Mastering the “kill 5 birds from a moving train” challenge in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be a significant hurdle for players aiming for 100% completion or simply looking to perfect their sharpshooting skills. This task, while seemingly straightforward, requires precision, the right equipment, and a bit of strategic planning. This guide will walk you through the most effective methods to achieve this RDR2 feat, ensuring you can efficiently bag those birds and move on to other challenges.
Understanding the Challenge: “Kill 5 Birds from a Moving Train”
The core of this challenge lies in the specifics: you must be on a moving train and successfully eliminate five birds. This isn’t as simple as it sounds, as the train’s constant motion, coupled with the birds’ flight patterns, creates a dynamic and often frustrating scenario. Many players find themselves missing shots or failing to find suitable targets.
Essential Gear and Preparation
Before you even step onto a train, proper preparation is key. Having the right tools and understanding their functions will drastically increase your chances of success.
Weapon Selection
Your choice of weapon is paramount. While a rifle can technically do the job, it’s often too slow and powerful for the smaller, faster-moving targets.
- The Varmint Rifle: This is widely considered the best weapon for this challenge. Its low damage is ideal for smaller birds, and its rapid firing rate allows for quick follow-up shots if you miss. The Varmint Rifle is accurate enough at moderate distances and its ammunition is relatively inexpensive and easy to acquire.
- A Repeater (e.g., Lancaster, Lemat): While less ideal due to higher damage, a repeater can work in a pinch. You’ll need to be more precise to avoid destroying the bird.
Ammunition
- Regular .22 Ammunition: For the Varmint Rifle, standard rounds are perfectly adequate.
- Express or High-Velocity Rounds: If using a repeater, these might be necessary for range and accuracy, but again, be mindful of the damage.
Other Preparations
- Dead Eye: Fully upgraded Dead Eye is almost a necessity. It allows you to slow down time, mark multiple targets, and ensure your shots are on point. Ensure your Dead Eye cores are full before embarking on this challenge.
- Provisions: Carry some food or tonics to refill your Dead Eye core if needed.
Strategic Approaches to the Challenge
There are several ways to tackle this challenge, each with its own advantages.
Method 1: The Classic Train Ride (New Hanover)
This is the most common and often most effective method.
- Choose Your Train Route: The most popular route for this challenge is the train line running through New Hanover, particularly between Valentine and Emerald Ranch. This area typically has a good density of birds, especially along the riverbanks and open fields.
- Board the Train: Find a train and hop aboard. You can steal one or pay for passage, though the latter might offer a slightly less chaotic experience. Ensure the train is moving.
- Find a Vantage Point: Stand near an open doorway or window where you have a clear line of sight. Staying on the roof of the train is also an option, offering a wider view but exposing you to potential guard trouble.
- Spotting Birds: Keep your eyes peeled for birds flying near the train tracks or in the surrounding areas. Seagulls, crows, and hawks are common targets. They often fly in predictable patterns, especially when startled by the train’s approach.
- Engage Dead Eye: As soon as you spot a suitable target or a group of birds, activate Dead Eye. Mark up to five birds. Aim for clean headshots if possible, but with the Varmint Rifle, body shots will suffice.
- Fire and Repeat: Release the trigger to fire your marked shots. If you miss any, quickly re-target and fire again. If you only hit one or two, don’t get discouraged; continue scanning for more birds as the train moves.
Method 2: The “Bird Bag” Strategy (Advanced)
This method leverages a specific in-game mechanic and requires more setup, but can be very efficient once mastered. It’s also sometimes referred to as the “mine that bird trainer” method due to its effectiveness in quickly dispatching targets.
This technique involves using a “bird bag” effect, which isn’t an actual in-game item but rather a phenomenon that can be triggered. The core idea is to approach a flock of birds, cause them to scatter, and then use Dead Eye to pick them off as they fly. Some players have found that certain train routes and even specific actions can cause birds to congregate or react in a way that facilitates this.
The underlying principle is similar to bird bag dog training in that it utilizes a sudden, widespread reaction from the birds to create an opportunity. If you’re looking for advanced tips, research specific triggers that might cause birds to flock together near train routes.
Method 3: Using Specific Train Stations
Some players have reported success by starting their challenge near specific train stations known for bird activity. For instance, boarding a train at Strawberry and heading east, or at Tumbleweed and heading north, can put you in areas with different bird populations.
Tips for Success
- Patience is Key: Don’t rush. The train moves at a steady pace, giving you time to line up your shots. If you miss, there will be other opportunities.
- Focus on Flight Patterns: Birds often fly in arcs or straight lines. Anticipate their movement rather than just reacting to their current position.
- Utilize Your Environment: The landscape around the train tracks can be a good indicator of bird activity. Look for areas with trees, water, or open fields.
- Practice Dead Eye: If you’re not comfortable with Dead Eye, spend some time practicing marking targets in free roam before attempting the challenge.
- Listen: Sometimes, the sounds of birds can alert you to their presence before you see them.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Shooting Too Early/Late: This is the most common mistake. Use Dead Eye to ensure your timing is right.
- Using the Wrong Weapon: A shotgun blast will obliterate a small bird, making it impossible to count as a kill for the challenge. Stick to the Varmint Rifle.
- Getting Off the Train: The challenge explicitly states “from a moving train.” If you dismount, any kills made on foot won’t count.
- Encountering Guards: If you’re on a stolen train, guards might interfere. Try to complete the challenge quickly or find a route with fewer patrols.
Conclusion
The “kill 5 birds from a moving train” challenge in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a test of patience, aim, and strategic use of in-game mechanics. By equipping the Varmint Rifle, mastering Dead Eye, and choosing the right train route, you can efficiently conquer this task. Remember that like learning how to train a bird to step up, success comes with practice and understanding the nuances of the environment. Happy hunting!
