Are There Missable Stranger Missions in Red Dead Redemption 2? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, partner, there are indeed missable Stranger Missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2). While most of the side content is designed to be accessible throughout your journey, some quests become unavailable as you progress through the main storyline, especially when reaching the epilogue. This guide will help you navigate the Wild West and ensure you don’t miss out on any of the intriguing encounters RDR2 has to offer.

Understanding Stranger Missions in RDR2

Stranger Missions are side quests that you encounter by interacting with specific non-player characters (NPCs) marked on the map with a white question mark (?). These missions provide unique storylines, characters, and rewards, enriching the overall RDR2 experience. Some Stranger Missions are standalone, while others are part of longer, multi-part storylines that unfold over time.

Why Some Missions are Missable

The reasons for missable Stranger Missions are varied, but often relate to story progression and character availability. Some NPCs, particularly those closely tied to Arthur Morgan’s narrative, might disappear after his passing. Others might only be accessible during specific chapters of the game. The in-game world evolves, making certain locations and scenarios unavailable later on. Therefore, it is best to complete them as you see them rather than risk the mission being gone for good.

Identifying Potentially Missable Missions

It’s crucial to pay attention to active quests marked on your map. If you see a white question mark or any other mission indicator, consider pursuing it before progressing further into the main story. While RDR2 offers a vast open world, it also has a linear narrative that influences the availability of side content.

Key Missable Stranger Missions

While a complete list would contain spoilers, here are a few examples of Stranger Missions that are known to be missable:

• “I Know You”: This mission, involving a mysterious character who seems to know Arthur’s past, must be completed before the end of the main storyline. Though it does not affect 100% game completion, it is an interesting encounter.
• Missions involving Mary Linton: Any missions linked to Arthur’s former love, Mary Linton, become unavailable after Arthur’s death.
• “The Noblest of Men, and a Woman”: Only the initial encounters can only be started as Arthur.

Strategies to Avoid Missing Content

To ensure you experience all the Stranger Missions RDR2 has to offer, consider the following strategies:

1. Explore thoroughly: Take the time to explore each region of the map and interact with any NPCs you encounter.

2. Prioritize active quests: If you have multiple Stranger Missions active, consider completing them before progressing with the main story.

3. Save frequently: Create multiple save files so you can revert to an earlier point in the game if you miss something important.

4. Consult a guide: If you’re particularly concerned about missing content, consider using a comprehensive guide or online resource to track the availability of Stranger Missions. The Games Learning Society website (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) can be a great resource for understanding game mechanics.

Post-Game Stranger Missions

After completing the main storyline and transitioning to John Marston, you’ll find that most Stranger Missions remain accessible. John can complete (almost) all of the Stranger Missions that Arthur was undertaking, the only exceptions seemingly being the ones for Mary Linton, for obvious reasons. In fact, progressing through the main missions with John is vital to even unlock some of the stranger missions that are only found in the New Austin portion of the map.

Completing Arthur’s Unfinished Business

John can continue many of Arthur’s storylines, providing closure to unfinished quests and enriching his own narrative. This allows players to experience a more complete world, even after Arthur’s passing.

FAQs: Stranger Missions in RDR2

1. Are all Stranger Missions available after Arthur dies?

No, not all Stranger Missions are available after Arthur’s death. Some missions are specifically tied to Arthur and his relationships, such as those involving Mary Linton.

2. Can you do Stranger Missions at any time?

While most Stranger Missions can be initiated at any time, some have specific time constraints or are only available during certain chapters of the game.

3. Is there anything missable for 100% RDR2 completion?

While the specific requirements for 100% completion are not missable, the overall experience is enhanced by completing as many Stranger Missions as possible.

4. Can you still do Stranger Missions after John dies (as Jack)?

Yes, some Stranger Missions can still be completed during the epilogue, even if they were started by John, and even if John passes away and is picked up by Jack.

5. Do Stranger Missions count towards 100% completion?

Only a select number of Stranger Missions are required for 100% completion.

6. Can John Marston do Arthur’s side missions?

Yes, John Marston can complete most of Arthur’s side missions, continuing storylines that Arthur started.

7. Can you find Dutch after beating RDR2?

While you don’t directly interact with Dutch after the end of RDR2, his actions are alluded to, connecting the game to the events of Red Dead Redemption.

8. Do you keep Arthur’s money as John?

No, however you can do the Aberdeen Pig Farm side mission and leave your money with the couple and then return to get it as John.

9. What can you do as Arthur but not John?

Arthur has unique interactions and abilities, such as decorating the camp and showing more character growth.

10. Are there any secret missions in RDR2?

Yes, RDR2 contains numerous hidden missions and encounters, often discovered through exploration and interaction with the environment.

11. Do Stranger Missions come back?

Stranger Missions do not come back, however, if you do not complete a mission the mission giver will eventually let you try again.

12. Can John do every Stranger Mission?

No. There are a few Stranger missions that can only be done as Arthur.

13. What happens if Trevor takes people to the altruist camp?

This happens in GTA 5, not Red Dead Redemption 2.

14. Does John get all of Arthur’s stuff?

After completing some missions, John will receive a lot of Arthur’s items including weapons, outfits and clothing.

15. Is RDR2 harder to run than GTA V?

Yes. Red Dead Redemption 2 is more demanding than GTA 5.

Conclusion: Embrace the Wild West

Exploring the Wild West of RDR2 is about more than just the main story. Stranger Missions add depth, color, and unexpected twists to your journey. While some of these encounters can be missed, understanding how the game progresses and prioritizing active quests will ensure you experience a richer and more complete Red Dead Redemption 2 adventure. Saddle up and explore, partner! For more insights into game design and learning, explore GamesLearningSociety.org.