Is 100% Completion Missable in Red Dead Redemption 2? A Deep Dive
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, achieving 100% completion in Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) is indeed missable. Certain side missions, companion activities, and specific encounters are only available during certain chapters or with certain characters. Failing to complete these before progressing too far in the story will lock you out of them permanently, preventing you from achieving that coveted 100% completion. Let’s explore this in detail and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure you don’t miss anything on your journey.
Understanding 100% Completion in RDR2
Before we dive into the missable aspects, it’s crucial to understand exactly what constitutes 100% completion in Red Dead Redemption 2. It isn’t simply finishing the main story. Rockstar Games sets a specific checklist of tasks that must be completed, and those tasks are:
- 5 Legendary Animals Hunted and Skinned: Track and bring down the game’s most elusive creatures.
- 25 Chance Encounters: Experience the unpredictable events scattered across the world.
- 10 Gang Hideouts Cleared: Eliminate outlaw presence in various locations.
- 10 Compendium Animals Studied: Document the diverse wildlife of the American West.
- Complete 5 Bounty Hunter Missions: Bring criminals to justice for profit.
- Complete 25% of all discovered locations: Explore enough to “discover” new locations.
- Complete 4 Storyline side Missions: Help others in a big way.
- Craft a Dreamcatcher: Search the wilderness for these hidden items.
- Complete 9 challenges for 10 categories: Test your skills across all of the game’s challenges.
- Find All Graves: Pay respect to those who have passed away.
- Complete a Chain of 9 Robberies: Steal from trains, stores, and homesteads.
- Collect 20 types of Fish: Catch various species of fish.
- Complete all 10 Hunter Requests: Find and bring back exotic animal specimens for science.
- Complete 10 Horseman Challenges: Prove your riding skills with some unique tests.
- Reach Rank 4 in all categories: Maximize your skills in all categories.
These are the tasks that are required to reach 100% completion in RDR2.
The Missable Elements: A Closer Look
So, what specifically makes 100% completion missable? The key lies in the time-sensitive nature of certain missions and encounters.
- Companion Activities: These are smaller interactions and missions that are only available while specific characters are present in your gang’s camp. For example, you might have the opportunity to go fishing with Javier, rob a stagecoach with Charles, or play poker with the gang. These opportunities disappear as the story progresses and characters leave.
- Certain Side Missions: Some side missions are tied to specific chapters or characters. If you don’t complete them before moving on, they become unavailable. Often times, these missions are not part of the 100% completion checklist, but some are.
- Character-Specific Encounters: Some random encounters and events are specific to Arthur Morgan. Once you progress past the epilogue, you won’t be able to experience them. While these may not directly impact 100% completion, they add to the richness of the game.
Mitigation Strategies: Ensuring a Complete Playthrough
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the risk of missing content and sabotaging your 100% completion goal.
- Thorough Exploration: Explore each region thoroughly before progressing to the next chapter. Look for question marks on the map, which indicate the presence of side missions.
- Camp Interactions: Regularly interact with your fellow gang members at camp. Check for available companion activities and listen to their conversations, as they may hint at nearby opportunities.
- Save Frequently: Create multiple save files at different points in the story. This allows you to reload an earlier save if you realize you’ve missed something important.
- Consult a Completion Guide: Use a reliable online guide or checklist to track your progress and identify potentially missable content.
- New Game Plus (Hypothetical): While RDR2 doesn’t technically have a New Game Plus feature, playing through the game multiple times, focusing on different aspects each time, is a viable strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 100% Completion in RDR2
Here are some common questions regarding 100% completion in Red Dead Redemption 2:
1. What is the most commonly missed item for 100% completion?
Companion activities are frequently missed, especially those involving characters who leave the gang early in the story. These are easy to miss since they are only available at certain points.
2. Does completing the compendium count towards 100%?
No, completing the entire compendium is not required for 100% completion. However, you need to study at least 10 animals.
3. Can I achieve 100% completion after finishing the main story?
Yes, you can achieve 100% completion as John Marston in the epilogue, but only if you haven’t missed any chapter-specific missions or encounters. You will be able to continue your journey, and finish challenges as John Marston.
4. Are there any specific chapters where I need to be extra careful?
Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 are particularly crucial. Many companion activities and side missions are available during these chapters.
5. Do honor levels affect 100% completion?
No, your honor level does not directly affect 100% completion. However, it can influence certain encounters and interactions.
6. Can I still complete challenges as John Marston?
Yes, you can complete challenges as John Marston after finishing the main story.
7. Are the Legendary Fish required for 100% completion?
No, the Legendary Fish are not explicitly required for the 100% completion checklist. But completing them can be a fun and rewarding experience!
8. Do I need to find all the Dinosaur Bones?
No, finding all Dinosaur Bones is not required for 100% completion. This is one that is not required to be able to finish the 100% marker.
9. Is the “Help a Sister” side mission required for 100%?
Some “Help a Sister” missions count towards the 4 storyline side missions necessary for 100% completion. Make sure you check which ones count!
10. Does the type of horse I own affect 100% completion?
The type of horse you own does not directly affect 100% completion, however, having a good horse makes completing challenges easier.
11. Can I use mods to help with 100% completion?
Using mods may disable achievements and can prevent you from getting 100% in some cases. This may depend on the console or computer you are playing RDR2 on.
12. What is the best way to track my progress toward 100% completion?
The in-game progress tracker provides a breakdown of your progress towards 100% completion. It outlines the requirements and allows you to see what tasks you have yet to complete.
13. Are there any online communities that can help me with 100% completion?
Yes, there are numerous online communities dedicated to Red Dead Redemption 2. These communities can provide tips, guides, and support to help you achieve 100% completion. A good place to start is the Games Learning Society, where players share their experiences and strategies: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
14. What happens when I achieve 100% completion?
Upon achieving 100% completion, you’ll receive an in-game trophy and satisfaction of mastering the game. There are no further gameplay benefits.
15. Is 100% completion worth the effort?
Whether 100% completion is “worth it” is subjective. It depends on your personal preferences and your enjoyment of the game. For completionists, it’s a rewarding goal. For others, it may be too time-consuming.
Final Thoughts
Achieving 100% completion in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. It requires dedication, thorough exploration, and careful planning. By understanding the missable elements and implementing the strategies outlined above, you can significantly increase your chances of reaching that coveted 100% mark. Remember to enjoy the journey and immerse yourself in the rich world that Rockstar Games has created. Happy trails, partner!