RDR2 walkthrough by chapter: what to do in each one, spoiler-free

The RDR2 walkthrough runs through six chapters and a two-part epilogue. Each chapter comes with a new gang camp, and each one opens up more of the map. Below is an overview with no plot twists: where you are, what appears and what you should get done while the chapter lasts. The full mission list in order is on the RDR2 missions page.

The gang shelters from a blizzard in an abandoned mining town in the mountains. This is the tutorial chapter: the game teaches riding, hunting, looting, gunfights and camp life. Snow limits the map, and there is little side content.

What to do: get used to the controls and the cores, and try the bow while hunting. The first New Hanover Gazette after this chapter unlocks a few cheats — the list is on the RDR2 cheats page.

The most open chapter in the game: the camp sits near Valentine, and almost all story missions can be taken in any order. This is where most systems unlock.

• Camp ledger — after "Money Lending and Other Sins". Two upgrades to Dutch's lodging ($220 + $325) give you fast travel.
• Treasure: Jack Hall Gang and Poisonous Trail — 6 gold bars in total ($3,000). One more bar is in Limpany. Details in the guide how to make money in RDR2.
• Legendary animals — from the mission "Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego" (the map goes into your satchel).
• White Arabian near Lake Isabella — a free top-tier horse, if you can get through the snow.
• Hunting requests from Ms. Hobbs and the Fence at Emerald Ranch.

Before moving on: camp chores (trophies such as Lending a Hand and Errand Boy depend on them), Strauss debts I–III and the We Loved Once and True I–III line. The stranger missions The Wisdom of the Elders and The Veteran can wait — they stay available later.

The camp moves near Rhodes in Lemoyne. The gang tries to play two feuding local families against each other.

• High Stakes — the third treasure map (3 gold bars), after "The New South".
• After "Blood Feuds, Ancient and Modern" — a gold bar in the ruins of Braithwaite Manor.
• The Shady Belle hideout, which you need to clear for 100%.

Before moving on: The Course of True Love I–III (Rhodes), Strauss debt IV and camp chores. The Bolt Action Rifle shows up at gunsmiths in this chapter — prices are on the RDR2 weapons page.

The new camp is at Shady Belle, and the action centers on Saint Denis, the biggest city in the game. It has the Trapper, tailors, a theater and the best shops.

• Black Arabian at the Saint Denis stable for $1,050.
• New weapons: Semi-Automatic Pistol and Semi-Auto Shotgun.
• The newspaper after "Urban Pleasures" unlocks the max honor cheat.

Before moving on: Fatherhood and Other Dreams (letter in Arthur's room), Help a Brother Out and Brothers and Sisters, One and All (Saint Denis), debt V and the side robberies with gang members. This is also your last chance at camp chores for trophies.

A short chapter on a tropical island, far from the familiar map. Bounties are not available here.

What to do: explore the island while you can — once the chapter ends, you cannot return to Guarma.

Arthur's last chapter, with the camp in remote Beaver Hollow in eastern New Hanover. Bounties are unavailable again.

• Do Not Seek Absolution I–II in Annesburg — only with honor rank 4 or higher.
• Of Men and Angels I–II — if you completed Brothers and Sisters, One and All in Chapter 4.
• The Course of True Love IV–V, Strauss debts VI–VII, Archeology for Beginners and Honor, Amongst Thieves.

The point of no return is "Our Best Selves", which Dutch gives you after "My Last Boy". After it, the game runs to the end of the chapter with no free time. Make a manual save before it: the ending depends on Arthur's honor and your choices.

The epilogue is mandatory and comes in two parts. The whole map opens up, including New Austin, which Arthur could not explore.

• The legendary Cougar, Pronghorn and Tatanka Bison — after the mission "The Wheel". Details are on the legendary animals page.
• Rose Grey Bay Arabian at the Blackwater stable ($1,250) — according to guides, the best horse in the game by stats.
• Bounties return after one of the story missions in the first part.
• The Thieves' Landing and Fort Mercer gang hideouts — needed for 100% (see RDR2 gangs).

The final story mission is "American Venom". After the credits, free roam continues: you can finish collections, the 9 graves, challenges and the rest of the RDR2 100% checklist.

These are HowLongToBeat estimates as reported by Dexerto and other outlets; your own time depends on how much you hunt and explore. Rockstar has not given an official figure. Before you start, it helps to read the RDR2 beginner tips, and the states are laid out on the RDR2 map page.