The Wild West of Red Dead Redemption 2 offers countless adventures, and one of the most engaging yet often overlooked is the art of shooting birds from a moving train. This activity not only hones your sharpshooting skills but also provides valuable in-game rewards. Whether you’re a seasoned outlaw or a new prospector, mastering this technique will undoubtedly enhance your RDR2 experience. Let’s dive into the best strategies to bag those flying targets.
Understanding the Challenge: Birds and Trains
Birds in RDR2, especially when you’re on a train, present a unique set of challenges. They are fast, erratic, and often appear in fleeting glimpses. The inherent movement of the train adds another layer of difficulty, requiring precise timing and aim. Understanding the common bird species you’ll encounter and their typical flight patterns is the first step to success. Many of these birds are also crucial for crafting and completing challenges, making them valuable targets beyond just practice.
Essential Gear and Preparation
Before you embark on your avian-hunting expedition from a train, proper preparation is key.
Weapon Selection
The choice of weapon significantly impacts your success rate.
- Varmint Rifle: This is generally the go-to weapon for smaller birds. Its low damage ensures you get clean kills without destroying the carcass, which is crucial for gathering perfect quality items. Its decent rate of fire also helps with quick follow-up shots.
- Repeater: For slightly larger birds or when multiple targets present themselves quickly, a repeater can be effective. However, be mindful of the damage; aim for headshots to preserve the carcass quality.
- Pistols/Revolvers: While not ideal, they can be used in a pinch for very close-range shots, but the accuracy and carcass quality are often compromised.
Ammunition
Stock up on standard or high-velocity ammunition for your chosen weapon. For smaller birds, regular rounds from the Varmint Rifle are usually sufficient.
Dead Eye
Mastering the Dead Eye system is paramount. Upgrading your Dead Eye to reveal enemy weak points and allow manual tagging will be a game-changer. This allows you to line up multiple shots on fast-moving targets with ease.
Strategic Train Routes and Timing
Not all train rides are created equal when it comes to bird hunting. Certain routes offer a higher density of avian life.
- New Hanover: The areas around Valentine and Emerald Ranch are known for their abundance of various bird species. Traveling east or west along the main railway lines here can yield good results.
- Lemoyne: The southern regions, particularly around Saint Denis and the Bayou, host waterfowl and other unique species. However, the terrain can be more challenging for spotting.
- West Elizabeth: The areas leading towards Blackwater and Great Plains often have game birds.
Pro Tip: Birds tend to be more active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Plan your train journeys accordingly.
Techniques for Successful Bird Hunting from a Train
The actual act of shooting birds from a moving train requires a combination of skill, patience, and strategy.
Anticipation and Prediction
- Scan Ahead: Constantly scan the skies and the landscape ahead of the train. Birds often fly in predictable patterns, especially when startled.
- Lead Your Shots: This is critical. You need to aim ahead of the bird’s current position to compensate for both the bird’s movement and the train’s speed. The faster the train and the further the bird, the more you’ll need to lead.
Utilizing Dead Eye Effectively
- Tagging: Activate Dead Eye as soon as you spot a target. Quickly tag the bird’s head or body. If multiple birds appear, tag them all before the Dead Eye meter depletes.
- Manual vs. Automatic Tagging: While automatic tagging can be quick, manual tagging in Dead Eye offers greater precision, especially for small, fast-moving targets. Practice switching between the two modes as needed.
Positioning on the Train
- Open Platforms: The open platforms of the train cars offer the best vantage points. Avoid the interiors where visibility is limited.
- Movement: Be prepared to move around the train cars to get a better angle or to line up shots on birds that appear on the opposite side.
Target Prioritization
- Start Small: If you’re new to this, start with smaller, slower birds. As you gain confidence, move on to more challenging targets like eagles or hawks.
- Quality Matters: Always aim for clean kills. A perfect quality carcass yields more valuable items for crafting, selling, or challenges. This usually means a headshot with the Varmint Rifle.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Several challenges can impede your progress in shooting birds from a train.
- Low Carcass Quality: Firing the wrong weapon or hitting the bird poorly can result in a poor-quality carcass. Always use the Varmint Rifle for small birds and aim for headshots.
- Missed Shots: Birds are fast. Don’t get discouraged by misses. Learn from each attempt; did you lead too much? Not enough? Was your Dead Eye timing off?
- Limited Time: Birds often appear and disappear quickly. Practice quick target acquisition and shooting.
Specific Bird Types and Hunting Tips
- Pigeons and Crows: Common and relatively easy to hit. Found in many areas, especially near settlements. The Varmint Rifle is ideal.
- Robins and Songbirds: Small and fast. Require precise aiming with the Varmint Rifle. Often found in wooded areas near the tracks.
- Hawks and Eagles: Larger, faster, and more challenging. Can be found in more open areas. A repeater or even a rifle might be necessary, but aim for headshots to maintain quality. These are excellent for challenges that require shooting flying birds.
RDR2 Shooting Birds from Train Challenges
This activity is directly tied to several in-game challenges, particularly the “Killer Rabbit” or “Master Hunter” challenges. Completing these often requires shooting specific types of birds or a certain number of birds from a moving train. For instance, the challenge to “Shoot 5 small birds from a moving train” is a common early-game hurdle. Mastering the techniques above will make these challenges significantly more manageable.
Conclusion
Shooting birds from a train in Red Dead Redemption 2 is more than just a pastime; it’s a skill that rewards patience, precision, and strategic thinking. By selecting the right gear, choosing opportune routes, and mastering techniques like Dead Eye and leading your shots, you can become a proficient avian hunter of the rails. So, hop on the next train, equip your Varmint Rifle, and start filling your satchel – your RDR2 journey will be all the richer for it. Remember, consistent practice is key to perfecting the art of the rdr2 shoot birds from train.
