Red Dead Redemption 2: The Missable Achievements – A Completionist’s Guide

For the determined Red Dead Redemption 2 player aiming for that sweet, sweet 100% completion and all the associated achievements, there are a few things to keep in mind. While the core 100% completion requirements aren’t missable, some achievements are tied to specific time-sensitive actions during your playthrough. So, what achievements in RDR2 can you permanently lock yourself out of?

The main missable achievements in Red Dead Redemption 2 are:

• Lending a Hand: Complete all honor story missions.
• Friends with Benefits: Complete one Companion Activity in each camp.
• Give to the Poor: Donate $250 to the camp tithing box.
• Errand Boy: Complete five companion character specific item requests.

Missing these is easy, but the result is having to do an entirely separate play through to earn them. Let’s dive a bit deeper into what it takes to make sure you’re earning all of your achievements on your way to 100%!

Delving Deeper into the Missable Achievements

Let’s take a closer look at each of these achievements and provide some tips to avoid missing them.

Lending a Hand: The Honor System and its Rewards

This achievement requires completing all missions tagged as “Honorable”. This involves maintaining a high honor level throughout the game, as many of the missions associated with this achievement will not trigger if your honor is too low. Focus on making honorable choices, such as helping strangers, donating to the camp, and defusing conflicts peacefully. These types of actions will increase your honor level, thus opening up the chance to gain this particular achievement.

Friends with Benefits: Camp Life and Camaraderie

To unlock “Friends with Benefits,” you need to participate in at least one Companion Activity in each camp. These activities can range from playing dominoes or poker to going hunting or robbing a coach. Keep an eye out for camp members initiating these activities and make sure to participate. This achievement is highly missable, as once you progress past a particular point in the story, you lose access to specific camps, therefore locking yourself out of the achievement. Each time you move to a new camp, make sure to spend some time there getting to know your fellow gang members. It pays to play cards with them, go hunting with them, or whatever else they might be doing.

Give to the Poor: A Charitable Outlaw

The “Give to the Poor” achievement involves donating a cumulative total of $250 to the camp’s tithing box. It’s a seemingly simple task, but many players overlook it. It’s a very easily missable one, especially if you are playing with low honor. It can be difficult to earn money while playing honorable, but it’s very important to complete this early on, as it can disappear as you move throughout the story of the game. Remember, small donations add up, so contribute regularly throughout your time at each camp.

Errand Boy: Fulfilling Requests and Building Bonds

“Errand Boy” requires completing five companion-specific item requests. Camp members will occasionally ask Arthur to find specific items for them, and these requests are often time-sensitive and available for a limited time in certain chapters. Pay close attention to conversations in camp and proactively check if anyone has a request. These item requests are generally easy to complete, but they can be frustrating if you miss them. Keep in mind which members of the group are more likely to ask for items than others. These requests could be for certain ingredients, items, or just a helping hand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about missable content in Red Dead Redemption 2, designed to clarify potential confusion and assist in your completionist journey:

1. Are there any missable weapons in RDR2? Yes, there are missable weapons. Some weapons are tied to specific missions or characters. For example, Calloway’s Revolver and Otis Miller’s Revolver are obtained through a specific quest line. If you fail to acquire them during that quest line, you may miss them. The extent of other missable weapons is less known, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and acquire all available weapons during your playthrough.

2. Can I miss anything in Guarma? Yes. Guarma, the island location Arthur visits during Chapter 5, features several missable animals required for your compendium. These are Blue and Yellow Macaw, Great Green Macaw, Red Boa Snake, Sunglow Boa Snake, Green Iguana, Black Tailed Snake, and Fer-de-Lance Snake. Additionally, there is a unique pirate sword and a specific type of hat in Guarma that are missable. Once you leave Guarma, you cannot return without using glitches.

3. Is anything missable for 100% completion? This is a common misconception. The content required for the core 100% completion in the game is not missable. You can complete all the required Stranger Missions, challenges, and collectables without worrying about being locked out. However, remember the achievements listed above.

4. What happens if I miss a companion request? If you miss a companion request for the “Errand Boy” achievement, it will not reappear. Since you need to complete five requests, missing too many will prevent you from unlocking the achievement on that playthrough. Make sure to actively seek out these requests.

5. Can I replay missions to increase my honor? Yes, you can replay story missions to increase your honor rating. Choosing honorable options during these replays will help raise your honor. However, some story missions are inherently dishonorable, so choose wisely which ones you replay.

6. Does honor affect the ending I get? Yes, your honor level does significantly impact the ending you receive as Arthur Morgan. High honor leads to a more redemptive and arguably more poignant ending, while low honor results in a darker, more tragic conclusion.

7. What is the hardest animal to hunt in RDR2? The Panther is widely considered the hardest non-legendary animal to hunt in Red Dead Redemption 2. They are incredibly fast, stealthy, and often attack without warning, and they have a relatively small habitat that they roam within the world. Cougars and Grizzlies would also be considered a challenge!

8. Can Arthur swim in RDR2? Yes, Arthur Morgan can swim, although his swimming ability is limited compared to John Marston in the first Red Dead Redemption. Arthur can traverse shallow waters, but he will drown if he ventures too far or stays in deep water for too long.

9. What is the rarest encounter in RDR2? Encounters are very subjective experiences. One example of a rare encounter would be Agnes Dowd: The Ghost Of The Swamp.

10. What is the saddest story in RDR2? There are several heart wrenching moments in the game, however Arthur’s personal story arc, and specifically his death, is the saddest part of RDR2.

11. What is the biggest mystery in RDR2? The mystery surrounding the meteorite and it’s impact on the world would be considered the biggest mystery in the game.

12. Does Arthur always get tuberculosis in RDR2? Yes, Arthur Morgan inevitably contracts tuberculosis during the story, regardless of your choices or playstyle. This is a fixed plot point that drives much of Arthur’s character development and the overall narrative.

13. Can you find Micah after beating RDR2? Yes, you can find Micah Bell’s frozen corpse after completing the main story. It’s located at the top of Mount Hagen, where you left him during the final confrontation.

14. What makes Arthur Morgan a compelling character? Arthur’s character arc involves a slow realization of the toxicity and harm caused by the Van der Linde gang, coupled with his struggle against tuberculosis. His internal conflict between loyalty and doing what’s right makes him relatable.

15. What is the purpose of video games in education? Video games can be a valuable tool for educators. The Games Learning Society is devoted to advancing understanding of games and learning by supporting interdisciplinary research, scholarship, and community. Games provide interactive and engaging environments that can enhance problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

By keeping these points in mind and planning your playthrough accordingly, you can minimize the risk of missing any achievements in Red Dead Redemption 2 and enjoy a truly complete and satisfying experience. Happy gaming, partners!