Red Dead OnlinePvP is both exciting and challenging for beginners and experienced outlaws alike. The Showdown Series onRed Dead Online, allows players to participate in a series of gunfighting PvP events as a part of a team or solo.
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There are a variety of different players and play styles in the world ofRed Dead Online, yet there still remains a good number of tips and tricks that are universal for all outlaws. Playing PvP is also a great way for players to perfect their skills as gunfighters, gain experience points, andfill their satchels with gold bars.
Updated July 19, 2025, by Patrick Armstrong:Lawless and violent, the Old West wasn’t exactly known for being a place where people settled their disagreements peacefully. As the premiere Western simulator, Red Dead Online has an extensive PvP community, and some tactics have inevitably risen above others when it comes to keeping the player alive and gunning down their enemies. Some tips deal with specific mechanics unique to the game, while others are more general advice that are nonetheless essential for dodging lead out on the prairie. In a game where anyone can be a target, these tips will help players to be the last one standing come sundown.
14Aim For The Head
Weak points and targeted strikes are a consistent trope in gaming. Sometimes it’s a glowing purple orb in the center of a mech’s back, telling players in no uncertain terms where to shoot their rockets. InRed Dead Online,the target may not be so over-the-top, but it’s there nonetheless.
The game’s combat is fast and brutal, andpart of the reason for this is the high damage dealt by headshots.Some weapons do more than others, but a well-placed shot with any weapon is a quick path to victory. Taking even a little time to aim can make a big difference in PvP. Trying to spray and pray will quickly make the player wish they’d focused on completingthe many great missions in the seriesinstead.
13Dive For Cover
Given the hectic nature of PvP inRed Dead Online,players will naturally look for anything that can keep them alive for a few seconds more so they can heal, find cover, reload, or otherwise position themselves to claim victory against the other outlaws. Sometimes, however, the way that they go about this can be the difference between life and death.
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Diving is one of the best ways to dodge out of the way of incoming fire.Given the extreme lethality of certain weapons and of the game’s combat overall, a well-timed dodge can be the only thing standing in the way of a quick trip to the local cemetery. Diving does leave the character prone on the ground for a moment before they leap back up, however, so it’s important to be aware of one’s surroundings to avoid being peppered with bullets from other enemies.
12Tackle
Some tactics are more common than others, and the best tactics are inevitably incorporated into the playstyle of most serious players as they attempt to get the edge over others by using whatever meta techniques are available to them.Red Dead Online’sPvP community is more than familiar with the usefulness of tackling.
An opponent who was lining up a shot can be knocked to the ground in an instant and forced to reset.Once the player has tackled their opponent, they have the option to either dismiss or subdue them. Hesitation means they will likely break free, but if the player is quick on their feet, tackling can be a great way to shut another outlaw down in a fight. Mastering this technique will ensure the player’s fights work outbetter than Dutch’s plans.
11Parley And Feud
Red Dead Onlinedoes its best to balance the thrill and suspense of knowing that one can be attacked at any time with the safety and satisfaction of knowing that griefers cannot simply spam kill players minding their own business. To facilitate this balance, the game offers players who have been locked in an ongoing battle the opportunity to Feud or Parley.
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Feuding initiates a three-minute deathmatch,giving players the chance to blast away at one another uninhibited and decisively settle their score by kill count. Players who want a chance to resolve things peacefully, meanwhile, can use Parley to disable combat and give themselves a chance to reach a peaceful compromise in chat.
10Ability Cards
Having the rightAbility cardscan determine a player’s success in PvP. Some Ability cards to consider are Paint It Black, Slippery Bastard, Sharpshooter, and Come Back Stronger. Ability cards cost $50 for tier 1, $350 for tier 2, and $500 for tier 3.
Outlaws have different categories of ability card slots such as the Dead Eye slot, Passive slots, and Defense slots. It is imperative that outlaws choose ability cards complementary to their playstyle. The system can take a bit of getting used to but can make a huge difference when used correctly.
9Bow And Arrow
The Bow and Arrow can be a deadly weapon when wielded by an experienced outlaw. Most players overlook the attributes bestowed upon the Bow and Arrow. For example, the Bow and Arrow will earn outlaws a one-shot kill with a head shot against players not using tonics.
The bow and arrow also adds an element of stealth and does not make noise or leave smoke and tracer lines behind. The Bow and Arrow unlocks at Rank 10 and costs $124.00, however, meaning that players will need to wait a little while before they can get to hunting silently.
8Change Settings
Outlaws using default settings are playing at a huge disadvantage. It is recommended that in PvP the Look and Aim Sensitivity be turned up, as well as the Aim Look Acceleration. The Aim Look Dead Zone should also be reduced to 0.
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Switching to Toggle To Run will give players the ability to tap the run button once, instead of having to tap the run button continuously. These settings give outlaws more mobility, smother transitions, and enhance a players’ vision.
7Find A Buddy
In team showdowns, it is imperative that new PvP players stick close to agood teammate. This will allow an inexperienced outlaw a chance to learn how to maneuver through the battlefield and give an added layer of protection.
This also gives new outlaws a chance to see what other gear players are rocking and how it operates in real-time. Oftentimes sticking close to your teammates can be the difference between a victory or an embarrassing loss.
6Good Sidearm
Sidearms are some of the most reliable weapons while gunfighting inRed Dead Online. Sidearms can be extremely deadly in close quarter situations and, when used properly, can give a competitive edge and save an outlaw’s life. As such, it’s important to find the right one.
There are so many good pistols and revolvers to choose from, that outlaws should be diligent when picking one for their playstyle. The LeMate Revolver, the Navy Revolver, and the Mauser Pistol are Sidearms used often by elite PvP players.
5Good Rifle
A good rifle can not be dismissed inRed Dead OnlinePvP. It is true that PvP is fast-paced and rifles are not exactly known for speed but a rifle’s stopping power should never be underrated. A lot of outlaws sport theBolt Action Rifleloaded with Express ammo or theCarcano Rifleequipped with a short scope.
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The Sharpshooter Ability card works seamlessly with high-powered rifles, allowing players to take down opposing outlaws with one shot. It really is a deadly combination and a must for anybody looking to improve their PvP performance inRed Dead Online.
