Does John Marston Strike it Rich in Red Dead Redemption 2?
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The short answer is: Yes, John Marston can become quite wealthy in Red Dead Redemption 2. While he doesn’t start with Arthur Morgan’s accumulated wealth (or potential lack thereof, depending on your playstyle), John has ample opportunity to amass a considerable fortune during the epilogue. He inherits Arthur’s skills and the open world, along with its many opportunities for financial gain. The $20,000 John recovers at the end of the main story is a significant starting point. However, a truly rich John Marston is one who actively pursues wealth through various in-game activities, and he can get even more money by getting Dutch’s chest that is rumored to have the Blackwater money.
Financial Opportunities Await
John’s potential riches are not automatically granted; they require player involvement. He can exploit numerous avenues to increase his wealth. Let’s dive into the ways John can build his fortune:
Continuing Arthur’s Legacy: The Open World Advantage
One of John’s biggest assets is the open world that Arthur Morgan meticulously explored. All locations discovered, secrets uncovered, and treasure maps found remain accessible to John. This gives him a massive head start in accumulating wealth. Any undiscovered gold bars, treasure chests, or valuable collectibles Arthur left behind are ripe for the taking. John has Arthur’s outfits, clothes and weapons, and the same opportunities.
The $20,000 Epilogue Stash: A Solid Foundation
The $20,000 recovered from Micah and Dutch at the conclusion of the epilogue is far from chump change. While this sum is split between John, Sadie, and Charles, it still provides a substantial financial foundation for John’s new life. This money can be invested in purchasing a home, supplies, and the tools necessary to generate further income.
Hunting and Trading: Sustained Income
Hunting remains a viable and consistent income source for John. The vast wilderness of Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a plethora of animals, whose pelts and meat can be sold to trappers and butchers. Mastering hunting techniques and targeting high-value animals like bears and elk can lead to a steady stream of revenue. Moreover, he can also sell horses to stables.
Bounty Hunting: A Risky but Rewarding Profession
John can take up bounty hunting, tracking down outlaws and bringing them in (dead or alive) for rewards. This can be a dangerous profession, but the payouts can be significant, especially for high-profile bounties. Each bounty helps you earn both money and gold.
Treasure Hunting: The Lure of Hidden Riches
Treasure hunting is one of the most lucrative activities in Red Dead Redemption 2. Many treasure maps are scattered throughout the world, leading to caches of gold bars and other valuables. Successfully following these maps and uncovering the hidden treasure can significantly boost John’s wealth. Gold bars can be found all over the world of Red Dead Redemption 2.
Stranger Missions: Unpredictable Fortunes
Completing Stranger Missions can yield unexpected rewards. While some missions offer modest payouts, others may lead to valuable items, hidden stashes of cash, or opportunities to invest in businesses. Keep an eye out for those “stranger” icons on the map! You can resume these missions as John.
Robbing: A Moral Dilemma with Financial Gains
While not the most honorable path, robbing trains, stagecoaches, and homesteads can certainly increase John’s wealth. Successfully executing these heists requires planning and skill, but the potential rewards can be substantial. Be prepared for a shootout though, as these activities carry a significant risk of attracting law enforcement attention.
Gambling: A Game of Chance with High Stakes
John can test his luck at various gambling establishments throughout the game world. Playing poker, blackjack, or dominoes can either make him rich or leave him broke. Mastering the rules and employing strategic gameplay can improve his odds of winning. Be cautious, as gambling can be addictive and lead to significant losses.
Selling Wagons and Looting Bodies
Selling wagons is another way for John to earn money, but it is not the most honorable thing to do. He can also loot bodies to collect valuable items and earn money.
The Role of Honor
It’s important to note that John’s honor level can impact his interactions with certain NPCs and the availability of some missions. Maintaining high honor can unlock certain quests and opportunities that may lead to financial rewards. Conversely, low honor can restrict access to certain areas and limit his interactions with law-abiding citizens. Helping John is clearly the best way to end the story.
The True Measure of Wealth
Ultimately, whether John becomes “rich” in Red Dead Redemption 2 depends on the player’s choices and actions. The game provides numerous opportunities for John to accumulate wealth, but it’s up to the player to seize those opportunities and manage their resources wisely. Remember, true wealth isn’t just about money; it’s also about building a life for his family and ensuring their future.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does John inherit all of Arthur’s money?
No, John does not automatically inherit all of Arthur’s money. Upon transitioning to John, you effectively start with a clean slate financially.
2. How much money does John get at the end of RDR2’s epilogue?
John recovers $20,000 at the end of the epilogue, but this sum is split with Charles and Sadie.
3. Can John find Dutch’s hidden money?
Yes, the game mentions a chest that Dutch leaves, assumed to contain the Blackwater money.
4. Can John revisit areas from earlier chapters to find treasure?
Absolutely! All previously discovered locations and treasure maps remain accessible to John, allowing him to continue the search for hidden riches.
5. What are the best ways for John to make money quickly?
Treasure hunting, bounty hunting, and selling valuable pelts are all excellent ways to generate income quickly.
6. Can John get rich through gambling?
Gambling is a risky option, but it can yield significant profits if you’re skilled and lucky. However, be prepared for potential losses.
7. Does John inherit Arthur’s weapons and outfits?
Yes, John inherits Arthur’s weapons and outfits early in the epilogue.
8. Can John continue Stranger Missions that Arthur started?
Yes, any incomplete Stranger Missions from Arthur’s playthrough can be continued by John.
9. Is it more profitable to be honorable or dishonorable as John?
Both paths have their advantages. Honorable actions can unlock certain missions and discounts, while dishonorable actions can lead to lucrative (but risky) heists and robberies. It depends on your playstyle.
10. Can John buy property or businesses?
Yes, John can purchase Beecher’s Hope to improve it. It may not be a business, but it still requires money to start.
11. Can John rob trains like Arthur did?
Yes, John can rob trains just like Arthur.
12. What happens to Arthur’s horses?
Unfortunately, you do not regain Arthur’s horses. You need to find and tame new ones.
13. Is Bounty Hunting a good source of income for John?
Yes, Bounty Hunting is a good source of income for John, as each bounty is quick and earns you both money and gold.
14. Where can John find Gold Bars?
Gold bars can be found all over the world in Red Dead Redemption 2, but their high value (around $500!) means none of them are going to be totally easy to acquire.
15. Can John Get Dutch’s chest that is rumored to have the Blackwater Money?
Yes, if you chose the honorful option, Dutch’s chest will still be under the wagon in Beaver Hollow, untouched.