How Much Money Does John Marston Get at the End of Red Dead Redemption 2?

At the end of Red Dead Redemption 2’s epilogue, John Marston receives $20,000. This sum is found in a chest during the mission “American Venom,” the final story mission of the game. This money is assumed to be a portion of the infamous Blackwater money that the Van der Linde gang was constantly pursuing. While $20,000 may not be the entire Blackwater haul, it is still a substantial amount, allowing John to finally secure a future for his family and begin rebuilding a life away from the outlaw world. However, getting the most out of playing as John goes beyond this initial sum. It involves understanding how Arthur Morgan’s assets transition (or don’t) and exploring all available avenues for generating wealth in the game’s expansive world.

Navigating the Financial Landscape as John Marston

Understanding the financial situation John Marston finds himself in at the end of Red Dead Redemption 2 is key to enjoying the epilogue and setting him up for success in the lead-up to the events of Red Dead Redemption. Unlike Arthur, John starts with a clean slate regarding honor, so how you earn your fortune significantly impacts his moral standing.

Maximizing Your Income as John

Beyond the initial $20,000, numerous opportunities exist for John to amass more wealth:

• Completing Missions and Stranger Encounters: The epilogue provides a variety of missions and side quests that offer financial rewards.
• Hunting and Selling Pelts: The vast wilderness is teeming with wildlife. Hunting animals and selling their pelts is a reliable source of income. Legendary animals yield particularly valuable pelts.
• Treasure Hunting: Hidden treasure maps lead to caches of gold bars and other valuables. Exploring the world and solving these puzzles can be very lucrative.
• Bounty Hunting: Tracking down and capturing (or killing) wanted criminals is a classic Western way to earn money.
• Robbing Trains and Stagecoaches: While this will negatively impact John’s honor, robbing trains and stagecoaches can provide a quick influx of cash.
• Selling Stolen Horses: Breaking wild horses and selling them, or stealing and selling horses is a very profitable endeavor.
• Gambling: If you’re skilled (or lucky), playing poker or other games of chance can be rewarding, but it’s also risky.
• Looting: Always loot fallen enemies and explore abandoned buildings for valuables. Even small items can add up over time.

Managing Your Resources

While acquiring wealth is important, managing it effectively is crucial:

• Invest Wisely: Consider investing in property upgrades at Beecher’s Hope to improve the ranch and increase its value.
• Prioritize Essential Purchases: Focus on purchasing necessary supplies, weapons, and upgrades before indulging in luxuries.
• Avoid Unnecessary Expenses: Be mindful of spending too much money on frivolous items.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About John Marston’s Money in RDR2

1. Does John inherit Arthur’s money?

No, John does not directly inherit Arthur’s money. The money Arthur possessed at the end of his story is not automatically transferred to John. However, there’s a workaround: if you leave Arthur’s money at the Aberdeen Pig Farm before his final missions, you can retrieve it as John.

2. Can John get Dutch’s money?

During the “American Venom” mission, John finds a chest containing what is assumed to be a portion of the Blackwater money, left by Dutch. He receives approximately $20,000 from this chest. There is also a myth about a chest in Beaver Hollow, but it cannot be interacted with in the game.

3. What happens to Arthur’s valuables (jewelry, etc.)?

Arthur’s jewelry, food, and other valuables do not transfer directly to John. These items are essentially lost after Arthur’s story concludes. Therefore, it’s best to sell these off before the end.

4. Does John inherit Arthur’s honor?

No, John starts with a neutral honor rating at the beginning of the epilogue. You can then raise or lower his honor through your actions in the game.

5. Can you find Dutch after beating RDR2?

While Dutch disappears at the end of Red Dead Redemption 2, you do encounter him again in the original Red Dead Redemption, where John confronts him.

6. Can I get Arthur’s horses back as John?

Unfortunately, all of Arthur’s horses are lost when he dies. You will need to acquire new horses as John.

7. What is the best way to make money as John in RDR2?

The most reliable ways to make money as John include completing missions, hunting and selling pelts, finding treasure, and bounty hunting. Utilizing a combination of these methods will ensure a steady income.

8. Where can I find treasure as John?

Treasure maps can be found throughout the world, often in hidden locations or by completing stranger missions. Explore thoroughly and pay attention to clues.

9. Can John visit Arthur’s grave?

Yes, John can visit Arthur’s grave. It is located in the Grizzlies East, northeast of Bacchus Station. The epitaph on the grave will reflect Arthur’s honor level.

10. What happens if Arthur went to Blackwater early to find Dutch’s money?

Arthur cannot access the Blackwater area early in the game due to the Pinkerton presence. Even if he could, the Blackwater money is not accessible until the epilogue.

11. What is the significance of the Blackwater money?

The Blackwater money represents the culmination of a robbery gone wrong and is a constant source of tension and conflict within the Van der Linde gang. It symbolizes their failed ambition and the relentless pursuit that ultimately leads to their downfall. As per the game, the amount was $150,000 which is converted to today’s money to an immense $5.4 million.

12. How does John use the money he gets at the end of RDR2?

John uses the $20,000 to purchase Beecher’s Hope and start a ranch. This allows him to provide a stable life for his family and escape the outlaw life.

13. Are there any missable money-making opportunities as John?

Some stranger missions offer unique money-making opportunities that can be missed if you don’t complete them during the epilogue. Pay attention to the map and be sure to investigate any available side quests.

14. How does John’s financial situation compare to Arthur’s?

Arthur’s financial situation fluctuates throughout the game, depending on missions and player choices. John’s financial stability is more grounded as he is focused on building a future rather than living on the run.

15. Is there an optimal way to spend the initial $20,000 as John?

Prioritizing essential upgrades for Beecher’s Hope is generally the best approach. This will improve the ranch, generate passive income, and provide a safe and comfortable home for John’s family. After that, focus on weapons, horses, and other necessary supplies. Consider how the Games Learning Society principles can be applied to understanding economic systems within games like Red Dead Redemption 2. GamesLearningSociety.org offers resources on how games simulate and teach real-world concepts.

By understanding how to acquire and manage wealth effectively, players can fully immerse themselves in John Marston’s journey and shape his destiny in the vast and unforgiving world of Red Dead Redemption 2.