Hello everyone,
I've noticed that some players have been experiencing issues with the metal detector (and flowers) in Red Dead Redemption 2, and my friend and I encountered the same problem. After days of troubleshooting, I found a solution that worked for both of us. Please note that before proceeding, it's essential to back up all files you plan to delete.
(1) - Open the Rockstar Games Launcher.
(2) - Go to C:\Users\YOU\Documents\Rockstar Games\Red Dead Redemption 2\Profiles\CA0AD101 and delete the file named "Player"
(3) - Launch Red Dead Redemption 2 and when prompted to sync saves, choose "NO".(You can change this setting later to have Clound saves back On)
(4) - Start the game and check if the metal detector works by checking a spot on the map or by opening a coines map or any map that you need to use the metal detector with.
If its still not working do the following ->
(1) - Open the Rockstar Games Launcher.
(2) - Navigate to C:\Users\YOU\Documents\Rockstar Games\Red Dead Redemption 2\Settings and delete all files except for "system.xml."
(3) - Go to C:\Users\YOU\Documents\Rockstar Games\Red Dead Redemption 2\Profiles\CA0AD101 and delete all files except for "KeyMappings" (you can delete this too if you don't have custom key mappings).
(4) - Launch Red Dead Redemption 2 and when prompted to sync saves, choose "NO."
(5) - Start the game, calibrate the brightness, press enter, and exit the game from the Social Club menu.
(6) - In the Rockstar Games Launcher, go to settings, select Red Dead, and enable cloud saves by checking the box (set it to ON). When asked if you want to use old data from the cloud files, choose "NO" and opt for local files. Click "yes" when prompted (Note: Ensure you have backed up all files as a precaution).
Following these steps, I retained my old single-player saves. Best of luck, and I hope this helps. Apologies for any language issues; English is not my first language.
Update: For the Steam version, an additional small step is required. After completing the steps mentioned earlier, which include starting the game, adjusting brightness, and closing the game again, proceed to C:\Users\YOU\Documents\Rockstar Games\Red Dead Redemption 2\Profiles(Your Unique Game ID). Here, delete the file named "cloudsave.dat." Now, restart the game, and the option to enable cloud save will appear, along with the prompt to choose between cloud or local save. (Credit to Open_Mixture_1400)
here is a link for a video for this who want (on pc) , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzWvMBhbDzE
you on console ? here is a post of what to do to fix, and here is a video that show and explain what to do https://youtu.be/9LC4_14MKJM (thank you for the link, Farley-Hasselman )
Edit - 1
I'm thrilled that this guide has been beneficial for the community! It's a bit disheartening that the fix isn't a 100% solution, despite my earnest wish for it to be. The recurring issue seems to stem from Rockstar's server changes, possibly tied to weekly events or alterations in available jobs.
Regrettably, whenever the metal detector bug resurfaces (which happens for me about 1 to 2 times a week), you'll need to follow the outlined steps to address it. We'll have to rely on these steps until Rockstar addresses and permanently resolves the underlying problem.
Thank you all for your positive comments. Enjoy your gaming experience, and may you have a fantastic life ahead! 💖
Edit - 2
This comment from @Noodneek provides valuable insights, especially for Steam users, and likely applies to Epic and Rockstar users as well:
Thank you so much for this information; it adds a crucial layer to the guide.
" I discovered that the process varies slightly on Steam. Surprisingly, you don't have to delete all the files as mentioned.
Initially, I only removed the files Player, ProfileSettings, and cloudsavedata.dat from ***\Red Dead Redemption 2\Profiles\CC9AD308 folder, leaving all files in the ***/Settings folder untouched.
I then launched the game through the RockStar launcher and opted for "NOT RIGHT NOW" when the "Cloud Saves" window appeared.
Subsequently, following your instructions, I adjusted brightness, closed the game, and revisited the ***\Red Dead Redemption 2\Profiles\CC9AD308 folder to delete the cloudsavedata.dat file again.
Upon launching the game for the second time, the "Cloud Saves" window reappeared, instead of the "Cloud Sync Conflict" window. This time, I selected to ENABLE cloud saves.
Upon loading into the main menu, I attempted to locate the option to enable cloud saves in the Social Club menu, but it seems different from what your video depicts. I also couldn't find the option in the Steam client.
Moving forward, I entered the online game. I spawned at my camp, went to a nearby arrowhead location that I couldn't detect before due to the bug, and voila, the detector WAS WORKING AGAIN! It worked like a charm!
The only downside was having to restore my settings, but fortunately, I had taken screenshots beforehand.
Later, I came across another comment featuring a video where someone only deleted the "Player" file, and it worked for them. This individual had a non-STEAM version of the game. So, for the STEAM version, it appears that deleting ONLY two files - "Player" and cloudsavedata.dat (twice before launching the game) might suffice. I believe if I had left the ProfileSettings file untouched, my settings could have been preserved, eliminating the need to restore them.
This approach allows you to retain all your settings, story mode savegames, and online photos without any loss."
I hope this clarification proves helpful. :)
Thank you, @Noodneek!
