Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a vast open world with countless activities, and one of the more unique challenges players can undertake is shooting birds from a moving train. This task, while seemingly straightforward, can be surprisingly tricky due to the train’s speed, the birds’ evasiveness, and the need for precision. Whether you’re aiming to complete a specific in-game challenge, improve your hunting skills, or simply enjoy a different kind of RDR2 experience, this guide will walk you through the most effective strategies for successfully shooting birds from a train.
Understanding the Challenge: Birds from a Train in RDR2
The core of this challenge lies in the dynamic nature of the environment. You’re not stationary; you’re on a moving platform, which adds a significant layer of difficulty to aiming and shooting. Birds, especially in RDR2, are designed to be skittish and quick, taking flight at the slightest disturbance. Combining these two elements – a moving train and elusive birds – requires a specific approach.
Why Shoot Birds from a Train?
While the primary reason many players engage in this activity is to fulfill a challenge, there are other motivations:
- Skill Development: It hones your aiming skills, particularly leading your targets and compensating for movement.
- Resource Gathering: Bird feathers, meat, and carcasses are useful for crafting, cooking, and selling.
- Exploration and Immersion: It’s a unique way to experience the game world and its mechanics, encouraging players to look at the environment from a different perspective.
- Fun and Novelty: Sometimes, it’s just about trying something different and enjoying the inherent challenge.
Essential Preparations Before You Board
Success in shooting birds from a train isn’t just about your aim; it’s also about being prepared. Here’s what you should do before you even step onto the train:
Weapon Selection:
The choice of weapon is crucial. You need something that offers a good balance of accuracy, rate of fire, and ease of use while on the move.
- Varmint Rifle: This is generally the best weapon for shooting small game like birds. It ensures you get clean kills without destroying the carcass, which is important if you plan to collect them. Its accuracy is also superior for smaller targets.
- Repeaters: While not ideal for preserving the carcass, repeaters offer a faster rate of fire, which can be advantageous if you’re struggling to get a clear shot. If your primary goal is completing a challenge and not collecting resources, a repeater can be a viable option.
- Bow with Small Game Arrows: For the most dedicated hunters who prioritize carcass quality, the bow with small game arrows is the ultimate choice. However, it requires a much higher level of skill due to the projectile’s speed and drop.
Ammunition:
Ensure you are stocked up on the correct ammunition for your chosen weapon. For the Varmint Rifle, this means plenty of .22 ammo. For repeaters, ensure you have enough of the appropriate caliber.
Dead Eye:
Dead Eye is your best friend in this scenario. Make sure your Dead Eye meter is full before you start. Upgrading your Dead Eye ability to allow you to tag multiple targets is highly beneficial for this task. Consider using tonics that replenish or boost your Dead Eye if you plan on a prolonged session.
Location and Timing:
Certain routes and times of day might offer more opportunities. While birds can appear anywhere, some areas are known to have higher concentrations of them. Experimenting with different train routes can also yield varying results.
Strategies for Success: Hitting Your Mark
Now that you’re prepared, let’s talk about the actual act of shooting.
Choosing Your Train Route:
Not all train routes are created equal. Some routes pass through areas with more open skies and fewer obstructions, making it easier to spot and shoot birds. Look for routes that travel through plains, open fields, or along coastlines. The train between Valentine and Emerald Station, for example, can be a good starting point.
Boarding the Train and Finding a Vantage Point:
Once you’ve boarded the train, find a good spot. An open flatcar or the rear of the train often provides the best visibility and least obstructed firing lines. Avoid the passenger cars where windows can limit your angles.
Patience and Observation:
This is not a high-speed chase; it’s a test of patience. Ride the train for a while without immediately shooting. Observe the environment. Birds often fly near the train tracks or in the general vicinity. You’ll start to notice patterns in their flight paths and common locations.
Leading Your Target:
This is arguably the most critical skill. Since the train is moving, you need to aim ahead of the bird’s current position. The faster the train, the further ahead you need to aim.
- Estimate Speed: Try to gauge the bird’s speed relative to the train’s speed.
- Practice: If you’re struggling, try practicing on stationary birds first from a moving horse to get a feel for leading targets. Then, apply that same principle to the train.
Utilizing Dead Eye Effectively:
- Tagging: Activate Dead Eye as soon as you spot a bird or a flock. Carefully aim at the bird and press the tag button. If you have the upgrade, try to tag multiple birds if they are within a reasonable distance and angle.
- Releasing Fire: Once your targets are tagged, release the Dead Eye trigger. If you’ve tagged correctly, Arthur will fire multiple shots with impressive accuracy.
Dealing with Obstructions:
Trees, rock formations, and even other parts of the train can block your shots. Learn to anticipate these and adjust your aim accordingly. Sometimes, it’s better to wait for a clearer shot than to fire and miss due to an obstruction.
Specific Techniques for Challenges:
If you’re specifically trying to complete the “shoot 5 birds from a moving train” challenge, here are some tips:
- Focus on Small Birds: Pigeons, crows, and similar small birds are often found in abundance and are easier targets.
- Listen for Cues: Sometimes, you can hear birds before you see them.
- Look for Flocks: Birds often fly in groups, offering multiple opportunities at once.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Restart: If you’re having a particularly bad run, it might be quicker to disembark, whistle for your horse, and try again on a different train journey.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even with the best strategies, you might encounter difficulties. Here are some common issues and solutions:
Birds Flying Too Fast or Too Far:
- Solution: Focus on birds that are closer to the train or flying parallel to it. Birds flying directly away from the train are much harder to hit. Patience is key; wait for a better opportunity.
Inaccurate Aiming Due to Train Movement:
- Solution: Practice leading your target consistently. Try to find a rhythm with the train’s sway. Using Dead Eye can significantly mitigate this issue.
Weapon Not Suitable for Small Game:
- Solution: If you’re using a repeater or rifle and the birds are getting destroyed, switch to the Varmint Rifle or bow with small game arrows if your goal is to collect them. If it’s just about completing the challenge, any weapon that gets the job done will suffice, but the Varmint Rifle remains the most practical choice for most situations.
Running Out of Dead Eye:
- Solution: Stockpile potent or regular Dead Eye tonics. Consume them proactively before your meter depletes, especially if you are in a good area with many birds.
Beyond the Challenge: Making it Rewarding
Shooting birds from a train can be more than just a chore. Here’s how to make it a rewarding part of your RDR2 gameplay:
Crafting and Cooking:
The feathers, meat, and carcasses you collect can be used for various crafting recipes and cooking. Feathers are often used in crafting arrows, trinkets, and outfits. Bird meat can be cooked for provisions.
Perfect Pelts:
While challenging, if you manage to get a perfect pelt from a bird (which usually requires a headshot with the Varmint Rifle or small game arrows), it can be valuable for crafting higher-quality items or for completing specific challenges or requests from the Trapper.
Enjoying the Scenery:
Don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the stunning landscapes of Red Dead Redemption 2 as you ride the rails. The train journeys offer unique perspectives on the game world that you might otherwise miss.
Final Thoughts on Bird Hunting from Trains
Mastering the art of shooting birds from a moving train in RDR2 requires patience, practice, and the right approach. By preparing adequately with the correct gear and understanding the nuances of leading targets and utilizing Dead Eye, you can overcome this challenging yet rewarding aspect of the game. Whether for a specific challenge or for gathering valuable resources, becoming proficient at this skill will undoubtedly enhance your overall Red Dead Redemption 2 experience. So, next time you’re looking for a unique RDR2 adventure, hop on a train and put these strategies to the test. Happy hunting!
