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Yes. In Red Dead Redemption 2, approach an unaware enemy from behind while crouched and unarmed, then use the contextual melee prompt to knock them out. If you have a knife equipped, the stealth takedown is lethal instead.
How to knock someone out without killing them
- Make sure you are unarmed. Select your fists if necessary; do not have a knife equipped.
- Crouch and stay out of the target’s view. Move behind an enemy who has not detected you.
- Use the melee prompt. When the contextual prompt appears, follow it to perform the stealth takedown. On PlayStation, guides identify Circle; on Xbox, B. Rockstar notes that the game offers preset control schemes and control options, so the prompt shown in your game is the best guide, especially with customized settings or on PC. Rockstar’s control tips and update notes
Unarmed takedown vs. knife takedown
| Equipment | Result |
|---|---|
| Unarmed | Knocks out an unaware enemy during a stealth takedown. |
| Knife equipped | Kills the target during a stealth takedown. |
Shacknews and Twinfinite describe the Circle/B controller prompts and distinguish an unarmed knockout from a knife takedown. Shacknews’ RDR2 knockout guide and Twinfinite’s knockout guide cover the mechanic. Rockstar’s Title Update 1.11 notes also mention a fix for unreliable hit detection when attempting knife stealth takedowns on a slope; that note concerns knife takedowns, not the unarmed knockout method.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Red Dead Redemption 2 PS4 Brand New Factory Sealed | $23.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Red Dead Redemption 2 - Playstation 4 (PS4) [video game] | $25.79 | Buy on Amazon |
If the takedown is not working
- Check your equipment: make sure you are unarmed rather than holding a knife.
- Check your approach: crouch, remain behind the target, and wait until the enemy is unaware and the contextual melee prompt appears.
- Follow your displayed controls: button mappings vary with platform and control settings. On PC, use the on-screen prompt and your current key bindings rather than assuming a particular key.
Will an unconscious enemy count as spared?
Not necessarily. The general takedown mechanic does not establish how every mission treats an unconscious target. If an objective requires you to spare someone, avoid attacking them again and check how the mission objective responds; do not assume a knockout guarantees a particular mission result.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
- From the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption
- The deepest and most complex world Rockstar Games has ever created
- Covers a huge range of 19th century American landscapes
- Play as Arthur Morgan, lead enforcer in the notorious Van der Linde gang
- Please note that although this game is Region Free or Region Unlocked and will work on all systems, this is the international version and may differ from the local version in age rating, labeling or instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- From the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption
- The deepest and most complex world Rockstar Games has ever created
- Covers a huge range of 19th century American landscapes
- Play as Arthur Morgan, lead enforcer in the notorious Van der Linde gang
- Interact with every character in the world with more than just your gun;Engage in conversation with people you meet. Your actions influence Arthur's honour;Horses are a cowboy's best friend, both transport and personal companion;Bond with your horse as you ride together to unlock new abilities
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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