Red Dead Redemption 2 offers several opportunities for players to acquire weapons and gear at no cost through specific in-game actions, random encounters, and promotional bonuses. These freebies can significantly aid players, particularly in the early stages of the game, by providing access to firearms and other equipment without the need for in-game currency. The methods for obtaining these items vary, ranging from completing specific story missions and helping strangers to utilizing pre-order or special edition bonuses. Understanding the eligibility requirements and locations for these free items is essential for players looking to build their arsenal efficiently.
One of the primary methods for obtaining a free firearm involves a specific random encounter. After completing the game's introduction and entering Chapter 2, players can explore the open world. A notable opportunity arises south of Caliban's Seat, near the river. Here, players may encounter a stranger who has been bitten by a snake and is in distress. The game provides audio cues, such as screaming, to help locate this individual. To assist him, the player must interact with him and provide a health cure to counteract the poison. It is critical to act quickly, as the stranger will die if not treated promptly. Once cured, the stranger will leave the area. While the immediate reward for this action is honor points, this encounter triggers a later benefit. According to user reports, this individual will eventually grant the player a voucher that allows for a single free purchase at a gunsmith. After this one-time free purchase, normal prices will resume at the gunsmith.
In addition to random encounters, free weapons can be acquired through story progression. Players are often handed free weapons during specific story missions. Furthermore, certain weapons become available for purchase at gunsmiths after completing specific story missions. For example, the Lancaster Repeater is acquired during the "An American Pastoral Scene" mission in Chapter 2, after which it becomes available at all gunsmiths. The Litchfield Repeater is unlocked during "Goodbye, Dear Friend" in Chapter 6. The Springfield Rifle becomes available after completing "Eastward Bound" in Chapter 1. Other weapons, such as the Machete, can be purchased at Fence vendors after completing "Dear Uncle Tacitus" in Chapter 5. Dynamite and Fire Bottles are also unlocked for purchase at Fence vendors after specific story missions in Chapter 1 and Chapter 3, respectively.
Players who own special or ultimate editions of the game, or who have linked their Rockstar Games Social Club account with other Rockstar titles, may also receive free gear. For instance, purchasing the Special or Ultimate Edition grants access to free weapons. Additionally, players who completed a specific mission in Grand Theft Auto V Online can receive the Double-Action Revolver automatically in Red Dead Redemption 2 after completing the "A Strange Kindness" mission in Chapter 2. The Navy Revolver, which was added in a patch in December 2019, can be purchased in Red Dead Online for $275 from any gunsmith.
Other free items available in the game include the High Roller Revolver, which can be found at the Fence in Thieves Landing. A free Grizzlies Outlaw outfit is available from the general store's clothing catalog. Players can also acquire a free Red Chestnut Arabian horse from stables in Valentine. While these items are not directly related to gunsmith services, they represent additional free gear that can enhance the player's experience.
The gunsmiths in Red Dead Redemption 2 are located in various towns, including Annesburg, Valentine, Tumbleweed, Rhodes, and Saint Denis. They offer similar services, such as selling weapons, ammunition, and modifications. Weapon availability at these vendors is primarily tied to story progression. As players advance through the story mode missions, new weapons become unlocked for purchase at gunsmiths. For example, the Volcanic Pistol can be purchased everywhere after a certain point in Chapter 1, the Semi-automatic Pistol after a certain point in Chapter 4, and the Mauser Pistol after a certain point in Chapter 5. The M1899 pistol is available for purchase from the Saint Denis gunsmith after the story mission "The Battle for Shady Belle" in Chapter 3 and is exclusive to the PC version of the game.
It is important to note that some of the free weapons provided through special editions or bonuses cannot be disabled or hidden in the game's options, which may affect the intended experience for players who prefer to earn their gear through standard gameplay. For those players, it is suggested to check the standard prices of weapons and only purchase them when the in-game currency has been earned, ignoring the free options provided by bonuses.
In summary, free weapons and gear in Red Dead Redemption 2 are accessible through a combination of in-game actions and promotional content. Helping a snake-bitten stranger in Chapter 2 leads to a one-time free gunsmith purchase. Progressing through the story missions unlocks various weapons for purchase, and some are even handed directly to the player. Special edition owners and players with linked Rockstar accounts receive additional free weapons. Furthermore, specific locations like the Fence in Thieves Landing and general store catalogs offer other free items like revolvers and outfits. By utilizing these methods, players can effectively build their arsenal without spending in-game money.