Red Dead Redemption 2: The Ultimate Hunter’s Guide – Skinning, Pelts, and Legendary Beasts
You want to hunt in Red Dead Redemption 2? Good choice. Hunting isn’t just an activity. It’s a lifestyle. Everyone wishes to look as if they battled a bear and triumphed. But before you rush out with a shotgun, let’s discuss hunting and skinning in RDR2. This is your guide. No bear wrestling tips here.
I. General Hunting and Skinning: Your Bread and Butter (and Buckskins)
First up, should you skin every animal you bring down? Yes. Unless you only want target practice. Even then, skinning offers resources, crafting materials, and cash. Treat it like a nature vending machine, one that might bite back.
Which animals can you skin? If it moves and you can shoot it, you can likely skin it. Deer, wolves, coyotes, bears – plenty to chase. You can spend hours tracking and skinning animals. It’s oddly therapeutic, if not a bit bloodthirsty.
Yet, some animals are exceptions. For completionists aiming for the “Best in the West” achievement, take note. To earn this trophy, you must skin every skinnable species. But don’t skin horses, dogs, cats, or humans. No red boas or sea turtles either. These creatures are off-limits. Luckily, that avoids a fictional island trip.
Now, is 100% completion worth it? Let’s be honest, the rewards are light. You get a trophy and bragging rights. No magical creatures or gold bars waiting for you. It’s just the pride of having done everything. So, is it worth it? It depends on your view of “worth.” Some treasure the digital applause.
Let’s discuss hunting efficiency. Nobody wants to chase squirrels and get crushed by a bison. A tip: high ground helps. If your prey is uphill from you, you make the hunt tougher. Aim for above the target. That gives you an advantage. Also, aim for the side, not the rear end. Broadside shots yield better results.
II. Pelts and Carcasses: Your Hunter’s Currency
Pelts and carcasses are your loot. However, all pelts aren’t the same. We’re after perfect pelts here. Those that trapper loves and unlock crafting recipes. Want perfect pelts? It’s simple but demanding: three-star animal and a clean shot.
The key to a perfect pelt lies in a three-star animal. Use binoculars to check them out; their star rating will show up. Three stars mean jackpot. Two stars? Not good enough. Only three-star animals yield perfect pelts, no matter your aim.
Next, aim for a clean kill. One shot to a vital organ—head, heart, or lungs. Gut shots create a messy pelt. Choose weapons wisely. For coyotes, use a Repeater. Those furry pests require precision. Check GamesRadar for tips on perfect pelts.
If you’re getting poor pelts consistently, examine your approach. One: you may hunt low-quality animals. Two: wrong weapons or ammo might be your issue. Three: aim could be your enemy. Practice helps—keep shooting for those perfect pelts.
Even perfect pelts decay over time. Yes, even in the digital realm, nature takes its toll. Hunt smart based on the region and deliver quickly. Your horse can carry a good amount—one large animal and a few smaller ones. Check Eurogamer for more advice. , carcasses degrade after about a day; nobody wants rotten hides.
On storage, large pelts like bison go on your horse’s back. Medium pelts stack on top. Small pelts vanish into your satchel. It’s video game logic—don’t question it. Just be grateful for pocket space.
After hunting, it’s time to sell. Where to sell? The Trapper in Saint Denis or other spots on the map. He crafts with the animal skins you sell. Those perfect pelts help you craft outfits and accessories. You gain money too—it’s a win-win scenario.
Here’s a pro tip: create the Legendary Buck Trinket. You need materials from the Legendary Buck. What does it do? It boosts your odds of acquiring perfect pelts. Think of it as a hunter’s charm, powered by the spirit of a legendary deer.
III. Legendary Animals: The Apex of the Hunt
Let’s discuss Legendary Animals. These are not ordinary creatures like deer or rabbits. These beasts live in legends, feared by many. And you will hunt them.
