Red Dead Redemption 2: 9 Ways You're Playing It Wrong

By Scott Tailford / February 27, 2019

4. Use The Knife To Catch Animals Instead Of Bullets

All that "Hold R1/RB to study animal, then figure out the precise weapon/ammo to use for a perfect pelt" nonsense?

Use a knife.

Yes, it's actually possible to knife a bear to death with enough patience, but deers/pronghorns and the vast majority of creatures you'll need to upgrade the camp or get fancier clothing/talismans can be acquired with a specific knife animation.

First, lasso your creature of choice but don't hit the right trigger to "reel them in". Instead, hold the left trigger and walk up to the deer in question. Once close enough you'll get a "Kill" prompt, and it's this animation that ALWAYS produces a perfect pelt.

Easier than the standard hunter/gatherer rigmarole, the blade is far mightier than the rifle.