If you’re looking for the best Weapons In RDR 2, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down the Top 10 Best Weapons in RDR 2, explaining how you can get your hands on them. Whether you prefer a high-powered sniper, a classic revolver, or a deadly shotgun, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and gear up!
1. Antler Knife

The Antler Knife is one of the unique melee weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2, featuring a handle made from you guessed it antlers! This rare weapon is both stylish and deadly, making it a great addition to any outlaw’s collection.
Antler Knife Stats & Features:
Attribute | Description |
---|---|
Damage | High |
Range | Short (like all knives) |
Speed | Fast attack speed |
Durability | Unbreakable (like other melee weapons) |
Unique Look | Features a rustic antler handle, making it stand out from standard knives. |
How to Get the Antler Knife:
Unlike regular weapons that you can buy at a gunsmith, the Antler Knife can only be found in a specific location:
- Go to Northwest of Hanging Dog Ranch – This area is in the western part of West Elizabeth.
- Find the Dead Hunter – Near a small stream, you’ll see a poor hunter who met his end at the hands of a grizzly bear.
- Loot the Knife – The Antler Knife will be stuck in the hunter’s body. Simply loot it, and it’s yours!
???? Important Tip: If you lose the Antler Knife, you won’t be able to buy it back from a store. However, you can retrieve it from the weapon locker in your camp or a gunsmith.
This is one of those cool weapons that adds extra flair to your outlaw adventures. Have you found it yet?
2. Semi-Auto Shotgun
The Semi-Auto Shotgun in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the best weapons in RDR 2, offering a deadly combination of speed and power. If you prefer a fast-firing, hard-hitting weapon for close combat, this is the shotgun you need.
Semi-Auto Shotgun stats and features:
Attribute | Description |
---|---|
Damage | High |
Fire Rate | Very fast (best among shotguns) |
Reload Speed | Fast |
Range | Short (as expected for a shotgun) |
Capacity | 5 shells before reloading |
This shotgun is perfect for clearing out enemies at close range, making it a great choice for shootouts in tight spaces like towns, forests, or inside buildings.
How to Get the Semi-Auto Shotgun:
There are two ways to acquire this powerhouse of a weapon:
- Buy It from a Gunsmith
- Available for purchase after Chapter 4.
- Costs $225 at any gunsmith (Saint Denis, Valentine, etc.).
- You can also customize it with engravings, wraps, and different metals.
- How to Get It for Free:
- Go to Watson’s Cabin – It’s a small house in the woods, northwest of Wallace Station.
- Enter the Cabin – Inside, you’ll find an elderly woman who mistakes Arthur for her son. Don’t attack her yet!
- Loot the Weapon Locker – Head to the basement (trapdoor behind the kitchen table) and grab the Semi-Auto Shotgun from the weapon case.
- Leave or Deal with the Woman – If you leave, she later calls her sons for revenge, giving you another opportunity to take them down.
This method allows you to get the Semi-Auto Shotgun early without spending a dime.
Why the Semi-Auto Shotgun is One of the Best
- Unlike pump-action or double-barrel shotguns, this one lets you fire multiple rounds quickly before needing to reload.
- It’s perfect for horseback combat since you can rapidly shoot enemies while riding.
- Works well against both enemies and large animals (like grizzlies!).
This is one of the most reliable and devastating close-range weapons in RDR2. Have you tried it out yet?
3. Double-Action Revolver
The Double-Action Revolver is one of the fastest-firing handguns in Red Dead Redemption 2, making it a great choice for quick shootouts. While it doesn’t have the highest damage, its rapid fire rate makes up for it, especially when dual-wielded.
Double-Action Revolver stats and features:
Attribute | Description |
---|---|
Damage | Moderate (lower than other revolvers) |
Fire Rate | Very fast (best feature of this gun) |
Accuracy | Decent, but worse than the Schofield Revolver |
Reload Speed | Fast |
Capacity | 6 rounds |
Best For | Horseback combat and fast-paced fights |
The Double-Action Revolver is perfect for run-and-gun situations, allowing you to unload bullets quickly without the slow cocking action of other revolvers.
How to Get the Double-Action Revolver
There are multiple ways to get this revolver in RDR2:
- Buy It from a Gunsmith (Easiest Method)
- Available from Chapter 2 onward.
- Can be purchased for $65 at any gunsmith (Valentine, Saint Denis, etc.).
- Loot the Double-Action Revolver from Lonnie’s Shack (Chapter 3 Free Method)
- Go to Lonnie’s Shack – This small cabin is located south of Braithwaite Manor, in the Scarlett Meadows region of Lemoyne.
- Enter the Shack & Deal with the Gang – Inside, you’ll find a group of four outlaws. You can either:
- Rob them at gunpoint (threaten them, but they might fight back).
