Finding Dutch Van der Linde After Red Dead Redemption 2: A Comprehensive Guide

▶

The question on every outlaw’s mind after the credits roll on Red Dead Redemption 2 is this: Can you find Dutch after beating RDR2? The short answer is, sort of. While you won’t encounter him wandering the plains in the same way you might stumble upon other familiar faces from the Van der Linde gang, Dutch Van der Linde does make a crucial appearance in Epilogue Two. He resurfaces during the final mission, “American Venom”, where John Marston confronts Micah Bell in the mountains. Dutch is present at this encounter, allowing players to witness his final (chronological) act before the events of Red Dead Redemption. You don’t “find” him actively, but he’s there, woven into the story’s climax. After this, he disappears, seemingly for good, into the vast American landscape, setting the stage for his actions in Red Dead Redemption 1.

Tracing Dutch’s Shadow: What Happens After the Main Story

Dutch’s post-story appearance is more about tying up loose ends and witnessing his internal conflict rather than a chance for extended interaction. He’s a ghost of his former self, a man haunted by his decisions and the collapse of his dream. Seeing him there, betraying Micah, hints at a flicker of the man Arthur believed in, but it’s a fleeting moment. Understanding what happens to Dutch and the gang helps understand the larger story being told.

Dutch’s Path from RDR2 to RDR1: A Troubled Trajectory

The events following RDR2 but preceding RDR1 remain largely untold, which fuels much of the speculation and fan theories surrounding Dutch Van der Linde’s character and motivations. He’s gone into hiding in the mountains with Micah, and surrounded himself with thugs. He then appears in the original Red Dead Redemption where John manages to track down and kill Dutch, who had created a new gang of Native Americans. It’s clear that somewhere along the way, Dutch’s ideology warped and twisted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dutch in RDR2 and Beyond

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify Dutch’s role and impact on the Red Dead Redemption universe:

1. What happens to Dutch Van der Linde after RDR2? After the confrontation with Micah in “American Venom,” Dutch walks away unharmed, leaving John and Sadie to deal with Micah. This sets the stage for his eventual downfall in Red Dead Redemption 1. He is later found and killed by John in the original game, where he has created a new gang of Native Americans.

2. Can you find Dutch’s money as John? (Spoiler) Potentially, yes. Some players have reported that if you chose the honorable option to go with John, Dutch’s chest remains in Beaver Hollow, under the wagon, untouched. However, this isn’t a guaranteed event and may depend on specific choices and game states. This area might still be available to you.

3. Will Dutch send a member out to find Arthur? Yes, if you spend too much time away from camp, Dutch (or another gang member) will send someone to find Arthur. This shows Dutch’s initial concern for Arthur. Usually it is one of the major characters of the gang, and there is an interaction between the two explaining that Dutch has been worried about Arthur.

4. Did Dutch ever love Molly? The game suggests a complex relationship between Dutch and Molly O’Shea. Rockstar Games’ description indicates they were lovers, however, Dutch’s actions and lack of outward affection often leave players questioning the depth of his feelings. Molly was born into a wealthy family in Dublin, Ireland. She came to the United States searching for adventure, eventually joining Dutch van der Linde and his gang at some point prior to 1899.

5. Why did Dutch like Micah so much? Micah was the newcomer in the Van der Linde Gang. Dutch saved John’s life as well. There is the theory that Dutch felt like he owed Micah something after Micah saved his life.

6. Did Dutch know Micah was a rat? The game implies that Dutch suspected Micah might be a traitor, but his ego and desperation led him to ignore the warning signs. It is speculated he may have been testing Arthur and giving up on the gang’s morale instead of testing Micah.

7. Can you find the Blackwater money? During the mission “American Venom”, John comes across a chest with the Blackwater money, and his share of the cash is $20,000. John sees and opens the chest in a cutscene.

8. Will there be a RDR3? While nothing is confirmed, based on previous release patterns, a Red Dead Redemption 3 could be expected around 2026 at the earliest. However, there have been a few hints and teases from Rockstar Games that mean we’ll certainly be back hunting bounties on horseback at some point.

9. Does Dutch regret Arthur’s death? It is implied that Dutch regrets Arthur’s death, though he is too proud to admit it openly. His eventual betrayal of Micah suggests a belated acknowledgment of Arthur’s warnings. He is just too headstrong and arrogant to admit he made a giant mistake.

10. What mental illness does Dutch have in RDR2? Dutch exhibits traits consistent with narcissism, exacerbated by the stress of his circumstances. Dutch’s personality and his environment are a perfect storm and vicious cycle all in one.

11. Can you find Mary-Beth as John in RDR2? Yes, during the epilogue, John can encounter Mary-Beth at a train station in Valentine. This offers a small, bittersweet reunion.

12. Why did Dutch betray Arthur? Dutch misjudged Arthur’s intentions, believing he would betray him. Also, Dutch was speechless upon hearing and dismissing Arthur’s confession about Micah ratting out on the gang.

13. Does John get Arthur’s money? No, John does not inherit Arthur’s money. This forces John to work hard to build a life for his family, reflecting the themes of redemption and sacrifice.

14. What did Dutch and Micah do to the girl? This refers to a woman Dutch kills during a botched ferry robbery in Blackwater organized by Micah Bell, which forces the gang into the heart of a blizzard. There are no other mentions of a girl other than that event.

15. Why does Dutch dislike John? Dutch grew paranoid and manic after Hosea’s death and the botched Saint Denis robbery. Arthur even began to turn on him, and he viewed John as disloyal.

The Enduring Legacy of Dutch Van der Linde

Dutch Van der Linde’s character is a complex study of idealism corrupted by ego and circumstance. While the game doesn’t offer extensive post-story interactions with him, his presence lingers, shaping the world and the fates of those he left behind. Understanding his actions and motivations is key to appreciating the rich narrative tapestry of Red Dead Redemption 2.

For further exploration of the educational aspects of video games, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They provide valuable insights into how games can be used for learning and development. Games like Red Dead Redemption 2 can be more than just entertainment. They can provide hours of entertainment.