Players of Red Dead Redemption have discovered a surprising and humorous way to win duels, more than a decade after the game was released.
The discovery was shared on the Red Dead Redemption subreddit, where a player posted footage showing that it is possible to win a duel by shooting an opponent’s hat off, rather than killing them. When this happens, the opponent immediately gives up, ending the duel.
The trick requires accurate aiming during the duel sequence. If timed correctly, the shot removes the opponent’s hat without causing fatal injury, resulting in a non-lethal victory.
Many players said they were unaware of the feature, despite playing the game for years. Some commenters said they already knew duels could be won by shooting an opponent’s arm or hand, which grants higher honour points, but were surprised to learn the hat shot was also possible.
Red Dead Redemption, released in 2010 by Rockstar Games, is known for its detailed mechanics and hidden interactions. The duel system allows players to resolve conflicts through quick-draw gunfights, with different outcomes depending on where the opponent is hit.
The discovery has sparked renewed discussion about the game’s design, with fans praising its attention to detail and depth. Some players said it showed how the original game still offers new surprises, even after the release of Red Dead Redemption II in 2018.
The finding highlights how older games can continue to engage players long after launch, as communities uncover features that were previously overlooked.
