In Red Dead Redemption 2, equipping the offhand holster is a major step toward enhancing your combat abilities. It allows Arthur Morgan to dual wield pistols and revolvers, giving him the upper hand in heated shootouts. Many players overlook how to get the offhand holster or don’t realize it’s tied to story progression. But having access to a second handgun can significantly improve your efficiency in both random encounters and larger gunfights. If you’re aiming to become a true outlaw with full gunslinger potential, knowing how to get the offhand holster in RDR2 is crucial. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about unlocking and equipping the offhand holster in Red Dead Redemption 2.
What Is the Offhand Holster?
Dual Wielding Explained
The offhand holster in RDR2 is the item that allows you to carry and use a second sidearm. This means you can wield two pistols or revolvers simultaneously, one in each hand. Not only does this double your firepower, but it also allows for more creative combinations of weapons during combat scenarios.
Without the offhand holster, Arthur is restricted to using just one handgun at a time, leaving the other hand idle. While long guns are great for range and power, dual wielding handguns allows for quicker reactions, especially in close quarters or on horseback.
Cosmetic and Gameplay Impact
The offhand holster isn’t just functional it’s also visible on your character. Once equipped, it appears on Arthur’s left hip, and it can be customized with different styles and upgrades at a gunsmith. Functionally, it changes the pace of combat and opens up more options for players who enjoy high-action gameplay.
How to Unlock the Offhand Holster
Progress Through the Story
To get the offhand holster in RDR2, you must advance through the main story missions. It cannot be purchased or found early on. You’ll automatically receive it as part of a reward from completing a specific mission in Chapter 2.
The mission that grants you the offhand holster is called The Aftermath of Genesis. After completing this mission, continue progressing through Chapter 2 until you reach Blessed Are the Meek? This is the key moment when Arthur gets the offhand holster.
Rescue Micah from Jail
In Blessed Are the Meek?, Arthur is tasked with breaking Micah Bell out of jail in the town of Strawberry. Once you complete this explosive mission and free Micah, you will be rewarded with the offhand holster.
From this point forward, Arthur will be able to dual wield pistols and revolvers. The game will also introduce the mechanics of dual wielding and allow you to experiment with different firearm pairings.
Equipping the Offhand Holster
Accessing the Weapon Wheel
After obtaining the offhand holster, equipping a second handgun is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the weapon wheel (usually by holding L1 or LB on consoles)
- Navigate to the sidearm section (lower left quadrant of the wheel)
- Select your primary sidearm for the right hand
- Now choose a second sidearm for the left hand by holding the corresponding button (typically the right stick or D-pad)
Arthur will now be dual wielding both guns. You can shoot with both triggers, left and right, to fire each weapon independently. It’s a powerful setup for intense battles.
Weapon Compatibility
Only certain weapons can be dual wielded. These include:
- Cattleman Revolver
- Schofield Revolver
- Double-Action Revolver
- Mauser Pistol
- Semi-Automatic Pistol
You cannot dual wield long guns, shotguns, or rifles. However, any combination of two compatible handguns can be equipped either two of the same or two different ones.
Upgrading and Customizing the Offhand Holster
Visit the Gunsmith
Once you’ve unlocked the offhand holster, you can upgrade and customize it by visiting any gunsmith. Look under the Customize option to change the appearance of the holster, including:
- Material (leather types and colors)
- Engraving or decorative elements
- Condition improvements, if applicable
While cosmetic upgrades don’t impact combat stats, they do enhance the overall look of Arthur’s gear and allow you to match it with outfits or saddle sets.
Get Reinforced Holsters
As you progress further in the game, additional upgrades become available through the Trapper and special challenge rewards. Reinforced holsters improve the degradation rate of weapons and sometimes offer minor durability benefits.
To unlock these advanced holsters, complete challenges like the Gunslinger or Sharpshooter series. After finishing certain milestones, visit the Trapper to purchase reinforced gear sets, including improved offhand holsters.
Tips for Effective Dual Wielding
Weapon Pairing Strategy
Choosing the right combination of sidearms can make a big difference in battle. Some suggested pairings include:
- Double Schofield Revolvers Great for damage and accuracy
- Double Mauser Pistols Fast rate of fire for crowd control
- One Revolver and One Pistol Balance between firepower and speed
Keep in mind that pistols generally have a higher fire rate, while revolvers tend to deal more damage per shot. Mix and match based on your combat style.
Ammo Management
With two guns in play, you’ll burn through ammunition quickly. Make sure to keep your ammo stocks full by looting enemies, purchasing from general stores, or crafting at campfires.
Also consider equipping special ammo types such as High Velocity or Explosive Rounds for tougher encounters. These can give you an edge in bounty hunts, ambushes, and legendary animal fights.
Dead Eye Synergy
Dead Eye is even more effective when using dual weapons. You can mark multiple targets and fire rapidly with both hands, clearing enemies quickly before they have time to react. Use Dead Eye often when dual wielding to make the most of your firepower.
Getting the offhand holster in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a turning point in Arthur Morgan’s gunslinger journey. It grants access to dual wielding, which not only enhances combat efficiency but also adds style and flair to every firefight. The key to unlocking the offhand holster is completing the Blessed Are the Meek? mission in Chapter 2. From there, you can equip, customize, and master dual wielding to become one of the most formidable outlaws in the Wild West. Whether you’re fending off bounty hunters or taking down enemy gangs, the offhand holster is an essential part of your arsenal in RDR2.