Drinking

Drinking plays an important social function in the American West at the time of Red Dead Redemption. Alcoholic drinks, such as whiskey and bourbon, were extremely popular in the United States territories, while tequila was more popular in Mexico.

Players can grab a drink from the bartender when visiting a saloon, for two dollars (this price will change in Blackwater after The Prohibitionist to either 4 dollars or 1 dollar, depending on your decisions, or if Marston has obtained the fame rank of "Gunslinger", he can get drinks for free at any bar, even after The Prohibitionist, no matter what path you chose), with the option to leave the bar or to continue drinking at the end of every drink.

After you drink 5 times in a row Marston will begin to stumble while walking and fall very easily during a period of time. Sporadically, Marston gets blackouts, falling to the ground and laying still for some time. If Marston returns to the bar immediately after sobering up, it may take less drinks to get drunk once more.

While drunk the player must take caution as it is very easy to upset a patron and get invited to a duel (see Dueling).

While wearing a Bandana, the bartender will refuse to serve Marston.

It should be noted that the sobering period can vary drastically from instance to instance. Marston may fall over once and then get back up sober, or it may take him more than a few minutes. It can take as little as 10 seconds, or as much as 5 minutes. Whether or not this depends on any certain factors is still unclear, though it does seem like there is a correlation between drinking experience and the length of the recovery period. Or it may depend on the type of drink Marston asks for. Sometimes he asks for bourbon. Other times he asks for whiskey, among other drinks.

Locations

 * Armadillo
 * Thieves' Landing
 * Blackwater
 * Casa Madrugada
 * Rathskeller Fork
 * Chuparosa
 * Escalera

Length

 * This can last for 4 to 5 in-game hours if drunk to a maximum of 5 drinks (leaving the bar and drinking during the night may lengthen this).


 * Staying in the bar may result in falling over once and then get back up sober.