How is Dutch van der Linde Alive in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Dutch van der Linde is alive in Red Dead Redemption 2 because the game is a prequel to Red Dead Redemption. The events of RDR2 take place in 1899, while RDR1 is set in 1911. Therefore, the story of RDR2 leads directly into the circumstances players find Dutch in during the first game. He walks away at the end of RDR2 after helping John and Sadie kill Micah. It’s important to understand the timeline to reconcile the events of both games. Dutch’s story concludes (prior to his death in RDR1) with him alive but disillusioned, having lost faith in his own ideals and acknowledging the consequences of his actions, at least to some extent.
The Chronological Timeline of Dutch’s Story
The Early Years and Formation of the Gang
Dutch van der Linde was born in 1855 and, after a difficult childhood marked by the death of his father, established the Van der Linde gang. He gathered a group of outcasts and misfits, promising them freedom and a life outside the constraints of societal norms. This early period showcased Dutch’s charisma and leadership, attracting loyal followers like Hosea Matthews, Arthur Morgan, and John Marston.
The Events of Red Dead Redemption 2 (1899)
RDR2 portrays the downfall of the Van der Linde gang. Following a failed heist in Blackwater, the gang is constantly on the run, pursued by lawmen and bounty hunters. Dutch’s leadership becomes increasingly erratic, fueled by paranoia, stubbornness, and a refusal to adapt to the changing times. He makes increasingly reckless decisions, often prioritizing his vision of freedom over the well-being of his gang.
Key events include:
- The Blackwater Massacre: This event sets the stage for the entire game, forcing the gang to flee and constantly seek new opportunities.
- The Saint Denis Bank Robbery: Another failed heist that further destabilizes the gang and leads to the death of Hosea Matthews, a critical voice of reason.
- Arthur’s Illness: Arthur’s diagnosis with tuberculosis forces him to confront the reality of the gang’s situation and Dutch’s deteriorating leadership.
- The Rise of Micah Bell: Micah’s manipulative influence over Dutch contributes to the gang’s internal divisions and ultimately leads to its collapse.
The Aftermath of Red Dead Redemption 2 and Dutch’s Disappearance
At the end of RDR2, after the confrontation with Micah Bell, Dutch walks away from the carnage, leaving John Marston to rebuild his life. He seems to acknowledge the errors of his ways, even shooting Micah. However, he does not join John in the final pursuit. This marks the beginning of his period of isolation and self-reflection.
The Events of Red Dead Redemption (1911)
In Red Dead Redemption, set 12 years after the events of RDR2, John Marston is forced by the Bureau of Investigation to hunt down the remaining members of his former gang, including Dutch. John eventually tracks Dutch to his hideout in the mountains. During their final encounter, Dutch, disillusioned and defeated, commits suicide by jumping off a cliff.
Connecting the Dots: RDR2 to RDR1
The key to understanding Dutch’s presence in both games lies in recognizing that RDR2 provides the backstory and context for his actions in RDR1. RDR2 shows us how Dutch evolved from a charismatic leader with noble intentions to a broken and desperate man clinging to outdated ideals. This transformation explains his behavior in RDR1, where he is portrayed as a ruthless and unpredictable figure.
By the time of RDR1, Dutch has become a symbol of resistance against the encroaching modernization of the American West. However, his methods are increasingly violent and his motivations are questionable. His final act of suicide reflects his complete disillusionment and his inability to reconcile his vision of the world with the reality of his situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dutch van der Linde
1. Does Dutch regret Arthur’s death?
Yes, there are indications that Dutch regrets Arthur’s death. His decision to shoot Micah at the end of RDR2 can be interpreted as an acknowledgment of Arthur’s warnings and a belated attempt to atone for his mistakes. However, Dutch’s narcissistic personality makes it difficult for him to fully express his regret.
2. Is Dutch the main villain in RDR2?
While Micah Bell is arguably the most immediate antagonist in RDR2, Dutch can be considered the main villain in a broader sense. His flawed leadership, increasingly irrational decisions, and susceptibility to Micah’s influence directly lead to the downfall of the gang and the tragic events of the game.
3. Why did Dutch betray Arthur?
Dutch didn’t intentionally betray Arthur. However, his paranoia and stubbornness led him to prioritize his own vision over the well-being of his most loyal followers. Micah’s manipulation further exacerbated this, driving a wedge between Dutch and Arthur.
4. What mental illness does Dutch have in RDR2?
While not explicitly stated, Dutch exhibits traits consistent with narcissistic personality disorder, characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. The stress and trauma he experiences throughout RDR2 likely exacerbate these tendencies.
5. Did Dutch know Micah was a rat?
It’s strongly implied that Dutch begins to suspect Micah’s betrayal near the end of RDR2, particularly after Arthur confronts him with the evidence. However, his pride and denial prevent him from fully acknowledging the truth until it’s too late.
6. Why didn’t Dutch save John?
Dutch’s decision to leave John for dead during the final heist reflects his growing paranoia and distrust. He likely viewed John as a threat to his authority and a potential source of dissent within the gang.
7. Why did the Dutch shoot Micah?
Dutch shoots Micah because he finally acknowledges the truth about Micah’s betrayal and the role he played in the gang’s downfall. It is an act of redemption in which he owed Arthur this.
8. What was Dutch Van der Linde’s early life?
Dutch Van der Linde was born outside Philadelphia to an English mother and a Dutch father. His childhood was unhappy, and his father, conscripted into the Union Army, died during the Civil War.
9. Did Dutch ever love Molly?
Yes, it is implied that Dutch had feelings for Molly, though his narcissism and self-absorption likely prevented him from forming a genuine and healthy relationship with her. Rockstar Games’ description confirms their romantic involvement.
10. Who kills Dutch van der Linde?
In Red Dead Redemption 1, Dutch commits suicide by jumping off a cliff during a confrontation with John Marston. It is revealed that he had created a new gang of Native Americans before his suicide.
11. What happens to Dutch after Red Dead Redemption 2?
After RDR2, Dutch disappears into the wilderness for 12 years, resurfacing in Red Dead Redemption where he leads a new gang of Native Americans. His actions become increasingly erratic and violent before his eventual suicide.
12. Was Dutch evil in RDR2?
Dutch is a complex character who isn’t purely evil. While his actions become increasingly morally questionable throughout RDR2, his initial motivations were based on a desire to create a better life for his gang. His flaws and failures ultimately lead him down a dark path.
13. Why does Dutch betray Arthur?
Dutch repeatedly tells Arthur and others that they have to stick to his plan in order to survive, even as circumstances continue to worsen around them. Dutch wants to be the one in charge no matter what, and he wants his orders to be the law of the gang.
14. Why did Dutch turn evil?
The Pinkertons’ pursuit, the death of his companions (especially Hosea), and the advancement of society made Dutch begin to become crazy and he became more and more ruthless, egotistical, narcissistic, and vindictive.
15. Will there be a RDR3?
The release of a potential Red Dead Redemption 3 is uncertain. Given Rockstar Games’ history, a sequel might not appear until the late 2020s or early 2030s. However, there have been hints and teases from Rockstar Games that mean we’ll certainly be back hunting bounties on horseback at some point.
Conclusion
Dutch’s survival in RDR2 and his subsequent actions in RDR1 are crucial to understanding the overarching narrative of the Red Dead Redemption series. His story is a tragic tale of a man who lost his way, consumed by his own ego and unable to adapt to a changing world. By exploring his past in RDR2, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of his character and the events that shaped his ultimate fate. To learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.