Red Dead 2 Guide To Secret Guns And Weapons You Might've Missed

Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS4 and Xbox One features a massive arsenal of weapons, from basic six-shooters and lever-action rifles to powerful shotguns and sniper rifles. In addition to the weapons you can buy from a gunsmith or pick up from run-of-the-mill fallen enemy, there are also many special weapons hidden in the world for you to find. Much like the side missions you come across, it's very easy to permanently miss out on some of these weapons, especially if you don't take the time to examine an area further or loot a dead bandit's corpse.

After spending many hours roaming the wilderness and towns of Red Dead Redemption 2's depiction of late-1800s America, we've amassed a large amount of melee weapons and firearms for Arthur to use when fighting against rival gang members and angry vagabonds. There's a surprising amount of items to find, some of which break away from the Western setting and reference cultures that have since disappeared in the face of the new century. To avoid spoilers, we've omitted some mentions of weapons that you can acquire late in the game, though we plan to update this feature in the coming weeks. So for now, here's an extensive list of weapons along with their locations.

If you just can't get enough of Red Dead Redemption 2 and want more info, be sure to check out our galleries and features focusing on Fishing, the many legendary animals, and an extensive breakdown of the Core systems. You can also check out GameSpot's new weekly show Quickdraw, where we highlight and examine some of the game's most fascinating and impressive details each Friday.

In-game description:A rare Cattleman Revolver, featuring delicate engravings and a carved ivory handle. Previously owned by the late gunslinger Flaco Hernandez, defeated in a duel at Cairn Lake, this gun has an ammo capacity of six rounds, and a can use Regular, High Velocity, Split Point, Express and Explosive revolver ammo.

After accepting the Gunslinger mission in Valentine--The Noblest of Men, and A Woman--you can examine the photos of the various characters. To find Flaco Hernandez, examine and read his photo to unlock his mission, which is located near Cairn Lake, southeast of Colter to the northern section of the map. Pick up the gun near his body to acquire his revolver.

In-game description:A rare Cattlemen Revolver, with a dark metal finish and covered in custom engravings. Previously owned by the late gunslinger Emmet Granger, defeated in a dual near Flatneck Station, this gun has an ammo capacity of six rounds, and can use Regular, High Velocity, Split Point, Express and Explosive revolver ammo.

After accepting the Gunslinger mission in Valentine--The Noblest of Men, and A Woman--you can examine the photos of the various characters. To find Emmit Granger, examine and read his photo to unlock his mission. Just east of Flatneck Station, you can find him at his pig farm. After completing his tasks, you'll engage in a duel. Afterwards, you can pick up his signature firearm.

In-game description: A rare Mauser Pistol, this weapon features gold-plated engravings and a black wooden grip. Previously owned by the late gunslinger Billy Midnight, defeated in a duel on a train departing Rhodes, this gun has an ammo capacity of ten rounds, and can use Regular, High Velocity, Split Point, Express and Explosive pistol ammo.

After accepting the Gunslinger mission in Valentine--The Noblest of Men, and A Woman--you can examine the photos of the various characters. To find Billy Midnight, examine and read his photo to unlock his mission. At the post office in Rhodes, talk to the clerk to figure out where he is. After boarding the train, talk to Billy Midnight, which will lead to a quick chase. Eventually, you'll engage in another duel. Pick up his firearm from his body, and you'll acquire his gold-plated Mauser Pistol.

In-game description: A rare Double-Barreled Shotgun with faded brass tarnish and adorned with carvings. Previously owned and cherished by a lonely woodsman living in solitude amongst the trees and wildlife of Roanoke Ridge. This gun has an ammo capacity of two rounds, and can use Regular Buckshot, Incendiary Buckshot, Slug and Explosive Slug shotgun ammo.

Though it's known as the Rare Shotgun, you can find this weapon in a couple locations. The first is north of Annesburg, located at a small cabin in Manito Glade. Take out the angry recluse and pick up his gun. The second can be dropped from cave hermit directly west of Hanging Dog Ranch, just north of the Little Creek River near Wallace Station.

In-game description: A traditional native Tomahawk with a striped bound shaft and polished sharp blade. Although showing some signs of its age, this weapon has been well maintained by one of the locals. This melee weapon was found lodged in a broken wooden target, overlooking Calumet Ravine in the Grizzlies.

Can be found sticking out of a broken target on the east side of Calumet Ravine, overlooking the river below. This is located east of the Wapiti Indian Reservation.

In-game description:A rare knife, with a handle manufactured from the antler of a stag, and part of the blade snapped off near the crossguard. This weapon was taken from the scene of a fight between a large bear and hunter, which occurred near Hanging Dog Ranch in Big Valley. Neither side won.

Found on a dead bear who was killed by the hunter he crushed. Located directly northwest of Hanging Dog Ranch near Little Creek River.

In-game description: An old and rare pirate cutlass, with a long snapped blade and decorative golden handguard. This relic was found lodged inside an abandoned boat, run adrift in the swamplands surrounding Saint Denis. With a longer range than most bladed melee weapons, this is still practical combat weapon despite its age.

On a wrecked boat located on the small islands southwest of Saint Denis, you'll find a skeleton with an old pirate sword.

In-game description: An old Bowie knife with a solid blade, worn wooden handle and large D-shaped handguard for protection. This weapon was commonly used by Civil War soldiers, and is covered in rust. It was found in a storage room underneath the ruined Fort Brennand in Roanoke Ridge, New Hanover.

Found in the basement of Fort Brennand, an abandoned fort southwest of Van Horn. To find the basement, go into the building to the right of the entrance of the fort and go down the ladder inside.

In-game description: This old and worn Hatchet has a flat edge along one side of the blade and is designed for hewing, the process of converting logs into lumber. This melee weapon was found in a tree stump near Moonstone Pond in the Grizzlies, next to an abandoned shack. This Hatchet can also be thrown.

On the south shore of Moonstone Pond, you'll find the hatchet resting in a tree stump.

In-game description:A rare Hatchet, featuring a rusted double-bladed head: one razor-sharp side for chopping and cutting; and a dull side for splitting wood. This melee weapon was found in a tree stump near Annesburg Mine in Roanoke Ridge, and has been worn by the elements over time. This Hatchet can also be thrown.

Found in a tree stump outside a shack between Elysium Pool and O'Creagh's Run.

In-game description: A rare ancient Hatchet, engraved all over with Nordic patterns and bound with leather. This melee weapon was found at an old stone altar in the Roanoke Valley area of New Hanover, lodged into a skull. This Hatchet can also be thrown.

Northeast of Beaver Hollow you'll find a small ruin made by ancient Vikings. While you can find the hatchet resting on a stone table, heading into the tomb will also lead you to the Viking Helmet, one of the game's more unusual items to find.