Absolutely skin Legendary Animals. Why would you not? Skinning them is crucial! It’s akin to finding gold and questioning whether to grab it. The rare pelts and trophies from these animals offer great rewards. Take them to the Trapper in Saint Denis for unique outfits and accessories.
Want to stand out from the crowd? This is your time. Rare pelts elevate your status among gunslingers. Enjoy the adventure ahead!
Legendary pelts are essential.
But what if something goes wrong? What if a Legendary Pelt is lost? Perhaps a bear thought your horse was dinner, or you fell off a cliff. No worries, hunter! Even if you lose a Legendary Animal pelt, crafting materials await at the Trapper. The game s you (mostly). Polygon offers a guide if you stress over lost loot.
There are 16 Legendary Animals to hunt in Red Dead Redemption 2. Sixteen grand battles against nature’s finest. Is there a “best” Legendary Animal? No, it’s personal. Their value depends on your goals. Some pelts unlock stylish outfits, others give valuable trinkets. It’s about priorities. Want to impress? Go for the Legendary Bear. Want to improve your Dead Eye? Find the Legendary Coyote.
Lost your Legendary Animal pelt? Stay calm. Visit the nearest Fence or Trapper. They keep your legendary loot safe, helping you craft desired items. It’s like a lost and found for legendary parts, in places known for… shady goods.
Here’s a money-saving tip: can pelts be reused for crafting? Yes. Selling a pelt to the Trapper means you have the material. You only need to hunt a Legendary Fox once to craft the Legendary Fox Moccasins and the Legendary Buck & Fox Range Gloves, even if both require the pelt. One pelt allows for multiple crafting options. Efficient hunting at its peak.
In Red Dead Online, Legendary Animals become even more… legendary. To even spot them, you must reach Rank 5 in the Naturalist role. So, unleash your inner wildlife lover (and pack a tranquilizer gun, for… science).
Lastly, a cautionary note. Legendary Animals are legendary for a reason. They fight back. If they kill you, you might lose the pelt you carried (bad luck, friend!). But silver lining, your triumph is ed. The animal’s defeat records in-game, and you still access crafting materials at the Trapper. Even in death, you somewhat win. Just try not to die. It ruins your hat.
IV. Specific Animals: Know Your Prey
Let’s dive into some specific creatures and what they offer hunters.
Legendary Fox
The Legendary Fox is clever, but its pelt is valuable (metaphorically). Selling it unlocks recipes for the Legendary Fox Moccasins and the Legendary Buck & Fox Range Gloves. Stylish and useful – a hunter’s dream. But there’s more! The Fox Claw gained from this beast can be traded at a Fence for the Fox Claw Trinket. This trinket adds five seconds to your Dead Eye duration permanently. Time to slow time, thanks to a legendary fox claw.
Legendary Coyote
The Legendary Coyote, another clever canine, offers stylish rewards with its pelt. The Trapper will craft it into a Coyote Scout Jacket and a Coyote Gambler’s Hat. Great for camouflaging in dry landscapes or looking sharp at poker tables. Like its foxy cousin, the Legendary Coyote has a fang with lush properties. Trade the Legendary Coyote Fang at a Fence for the Coyote Fang Trinket, which enhances your Dead Eye experience by 10%. Level up your Dead Eye faster, thanks to a legendary coyote’s tooth. For hunting coyotes, use a Bow with normal arrows or a Repeater with non-explosive ammo to target clean headshots for ideal pelts.
Legendary Beaver
The Legendary Beaver – useful for more than just dams. This hardworking rodent provides both the Legendary Beaver Pelt and the Legendary Beaver Tooth. Sell the pelt at the Trapper, and the tooth at a Fence. The tooth is essential for crafting the Beaver Tooth Trinket. What does this trinket do? It cuts weapon wear by 10%. Keep your weapons in great condition, longer. Since no one wants their rifle to jam during a bear encounter.
Legendary Ram
The Legendary Ram is straightforward. Hunt it, skin it, and sell both the hide and the carcass at the shop. Simple and profitable.
