What’s the best way to clean and maintain my weapons in RDR2?

Cleaning and maintaining your weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for optimal performance during combat and hunting. Dirty weapons degrade over time, leading to reduced accuracy, slower reload times, and increased chances of jamming. To keep your arsenal in top condition, you’ll need to regularly clean your weapons using Gun Oil, which can be purchased from general stores, gunsmiths, or found in the world.\n\nTo clean a weapon, open your weapon wheel by holding the L1/LB button (on PlayStation/Xbox) or the Tab key (on PC). Select the weapon you want to clean, then press the corresponding button prompt (Triangle/Y/R) to access the maintenance menu. From there, choose the ''Clean Weapon'' option and use Gun Oil to restore its condition. Each cleaning consumes one unit of Gun Oil, so always keep a few bottles in your inventory.\n\nWeapons degrade faster when exposed to harsh conditions like rain, mud, or prolonged use. For example, if you’re hunting in the swamps of Lemoyne or riding through a storm, your weapons will get dirty quicker. To minimize degradation, store your weapons on your horse when not in use, as this slows down the wear and tear process. Additionally, avoid using the same weapon excessively—rotate between your arsenal to distribute the wear.\n\nIf you’re low on Gun Oil, you can find it in various locations throughout the game. General stores in towns like Valentine, Rhodes, and Saint Denis sell it for a reasonable price. Alternatively, loot enemies, search cabins, or explore abandoned structures to find Gun Oil for free. For example, the cabin near Cumberland Falls often contains Gun Oil and other useful supplies.\n\nAnother way to maintain your weapons is by upgrading them at a gunsmith. Visit any gunsmith in major towns to purchase upgrades like improved rifling, sights, or wraps. These upgrades not only enhance performance but also slow down the rate of degradation. For instance, the Leather Wrap for long guns reduces wear and tear, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent hunters or sharpshooters.\n\nFor players who prefer a more hands-off approach, you can pay gunsmiths to clean your weapons for you. This is a convenient option if you’re short on time or resources. Simply visit a gunsmith, select the ''Maintenance'' option, and pay a small fee to have all your weapons cleaned at once. This is particularly useful during intense missions or when preparing for a big fight.\n\nFinally, always inspect your weapons before engaging in combat or hunting. A quick glance at the weapon’s condition bar in the inventory menu will tell you if it needs cleaning. Ignoring this can lead to frustrating situations, like missing a critical shot during a duel or failing to take down a legendary animal. By staying proactive, you’ll ensure your weapons are always ready for action.\n\nIn summary, clean your weapons regularly using Gun Oil, store them on your horse when not in use, and upgrade them at gunsmiths to reduce degradation. Keep an eye out for free Gun Oil in the world, and don’t hesitate to pay gunsmiths for maintenance if needed. With these tips, you’ll maintain a reliable arsenal throughout your journey in Red Dead Redemption 2.