Red Dead Redemption 2 is easily the most in-depth game Rockstar has created to date. The attention to detail is almost overwhelming, encompassing everything from the smallest blade of grass to the citizens of the largest city. It feels like a living, breathing world, and is so intricate that it’s easy to miss the most mind-blowing details that take Red Dead 2 to the next level. Read on to find five of the most jaw-dropping flourishes in Rockstar’s Wild West epic.
Complete Guide to Red Dead Redemption 2
Read Now ►5 most mind-blowing details in Red Dead Redemption 2
5. Arthur’s hair grows over time
In most open world games, you can change your hairstyle simply by walking into the nearest barber shop. Not so in Red Dead. If you want longer hairstyles, you’ll have to be patient. Arthur’s hair and beard will grow naturally over time. You’ll have to regularly shave and trim it to keep it short, or wait for it to grow out if you want a more mountain-man look or want to play with longer hairstyles. Think carefully before you make your choice, because it does take a while for an undercut to grow back in!
4. The game has an ambient temperature
Of course, you have your basic ambient weather like rain and snow, but in Red Dead 2, the game actually keeps track of the ambient temperature. You’ll see it in a pop-up every time you enter a new location as an actual value in degrees Fahrenheit. This isn’t just for show, either. Arthur needs to dress for the weather. This means short sleeves for the heat, and heavy coats for the cold. If not, his Cores will drain faster and impact his health and other passive stats. Good practice is to store outfits suited for hot and cold on your horse and switch between them as the need arises.
Red Dead 2: 5 things you didn’t know about your horse
Read Now ►3. Arthur can lose or gain weight
Like most things in Red Dead 2, food isn’t just for show. Eating or not eating can grant stat boosts and other benefits. It’ll also change Arthur’s appearance. Grabbing a meal at camp or in the local saloon will bulk up Arthur’s figure. Going for a long period without eating will cause him to slim down. Don’t worry, you won’t die of starvation if you forget to eat, but you will see your stats being negatively affected if you don’t grab a bite every now and then.
2. Bullet holes can sink boats
Boats and swimming are a new addition in Red Dead 2, with Arthur able to take boats and row out across lakes for travel or to find a good fishing spot. Think twice before you go shotgun fishing, though. Hitting your boat with a stray bullet will cause it to slowly fill with water and eventually sink, forcing you to swim back to shore. We won’t be rowing our way into gun battles anytime soon.
How to master hunting in Red Dead Redemption 2
Read Now ►1. Arrows will quiver after hitting their targets
Weapons in Red Dead 2 are insanely detailed. On firearms, each part from the cylinder to the hammer is functional, and you have to manually cock the hammer between shots before firing again. You also have to clean and maintain firearms as they wear out over time. The bow, though seemingly simple, also has little details of its own. Firing an arrow into a hard target, like a tree, will cause the arrow to quiver slightly after it embeds itself, just like it would in real life.
These five details are just the tip of the iceberg. Red Dead is filled to the brim with tiny details like this that add up to make the game into a totally unique and deep experience. Keep your eyes peeled while you play and you might be shocked at what you find.
