Instead of creating a sequel to the original game, Rockstar gave fans Red Dead Redemption 2. Fans of the game have lauded it for its rich open world, engaging story, and phenomenal graphics. New players continue to flock to the game which might explain its score above 95 on Metacritic.

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Those who haven't played the first game don't really miss out on too much. After all, RDR2 is a sequel (as mentioned). But there are a few things beginners miss on their first play-throughs that veterans likely wouldn't. What are the top 10 mistakes everyone makes on their first time playing RDR2?

10 They Don’t Talk To Literally Everyone

image of three NPCs from Red Dead Redemption 2

Much like an Elder Scrolls game experience, it is incredibly worth it to chat up almost any NPC in RDR2. Players can unlock unique, creepy, or profitable side quests. They can even encounter a Suffragette and hear Arthur say one of his best lines: "Anyone dumb enough to wanna vote, I say go for it."

Small moments like that not only create levity but give players insight into Arthur's personal views. Furthermore, there are bizarre NPCs like the supposed Time Traveler, a lost princess, and a weird Ed Gein-esque serial killer. It's a smorgasbord of personalities all across the West.

9 They Don’t Pet The Dog

image of Arthur Morgan petting a dog in Red Dead Redemption 2

So this facet of the gameplay experience might not exactly matter in terms of mechanics or combat. But it is one criterion that matters to many gamers. In fact, there's an entire Twitter dedicated to the question: "Does the game let you pet the dog?"

With as big a world as there is in RDR2, there are, naturally, many animals in it. That means that Arthur has the option to pet many breeds of dogs in his travels. It is a small, seemingly inconsequential thing, but it enhances the player's immersion into the world.

8 They Use Fast Travel All The Time

image of the Fast Travel UI in Red Dead Redemption 2

The developers put a ton of care and hard work into developing the open world of RDR2. Though fast travel does save time, it prevents the player from seeing the world as it was meant to be seen: by horseback. There are also trains and stagecoaches, but let's stick with the horse for now.

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Traveling by horseback fully allows players to experience all that the world of RDR2 has to offer. Fast travel can also be very expensive, so it isn't recommended in the earlier stages of the game. Moreover, it helps with another tip on this list regarding Arthur's horse.

7 They Don’t Read Arthur’s Journal

image of Arthur Morgan's journal in Red Dead Redemption 2 featuring a drawing of Sadie Adler

Arthur Morgan is a simple man; he carries on his business, he takes care of his horse, and he secretly loves to draw. Not only that but he also has rather neat and flourish-heavy penmanship. Many first time RDR2 players don't realize this because they don't take the time to read Arthur's journal.

The diary reveals a lush inner life within Arthur's mind. He sketches landscapes, animals, and people on top of chronicling his journey. It's a beautiful insight into his character and enriches the player experience a great deal.

6 They Don’t Bond With Their Horse For More Abilities

image of Arthur Morgan riding horses in Red Dead Redemption 2

For players who want the true Old West experience, they must take care of and bond with a single horse. At least, it is better to focus on just one horse as it can unlock new abilities. This includes things like a rearing back, as well as strafing. From a combat perspective, this comes in handy. Other horse tips include always carrying a horse revival kit at all times.

For players interested in a more role-playing focused experience, give the horse a name. It could be Ollie or Pickles or Jolene after the Dolly Parton song; the endless prairie is your oyster.

5 They Don’t Read The Newspaper For Cheat Codes

image of cheat codes in newspapers from Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar has long been in the business of including cheat codes in their games. Grand Theft Auto has always had an “unlock all guns” cheat and so on. RDR2 continues this trend but in a different way. The cheat codes are hidden in the newspapers that Arthur can read.

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However, not every newspaper will have one and Arthur must own each newspaper to get the cheat. Players can find them towards the bottom of the newspaper as in the image above. It is a game about outlaws, after all, so why not roleplay a little by using cheats?

4 They Don’t Use Dead Eye

image of Arthur Morgan shooting two pistols in Dead Eye mode from Red Dead Redemption 2

Similar to other games like the Fallout seriesRDR2 has a time slowing function for combat. Beginners definitely don't capitalize on Dead Eye as much as they should. Those who played the first Red Dead will have more experience with the mechanic. But for newer fans, Dead Eye comes especially in handy when Arthur is challenged by multiple enemies.

It allows the player to tag more than one target for shots, as well as manual aiming and shooting. Dead Eye is also useful for hunting smaller prey such as foxes. It highlights the vitals of the animal making it easier to get a cleaner kill.

3 They Forget The Adage “Look Good, Play Good”

image of Arthur Morgan from Red Dead Redemption 2 in different outfits

A well-established approach to gaming is the "look good, play good" school of thought. If Arthur sports a big scruffy beard, frazzled hair, and tattered clothes, he isn't going to win anyone over. But if he is wearing a velvet blazer, custom-tailored leather vest, and bespoke trousers, maybe Miss Adler will finally go out on a date with him.

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There are dozens and dozens of ways to style Arthur from his facial hair to his overall outfits. Players can pick one outfit or cycle through a few. Just remember: it takes money to do so.

2 They Pay Off Bounties Too Early

image of someone paying off bounties in Red Dead Redemption 2

New players might know that they need to pay off bounties at a post office. They might also know that getting money in the early game is difficult as can be. But the trick to paying for all those early bounties is not to pay for them.

Ignoring the bounties is much easier in the early game since Arthur runs around quite a bit. Later missions also have much bigger payouts, so the player can then pay off the old bounties at the same time. It makes for a less stressful beginning.

1 They Don’t Play Poker At Camp

RDR2 Poker

There are many fun "play within a play" elements to RDR2. Arthur can attend a show and boo or cheer on the actors. He can go to bathhouses where the washerwomen have questionable animations. He can also become quite the poker swindler.

But the best way for new players to learn is to play cards back at Dutch's camp. There is a total explanation in the help section in the pause menu and the location acts as an in-game tutorial. The max bet is just $1, so the player can learn how to play without risking too much money early on.

NEXT: Red Dead Redemption II: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Arthur Morgan