How to Decrease Your Bounty in Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2
3 Key Takeaways
- Bounties can make your in-game life difficult, restricting travel and interactions. Learning how to manage or remove them is crucial for smoother gameplay.
- Different strategies for removing bounties include bounty hunting, pardon letters, or even serving jail time each with pros and cons based on your playstyle.
- Both games offer unique mechanics, so mastering the system in Red Dead Redemption differs slightly from Red Dead Redemption 2.
Navigating the Law: Bounty Systems in Red Dead Redemption
In Red Dead Redemption and its sequel, the bounty system is a double-edged sword. Breaking the law often leads to thrilling chases, shootouts, and epic moments. But let’s face it having a bounty on your head can quickly become a headache. Suddenly, your every move is under scrutiny, NPCs report even the smallest infractions, and navigating the map becomes a high-risk venture.
Fortunately, there are ways to clear your name and get back to riding carefree through the Wild West. Whether you’re stepping into John Marston’s boots in Red Dead Redemption or Arthur Morgan’s in Red Dead Redemption 2, this guide will cover all the best methods for reducing or eliminating your bounty.
What Is a Bounty in Red Dead Redemption?
A bounty represents the price on your head for committing crimes in the game. It’s essentially how much the law and the local authorities want you to pay for breaking their rules. From minor crimes like vandalism or trespassing to major offenses like robbery or murder, any illegal activity can raise your bounty.
Once your bounty is high enough, law enforcement and bounty hunters will start actively pursuing you. The higher the bounty, the more relentless the pursuit. Left unchecked, this can escalate into dangerous encounters, even turning certain areas of the map into no-go zones for you.
How to Decrease Your Bounty in Red Dead Redemption
1. Complete Bounty-Hunting Missions
One of the most effective ways to reduce your bounty in Red Dead Redemption is by turning the tables and becoming a bounty hunter yourself. After completing the “Political Realities in Armadillo” mission, players can access bounty-hunting gigs by picking up wanted posters at telegraph offices or train stations.
- How It Works:
When you accept a bounty-hunting mission, a white skull will appear on the map, marking where to pick up the gig. Your target represented by a red skull must be captured alive or dead. Completing the mission clears some of John Marston’s bounty while also rewarding you with money. - Why It’s Worth It:
This method is a win-win. Not only do you reduce your bounty, but you also earn cash making it a highly efficient strategy.
2. Use Pardon Letters
Pardon Letters are consumable items that instantly erase your bounty when handed over at a telegraph office. However, these documents are rare and require effort to obtain.
- Where to Find Pardon Letters:
- Complete gang hideout challenges across the map.
- Search cracked safes and chests.
- Earn them through specific missions.
- Pro Tips:
You can carry a maximum of five Pardon Letters unless you complete Treasure Hunter Challenges, which increase your inventory space for consumables. It’s wise to save Pardon Letters for significant bounties when other methods aren’t practical.
3. Serve Jail Time
Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective let yourself get arrested.
- How to Surrender:
If you’ve committed a minor crime and the law is pursuing you, surrendering peacefully allows you to serve time in jail. Upon your release, your bounty is cleared. - The Catch:
Serving jail time costs in-game money equal to your bounty. It’s a free option if you’re cash-strapped but still requires some financial sacrifice.
4. Perform Nightwatch Tasks
Nightwatch tasks are a slower but reliable way to decrease minor bounties. These side activities involve protecting towns from thieves and wild animals. While they don’t eliminate significant bounties, they’re ideal for chipping away at smaller offenses.
5. Achieve the Legend Fame Level
If you play honourably and achieve the “Legend” Fame level, the game automatically cuts your bounty values in half. This is a long-term strategy that rewards good behaviour, making it easier to manage future bounties.
How to Decrease Your Bounty in Red Dead Redemption 2
While the core concept of the bounty system remains similar in Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur Morgan has slightly different options at his disposal.
1. Spend the Night in Jail
Much like in the original game, surrendering to the authorities is a viable option for clearing your bounty. However, there are a few nuances:
- Wait for the Heat to Die Down:
If you’re being actively hunted, avoid escalating the situation. Once things settle, commit a minor offense to attract law enforcement’s attention. For example, starting a fistfight in a saloon usually works without leading to excessive violence. - How to Surrender:
When approached by lawmen, holster your weapons and follow the on-screen prompts to peacefully give yourself up. - What Happens Next:
You’ll spend a few nights in jail, after which your bounty will be cleared.
2. Pay Off Your Bounty at the Post Office
If you’ve got cash to spare, this is the easiest and quickest method.
- How It Works:
Head to any Post Office, approach the clerk, and pay your bounty. Once the payment is processed, you’re free to roam without any trouble. - Why This Method Is Ideal:
Paying off your bounty allows you to avoid jail time entirely, making it the preferred option for players who value their time and freedom.
What About “Wanted: Dead or Alive” Status?
If your crimes are severe enough, certain regions may label you as “Wanted: Dead or Alive.” In this case, neither surrendering nor paying off your bounty is an option. You’ll need to stay out of these areas entirely or be prepared for non-stop conflict.
Final Thoughts: Managing Bounties Like a Pro
The bounty system in Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2 adds a thrilling layer of realism to the games. It forces players to think twice before breaking the law, as every action has consequences.
By utilizing strategies like bounty hunting, Pardon Letters, or simply paying off your debt to society, you can keep your adventures running smoothly. Whether you prefer the honourable route or a more rebellious approach, these tips will help you navigate the Wild West with confidence.
FAQ
1. Can I avoid raising a bounty in the first place?
Yes! Avoid committing crimes or being spotted when breaking the law. Stealth and discretion go a long way in avoiding unnecessary trouble.
2. What happens if I don’t clear my bounty?
The longer you leave a bounty unpaid, the more aggressive lawmen and bounty hunters become. Eventually, certain areas may become inaccessible.
3. Are there any in-game benefits to having a bounty?
Not directly, but it can add an extra layer of challenge and excitement to your gameplay. However, high bounties generally hinder exploration and progression.
4. How do Fame and Honor affect my bounty?
Reaching higher Fame levels can reduce bounty amounts, while Honor influences how NPCs perceive you. Playing honorably can make managing bounties easier in the long run.
5. Can I remove “Wanted: Dead or Alive” status?
No, this status is irreversible in the game. Avoid these areas if possible, or be prepared for constant conflict when entering them.