Well, well, well… look who decided to finally show up on my Steam library in 2026. After what felt like a decade-long cattle drive, Red Dead Redemption has moseyed onto PC, and I, your dedicated digital cowboy, have one mission: to collect every single piece of shootin’ iron in the game. Think I can just waltz into a store and buy 'em all? Ha! If only it were that simple. This is the Wild West, partner—nothing worth having comes easy. And let me tell you, the thrill of the hunt for these weapons is half the fun. So, saddle up as I recount my journey to become the ultimate armory aficionado in New Austin.
First things first, you’ve got to know where to look. My initial strategy? Hit every single Gunsmith shop on the map. I mean every one. From the dusty shelves of Armadillo to the slightly fancier establishment in Blackwater, these places are your primary source for firepower. It became my ritual: ride into town, hitch my horse, and make a beeline for the Gunsmith. You’d be surprised what you can find just by checking their stock regularly. New shipments come in, and sometimes, a weapon you've been eyeing for ages just appears. Pro tip: your honor level isn't just for show! Being a paragon of virtue (or a notorious outlaw) actually affects the prices. Shop in a town that aligns with your reputation, and you might save a pretty penny. And oh boy, let's talk about the Savvy Merchant Outfit. Is this dapper ensemble just a fashion statement? Absolutely not! Slap that thing on John Marston, and suddenly, everything is on a massive discount. It's like having a permanent coupon for carnage. Who said crime (or noble deeds) doesn't pay?
But wait, it's not just about walking into a store and swiping your card. Where's the challenge in that? Some of the best weapons are locked behind story progression or the grueling Legendary Challenges. Remember that one time I spent three real-life hours trying to master a specific challenge just to unlock a unique rifle? My thumbs have never been the same. But holding that weapon afterward? Pure, unadulterated satisfaction. It’s a badge of honor, a trophy that says, "I endured this digital torture and came out armed to the teeth."
Now, let's get organized. You can't just carry all these guns in your pockets (though John's coat is suspiciously roomy). Here’s a quick rundown of the main acquisition methods I used:
🔫 Primary Acquisition Methods
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Gunsmith Purchases: Your bread and butter. Visit often!
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Story Progression Rewards: Keep playing the main missions. The game rewards dedication.
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Legendary Challenge Completion: For the masochists and completionists among us. The rewards are worth the pain.
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Special Outfit Bonuses: Never underestimate the power of a good hat and coat combo (looking at you, Savvy Merchant).
Ammunition is a whole other beast. You think collecting the guns is hard? Try keeping them all fed! Ammo is specific to each weapon type, and running dry in the middle of a shootout is a special kind of humiliation. My routine involved visiting Gunsmiths as much for bullets as for new weapons. And here’s a lifesaver: the Bandolier. This isn't just a fashion accessory; it's a necessity. Once purchased, it doubles your ammo capacity for rifles and repeaters. Why would you not want to carry twice the amount of lead to throw at your problems? It’s a no-brainer.
A word of caution for my fellow collectors in 2026: don't get your hopes up about finding everything in the base game. Some truly… unique armaments are exclusive to the Undead Nightmare expansion. Zombies require specialized tools, apparently. So, if your checklist is still missing a few entries after scouring the main map, you know where to look next.
So, was it worth it? Spending countless hours tracking down every pistol, rifle, and shotgun? Absolutely. In a world as rich and detailed as Red Dead Redemption, each weapon tells a story. It's not just about having the biggest arsenal; it's about the journey to build it. From haggling with shopkeepers to conquering insane challenges, the path to 100% weapon completion is a wild ride all its own. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a Gunsmith in Thieves' Landing. I heard a rare repeating shotgun just came in. Happy hunting, partners!