- Kill them all and loot the place freely.
- Find the Hidden Gun Case – Inside the shack, look under one of the bunk beds to find a locked weapon case.
- Open the Case & Claim the Revolver – Inside, you’ll find a Double-Action Revolver for free!
This method is available as early as Chapter 3, This is a great way to grab the revolver without spending $65 at a gunsmith. Once you have it, you can also customize it at a gunsmith with engravings, different metals, or even a custom grip.
4. Broken Pirate Sword
The Broken Pirate Sword is a rare and unique melee weapon in Red Dead Redemption 2. While it doesn’t deal the most damage compared to other melee weapons, it has a cool pirate aesthetic, making it a great collector’s item.
Broken Pirate Sword Stats & Features:
Attribute | Description |
---|---|
Damage | Moderate (not as powerful as the Machete) |
Swing Speed | Average |
Durability | Infinite (melee weapons don’t degrade in RDR2) |
Appearance | A worn, old pirate cutlass with a broken tip |
How to Get the Broken Pirate Sword (Exact Location)
You can find the Broken Pirate Sword for free on a small island in Lemoyne.
- Go to the Saint Denis Area – The sword is hidden on an island south of Saint Denis, near the Kamassa River.
- Look for a Small Island in the Bayou – The island is located east of Shady Belle, in the swampy waters of Bayou Nwa.
- Find the Skeleton Holding the Sword – Once on the island, look for a skeleton leaning against a big rock. The Broken Pirate Sword is stuck into the ground beside it.
- Pick Up the Sword – Simply walk up to it and press the button prompt to add it to your weapon inventory for free.
No missions or requirements needed—you can grab it anytime!
Is the Broken Pirate Sword Worth Using?
- Unique Design – Looks cool and fits a pirate/raider aesthetic.
- Free Collectible – One of the rare melee weapons in the game.
- Weak in Combat – Doesn’t deal as much damage as other melee weapons like the Machete.
If you love collecting rare weapons in RDR2, this is a must-have! Are you planning to grab it?
5. Lancaster Repeater
The Lancaster Repeater is one of the best weapons in RDR 2 and most well-balanced. It’s a reliable firearm that excels in medium to long-range combat, making it a favorite among many players.
Lancaster Repeater Stats & Features
Attribute | Description |
---|---|
Damage | Moderate (slightly lower than the Litchfield Repeater) |
Fire Rate | High (fastest among repeaters) |
Accuracy | Excellent (very steady aim) |
Reload Speed | Fast (reloads multiple rounds at once) |
Ammo Capacity | 14 rounds (higher than other repeaters) |
Best For | General combat, hunting, and shootouts |
Why the Lancaster Repeater is Great:
- Fast fire rate makes it better for close and mid-range fights.
- High accuracy makes it easy to land headshots.
- Large ammo capacity means fewer reloads in intense fights.
- Great for hunting as it doesn’t damage pelts too much.
How to Get the Lancaster Repeater
- Buy It from Any Gunsmith (Available from Chapter 2)
- Can be purchased at any gunsmith in the game for $135.
- Available starting in Chapter 2.
- Get It for Free from Rhodes Gunsmith Basement
- Go to Rhodes Gunsmith
- The Gunsmith shop is located in Rhodes, Lemoyne.
- You must first notice a suspicious man looking uncomfortable near the store.
- Investigate the Basement
- Approach the front window of the Gunsmith and look inside.
- You’ll see a boy trapped in the basement, being held captive.
- Confront the Gunsmith
- Enter the store and aim your gun at the Gunsmith (behind the counter).
- Demand that he open the basement door—he will eventually comply.
- Enter the Basement & Rescue the Boy
- Inside, you’ll find a kidnapped boy in shackles.
- You can either cut him loose or leave him—your choice doesn’t affect rewards.
- Loot the Lancaster Repeater
- While inside the basement, look for a weapon rack.
- A Lancaster Repeater will be available to grab for free!
- Simply pick it up, and it’s yours permanently.
- Go to Rhodes Gunsmith
Is the Lancaster Repeater Worth Using?
- Best all-around repeater – Great mix of power, speed, and accuracy.
- Versatile – Good for both close and long-range combat.
- Large magazine – 14 rounds before needing to reload.
- Slightly weaker damage than the Litchfield Repeater.
If you want a fast, accurate, and reliable gun for most fights, the Lancaster Repeater is one of the best weapons in RDR 2.
6. Pump-Action Shotgun
The Pump-Action Shotgun is one of the best shotguns in Red Dead Redemption 2, known for its power, range, and reliability. It’s perfect for close-range combat, capable of obliterating enemies with a single blast.
