynamite stick—throwing multiple sticks at once won’t count. Additionally, enemies must be killed by the explosion itself, not by secondary effects like falling debris or panic-induced accidents.
Ideal targets are groups of enemies clustered closely together. The explosion’s damage diminishes with distance, so even if three enemies are within the blast radius, one might survive if they’re on the periphery. Aim for a tight grouping to ensure maximum impact.
Location Recommendations
Some locations in the game are better suited for this challenge than others. Here are the top spots:
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Hanging Dog Ranch: This gang hideout in Big Valley often has multiple enemies gathered in the central courtyard. Lure them into a group by firing a shot into the air or using a decoy like a thrown bottle. Once clustered, toss the dynamite.
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Six Point Cabin: Another gang hideout, located in Roanoke Ridge, often has enemies sitting around campfires or patrolling in pairs. Use a stealth approach to study their movements and wait for the right moment.
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Lemoyne Raiders Camps: These random encounter spots, particularly near Rhodes and Bluewater Marsh, often feature three or more Raiders gathered around tents or wagons. They’re aggressive and may chase you, making it easier to group them.
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Lawmen Clusters: If you have a high bounty, lawmen will pursue you in groups. Lead them into a narrow alley or a dead-end street in Saint Denis or Valentine, then throw dynamite when they’re close together.
Step-by-Step Strategy
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Prepare Your Inventory: Stock up on dynamite from fences or general stores. Consider using Pamphlets to craft improved dynamite if available. Also, equip health tonics to survive potential counterattacks.
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Scout the Area: Use Eagle Eye to mark enemies and identify their patrol routes. Patience is key—wait for them to naturally cluster rather than forcing a confrontation.
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Lure and Cluster: If enemies aren’t grouped, attract their attention by whistling, shooting near them, or throwing a bottle. Once they converge, move to a safe distance.
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Aim and Throw: Dynamite has a fuse time, so anticipate enemy movement. Aim slightly ahead of the group or at the ground between them. Avoid throwing directly at an enemy, as they may scatter or the dynamite might bounce away.
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Confirm the Kills: After the explosion, check the challenge log in the menu to see if it registered. If not, reload a save and try again.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
- Use Dead Eye: While you can’t slow down time during the throw itself, activating Dead Eye before throwing can help you aim more accurately.
- Elevation Advantage: Position yourself on a roof or cliff to get a better angle. This reduces the risk of the dynamite hitting obstacles and gives you a clearer view of enemy movements.
- Weather and Time: Rain or snow doesn’t affect dynamite, but nighttime can make it harder to aim. Consider waiting for daylight if visibility is poor.
- Save Often: Create a manual save before attempting the challenge. If you fail or incur unwanted bounties, you can reload without losing progress.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Throwing Too Early or Late: The fuse timer is short but crucial. Time your throw so the dynamite explodes just as it reaches the group.
- Ignoring Cover: Enemies will shoot at you while you prepare. Use cover to avoid taking damage.
- Overcomplicating the Approach: Sometimes the simplest method is the best. Don’t waste time setting elaborate traps—focus on finding a naturally occurring group.
Conclusion
Sharpshooter 9 is a test of timing, positioning, and situational awareness. While it may require a few attempts, the satisfaction of seeing three enemies eliminated with one well-placed throw is worth the effort. Remember to stay patient, learn from each failed attempt, and use the game’s mechanics to your advantage. With this guide, you’ll complete the challenge and be one step closer to mastering the Sharpshooter path in Red Dead Redemption 2.
