Red Dead Redemption 2: Keyboard Controls & Shortcuts

In Red Dead Redemption 2, every key press can mean the difference between drawing your gun or tipping your hat. Mastering the PC controls isn’t just preference-it’s survival. Here’s how Rockstar’s intricate system of keybinds shapes every duel, chase, and quiet moment on the frontier.

Run.

Crouch.

Jump.

Whistle for your horse.

Hide behind cover.

Open the bag.

Journal.

Open the weapons menu.

Switch the camera

Pick up / carry.

Interact with the animal.

Attack / shoot.

Aim / camera movement.

Map.

Pause menu.

Interact / get on a horse / get inside a vehicle.

Look behind.

Controls during combat:

Best keybinds for faster weapon switching in RDR2 PC

For faster weapon switching on RDR2 PC, the most effective setups put your most-used weapons on easily reachable keys and on your mouse side buttons rather than relying on the weapon wheel or distant number keys.​​

Core principles

• Keep fingers on WASD: Avoid binds that force you to move your left hand far (e.g., 6-9) during combat.​​

• Reduce weapon wheel use: Direct-select weapons with single key presses instead of holding Tab and dragging.​​

• Use mouse buttons: Thumb buttons are excellent for rapid swaps because your right hand is already aiming.​​

Recommended keyboard binds

Use these as a template in Settings → Controls → Keyboard & Mouse → Key Mapping.​

• Primary sidearm (your “main” gun):

• Secondary sidearm / dual wield:

• Main rifle / shotgun (back): Q

• Secondary longarm (shoulder; sniper or shotgun): E

• Melee weapon / fists: F

• Throwables: R or

This clusters high-priority weapons around WASD so you can swap without lifting your hand off movement.​​

Recommended mouse binds

If your mouse has side buttons, use them for instant switches.

• Mouse Button 4 (front thumb): Quick swap to sidearm (panic close-range swap).

• Mouse Button 5 (rear thumb): Quick swap to main longarm (rifle/shotgun).

This lets you stay aimed (right mouse) while flicking between close- and mid-range weapons with your thumb.​​

In-game setup tips

• Equip the weapons you actually want in each slot (back, shoulder, sidearms) at your horse or gun locker first so the keys always grab the right gun.​

• Practice a simple routine in free roam (e.g., rifle → shotgun → sidearm) until it’s muscle memory, then tweak any key that feels awkward.​​

If you tell what hardware you use (how many mouse buttons, preferred hand placement), a more tailored layout can be suggested.

Best keybinds for quickdraw and holster toggling

Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC uses specific binds for quickdraw (rapid weapon draw, often tied to Dead Eye or sidearm pulls) and holster toggling (putting away or switching to fists). Optimal setups prioritize thumb-accessible keys near WASD to maintain movement fluidity during duels or fights.​​

Quickdraw essentials

Quickdraw activates fast pistol draws, especially in Dead Eye mode or cinematic standoffs.

• Dead Eye (for quickdraw timing): Caps Lock or Middle Mouse Button – enables slow-motion aiming for precise shots.​

• Quick sidearm draw: Mouse Button 4 (thumb) – bind to your primary revolver slot for instant access without wheel.​​

• Eagle Eye (scanning aid): V or Middle Mouse – highlights targets for faster targeting during draws.​

Holster toggling

Holstering switches to fists or stows weapons quickly; avoid distant keys like Tab holds.

• Holster / Put away weapon: X or G – toggle to unarmed state rapidly.​

• Fists / Melee mode: F (tap) – pairs with holster for brawls; hold for block.​

• Weapon wheel holster: Tab (release without selecting) – quick stow if no direct bind.​

Optimized layout

textLeft Hand (WASD cluster): – Q: Rifle (quickdraw mid-range) – E: Revolver (primary quickdraw) – R: Throwables (backup) – F: Melee/Holster toggle – G: Alt holster (if needed) – V: Eagle Eye/Dead Eye toggle Right Hand (Mouse): – MB4: Instant revolver draw – MB5: Holster – RMB: Aim (always ready for quickdraw)

Test in Settings > Controls > Key Mapping; equip revolvers in sidearm slots at camp first. Practice in free roam standoffs for muscle memory.​