When Rockstar introduced Frontier Pursuits to the world of Red Dead Online back in September 2019, gamers began to take notice of the Wild West sandbox that is Red Dead Redemption 2's online equivalent. The original three specialty roles were the Collector, the Trader, and the Bounty Hunter.
Many players gravitated towards the Bounty Hunter because of the fast-paced shootouts, flashy clothes, and gold bar payouts. With so many options for firearms, horses, and equipment, an outlaw needs to make the most strategic money moves on their journey of becoming a gunslinging Bounty Hunter in Red Dead Online.
Updated March 7, 2022 by Cole Podany: Since the introduction of specialists to Red Dead Online, Rockstar has added two new roles: the Naturalist and the Moonshiner. Even with the game introducing these new roles, many players still take on RDO's Bounty Hunter role first, or they later add it to their roster of roles. Whether outlaws choose to start out as Bounty Hunters or take it on as an additional role later down the line, there are a few more items they should grab before setting off.
14 Bow And Arrow
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While guns are a great choice for some interactions in Red Dead Online, they aren't the only option for fights, and they aren't always the best. In fact, Bounty Hunters should always have their Bow and Arrow on hand. There's no telling when a silent weapon could come in handy, especially when some bounties are keen on giving outlaws the slip. Using a bow can help Bounty Hunters land a much-needed hit before the battle even begins, providing them the upper hand; if their aim is particularly good, outlaws may even be able to manage a totally silent kill.
Players can purchase the Bow and accompanying arrows at the Gunsmith or in the Catalog starting at Rank 14.
13 Tracking Arrows
Tracking arrows allow players to "tag" bounty targets, ensuring that the bounties don't escape even in a particularly sticky situation. Tagging a bounty target with tracking arrows allows the player to see their aura with Eagle Eye. Much like hunting animals using Eagle Eye, this can help players land a long-distance shot or just make sure their bounty target hasn't made significant distance on them in a chase.
If an outlaw can't see their bounty target on their radar for one reason or another, tracking arrows can help them gain sight of their target again. Players should note, though, that unlike other arrows, tracking arrows cannot be retrieved after use. Players can craft tracking arrows using arrows and one scent gland per arrow.
12 Binoculars
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Unlike in Red Dead Redemption 2, players don't acquire the Binoculars through story missions in Red Dead Online. Still, they're worth grabbing. Binoculars are a great tool for Bounty Hunters since they allow players to scout out bounties from a distance. They can also help players avoid enemies or better understand a situation before riding in. Binoculars have as much zoom as a scoped rifle, giving players the absolute best tools to assess a bounty from far away.
Players can purchase Binoculars at any Gunsmith or from the Catalogue for $28. Regardless of where players purchase Binoculars, they'll need to be Rank 20 or above to do so.
11 Horse Brush
In Red Dead Redemption 2's story mode, players start out with a Horse Brush. In Red Dead Online, though, outlaws will need to purchase their own version. Outlaws should purchase a Horse Brush to take care of their horse and keep its cores high regardless of their specialty, but this is especially true for Bounty Hunters. Having a strong, hardy horse is integral to success in the Bounty Hunter role, so this seemingly trivial item has more use than ever for those who take on this specialty.
Players can purchase the Horse Brush from the Catalog for $3.50.
10 Good Sidearm
When going after fugitives of the law and faced with waves of the target’s gang members, players need a trusty sidearm. Arguably the two best sidearms for the Bounty Hunter role are the LeMat Revolver and the Schofield Revolver.
Both of these guns have decent damage, range, and accuracy. The LaMat Revolver can be purchased at Rank 1 for $317.00 or 13 gold bars, and the Schofield Revolver unlocks at Rank 9 and costs $192.00 or eight gold bars. Players can purchase these weapons from any Gunsmith or from the Catalog.
9 Reinforced Lasso
As soon as an outlaw can afford one, he or she needs to buy the Reinforced Lasso. The standard Lasso does not keep targets tied up for long. In fact, targets can cut the standard Lasso and break free without warning. This, of course, results in players losing precious bounties.
This is why the Reinforced Lasso is important, as fugitives can not cut the rope. The Reinforced Lasso unlocks with the Bounty Hunter Novice kit and costs $350.00 at the General Store.
8 Bolas
Bounty Hunters should always bring their targets back alive to receive the full reward. Unlike the Lasso, Bolas can be thrown at an MPC from a distance and retrieved once the target is hogtied.
This allows a Bounty Hunter to quickly single out and capture their prey without running the risk of shooting and killing the wrong person in a crowded firefight. Bolas unlock at Bounty Hunter Rank 10 and cost $30.00 or 2 gold bars. Players can purchase the Bolas from any Fence or Gunsmith, or grab them from the Catalog.
7 Rifle With A Good Scope
Many Bounty Hunter missions require staking out compounds and waiting for the target to arrive without being detected. One way to make these types of missions easier is to have a powerful rifle to take out MPCs from a distance, as well as a powerful scope to track your target’s every move.
The Bolt Action Rifle costs $216.00 or 7 gold bars and unlocks at Rank 7. A scope can be added for $30.00 or 2 gold bars. Players can purchase the rifle from the Gunsmith or the Catalog.
6 Ability Cards
When constantly going after bounties alone, outlaws need to use all the tools available to them to have any hope of surviving an encounter with 20 MPCs. Paint It Black is a great Ability Card for a Bounty Hunter to start with.
Unlike in the Story Mode of Red Dead Redemption 2, Dead Eye in Red Dead Online does not allow the player the ability to slow time, but players can mark targets in real-time with the Paint It Black Ability Card.
5 Fast & Steady Horse
Every outlaw knows the importance of having the proper horse for each task. The Bounty Hunter role is no different. Lucky for outlaws, Rockstar has provided players with an exclusive horse breed just for the Bounty Hunters of Red Dead Online.
Named after the region it was bred in, the Breton was made to be a symbol of speed, power, and strength. The middle of the road species of this horse unlocks at Bounty Hunter Rank 10.