RDR3 Should Double Down on One of RDR2's Darkest Side Quests (2024)

Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2 has no doubt earned its high place in the annals of videogames. As the followup prequel to the first epic Western title, Red Dead Redemption 2 managed to one-up nearly every aspect of its predecessor. On top of a sprawling, visually stunning and massively detailed world, RDR2's narrative about outlaw Arthur Morgan's time with Dutch van der Linde's gang and their collective struggles to come to terms with changing times and themselves, has been etched into the hearts and minds of numerous fans.

While Rockstar is well-known for impactful storytelling, outside the core tale, fans have spent thousands of hours combing the world uncovering incredible secrets and previously unknown parts of Red Dead Redemption 2 for over 5 years. In true Rockstar fashion, Easter eggs, cryptic locations, and bizarre encounters abound in RDR2. Although pulling from many of the historical aspects of the era, RDR2 also features some truly unnerving characters and encounters. One of these, Edmund Lowry Jr., is perhaps high on the list of scariest, and RDR3 should strive to have a similarly frightening mission.

While fans have been speculating about the next Red Dead Redemption since 2018, with Grand Theft Auto 6 next in line for release in Rockstar's tentpole properties, the wait for any firm details on the third entry will likely persist for the time being.

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Red Dead Redemption 3 Should Double Down on One Big RDR2 Challenge

Red Dead Redemption 2 is far from the hardest video game out there, but there's one huge challenge that a potential sequel should double down on.

Red Dead Redemption 3 Should Include A Disturbing Quest Encounter Like RDR2's American Dreams

Red Dead Redemption 2's Edmund Lowry Jr.

Among Red Dead Redemption 2's more macabre and unsettling inclusions, such as the vampire stalking the shadowy alleys of Saint Denis or the relentless zombie-like Night Folk, the American Dreams stranger encounter brought players face to face with a true monster that wasn't supernatural in nature: Edmund Lowry Jr. Lowry was based on notorious real-life serial killers like Jack the Ripper and H. H. Holmes, who terrorized their respective city's populations at the time, combining their horrific deeds into Lowry's character and an equally disturbing storyline. Players who wished to see the quest through needed to track down and confront Lowry in his grotesque den, seeing his bloody "work" up close and finally putting an end to his actions. It was an intense and memorable mission that provided a taste of true horror while fitting seamlessly and believably into the world of RDR.

How Red Dead Redemption 3 Could Include Another Serial Killer-Related Mission

Rockstar's other juggernaut IP, Grand Theft Auto, has long contained off-putting characters who turned out to be serial killers or something similarly terrible, and players have often come to expect to find missions along these lines. It would thus be natural for RDR3 to continue this tradition. Of course, a big open question at this stage is when exactly Red Dead Redemption 3 might be set relative to the previous entries, which might in turn inform how Rockstar will approach this. RDR2 being a prequel allowed for the interpretation of the above figures known to have lived at around the time that was easily enough inserted into the setting.

If Red Dead Redemption 3 is later in the established timeline, it still could provide a chance to reference other infamous killers, like Ed Gein, who was known to be active in the early 20th century. If it goes the opposite direction, however, and is set earlier than RDR2, this might then necessitate some more creative liberties in terms of taking inspiration from records of real life people and events in this area. Rockstar has certainly shown it is able to incorporate more outlandish and disquieting elements into its otherwise meticulously extremely realistic worlds, though, and whenever RDR3 may be set, it should ensure to keep the creepy factor intact by giving fans an encounter as disconcerting as Lowry.

RDR3 Should Double Down on One of RDR2's Darkest Side Quests (2)
Red Dead Redemption 2

RDR2 is a Western-themed action/adventure game by Rockstar. It's a prequel to Red Dead Redemption and stars Arthur Morgan, an outlaw who adventures across the land avoiding and fighting other outlaws, the government, and anyone else looking to cause trouble.

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC , Stadia

Released
October 26, 2018
Developer(s)
Rockstar Games
Publisher(s)
Rockstar Games
Genre(s)
Action , Adventure

Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer

ESRB
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol

How Long To Beat
50 Hours

Metascore
97

Engine
RAGE

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
  • Games
  • Red Dead Redemption
  • Rockstar Games

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RDR3 Should Double Down on One of RDR2's Darkest Side Quests (2024)

FAQs

What Stranger Missions can John not do? ›

Duel The Man Who Killed John Marston

For the most part, most of the Stranger missions in the game can be completed by both John and Jack. Poppyco*ck is the only exception.

