Tracking down Esteban Cortez, a ruthless Del Lobos gang leader, isn’t just another bounty—it’s a perilous journey into the heart of the Wild West’s lawless frontier. With a $65 reward on the line, players must navigate ambushes and treachery near Gaptooth Breach to bring this outlaw to justice, dead or alive. Are you ready to face the danger?
This is the second bounty hunting contract unlocked in Tumbleweed. It will appear on the bulletin board sometime after catching Joaquin Arroyo. Take a look at the previous page of our guide if you need information on where Tumbleweed is located (as a reminder, it is the western edge of New Austin).
After taking off the poster, listen to a sheriff who will share information about the gang’s hiding place. Go to Gaptooth Breach, located south-west of the city. Find the entrance to the mine. You can freely shoot all the bandits in the area, because Cortez is not among them.
After clearing the area, enter the mine. Move slowly, as more enemies will be jumping out of hiding. It is best to kill them with a rifle. Cortez is hiding at the very end of the mine’s main corridor. The easiest way to complete the bounty is simply to kill him. If you want to capture him alive at any cost, try to get a little closer, shoot him in his leg and then quickly get to him before he resumes his attacks.
Return to the surface with Cortez. Even before you depart from the bandit hideout, some hostile riders will unexpectedly appear on the rocks above the mine. Drop Cortez and get some cover. It’s best to use a rifle in combination with Dead Eye to kill the bandits. Strap Cortez (dead or still alive) to your mount. Bring Cortez to Tumbleweed jailhouse and collect the prize from the Sheriff – $65.
What makes Esteban Cortez a compelling bounty target
Esteban Cortez stands out as a compelling bounty target in Red Dead Redemption 2 for several reasons:
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High-ranking gang member: Cortez is a prominent figure in the notorious Del Lobos gang, making him a valuable catch for bounty hunters.
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Challenging pursuit: The bounty hunt takes place near Gaptooth Breach, a treacherous area where players must navigate ambushes and face off against Cortez’s loyal gang members23.
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Substantial reward: With a $65 bounty on his head, Cortez represents a lucrative target for players seeking to earn money in the game2.
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Story connection: Cortez’s bounty becomes available only after encountering Ramon Cortez during the mission “A Quick Favor for an Old Friend,” adding depth to the game’s narrative2.
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Dynamic encounter: The hunt for Cortez features intense dialogue and action, including a confrontation in a mine where he’s “eating rocks” out of anger, showcasing the character’s volatile nature24.
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Player choice: Cortez is wanted dead or alive, allowing players to decide how to approach the mission and deal with the target, adding an element of moral decision-making to the bounty hunt2.
These factors combine to make Esteban Cortez a memorable and engaging bounty target, offering players a rich, challenging experience within the immersive world of Red Dead Redemption 2.
What is Esteban Cortez’s role in the Del Lobos gang
Esteban Cortez serves as a high-ranking leader within the Del Lobos gang, a ruthless group of outlaws in Red Dead Redemption 2. His role involves orchestrating criminal activities such as murders and train robberies, making him one of the gang’s most dangerous and influential figures. His leadership status and violent reputation contribute to his notoriety, cementing his position as a key target for bounty hunters in the game’s epilogue23.
