Rockstar's latest open-world game, Red Dead Redemption 2, has introduced a few new features that were not in the first Red Dead Redemption game. One of the new features in Red Dead Redemption 2 are Cores that reflect the state of Arthur's abilities. For some players, Cores may be a bit confusing at first, but in order to perform well in the game, they are a very important feature.

What are Cores and Bars?

As is seen in the image below, Cores are the circular meters located just above the mini-map at the bottom left of the screen. Each players has a Core for Health, Stamina, and Dead Eye. In addition to these, here are also Cores for your horse's Health and Stamina. The symbol at the center of the circle represents the Core, while the ring meter that surrounds it is the Bar.

While Bars have a short-term impact on how well you do in the game, Cores ultimately affect your long-term performance. For example, if your Health Bar is low but the corresponding Health Core has been maintained well, the rate at which you generate Health will be increased as the Health Core influences how quickly the Health bar regenerates, and the same goes for Stamina.

How to Refill Cores

To ensure that your Cores are maintained well, you need to keep yourself well-fed, well-rested, and comfortably dressed for the climate that you are in. There are also items that can be used to fill up cores, such as Provisions and Tonics. Provisions instantly refill your Cores and Tonics will instantly refill your Bars. While Tonics are good for a short-term boost during battle, Provisions are better for in the long-term.

How to Fortify a Bar

Some Tonics have the ability to fortify specific bars. As is seen in the image below, these are represented as yellow items in your satchel. If you take a fortifying Tonic, the affected Bar will fill up completely and will not drain for a few seconds. How long a Bar remains fortified depends on the quality of the Tonic, and some Tonics can have a negative affect on Cores, so pay close attention to the descriptions of each Tonic.

How to Level Up Bars

The best way to level up Bars is simply to play the game a lot. The more you play the game, the more powerful your Bars will become. More specifically, sprinting will increase your Stamina Bar, and taking damage and then restoring Health will build up your Health Bar. If you properly maintain yourself, as mentioned earlier, all of your abilities will naturally also improve over time.

Horse Cores and Bars

Horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 also have Cores. Horses have Health and Stamina Cores and they appear when you mount your horse. While Horse Cores work the same as your own Cores, they are maintained differently. Instead of overall maintenance of the horse's physical and dietary needs, its Cores and Bars are developed by forming a stronger bond with it. Foods and Tonics can also be used, but it is through riding your horse, praising it, and grooming it that will ultimately improve its Health and Stamina more significantly.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is available now for PS4 and Xbox One