Red Dead Redemption: Complete Explosive Rifle Challenge Guide

Explosive Rifle Mastery tasks players with using the most fun weapon in Red Dead Redemption in unique ways.

Red Dead Redemption has numerous challenges for players to proclaim their mastery over the Wild West. Every RDR1 challenge comes with ranks that players have to complete in sequence. Along the way, they unlock new abilities en route to 100% completion. Initially, there were only four challenges in RDR1. More challenges were added with the release of the Liars & Cheats DLC pack, including two that could be completed in both the main game and Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare. All challenges are included in RDR's Nintendo Switch and PS4 ports.

One of these challenges is the Explosive Rifle Mastery challenge, which only has five ranks to complete instead of ten. The Explosive Rifle only takes one shot before it needs to be reloaded, but it makes the most of a single bullet. Bullets from the Explosive Rifle explode on impact, which can create a bloody mess. Completing each rank is more fun than difficult, but it doesn't hurt to know exactly how to finish the Explosive Rifle Mastery challenge in one piece.

Rank One

In the main campaign in Red Dead Redemption, players can obtain the Explosive Rifle by purchasing it at the Gunsmith in Blackwater. The rifle is very expensive with a base price of $10,000. With high enough Honor, the Explosive Rifle can be purchased for $5,000. With the Savvy Merchant Outfit, that price can again be cut in half to $2,500. However, with low Honor, the price will set players back a staggering $15,000.

In Undead Nightmare, each of the 23 main settlements can be overrun by Undead, which players need to keep free from the undead. The Explosive Rifle can be obtained at Rathskeller Fork, which is located in New Austin to the far north of Tumbleweed. Rathskeller Fork has a Gatling Gun,which can make quick work on Undead. The player will receive the Explosive Rifle once Rathskeller Fork is saved.

Rank Two

Thankfully, killing five enemies hidden in cover doesn't have to be done at once — it's cumulative. The easiest way to farm hidden cover kills is by going to a hideout where there are plenty of opportunities to find enemies in cover. From there, aim with the Explosive Rifle and fire and the blast should kill that enemy.

There are four types of Undead in Undead Nightmare: Fresh Undead, Bolters, Bruisers, and Retchers. Fresh Undead are the most common, generic, type of Undead. Bolters are the fast-moving Undead who run on all fours. Bruisers are the large, bulky, Undead that are tough to take out. Retchers are the glowing green Undead that spews toxins. Killing just one of each of these Undead is enough and it doesn't have to be in one shot, either.

Rank Three

Unlike Rank Two, Rank Three does require multiple kills with one shot. Luckily, this can potentially be done immediately after completing the previous Rank. Hideouts are one of the best locations to complete Rank Three in the main RDR1 given the number of enemies. Wait for three or more to group up together and fire. If all else fails, hogtying three enemies and piling them together can also make easy work of this Rank.

Getting a group of three or more Undead together can be done without trying. The Undead operate in hordes, so it's easy for John Marston secure a triple kill by complete accident. One location full of Undead is Jorge's Gap, a gorge overflowing with them. Jorge's Gap is located to the west of Armadillo. Once there, it's easy to find a group of three Undead to easily complete this Rank.

Rank Four

Killing two wild animals with one shot can be tough. Thankfully, animals like wolves and coyotes travel in packs. Wolves will die quickly to the Explosive Rifle, so it's just a matter of finding them and grouping them up accordingly. Wolves can be found just to the south of Armadillo, among numerous other places such as Tall Trees and north of Escalera.

Using bait can lure them into a single spot is a great approach, as there's little worry about the wolves being too hostile. A similar approach can be taken with killing two Undead animals. Replace standard bait with Undead Bait to attract them instead. Undead wolves can be found all throughout West Elizabeth, except Beecher's Hope, and Nuevo Paraiso along with Hennigan's Stead.

Rank Five

For the last Rank, simply kill a single enemy, or Undead in Undead Nightmare, while wearing the U.S. Army Uniform. The U.S. Army Uniform is one of the few outfits that can be worn in both the main game and Undead Nightmare. Unlocking the U.S. Army Uniform requires collecting six Scraps. One is located in Aurora Basin.

Two Scraps require winning at gambling mini-games: arm wrestling at the Pacific Union Railroad Camp and poker at Blackwater. In Blackwater, players will also have to complete a Nightwatch mission as well as purchase a Scrap from Blackwater Tailor. Lastly, completing the "Lights, Camera, Action" Stranger mission, which can be started at the Cinema in Armadillo after completing "The Sport of Kings, and Liars" main story mission given by Nigel West Dickens.