Red Dead Redemption 2's "Best in the West" 100% Completion Guide: A True Outlaw's Grind

As a seasoned gamer who's spent countless hours roaming the plains of Red Dead Redemption 2, I can tell you this straight up: the "Best in the West" trophy is the ultimate litmus test for any player's dedication. Rockstar crafted a world so breathtakingly detailed that getting lost in it is a given, but achieving 100% completion? That's a whole different ball game, partner. We're talking about a commitment that makes most other open-world challenges look like child's play. In 2026, this achievement remains one of gaming's most notorious and time-consuming feats, a true badge of honor that separates the casual cowboys from the hardened outlaws.

Let's cut to the chase: Is the grind worth it? Honestly, from a pure reward perspective, it's a tough sell. The trophy only unlocks two things: the shiny "Best in the West" achievement on your platform of choice and a secret, emotionally charged cutscene. The main allure, as with many completionist goals, is the sheer bragging rights. If you're not the type to get a kick out of saying "I did it all," then doubling your playtime for these rewards might feel like a raw deal. For the die-hard fans, however, that final scene provides a poignant, fitting coda to Arthur Morgan's story.

The Five Pillars of 100% Completion

To earn that elusive 100% tag in your progress menu, you need to conquer five distinct categories. It's not just about finishing the story; it's about living and breathing in the world of RDR2.

1. Missions & Events: More Than Just the Main Story

First things first, you gotta ride that story to the bitter end. But that's just the opening act. The real work begins with the side content. You'll need to:

• Complete all Stranger Missions.

• Encounter and resolve a set number of Chance Encounters (these can be finicky to spawn, so patience is key!).

• Clear out all Gang Hideouts.

Pro tip: Keep your eyes peeled and ears open. Some of these events are easy to miss if you're just galloping from point A to point B.

2. The Collector's Nightmare

This category is a doozy. It's not just about picking up shiny things; it involves full-blown quest chains. Here’s your checklist:

The quests attached to some of these, like hunting for Orchids for Algernon, are infamous for their tedium. You've been warned!

3. Filling the Compendium: A Naturalist's Journey

This is where exploration pays off. You don't need to fill every entry, but you need to discover a significant chunk across these categories:

• Animals (including Legendary ones)

• Fish

• Plants

• Weapons & Equipment

• Horses & Mounts

Many of these will come naturally, but tracking down every last fish or rare animal species? That's where the real hunting begins.

4. Upgrades & Progression: Becoming the Ultimate Outlaw

Arthur or John needs to be in peak physical and mental condition. This means:

• Reaching Level 10 in Health, Stamina, and Dead Eye. 💪

• Achieving Level 4 bonding with a horse (your trusty steed is your best friend!).

• Conquering all 90 challenges across various skills like Bandit, Hunter, and Gambler.

The challenges are arguably the most grueling part here, especially the Gambler challenges. Let's just say the game of Blackjack has broken many a player's spirit.

5. The Miscellaneous Mayhem

This final category is a delightful (and sometimes bizarre) mix of immersive activities:

• Investigate 5 Shacks.

• Hunt 5 Legendary Animals.

• Play all 4 Table Games (Poker, Blackjack, Dominoes, Five Finger Fillet).

• Speak with 5 special characters (like Mickey the Veteran or Blind Man Cassidy).

• Take a bath (at least Arthur stays clean!).

• Watch a show and a live theater performance in Saint Denis.

• Craft 1 recipe at camp.

• Pull off a Home, Shop, Coach, and Train Robbery.

It’s the game’s way of saying, "Hey, did you try everything we built?"

The Time Commitment: A Second Job

So, how long are we talking? Buckle up. The main story alone is a 40-60 hour epic. But for 100%? We're looking at a staggering 180 to 200 hours of gameplay in 2026, especially if you're not using a guide every step of the way. That's the equivalent of watching The Lord of the Rings trilogy extended editions over twenty times. Sites like HowLongToBeat cement its status as one of the longest single-player completionist grinds in modern gaming. You need the patience of a saint and the free time of a... well, an outlaw with no day job.

The Payoff: Was It All for This?

⚠️ SPOILER WARNING for the 100% completion cutscene ⚠️

After all that work, the game rewards you with the "Best in the West" trophy/achievement and one final, secret scene. As John Marston, you can visit Arthur Morgan's gravesite. He'll place Arthur's hat on the gravestone, say, "I guess we're just about done, my friend," and the haunting track "May I? Stand Unshaken" swells in the background. It's a beautiful, melancholic moment that provides closure... but is it worth 200 hours? That's the million-dollar question.

Compared to the rewards for 100% in Grand Theft Auto V, which included unique vehicles and weapons, RDR2's payoff is purely emotional and symbolic. There are no golden guns or special outfits—just that scene and the satisfaction of knowing you left no stone unturned in America's unforgiving heartland.

Final Verdict: Who Should Attempt This?

In my humble opinion, going for 100% in Red Dead Redemption 2 is only for a specific breed of player:

• The Completionist Purist: You sleep well knowing every box is ticked.

• The World Lover: You genuinely can't get enough of this world and want an excuse to stay in it.

• The Masochist: You enjoy pain, especially Gambler Challenge 8.

For everyone else? Enjoy the incredible story, dabble in the sides you find interesting, and soak in the atmosphere. The "Best in the West" is a marathon, not a sprint, and its rewards are more about the journey than the destination. As of 2026, it remains a towering, often frustrating, but deeply impressive monument to Rockstar's ambition. So, saddle up, partner—just know what you're signing up for.