Do You Ever Unlock Blackwater in Red Dead Redemption 2? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you do eventually unlock Blackwater in Red Dead Redemption 2, but it’s not as simple as just wandering in. The ability to freely explore Blackwater, a pivotal location in the game’s lore, is tied to the game’s narrative progression and requires patience. It’s a place shrouded in mystery and is a significant landmark in the Red Dead Redemption universe, and thankfully, the player eventually gets the chance to experience it fully.
Unlocking Blackwater: A Matter of Time
Blackwater, located in West Elizabeth, is heavily guarded and initially inaccessible for the most part of the main storyline with Arthur Morgan. The game’s mechanics actively prevent you from venturing there early on, with instant death as the usual outcome if you attempt to cross the river or enter the town without having progressed far enough into the story. This is because Blackwater is a heavily policed area that is hostile towards Arthur and the Van der Linde gang due to the botched ferry heist that occurred there before the game even starts.
You can’t fully explore Blackwater with Arthur Morgan. While there are workarounds to briefly get in, you’ll meet a very quick death if you try to stick around or explore the areas of West Elizabeth before the end of chapter 6 and the epilogue. The full and unrestricted access to Blackwater is only granted during the epilogue of the game. It’s during the epilogue that you will assume the role of John Marston, allowing you to freely explore Blackwater and the entire West Elizabeth region without fear of being instantly killed by lawmen.
The Epilogue and Blackwater Access
The game’s design strategically places the exploration of Blackwater behind the epilogue. This approach creates a clear contrast between the desperate and constricted circumstances of Arthur Morgan and the relative freedom that John Marston experiences after the main storyline. The developers deliberately saved Blackwater as one of the last places the player can visit, reinforcing the theme of moving on and experiencing a new chapter in the game. Once you have unlocked the epilogue, you can simply travel there on foot or on horseback.
Why is Blackwater Initially Locked?
The initial inaccessibility of Blackwater is integral to the narrative. The ill-fated ferry robbery in Blackwater, which is referenced constantly, acts as the catalyst that sends the Van der Linde gang on the run. The game emphasizes the growing reach of the law and the modernizing world, with Blackwater representing a symbol of this encroaching civilization. The city is a major hub that is too dangerous for Arthur to freely roam in. In fact, it is a good symbol of the kind of town Arthur tried to avoid his whole life. By keeping it locked, the game heightens the sense of urgency and vulnerability felt by Arthur Morgan during his journey.
Furthermore, the story of Red Dead Redemption 2 is very carefully planned. If you were to be allowed in Blackwater with Arthur, it would ruin some of the narrative flow and perhaps cause the player to miss some of the plot points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blackwater in RDR2
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Blackwater and its role in Red Dead Redemption 2:
1. Can Arthur Morgan ever fully explore Blackwater?
No, Arthur Morgan cannot fully explore Blackwater without facing almost certain instant death. There are ways to glitch your way into the city briefly, but his presence in the area will always be met with hostility from the authorities. Full exploration is reserved for John Marston in the epilogue.
2. How do you unlock Blackwater in Red Dead Redemption 2?
You will unlock access to Blackwater during the epilogue of Red Dead Redemption 2. After completing the main story as Arthur Morgan, you will take control of John Marston, who can freely travel to Blackwater and explore the area without being shot on sight.
3. Why wasn’t Arthur in Blackwater during the ferry heist?
Arthur wasn’t present for the ill-fated ferry heist in Blackwater because he was pulling a con with Hosea elsewhere. He only heard about the details of the botched robbery later. This plot point is vital to preventing the player from accessing the city during the beginning of the game and also to establish the gang’s desperate situation as the narrative progresses.
4. What happens if you try to go to Blackwater early as Arthur?
If you try to go to Blackwater or anywhere south or west of it early in the game as Arthur, you will encounter a very quick death. The law will be immediately hostile, shooting on sight. The only way to get to the area without getting killed is to glitch into it, or to progress to the epilogue.
5. Is Blackwater based on a real location?
Yes, Blackwater is based on a real-life city called Blackwater, located in Missouri. Much like the fictional RDR2 Blackwater, the real town was platted in 1887 and served as a trading post. This adds a layer of historical grounding to the game’s setting.
6. Is the money from the Blackwater heist ever found?
Yes, during the epilogue as John Marston, you will be able to recover the money from the Blackwater heist, which you will find on the ranch where Dutch and Micah are hiding, helping you to feel some sort of closure to the story. This resolves a key part of the narrative.
7. Is Blackwater the most technologically advanced place in the game?
Blackwater is presented as a major city and the biggest symbol of increasing government control and technology in the game, with many modern inventions being found in the city. It represents the changing times and stands in contrast to the more traditional areas of the game.
8. Can you avoid getting TB as Arthur, therefore exploring Blackwater?
No, you cannot avoid getting tuberculosis as Arthur. This is a key story element that shapes the narrative and is a pre-determined event, despite the wishes of many players to find an alternative path. This also means that you can never go to Blackwater as Arthur in free roam without using glitches and facing certain death.
9. Why is John no longer wanted in Blackwater by the time of the epilogue?
By the time the player takes control of John Marston in the epilogue, 8 years have passed, during which many changes have occurred in the game’s story. Additionally, some of the lawmen who knew him have retired, died, or lost interest in the case, which helps to explain why he is no longer being hunted.
10. Does the epilogue have an impact on the map as a whole?
Yes, the epilogue not only unlocks the ability to visit Blackwater, but it also makes previously unavailable regions accessible. The game map is expanded so that John Marston can explore the new sections of West Elizabeth and New Austin.
11. What are some key activities to do in Blackwater during the epilogue?
Once you can freely explore Blackwater during the epilogue, you can participate in side quests, gamble, buy unique goods, see different interactions with the townspeople, and experience the city’s modernization which is vastly different to the parts of the map where Arthur operates.
12. Can you find unique horses in Blackwater?
Yes, Blackwater is one of the places that offers unique and high-quality horses to purchase. You can also access the stables in this area before even getting to the epilogue, but they will be closed off until you can freely walk the area.
13. Is Blackwater a very populated city?
Yes, Blackwater is one of the most populated areas in the game, boasting a bustling port, modern buildings, and a lively atmosphere. It contrasts heavily with the more rural areas, further highlighting the themes of the game.
14. What happens to the gang’s money from the Blackwater heist?
The money that was lost in Blackwater is eventually recovered by John Marston in the epilogue. It serves as a final piece of closure for the gang’s story.
15. How does unlocking Blackwater enhance the game experience?
Unlocking Blackwater in the epilogue enhances the game experience by providing a sense of closure and a complete journey. The opportunity to explore this city, which is such a key part of the story, brings the narrative of Red Dead Redemption 2 full circle. It also shows the passage of time and allows the player to see the world from a different perspective.