Unraveling the Enigma: Finding the Strange Man in Red Dead Redemption 2

Yes, you can definitely find the Strange Man in Red Dead Redemption 2. He’s one of the game’s most enduring mysteries, a figure shrouded in ambiguity and capable of evoking both curiosity and unease. His presence isn’t as straightforward as bumping into other characters, requiring specific actions and locations to witness his unsettling appearances. Finding him involves exploring certain locations during specific times and interacting with specific objects and other people. The Strange Man plays a subtle, yet profound, role in shaping the game’s narrative and adding to its depth.

The Strange Man’s Haunts and How to Find Him

The most prominent encounter with the Strange Man involves the abandoned shack located in the swamps north of Saint Denis, near Bayou Nwa. During the game’s epilogue, while playing as John Marston, you can visit this location repeatedly. Each visit reveals a little more progress on a painting within the shack that depicts the Strange Man.

• Initial Visit: The painting will barely be started, with just the outline of a figure.

• Subsequent Visits: Over several in-game days, you will witness the painting slowly being completed, with details gradually emerging, solidifying the image of the Strange Man.

To see the most complete version of the Strange Man, you’ll need to make multiple trips back to the shack after substantial time has passed in-game. Many players also believe that reaching a certain level of game completion, like achieving 100%, can influence the final state of the painting and unlock additional easter eggs related to him.

Another encounter with the Strange Man takes place near MacFarlane’s Ranch, where he tasks John with a moral dilemma. This encounter is unlocked after completing the mission “A Tempest Looms”. You’ll find the Strange Man at the edge of the ridge leading down the path from MacFarlane’s Ranch to Armadillo.

It’s important to note that the Strange Man never directly interacts with Arthur Morgan. He only appears in the epilogue, tied specifically to John Marston, bridging the gap between Red Dead Redemption 2 and the original Red Dead Redemption.

His elusive nature and the ambiguity surrounding his true identity have made him a focal point for player theories, discussions, and searches for hidden clues within the game. His presence adds an layer of mystique and intrigue to the already rich world of Red Dead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Strange Man

1. Who exactly is the Strange Man?

The Strange Man‘s true identity is intentionally left ambiguous by Rockstar Games. He is a mysterious and enigmatic figure who appears in both Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2. Player theories range from him being an angel or demon to a representation of Death, the Devil, or even fate itself. His omniscience and moral tests suggest a being with power beyond human comprehension.

2. Does the Strange Man appear as Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2?

No, the Strange Man does not appear as Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2. He is exclusively linked to John Marston, acting as a bridge between the events of the prequel and the original game. Arthur never directly interacts with him.

3. Can you shoot the Strange Man?

In the original Red Dead Redemption, you can attempt to shoot the Strange Man, but your bullets will have no effect on him. This reinforces the idea that he may not be human. In Red Dead Redemption 2, John Marston can also shoot at him, to no effect.

4. What is the significance of the mirror in the Strange Man’s cabin?

The mirror in the Strange Man’s cabin is a significant easter egg. Some players claim that upon reaching 100% game completion, the completed painting will show him in the mirror, implying his omnipresence.

5. Is the Strange Man the Devil in Red Dead Redemption?

The game provides clues that hint at the Strange Man‘s potential association with the Devil, but this is never explicitly confirmed. He often presents moral choices and tests, and his knowledge of future events suggests supernatural influence.

6. Where else can you find references to the Strange Man in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Besides the shack and MacFarlane’s Ranch, you can find a portrait of the Strange Man in the general store of Armadillo during the epilogue. John Marston will comment that the person in the portrait looks familiar.

7. What is the mission “A Tempest Looms,” and how does it relate to the Strange Man?

“A Tempest Looms” is a mission in the epilogue where John Marston investigates trouble brewing in Armadillo. After completing this mission, it unlocks an encounter with the Strange Man near MacFarlane’s Ranch.

8. Does completing the game to 100% guarantee an encounter with the Strange Man?

While some players believe reaching 100% completion influences the final state of the painting in the Strange Man’s cabin, it doesn’t guarantee any new encounters. The main encounter points remain the same regardless of completion percentage.

9. Is there a connection between Herbert Moon and the Strange Man?

There is a theory, based on dialogue and clues in both Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2, that Herbert Moon made a deal with the Strange Man for success in exchange for sacrificing his happiness.

10. What are some popular theories about the Strange Man’s origins?

Some popular theories include:

• He is a fallen angel.
• He is a representation of Death.
• He is the Devil testing the morality of individuals.
• He is a time traveler observing the events unfolding.

11. Why does the Strange Man only interact with John Marston?

The reason the Strange Man only interacts with John Marston is largely narrative. He serves as a connecting thread between Red Dead Redemption 2 and the first game. This way, those who’ve played the older game find his reappearance intriguing.

12. Are there any mods that enhance the Strange Man experience in RDR2?

Yes, there are numerous mods for PC versions of Red Dead Redemption 2 that can alter or enhance the Strange Man experience, ranging from adding new encounters to altering his appearance or dialogue. However, use these mods with caution as they can potentially affect game stability.

13. Is the Strange Man an antagonist in RDR2?

While unsettling, the Strange Man is not a clear-cut antagonist. His motivations are unclear, and his role is more that of an observer and tester of morality.

14. Does the Strange Man appear anywhere else on the RDR map, other than the shack?

Besides the shack and the encounter near MacFarlane’s Ranch, and a portrait of the Strange Man in the general store of Armadillo, the Strange Man doesn’t appear anywhere else on the RDR map.

15. What makes the Strange Man such a captivating character in the Red Dead Redemption series?

The Strange Man captivates players due to his mysterious nature, his moral tests, and the ambiguity surrounding his true identity. He represents the unknown and forces players to contemplate deeper themes of morality, fate, and the consequences of their choices. His presence elevates the games beyond simple Western narratives, adding layers of philosophical depth and intrigue.

Rockstar’s ability to weave such an enigmatic character into the game world demonstrates the power of storytelling in video games, a topic often explored by the Games Learning Society as they investigate the educational and social impact of gaming. You can read more about the Games Learning Society and its work at GamesLearningSociety.org.