The Red Dead Redemption 2 map in plain terms: five fictional states plus the island of Guarma, the main towns and regions, how big the world is and where to find the legendary animals.
What the Red Dead Redemption 2 map is like
The RDR2 map is a fictional slice of America in 1899: from snowy mountains in the north to swamps and a big city in the east and desert in the southwest. The world is split into five states, each divided into several regions with their own climate, wildlife and plants.
Part of the map is familiar from the first Red Dead Redemption: New Austin and southern West Elizabeth (Blackwater, Great Plains, Tall Trees) recreate its geography. The Mexican state of Nuevo Paraíso from the first game isn't in RDR2.
States, regions and towns
| State | Regions | Towns and settlements | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambarino | Grizzlies West, Grizzlies East | Wapiti Indian Reservation; abandoned Colter and Ewing Basin | Snowy mountains and lakes, the highest state |
| New Hanover | The Heartlands, Cumberland Forest, Roanoke Ridge | Valentine, Annesburg, Van Horn Trading Post, Emerald Ranch, Butcher Creek | Prairie, forests, mines and ranches |
| Lemoyne | Scarlett Meadows, Bayou Nwa, Bluewater Marsh | Saint Denis (the biggest city), Rhodes, Lagras, the Braithwaite Manor and Caliga Hall estates | The South: meadows, swamps, industry |
| West Elizabeth | Big Valley, Great Plains, Tall Trees | Blackwater, Strawberry, Manzanita Post, Pronghorn Ranch, Beecher's Hope | Mountain valleys, forests and plains |
| New Austin | Hennigan's Stead, Cholla Springs, Río Bravo, Gaptooth Ridge | Armadillo, Tumbleweed, Thieves' Landing, MacFarlane's Ranch | Desert and canyons familiar from the first game |
| Guarma (island) | Bahía de la Paz | Aguasdulces | Tropics; Chapter 5 of the story only |
Regions and settlements are listed per Red Dead Wiki; Rockstar itself uses the state and town names in its game descriptions and in-game newspapers. On the in-game map a state lights up when you hover over it, and the legend shows stores, stables, gunsmiths and post offices.
How big the RDR2 map is
Rockstar never gave an official number. The figure you see most often in the press and among players is about 75 km² (roughly 29 square miles), but measuring methods differ and sources vary widely. So any "bigger or smaller than GTA 5" comparison is imprecise too: both maps were measured by fans, not the developer.
What matters more is that the RDR2 world is dense. Between towns there are ranches, gang camps, random events and hunting grounds, so even a short ride is rarely empty. You can also travel between towns by train or stagecoach.
Why Arthur can't go to New Austin
During the story chapters Arthur Morgan is wanted after the botched robbery in Blackwater. Ride into New Austin or near Blackwater and an invisible sniper kills him almost immediately. That's how the game limits the map until the Epilogue, where the protagonist changes and both areas open up fully. Players have found workarounds, but missions and some features don't work there, so it's more of a trick than real gameplay.
You can reveal the map without fog of war using the cheat You long for sight and see nothing, which becomes available after a newspaper in Chapter 3. The full list is on the RDR2 cheats page.
Where to find the legendary animals
RDR2 Story Mode has 16 legendary animals. When you enter one's area, the game tells you in the corner of the screen; then use Eagle Eye to find three sets of clues, and the third leads to the animal. A legendary animal always gives a perfect pelt, and you meet each one only once per playthrough. Take the pelts to the Trapper, who makes clothing from them.
| Animal | Where to look (per the wiki) | When it appears |
|---|---|---|
| Bharati Grizzly Bear | Grizzlies East (Ambarino) | After the mission "Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego" (Chapter 2) |
| Moose | Roanoke Ridge (New Hanover) | Chapter 2 |
| Beaver | Roanoke Ridge, Butcher Creek area | Chapter 2 |
| Bighorn Ram | Cattail Pond, Grizzlies West (Ambarino) | Chapter 2 |
| Wapiti Elk | Grizzlies East, near Bacchus Station / Fort Wallace | Chapter 2 |
| Wolf | Cotorra Springs (Ambarino) | Chapter 2 |
| White Bison | Lake Isabella (Ambarino) | Chapter 2 |
| Buck | Black Bone Forest, Big Valley (West Elizabeth) | Chapter 2 |
| Boar | Bluewater Marsh (Lemoyne) | Chapter 2 |
| Coyote | Scarlett Meadows (Lemoyne) | Chapter 2 |
| Fox | Scarlett Meadows, north of Rhodes | Chapter 2 |
| Giaguaro Panther | Scarlett Meadows, near Bolger Glade | After the 9th Master Hunter challenge |
| Bullgator | Bayou Nwa, near Lakay (Lemoyne) | After the mission "That's Murfree Country" (Chapter 6) |
| Cougar | Gaptooth Ridge (New Austin) | Epilogue, after the mission "The Wheel" |
| Pronghorn | Del Lobo Rock, Río Bravo (New Austin) | Epilogue |
| Tatanka Bison | Hennigan's Stead (New Austin) | Epilogue |
Locations and conditions come from Red Dead Wiki and Fextralife; different guides label the spots by nearby landmarks. For 100% you only need to hunt five legendary animals; details on the collectibles and 100% page.
How to find your way around the map
- Waypoint. Set a point on the map and the minimap shows a route along the roads.
- Stables. They're in towns, where you buy and care for horses. Breeds and the best horses are on the RDR2 horses page.
- Newspapers and post offices. Newsboys in towns sell the editions that unlock some of the cheats.
- Treasure maps. Some treasures are shown only in hint drawings, with no map marker, so read the terrain.
Everything about the game is on the Red Dead Redemption 2 page. Story missions by chapter are in the missions list.
RDR2 map FAQ
How many states are on the RDR2 map?
Five: Ambarino, New Hanover, Lemoyne, West Elizabeth and New Austin. Plus the island of Guarma, which you only visit during the story.
How big is the RDR2 map?
Rockstar never said officially. Fan estimates put it at about 75 km² (29 square miles), but that's an approximation.
Can Arthur go to New Austin?
No, during the story chapters an invisible sniper shoots you there. The state opens in the Epilogue.
Can you go back to Guarma?
No. The island is only available during Chapter 5; once you return to America, you can't get there without mods or exploits.
How do I reveal the whole RDR2 map?
The cheat "You long for sight and see nothing" removes the fog from the map. It becomes available after a newspaper in Chapter 3.
Is Mexico on the RDR2 map?
No. The Mexican state of Nuevo Paraíso from the first Red Dead Redemption isn't in RDR2.