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Top 10 Best Melee Weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2

Despite being released a mere 4 days as of the creation of this post, Red Dead Redemption 2 has quickly become an all-time classic. Countless small details create a world teeming with life, AI remember events and react accordingly, even after many in-game days.

A crucial part of the fun behind this game is its combat system, melee being one of the cooler ways to kill enemies. Some players are even doing melee only runs, as the animations and weapons available are so damn awesome!

Regardless of how often you use melee weapons, you should obtain as many of them as you can. Knowing the strengths/weaknesses of each weapon is important, as well as being aware of where to find them.

This list will rank the 10 best melee weapons in the game, giving you all available information surrounding them as well as where to find them!

 


10. Hewing Hatchet

Hewing Hatchet, one of the best melee weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2

Pretty standard, the Hewing Hatchet is well crafted, sturdy and can be thrown across distance. With no real substance behind its aesthetics, you should seek out other melee weapons to look as cool as possible!

Description: This old and worn Hatchet has a flat edge along one side of the blade and is designed for hewing, the process of converting logs into lumber. This Hatchet can also be thrown.

(SPOILER) How to obtain: Right next to the small building at Moonstone Pond IMAGE

 


9. Hunter Hatchet

Hunter Hatchet, one of the best melee weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2

With a more rugged and competent appearance over the previous entry, the Hunter Hatchet is a unique melee weapon you should keep an eye out for!

Description: A rare Hatchet, with a long bearded axe bit that allows for greater control when planing or shaving wood.

(SPOILER) How to obtain: Near a small shack just south of Window Rock IMAGE

 


8. Civil War Knife

Civil War Knife, one of the best melee weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2

My personal favorite, the Civil War Knife is the only melee weapon with a hand-guard. While it offers no in-game protection, it certainly adds to the awesomeness and thematic behind it.

Description: An old Bowie knife with a solid blade, worn wooden handle and large D-shaped hand-guard for protection. This weapon was commonly used by Civil War soldiers, and is covered in Rust.

(SPOILER) How to obtain: Can be found in a storage room underneath the ruined Fort Brennand in Roanoke Ride, New Hanover IMAGE

 


7. Jawbone Knife

Jawbone Knife, one of the best melee weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2

It’ll take a long, long time for you to obtain this cool looking knife, made of Stegasaurus bones!

It’s a bit too out of place though, looking more like a fantasy knife with no real historical accuracy. I know Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t exactly precise in terms of history but the Jawbone Knife does go a bit too far.

Description: N/A

(SPOILER) How to obtain: Complete the A Test of Faith quest

 


6. Rusted Double Bit Hatchet

Rusted Double Bit Hatchet, one of the best melee weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2

The image provided isn’t the best, the Rusted Double Bit Hatchet is seen inside the log. Left behind by some saddened individual, what it lacks in appearance it makes up for in effective melee capabilities.

DescriptionA rare Hatchet, featuring a double-bladed head: one razor-sharp side for chopping and cutting; and a dull side for splitting wood. It has been worn by the elements over time.

(SPOILER) How to obtain: Outside a red house inside Annesburg IMAGE

 


5. Rusted Hunter Hatchet

Rusted Hunter Hatchet, one of the best melee weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2

Honestly, if you prefer the newer look of the 9th entry, you can use it other the Rusted Hunter Hatchet as they have the same stats. This entry seems to have more character, for me anyway, and it really fits the shape of the hatchet itself.

Description: A rare Hatchet, with a long bearded axe bit that allows for greater control when planing or shaving wood. It has been worn by the elements over time.

(SPOILER) How to obtain: Directly East of Moonstone Pond IMAGE

 


4. Double Bit Hatchet

Double Bit Hatchet, one of the best melee weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2

Capable of being through, the Double Bit Hatchet has dual blades for maximum killing power. You can throw this at range or whack enemies in melee range, either way it’ll make short work of any unfortunate enough to face it.

Description: A rare Hatchet, featuring a double-bladed head: one razor-sharp side for chopping and cutting; and a dull side for splitting wood.

(SPOILER) How to obtain: North-West of Wallace Station IMAGE

 


3. Antler Knife

Antler Knife, one of the best melee weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2

So good it can take down a bear. Encountering this knife without knowing of its existence can be a huge surprise, both the bear and the human fought to their death. You have to love little details like this!

Description: A rare knife with a handle manufactured from the antler of a stag and a part of the blade is snapped off near the cross-guard.

(SPOILER) How to obtain: North-West of Hanging Dog Ranch, located North of Little Creek River. You’ll encounter the corpse of a bear atop a corpse of a man, with the knife sticking out of the bear IMAGE

 


2. Wide-Blade Knife

Wide-Blade Knife, one of the best melee weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2

At close range, the Wide-Blade Knife shreds through enemies with ease. Tackling rogue cowboys to the floor, only to stab them in quick succession is brutal but effective!

Description: A rare hunting knife with a wide blade and worn curved wooden handle. The previous owner of this weapon went a great length to make sure their crime was not discovered.

(SPOILER) How to obtain: In-between Black Bone Forest and Mount Shann is a mine, at the end you’ll find this knife sticking out of the back of a corpse IMAGE

 


1. Viking Hatchet

Viking Hatchet, the best melee weapon in Red Dead Redemption 2!

Of all melee weapons in the entire game, none compare to the epic Viking Hatchet. An old classic axe feel works well in the Wild West, offering a different aesthetic for your skull splitting adventures!

Description: A rare ancient Hatchet, engraved all over with Nordic patterns and bound with Leather. This Hatchet can also be thrown.

(SPOILER) How to obtain: The Ancient Tomb North of Annesburg IMAGE