Red Dead Redemption 2: How to Block

To block in Red Dead Redemption 2, press Square on PlayStation or X on Xbox during a fist fight; on PC, community keybinding lists put Melee Block on R by default. Hold it to keep your guard up while your opponent swings, then let go and hit back with the punch button (Circle, B or F). Below we cover the controls on every platform, how to lock on, the difference between holding and tapping block, how to counter, and what to do when your opponent is the one who will not stop blocking.

This guide covers Story Mode in the current build of Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS4, Xbox One and PC. PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players run the last-gen versions through backward compatibility, so the console buttons are identical. Rockstar does not publish a controls page; the console buttons below are the ones every launch-era control list agrees on, and PC keys come from community keybinding lists and Steam players.

Block Controls on Every Platform

The official strategy guide published at launch describes the block button as “tap or hold” to block enemy blows during melee combat, and that distinction matters, as covered below.

On PC, Steam players describe the same layout: right mouse to lock on, R to guard, F to punch and E to grapple, with the left mouse button also throwing punches once you are locked on, though one player calls it unreliable in some situations. The bindings sit in the “Combat, Lock-On and Interact” section of Settings > Controls > Keyboard and Mouse > Key Mapping, where they are named Melee Attack, Melee Block and Melee Grapple.

Before You Can Block: Put Your Gun Away

Blocking belongs to fist fighting, so Arthur needs empty hands. Hold L1, LB or Tab to open the weapon wheel and pick the fists slot, or holster whatever you are holding. With a gun drawn, the same Square or X button does something else entirely: the control lists say pressing it while aiming makes Arthur dive.

If someone else throws the first punch while Arthur’s hands are already empty, the block button works the moment the brawl begins.

Step by Step: How to Block a Punch

1. Lock on. Hold L2, LT or the right mouse button so Arthur squares up to one opponent and keeps facing him.
2. Watch the wind-up. Your opponent pulls his arm back before he swings. That is your cue.
3. Hold block. Press and hold Square, X or R as the punch comes in. Arthur raises his arms and absorbs it.
4. Let go and counter. The moment the punch is stopped, release block and throw punches of your own.
5. Guard again. Before your opponent recovers, go back to holding block and wait for the next swing.

The community wiki sums up the approach: stay on the defensive, block an attack, then immediately strike back. It adds that you can chain two or three quick punches after a block, but the longer you keep swinging, the more likely your opponent is to block you and start landing punches of his own.

Hold or Tap: Guarding, Slipping and Countering

Holding block is a guard. It is the safe default when you are not sure when the next punch is coming, and player guides note you can still step left or right while guarding to make space.

Tapping block at the right moment is where fights are won. Player guides describe tapping Square or X just as the opponent’s punch lands to slip past it, then pressing Circle or B straight away for a counter that should knock him back. A Steam player adds a useful detail for every platform: if you hold a direction while guarding, Arthur is more likely to dodge that way rather than simply block.

Countering is more reliable than mashing. Player guides warn that hammering the punch button can work on weak opponents but gets you badly hurt against tougher ones.

When Your Opponent Keeps Blocking

Some brawlers turtle up and absorb everything. Two answers:

• Grapple. Press Triangle, Y or E to grab him. Player guides say a grapple breaks a guard that punches cannot get through, but warn it can be blocked if you throw it at the wrong moment. Once you have hold of him, the community wiki says three punches on a grabbed or tackled opponent at full health knock him out.
• Wait him out. Keep your own guard up and counter when he finally swings.

If you are the one grabbed, tap the punch button as fast as you can to break free, per player guides.

Tips Most Players Miss

• Fist fights level your Health. The official strategy guide calls regular melee knockouts an easy way to level up the Health attribute.
• Watch for a knife. The community wiki notes that an opponent sometimes draws a knife in the middle of a fist fight, and suggests a knife or hatchet of your own when a brawl turns into a knife fight.
• Mind where you fight. Per the community wiki, an unarmed assault in Saint Denis brings a bounty, while lawmen in most other towns tell you to leave instead. If a fight does land you in trouble, our guide to getting rid of your bounty covers the cleanup.
• Know when to stop brawling. If the other side reaches for a gun, our guides on how to aim down sights and how to use Dead Eye cover the shooting side of a fight.

For more help with Arthur’s journey, browse our Red Dead guides hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you block in RDR2 on PS4 and PS5? Press Square. Hold it to guard against punches, and lock on with L2 first so Arthur keeps facing your opponent.

How do you block on Xbox? Press X during a fist fight, holding LT to lock on.

What is the block key on PC? Community keybinding lists put Melee Block on R by default. Check the “Combat, Lock-On and Interact” section of Key Mapping if you have changed it.

Why does pressing block make Arthur dive instead? You have a gun out and are aiming. Square or X while aiming is the combat dive; holster your weapon to fight with your fists.

How do you counter in a fist fight? Block the punch, then press the punch button immediately. Player guides say a well-timed tap of block lets Arthur slip the punch and counter.

How do you break someone’s block? Grapple him with Triangle, Y or E, then punch while you have hold of him.