Embarking on a quest to master the wilds of Red Dead Redemption 2 often leads players to specific challenges, and one of the most persistent is the task of shooting five birds from a moving train. This particular objective, often appearing in daily challenges or as part of larger progression systems, requires a blend of timing, aim, and a little bit of know-how. Mastering this skill not only helps you complete objectives but also enhances your overall hunting prowess within the game’s immersive world. Let’s dive into the most effective strategies and tips to ensure you can successfully bag those five birds without the bounty.
Understanding the Challenge: Birds and Trains
The core of this challenge lies in the unique environmental conditions: a moving train and airborne targets. Birds in RDR2, as in reality, are often skittish and quick. When you’re on a train, your own movement adds another layer of complexity. The train’s constant motion means your crosshairs need to account for both the bird’s flight path and the train’s speed. The types of birds you’ll encounter can vary, but generally, smaller, more common birds like pigeons, starlings, or sparrows are the most frequent targets.
Why is This Challenge Tricky?
- Movement: The train’s speed makes precise aiming difficult.
- Bird Agility: Birds are fast and unpredictable flyers.
- Limited Visibility: Depending on the train car and time of day, visibility can be an issue.
- Ammunition Choice: Using the wrong ammo can lead to wasted shots or unsuitable kills.
Strategic Approaches for Success
Several methods can significantly increase your chances of success. It’s often a combination of preparation and in-game tactics.
1. Choosing the Right Location and Train Route
Not all train routes are created equal when it comes to bird encounters.
- Rural Areas: Trains passing through more rural, open landscapes tend to have higher bird populations. Look for routes that go through forests, plains, or near bodies of water, as these are natural habitats for many bird species.
- Specific Stations: Sometimes, areas around train stations can have flocks of birds. If you can catch a train departing from or arriving at a station, you might get an initial opportunity.
2. Essential Gear and Preparation
Before you even step onto the train, having the right equipment is crucial.
- Weapons:
- Varmint Rifle: This is arguably the best weapon for this challenge. Its high rate of fire and accuracy are ideal for smaller targets. You’re less likely to destroy the bird, preserving its value if you intend to use it for crafting or sale, and it’s effective against most common birds.
- Repeater: A decent alternative if you don’t have the Varmint Rifle. Its faster firing rate compared to a rifle can be advantageous.
- Pistols/Revolvers: Generally not recommended due to lower accuracy and damage, which can lead to missed shots or spoiled kills.
- Ammunition:
- Regular or High Velocity Rounds: For the Varmint Rifle or Repeater, these are sufficient. Avoid special ammo unless absolutely necessary.
- Dead Eye: This is your most powerful tool. Ensure your Dead Eye core is full and consider using tonics if needed. The ability to mark multiple targets significantly simplifies the challenge.
3. In-Game Tactics and Techniques
Once on the train, it’s time to put your strategy into action.
- Positioning:
- Open Cars: Stand in open train cars (like flatbeds or the tender) where you have a clear line of sight. Avoid sitting inside passenger cars where windows can obstruct your view.
- Observation: Spend a few minutes observing the skies around the train as it moves. Identify common flight paths and areas where birds tend to congregate.
- Utilizing Dead Eye Effectively:
- Activate Dead Eye: As soon as you spot birds, activate Dead Eye.
- Mark Targets: Quickly mark up to five birds. Don’t aim for perfect headshots; focus on hitting them anywhere to count towards the objective.
- Fire: Once targets are marked, release the trigger to fire all shots.
- Manual Aiming (If Dead Eye is Unavailable):
- Anticipate Flight: Lead your shots significantly. Aim where the bird will be, not where it is.
- Burst Firing: Use short, controlled bursts with the Varmint Rifle or Repeater. Firing too rapidly can cause the weapon to kick and throw off your aim.
- Patience: Wait for birds to fly within a reasonable range and along a predictable path. Sometimes, pausing the train (if you’re the one controlling it or can find a way to temporarily halt it) might be considered, but this is often not feasible or permitted for this specific challenge. However, if you find yourself on a train that does stop briefly, take advantage of that moment.
- Where to Look:
- Above the Train: Birds often fly directly over the train.
- Alongside the Tracks: Keep an eye on birds flying parallel to the train’s path.
- Near Natural Features: Look for birds near trees, cliffs, or water bodies adjacent to the tracks.
4. Advanced Tips and Tricks
- Fast Travel: If you’re struggling to find a train route with birds, consider using fast travel to a station in a more avian-rich area.
- Save & Reload: If you’re on a long journey and haven’t seen any birds, or if you miss your chance, you can save your game and reload. Sometimes this can reset the spawns or trigger different events.
- Train Speed: While you can’t control the train’s speed, be aware that faster speeds require more aggressive leading of your shots. Slower segments of the journey might offer easier opportunities.
- Specific Bird Types: While any bird usually counts, focusing on more common, easily visible ones like pigeons or crows can be more efficient than chasing after rarer, faster species.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- “Birds aren’t spawning”: Try a different train route or travel to a different region. Ensure you’re in an open area, not deep within a mountain pass or tunnel.
- “I can’t hit them”: Practice leading your shots. If using manual aim, ensure you’re using the Varmint Rifle. Utilize Dead Eye whenever possible.
- “I killed them, but it didn’t count”: Make sure you’re using an appropriate weapon (Varmint Rifle or Repeater). Sometimes, very rare or specific mission-related birds might not count, but for this general challenge, standard birds should suffice. Ensure the train is in motion when you shoot.
Conclusion: Your Success Awaits
Completing the challenge of shooting five birds from a moving train in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a test of skill and patience. By selecting the right weapon, utilizing Dead Eye effectively, and understanding the dynamics of aiming at moving targets in a dynamic environment, you can turn this potentially frustrating task into a satisfying achievement. Remember to enjoy the journey through the game’s stunning landscapes while honing your marksmanship. Happy hunting!