Legendary Bear
The ruler of the woods, the Legendary Bear. Its pelt is full of crafting options. One pelt provides enough material for the Trapper to create the Legendary Bear Head Hat, the Bear Coat, and Bear Ropers. Dress like you won a bear match (which you did, virtually). The bear coat is iconic. Wear it proudly.
Squirrel
Don’t overlook the unassuming Squirrel. To earn a perfect squirrel pelt? Use a Bow with Small Game Arrows. Headshots are key for these small targets. Precision is essential while squirrel hunting.
Grizzly Bear
About bears, the regular Grizzly Bear is a treasure for hunters. Why? They are plentiful and rewarding. Grizzly Bears are the most lucrative regular animal to hunt due to their size and endless respawns. Unlimited bears mean unlimited profit (and risk of mauling, so be cautious).
Raccoon
The sneaky Raccoon, known as the “trash panda.” Look for North American Raccoons across Lemoyne, New Hanover, and West Elizabeth. They favor wooded areas near water sources and thrive at night. Yet adaptable bandits can inhabit almost anywhere. Their pelts have historic value. Raccoon skins are warm with unique aesthetics, used for hats, collars, coat trims, and even blankets. Plus, they hold educational value if you appreciate raccoon pelt-based knowledge.
V. Hunting Mechanics: Tools of the Trade
To master RDR2 hunting, you need more than just pointing and shooting. Right techniques and tools matter.
Tracking
Animal tracking is essential. Begin with your binoculars. Spot an animal, study it to identify its kind and quality, then choose “Track” from the menu. This highlights its trail. Alternatively, engage Eagle Eye. This ability shows tracks and scent trails in the environment, easing your pursuit through thick brush.
Dead Eye
Dead Eye slows time for precision kills. On consoles (PS4/Xbox One), aim with the left trigger and press the right analog stick to enter Dead Eye mode. Time decelerates, granting you moments for vital shots. Mark targets by moving your cursor over them, then unleash accurate shots. Dead Eye: your sharpshooting ally since 2018.
Best Weapon
The bow stands as the premier weapon for ensuring high-quality kills. It’s versatile and silent, allowing clean one-shot kills with ideal arrows. This stealthy choice enhances hunting success.
Stamina and Scent Masking
Stamina management is key for tracking and combat. Boost stamina simply? Take a bath! Cleaning increases stamina. Hygiene is beneficial even in the Wild West. Regarding scent masking, while less emphasized in tracking overall, it deals more with avoiding predators and specific hunting scenarios using cover scent lotion. While not detailed as a core mechanic, cover scent lotion aids in approaching animals without spooking them, improving hunting stealth.
VI. Other Considerations: The Finer Points of Hunting
A few extra tips to enrich your hunting knowledge.
Guarma Animals and Carolina Parakeet
Avoid hunting in Guarma for achievement progress. Animals there and the Carolina Parakeet do not count towards the “Best in the West” achievement. You only need 152 out of 178 animal species, excluding legendaries, Guarma critters, and extinct parakeets. Save your Caribbean adventure for… a real vacation.
Carolina Parakeet
Speaking
Of the Carolina Parakeet, it’s rare in RDR2. Good luck finding it. It’s practically extinct, like in real life. If you see one, buy a lottery ticket that day.
Armadillo
Random fact: Armadillo is lawless. No sheriff, no bounties. It’s a good hideout if you took some illegal pelts. Or maybe avoid it. Your moral com matters.
Zebra (Kind Of)
The Zebra near Emerald Ranch? It’s a mule painted like a zebra. It’s fun but not real. Don’t hunt for zebra pelts. You might feel disappointed.
Hunting is Worth It (Seriously)
Hunting is worth your time in RDR2. You gain bragging rights, rare pelts, crafting materials, outfits, and accessories. Take trophies to Trapper in Saint Denis. Transform from a gunslinger into a legend. Saddle up, grab your bow, and conquer the wild. Avoid getting eaten by bears. At least get a perfect pelt first.
