Embarking on an adventure in Red Dead Redemption 2 often involves a multitude of challenges, and for many players, mastering the art of shooting birds from a moving train presents a unique and engaging one. This task, while seemingly straightforward, requires a blend of precision, timing, and an understanding of the game’s mechanics. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to perfect your skills or a newcomer facing this challenge for the first time, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to successfully hunt avians from a speeding locomotive.
The RDR2 Bird Hunting Challenge Explained
The “shoot 5 birds from a moving train” challenge is often encountered during the game’s progression, serving as a test of a player’s marksmanship and ability to adapt to dynamic scenarios. Unlike stationary hunting, the constant movement of the train adds a layer of complexity. Birds in RDR2, particularly smaller ones like sparrows or robins, are fast and easily startled, making them difficult targets even under ideal conditions. When combined with the rocking and rattling of a train, the difficulty is significantly amplified. This isn’t just about aiming; it’s about understanding projectile drop, lead, and compensating for the train’s momentum.
Preparing for the Hunt: Essential Gear and Strategy
Before you even think about stepping onto a train, proper preparation is key. Success hinges on having the right equipment and a solid strategy.
Weapon Choice is Crucial
For this specific challenge, the Varmint Rifle is your best friend. Its high rate of fire and accuracy make it ideal for quickly taking down small game. While other weapons might work, they often lack the precision or fire rate needed. A repeater could be an option, but its projectile drop might be more pronounced over the distances you’ll be engaging targets. For a more challenging, but potentially rewarding, experience, a shotgun with birdshot could be used if you’re close enough, but accuracy becomes paramount.
Ammunition Matters
Always ensure you are stocked with regular or high-velocity rounds for your Varmint Rifle. These provide the best balance of power and accuracy for small game. Avoid explosive or split-point ammunition, as they will damage the bird’s carcass, lowering its value and potentially failing to count for certain challenges.
Finding the Right Train Route
Not all train journeys are created equal when it comes to bird hunting. Look for routes that traverse areas known for abundant bird life, such as forests, plains, or near bodies of water. Routes that move at a consistent, brisk pace are also preferable. While there’s no single “perfect” route, experimenting with different train lines in Chapter 2 or 3 often yields good results.
Executing the Shot: Step-by-Step
Once you’re on the train and have your Varmint Rifle ready, it’s time to put your skills to the test.
Step 1: Find a Vantage Point
Hop onto the roof of a train car or find a position near the edge of a car where you have a clear line of sight. Avoid being inside the train cars, as your view will be obstructed. The goal is to have as much open space around you as possible.
Step 2: Spotting Your Targets
Keep a keen eye on the surrounding environment. Birds tend to fly near trees, along cliff edges, or over open fields adjacent to the train tracks. They often appear in small flocks. Listen for their calls, as this can sometimes help you locate them before you see them.
Step 3: Leading Your Shot
This is the most critical part. Because the train is moving, you’ll need to aim ahead of the birds to compensate for both their movement and the train’s speed.
- For birds flying parallel to the train: Aim slightly ahead of them, in their direction of travel.
- For birds flying perpendicular to the train: This is trickier. You’ll need to account for the train’s speed pushing your shot downstream. Aim significantly ahead of the bird’s current position.
Experiment with how much you need to lead. The faster the train and the further away the bird, the more lead you’ll need.
Step 4: Firing and Follow-Up Shots
Take your shot when you feel your aim is true. Don’t be discouraged if you miss. The beauty of the Varmint Rifle is its rapid fire rate. Immediately after your first shot, try to acquire another target or take a follow-up shot at the same bird if it’s still viable. Remember, you need to kill five birds.
How to ensure a kill counts:
- Clean Kill: Aim for the head or vital areas if possible, though with small birds, any solid hit with the Varmint Rifle should suffice.
- Gather the Loot: After you’ve successfully taken down five birds, make sure to pick them up or skin them. Sometimes, the game only registers the kill once the carcass is collected. This ensures your progress counts towards the challenge.
Tips for Success and Overcoming Difficulties
Even with the right gear and strategy, this challenge can be tough. Here are some additional tips to help you succeed:
- Patience is a Virtue: Don’t rush. If you’re not seeing many birds, consider switching train routes or coming back later. Sometimes, a change of scenery can make all the difference.
- Practice Your Aim: Spend time in the game’s free-roam environment practicing your shots on stationary and moving targets. This will help you get a feel for the Varmint Rifle’s ballistics.
- Utilize Dead Eye: Dead Eye is your ultimate advantage. Activate it to slow down time and carefully aim at multiple birds, or to line up a perfect shot on a single, fleeting target. For this challenge, strategically using Dead Eye on birds as they appear can be a game-changer.
- Save Frequently: If you’re struggling, save your game before boarding the train. This way, if you fail to meet the challenge, you can simply reload and try again without losing much progress.
- Consider the Train’s Speed: Slower trains offer more time to aim but fewer birds might be present. Faster trains offer more opportunities but require quicker reflexes and more precise leading. Find a balance that works for you.
What if Birds Don’t Appear?
If you’re on a train route and birds are simply not spawning, try a different train line or a different part of the map. Some areas are more densely populated with wildlife than others. Riding the train at different times of the day might also influence spawn rates.
The Reward: More Than Just Progress
Successfully completing the “kill 5 birds from a moving train” challenge isn’t just about ticking a box on your progression list. It’s about honing a skill that will serve you well throughout your RDR2 journey. Master this, and you’ll find yourself more adept at hunting other small game, tackling bounty missions that require precision shooting, and generally becoming a more formidable force in the Wild West. The satisfaction of nailing those difficult shots, especially from a speeding train, is a reward in itself.
So, saddle up, grab your Varmint Rifle, and set out on a train journey. With a little practice and the strategies outlined here, you’ll soon be a master of hunting birds from a moving train in Red Dead Redemption 2. Happy hunting!
