While many open-world video games are constantly introducing new gear, missions, and mechanics, Red Dead Redemption 2 is not one of them. Sure, there are almost 80 main story missions alone. Sights and side quests abound. There is, quite literally, a whole book’s worth of loot to acquire. But this slow cowboy simulator takes a page out of minimalism in many ways. The UI is remarkably clean and the narrative sensibility, in both the actual story and the quest progression, is straightforward. Like some of the best westerns out there, Red Dead Redemption 2 exudes realism through and through.
That’s not just in the detailed locales and character models, though. Spend several days camping in the swamps of Lemoyne and Arthur Morgan’s going to get dirty. Head up to the snow-capped mountains and see those horse testes shrink! Not all the details matter, but some of them do. Take the weight system, for example—it doesn’t just affect protagonist Arthur Morgan’s appearance. Put on some pounds and Arthur will be able to take a few more hits. Shed some weight, and Arthur will have to lose stamina at a slower rate. The game never really explains how to control Arthur’s weight, though. And just like in real life, it’s easier said than done.
How to Lose Weight in Red Dead Redemption 2
Unlike in real life, it’s a lot simpler to lose weight in Red Dead Redemption 2 than it is to gain weight. All the player needs to do is eat less and their weight will drop. It’s important to keep Arthur’s cores up, but eating enough to fill those meters is a far cry from what he’ll need to actually put on pounds.
Eat the camp stew to fill Arthur’s cores in one fell swoop and then simply go about the cowboy life without stopping for a snack. If one is really in a hurry, make Arthur run in circles, or just get sent to jail to rapidly pass some time with little to no nourishment. Or, of course, catch tuberculosis!
How to Gain Weight in Red Dead Redemption 2
Gaining weight is a more difficult task to accomplish. To do so, Arthur Morgan is going to need to eat—a lot. Making weight gains is a matter of making an over-eating routine. It’s going to take some time, but if the player regularly eats a substantial amount of food, they will gain weight, and eventually become overweight. To do this as quickly as possible, set aside some time to simply eat and rest, repeatedly. Doing nothing but binging and then sleeping is the most surefire way to increase in size. To keep up the bulk, Arthur will have to continue eating several large meals a day. If running low on resources, Arthur can always buy some grub at a saloon.
While eventually the player will become overweight, Arthur can (and probably should) aim to be average weight. He won’t get any damage resistances or stamina boosts this way, but his cores will drain at a slower rate. To check Arthur’s weight, go into the Player tab of the main menu, and select Arthur to check his stats. Or just give him a gander with the old eyeballs!
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.