What side missions should I do as Arthur? ›

However, it's still a good idea to seek out these wonderful and weird RDR2 side missions whenever Arthur manages to catch a break from the main story.
  • 9 A Bright Bouncing Boy. ...
  • 8 Oh, Brother. ...
  • 7 The American Inferno, Burnt Out. ...
  • 6 The Iniquities Of History. ...
  • 5 He's British, Of Course. ...
  • 4 The Widow Of Willard's Rest.
Aug 28, 2023

Should I do the Stranger Missions in RDR2? ›

Stranger missions contribute towards 100% Completion. In Redemption, all missions except "I Know You" need to be completed. In Redemption 2, only 10 stranger missions strands are required for 100% Completion.

Are RDR2 side quests good? ›

Don't miss out on optional side quests and activities, as they provide additional context and depth to the game's story and characters.

Can you get Arthur's stuff back as John? ›

It's important to note that while you will regain Arthur's outfits, weapons, and some valuables, his money, food, and other consumables will not carry over to John [2].

Can you find Dutch after beating RDR2? ›

Dutch Van der Linde walks away unharmed at the end of Red Dead Redemption 2 after helping John and Sadie put an end to Micah. He simply walks away at the end of the game. In the original title, however, John manages to track down and kill Dutch, who had created a new gang of Native Americans.

Can you avoid giving Arthur tuberculosis? ›

Currently, the only known way for a player to even come close to saving Arthur from TB in RDR2 is by not progressing in the game at all. If players stop participating in story missions before Arthur dies, he'll technically keep on living for as long as the player desires.

Which mission gives Arthur TB? ›

This reveal was set up very early in Red Dead Redemption 2's story, however, as Arthur gets TB during the Money Lending and Other Sins III mission.

Is it better to explore as Arthur or John? ›

Arthur Morgan's character development surpasses John Marston's, making him a more compelling protagonist in Red Dead Redemption 2. Arthur can swim, complete unique side missions, and maintain a consistent eye color, setting him apart from John in the game.

Is it better to be dishonorable in RDR2? ›

High honor leads to reduced prices, better loot, and more outfits, while low honor yields more loot and discounts on deadeye tonics. Being good in the game requires sacrifices, while being bad has fewer rewards, but low honor makes gameplay easier and less stressful.

What happens if you don't go with Sadie RDR2? ›

Declining the mission will lower the player's Honor and the player will not be able to do Part II.

Is it worth giving money to the camp RDR2? ›

Summary. Upgrading RDR2's camp with money improves supplies and morale, but provides minimal material benefits. Camp upgrades affect characters slightly, but do not alter the game's story significantly.

Is 100% worth it in RDR2? ›

Is RDR2's 100% Completion Worth It? Unfortunately, the Best in the West achievement's rewards never quite make up for the level of effort players need to put in to complete RDR2 100%.

Is it better to have good or bad Honor in RDR2? ›

Generally speaking, having high Honor will get you the discounts and outfits to unlock, but being bad also pays a little if you're fan of booze and smoking and Dead Eye shortcuts. So, if you're planning on buying Red Dead Redemption 2's best weapons at a knockdown price, be on your best behaviour.

What side missions can you miss in RDR2? ›

Missable Content in Redemption 2
  • 1 Animals. 1.1 America Animals. ...
  • 2 Missions & Mission Strands. 2.1 Chapter II. ...
  • 3 Stranger Missions. 3.1 Chapter II. ...
  • 4 Camp Companion Activities. 4.1 Chapter II. ...
  • 5 Camp Item Requests.
  • 6 Hats, Weapons, Documents, Valuables & Trinkets. ...
  • 7 Rescue Bill Williamson Unique Random Encounter.
  • 8 Event Areas.

What Stranger Missions can Jack not do? ›

Yes he can. The only one task that doesn't count to 100% completion is the missable "I Know You" task. It's interesting everything that John has is like taken by Jack (ammos, weapons, every other items) and so does the stranger tasks and fame and honor. Very weirdly interesting there.

Can you still do Stranger missions after John dies? ›

Yes, for sure. After that final mission and the credits (which are good with a good score), you can finish up any loose ends as John.. Some Stranger Missions can only be finished as John, which should encourage you to tie up as many loose ends as possible.

Can you miss any stranger missions in RDR2? ›

There are a few side missions that can be missed depending on your progression. So if you see any stranger missions, camp requests, gang missions etc active on your map, try to do them before progressing further into story. All in all, try to take things slow, and you shouldn't miss anything in particular.

Can you do Brother Dorkins mission as John? ›

There are a few Stranger Missions / Activities that can never be done by John - Brother Dorkins, Dorothy Wicklow, Mother Superior Calderón, final mission with Beau & Penelope. Certain stranger missions cannot be done with John as they would be canon with Arthur. Eg, Brother Dorkins, Debts, Hamish Sinclair, etc.

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