Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a vast world filled with challenges and collectibles, and one of the more elusive tasks involves sharpshooting avian targets from a moving train. This particular challenge, “kill 5 birds from a moving train,” requires a blend of patience, precise aiming, and understanding the game’s mechanics. Whether you’re a seasoned outlaw or a new arrival in the Wild West, this guide will help you master the art of aerial dispatch from a locomotive.
Understanding the Challenge
The “kill 5 birds from a moving train” challenge is part of the Marksman Challenges in Red Dead Redemption 2. It tests your ability to aim and shoot accurately under dynamic conditions. The train’s movement, combined with the often erratic flight patterns of birds, makes this a non-trivial task. Success hinges on preparation and a keen eye.
Preparing for the Hunt
Before you even set foot on a train, preparation is key. Here’s what you should consider:
- Weapon Choice: A rifle with a decent range and accuracy is highly recommended. The Bolt Action Rifle or the Springfield Rifle are excellent choices. A scope can be beneficial, but it’s not strictly necessary if you have good aim. Ensure your chosen weapon is fully upgraded and clean for optimal performance.
- Ammunition: Stock up on regular or high-velocity ammunition. Express ammo might offer a slight advantage due to its increased damage, potentially downing birds with a single shot.
- Dead Eye: This is your most crucial tool. Make sure your Dead Eye is fully charged. Upgraded Dead Eye versions allow you to mark multiple targets, which is incredibly useful for this challenge. The ability to tag targets and have them automatically hit is a game-changer.
- Choosing Your Train Route: Not all train routes are created equal. Some routes have more frequent bird spawns near the tracks than others. Generally, routes through more rural or natural areas, like those around Roanoke Ridge or south of Blackwater, tend to have more wildlife.
Strategies for Success
Here are several strategies to help you complete the challenge:
1. The Waiting Game
Find a train and hop aboard. Instead of immediately trying to shoot, take some time to observe the landscape. Birds often perch on trees, fences, or telegraph poles along the train’s route, or fly in clearings. Wait for a section of the track where you see potential targets.
2. Utilizing Dead Eye Effectively
Once you spot birds, activate Dead Eye. If you have an upgraded Dead Eye that allows target tagging, carefully paint your reticle over five different birds. Ensure they are within your weapon’s effective range. Once you’ve tagged five, unleash the Dead Eye. This method significantly increases your chances of success, as it compensates for the train’s movement and the birds’ flight.
3. Lead Your Shots
If you’re not using Dead Eye, or if your Dead Eye is depleted, leading your targets is essential. Birds in RDR2, like in reality, don’t stay still. You’ll need to aim slightly ahead of their projected path. The faster the bird is flying and the closer you are to it, the more you’ll need to lead your shot. Remember, the train is also moving, so you’re essentially shooting from a moving platform at moving targets.
4. Bird Types and Spawning Locations
Certain birds are more common near train tracks. Keep an eye out for:
- Pigeons: Often found in small flocks, especially near stations or settlements.
- Crows and Ravens: Common in more desolate areas.
- Cardinals, Blue Jays, and Robins: Found in wooded or greener areas.
The key is to look for birds that are not too high up and are relatively stationary for a moment before they fly. Telegraph poles and fence posts are prime perching spots.
5. Specific Train Routes and Tips
- The Eastern Route (Roanoke Ridge/Annesburg): This route often passes through dense forests and along rivers, providing ample opportunities to spot birds. The area near Annesburg is particularly good for spotting waterfowl and other woodland birds.
- The Southern Route (Near Blackwater): This route goes through more open plains, which can be good for spotting larger birds or flocks. However, it can also be more challenging due to the open terrain and fewer perching spots.
- The Central Route (Heartlands): This route is known for its diverse wildlife, including various bird species.
Pro-Tip: If you’re struggling to find birds, try starting the train journey at night and then waking up your character after sunrise. Sometimes, birds are more active in the morning. Also, if a particular train trip isn’t yielding results, disembark and find another train, or simply wait for the train to loop back around if you’re on a circular route. You can often find birds near train stations themselves.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Birds Flying Away Too Quickly: This is where Dead Eye is invaluable. If you don’t have it, try to anticipate their flight path and aim well ahead. Sometimes, startling them with a shot at a nearby bird can make them fly into your line of fire.
- Not Enough Birds Spawning: Try different train routes or different times of day. Some areas simply have more wildlife than others. The game’s random spawn mechanics can be fickle, so persistence is key.
- Missing Shots: Practice your aiming. If you’re struggling, spend some time hunting smaller game to hone your skills. Using a rifle with a scope can help with precision, especially at longer distances.
Alternative Approaches
- Standoffs and Ambush: While not directly from a moving train, some players have found success by triggering a train to move and then quickly jumping on to get a few shots in before it picks up too much speed. However, the challenge explicitly states “from a moving train,” so this might be a gray area.
- Patience is a Virtue: Sometimes, the best approach is simply to find a scenic train route, engage Dead Eye, and wait for the right moment. Don’t rush the process. Enjoy the ride and the scenery while keeping an eye out for your targets.
Completing the “kill 5 birds from a moving train” challenge is a satisfying feat that showcases your prowess as a marksman in Red Dead Redemption 2. With the right preparation, strategy, and a bit of luck, you’ll be adding this accomplishment to your ledger in no time. Remember to keep your wits about you, your aim steady, and your Dead Eye ready. Happy hunting!