Pump-Action Shotgun stats and features:
Attribute | Description |
---|---|
Damage | High (deadly in close quarters) |
Fire Rate | Moderate (faster than the Double-Barreled Shotgun) |
Range | Good (for a shotgun) |
Accuracy | Decent |
Reload Speed | Fast (reloads shell-by-shell) |
Ammo Capacity | 5 shells before needing a reload |
Best For | Clearing rooms, close-range fights, and hunting large animals |
How to Get the Pump-Action Shotgun in RDR2
- Buy It from Any Gunsmith ($148)
- Available for purchase at any Gunsmith in the game.
- Costs $148, which is expensive but worth it.
- Can be customized with engravings, wraps, and sights.
- Get the Pump-Action Shotgun for Free
- Travel to Porter’s Homestead
- Head north of Window Rock in the Grizzlies West region of Ambarino.
- The homestead is a small cabin occupied by enemies.
- Take Out the Camp’s Inhabitants
- The homestead is occupied by hostile NPCs (likely hermits or outlaws).
- You can stealth kill them or go in guns blazing—your choice!
- Find the Chest with the Shotgun
- Inside the homestead, look for a wooden chest.
- The Pump-Action Shotgun is stored inside, waiting to be looted.
- Open the chest and claim your free shotgun!
- Travel to Porter’s Homestead
If you want a powerful, versatile shotgun, the Pump-Action Shotgun is one of best weapons in RDR 2. Are you going to loot it or buy it?
7. Viking Hatchet
The Viking Hatchet is a unique melee weapon in Red Dead Redemption 2, featuring a distinct Nordic design with engraved patterns. It is one of the best throwing and melee weapons in the game, dealing high damage with a brutal, bloody effect when used in combat.
Viking Hatchet stats and features:
Attribute | Description |
---|---|
Damage | Very high (one-hit kill in most cases) |
Throwing Ability | Yes (can be used as a throwable weapon) |
Durability | Doesn’t degrade, making it reliable |
Speed | Moderate (slower than a knife but stronger) |
Best For | Melee combat, throwing attacks, and collecting rare weapons |
How to Get the Viking Hatchet in RDR2
- Travel to the Old Tomb (Annesburg Region)
- The Viking Hatchet is located at a hidden Viking burial site.
- Location: Northwest of Annesburg, near the Roanoke Valley in New Hanover.
- The place is marked on the map as an Old Tomb, resembling a ruined Viking settlement.
- Explore the Viking Burial Site
- The site is a small stone structure with tombs and skulls scattered around.
- Walk inside, and you’ll notice a stone altar in the center.
- Pick Up the Viking Hatchet from the Altar
- The Viking Hatchet is resting on top of the stone altar inside the tomb.
- Simply walk up to it and press the button to pick it up.
- Once collected, it’s permanently added to your weapon inventory.
Bonus: Viking Helmet & Burial Treasure!
While you’re at the Viking Burial Site, you can also find:
- Viking Helmet (Purely cosmetic, but cool-looking)
- Found inside the tomb—look around for it.
- Ancient Viking Comb (Valuable Treasure)
- Look inside one of the skulls on the ground to find this rare loot.
- It can be sold to a Fence for extra cash.
8. Rare Shotgun
The Rare Shotgun in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a unique double-barreled shotgun with a weathered, old-school design and engraved metalwork. It’s more powerful than the standard Double-Barreled Shotgun and is a must-have for collectors or players who love devastating close-range combat. This is one of the best weapons in RDR 2
Rare Shotgun stats and features:
Attribute | Description |
---|---|
Damage | Very high (one of the most powerful shotguns in RDR2) |
Accuracy | Moderate (better for close combat) |
Range | Short (like all shotguns) |
Reload Speed | Slow (since it’s a double-barrel) |
Best For | Close-quarters combat and collecting rare weapons |
How to Get the Rare Shotgun in RDR2
- Travel to Manito Glade (North of Annesburg)
- Location: North of Annesburg, in the woods of Roanoke Ridge, New Hanover.
- Look for a small, isolated cottage—this is the home of a hostile Hermit.
- Confront the Hermit
- The Hermit is aggressive and will immediately warn you to leave.
- If you step closer or provoke him, he will attack you with his Rare Shotgun.
- You can challenge him to a gunfight or sneak up and take him out.
- Loot the Rare Shotgun from His Body
- Once the Hermit is dead, loot his corpse to collect the Rare Shotgun.
- Unlike most weapons, this one cannot be bought from any Gunsmith!
- You must loot it from the Hermit, or you’ll miss out on this unique weapon.
- Explore His Cottage (Bonus Loot!)
- nside the Hermit’s cottage, you can find extra loot, including:
Ammo and provisions
A lockbox with valuables
Other hidden items around the house
- nside the Hermit’s cottage, you can find extra loot, including:
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