Red Dead Redemption bounty guide: capture alive, earn money and clear your bounty
Separate paid bounty hunts from the price on John’s head and learn how to bring a target back alive.
The classic 2010 single-player campaign, illustrated with clearly labeled publisher screenshots from the 2024 PC port. Undead Nightmare, Red Dead Redemption 2 and multiplayer are outside these guides. The PC package cover advertises both included campaigns.
Start a hunt from a wanted poster
Bounty hunting becomes available through the early Armadillo story progress. Look for a posted notice at a law-enforcement building or another marked town location, take it and follow the target objective. Before riding out, confirm that you have ammunition and the lasso if you intend to capture rather than kill the wanted person.
Bring the target back alive for the higher reward
A living target pays twice the corresponding dead reward in the classic campaign. Deal with supporting enemies while preserving the marked person, lasso the target, maintain the restraint and use the hogtie prompt. Carry the captive onto your horse and follow the delivery marker. Avoid explosives near the target if you want the live payment.
Expect the return ride to need attention
Capturing the target is only part of the job. Keep your route readable and stay ready for opposition while returning to the hand-in point. Riding carelessly through hazards risks a successful capture. Complete the delivery interaction and wait for the payout before treating the hunt as finished or starting another activity.
Clear John’s bounty separately from escaping pursuit
Losing sight of the law can end the immediate wanted pursuit while leaving a price on John’s head. That remaining bounty can attract bounty hunters. Visit a telegraph office to pay it or use a pardon letter when available. Check the difference between temporary pursuit and the remaining debt before expecting a town visit to be trouble-free.
More Red Dead Redemption quick answers
Red Dead Redemption Dead Eye: how to mark targets and unlock level 3How to fast travel in Red Dead Redemption: campsite and stagecoach guideRead the live and dead reward on the particular poster; region and other game conditions affect the amount.
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