How do I clean and maintain my weapons?

Cleaning and maintaining your weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for ensuring they perform at their best. Dirty or degraded weapons suffer from 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 gunsmiths, general stores, or found in the world. Additionally, you can craft gun oil using animal fat and other materials if you have the necessary crafting recipe.\n\nTo clean a weapon, open your weapon wheel by holding the L1 or LB button (on PlayStation or Xbox, respectively) or the Tab key on PC. Select the weapon you want to clean, then press the corresponding button prompt to clean it (Square on PlayStation, X on Xbox, or R on PC). This will consume one unit of gun oil. If your weapon is severely degraded, you may need to clean it multiple times to restore it to full condition. Always carry extra gun oil, as you’ll need it frequently, especially after prolonged use or exposure to rain or mud.\n\nWeapons degrade over time due to use, environmental factors, and neglect. For example, firing your weapon repeatedly without cleaning it will cause it to degrade faster. Similarly, using your weapon in wet or muddy conditions, such as during rainstorms or while wading through rivers, will accelerate degradation. To minimize wear, avoid unnecessary firing and store your weapons in your horse’s weapon locker when not in use. This is particularly useful for weapons you don’t use often, as they won’t degrade while stored.\n\nIn addition to cleaning, you can improve your weapons by upgrading them at a gunsmith. Gunsmiths are located in towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, and Rhodes. Upgrades include improved barrels, sights, and grips, which can enhance accuracy, range, and handling. While these upgrades don’t prevent degradation, they make your weapons more effective overall. Always visit a gunsmith when you have the funds to invest in upgrades, as they can give you a significant edge in combat.\n\nIf you’re low on gun oil or crafting materials, you can find them in various locations throughout the game. Gun oil is often found in cabins, camps, and other lootable areas. Animal fat, a key ingredient for crafting gun oil, can be obtained by hunting animals like boars, bears, and ducks. Always keep an eye out for these resources while exploring, as they can save you money and ensure you’re never caught without the means to maintain your weapons.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to establish a routine for weapon maintenance. After every major fight or exploration session, check your weapon condition and clean them if necessary. Experienced players should consider carrying multiple weapons to rotate between, reducing the wear on any single firearm. Additionally, always clean your weapons before engaging in critical missions or large-scale battles, as degraded weapons can significantly hinder your performance.\n\nFinally, remember that some weapons are more prone to degradation than others. For example, shotguns and revolvers tend to degrade faster due to their frequent use in close-quarters combat. Pay extra attention to these weapons and clean them more often. By following these tips and staying vigilant about weapon maintenance, you’ll ensure your arsenal remains reliable and deadly throughout your journey in Red Dead Redemption 2.