Learn how to beat people up in the Old West.
As it's a game set in the Old West, Red Dead Redemption 2 naturally puts plenty of focus on guns. The title includes the standard revolvers, repeaters, and shotguns that you expect to see in this sort of game, and you're encouraged to use them a lot.
Yet, guns aren't always the way to deal with your problems, even in the Old West. Sometimes, you need to put the weapons down and your fists up, as fistfighting is in the game. Early in the adventure, you're introduced to hand-to-hand combat, but it isn't exactly an in-depth tutorial. So, if you still don't exactly know how it works, here's the information you desire.
How Fistfighting Works
Fistfights in Red Dead Redemption 2 can occur during specific story moments or if you anger the wrong person in the open world.
Either way, your objective in a brawl is to knock your opponent out. Not everyone goes down quickly, though. In fact, some can take a much more significant beating than others. So, there isn't an exact number of blows you need to land to win.
Before you can beat anyone, though, you need to know the controls. Thankfully, there are only a few controls to learn when it comes to fistfighting. Here are the ones you need to know:
|
Action |
Xbox |
PlayStation |
PC |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Punch |
B |
Circle |
F |
|
Block |
X |
Square |
R |
|
Grab |
Y |
Triangle |
E |
If you press the crouch button when you've grabbed someone, you'll slam them onto the floor, allowing you to get some extra punches in.
How To Win Fistfights
When it comes to hand-to-hand combat in Red Dead Redemption 2, a good defense is definitely the best offense. You don't have unlimited stamina in this game. So, you can't just keep punching someone into oblivion. You will get tired after a few punches, and your opponent will likely be ready for them anyway.
Therefore, your best chance of success is by using block. But you don't need to time your blocks or anything. Just hold down the block button while facing your opponent, and your character will automatically block and dodge punches that are coming straight at you.
After a block or dodge, let go of the button and start punching. You can usually get two or three hits in before they start blocking. Once they begin to stop your attacks, go back into defensive mode.
You can keep following this process until you achieve victory. However, you can also throw in an occasional grab when the enemy's staggered or their guard is down. This enables you to unleash a few free punches or attempt to choke them out.
If you're surrounded by enemies looking for a fight, it's best to try to get out of there or take your gun out. After all, Arthur isn't Batman; he can't really beat up a group of goons at once. He can take on three or four, though.
