Red Dead Redemption 2's single-player mode is filled with activities besides the main storyline missions. One of the most appealing pastimes is tracking down and completing RDR2's many Stranger Missions. These side quests can appear in all throughout the map, but not all of them can be completed at once. Arthur Morgan and John Marston each have access to different areas, and the progression of time within the main story is a key component of Red Dead Redemption 2's world. Some missions require players to hunt for collectible objects hiding around the map, but all require the player to interact with a Stranger lingering somewhere in the game's open world.
Unfortunately, due to the nonessential nature of Stranger Missions, the notifications for different mission starting points are often hidden until players enter the correct area. This is just another challenge for players trying to reach 100% Completion for Red Dead Redemption 2. An additional challenge is the fact that not all Stranger Missions can be completed at whatever time players deem is convenient, some only being available during certain chapters of the main story. This makes some Stranger Missions easier to miss than others.
Perhaps the easiest to miss are the most time consuming ones: the collectibles. Deborah MacGuiness can be found at a dig site, where she requests either John Marston or Arthur Morgan dig up dinosaur bones hidden around the map. Finding all the bones will allow players to view a cutscene of the strange creature's completed skeletal assembly. Like many paleontological presentations from earlier time periods, the construction of the bones is flawed, but it remains a sight to behold, and is easily missed if players falter in their collecting. Similarly, the "Smoking and Other Hobbies" mission requires players to locate and obtain hidden sets of cigarette cards around Red Dead Redemption 2's map. These can be found throughout the map, similarly to dinosaur bones, as well as in certain cartons of cigarettes. Players can receive rewards from the gentleman that offers the Stranger Mission if enough full sets are obtained. Both of these goals can be accomplished passively as players go through Red Dead Redemption 2's main story.
RDR2 Stranger Mission: The Artist's Way
"The Artist's Way" is one of the most entertaining Stranger Missions. Arthur Morgan will encounter Charles Châtenay at a bar, who will ask to be treated to a drink. If players do not buy a drink for him, they will not be able to experience the rest of the mission. After the first encounter with Châtenay, the second part of his Stranger Mission will appear in the form of an attempted murder in Saint Denis. Only after hearing the commotion of Charles being threatened at gunpoint will the Stranger icon appear for players. Seeing as Red Dead Redemption 2's Saint Denis is naturally loud, it can be all too simple for a player to simply continue on their, especially in a low-Honor playthrough. Failing to respond to the event will prematurely end the questline.
"The Artist's Way" is one of the simplest missions to complete, with a majority of its hilariously chaotic scenes playing out with players as passive observers. The hijinks sparked by Châtenay's scandalous art are amusing even to Arthur Morgan, as he saves the man's life time and time again from outraged citizens of Saint Denis. While it is simple to miss, and may cause a few troubles with the law, the entertainment value makes this Stranger Mission a must-play.
RDR2 Stranger Mission: A Bright Bouncing Boy
"A Bright Bouncing Boy" focuses on Red Dead Redemption 2 inventor Marko Dragic, who is desperate to secure investors for his various experiments and creations. The Stranger Mission's first mission appears in Saint Denis' park, where players will be able to take control of a remote control boat and fire on targets. It's an enjoyable display, despite Marko's pushy dialogue and desperation. If players complete the encounter, they can enjoy more of these modern advancements by visiting the Doverhill Laboratory. However, Saint Denis is a place ripe for the taking, with rich citizens to rob, amazing horses to steal, and main story missions all located away from the park. Even if players are looking for a break from society, there are more appealing places with wipe open spaces to explore than the park in Red Dead Redemption 2.
Marko Dragic's Stranger Missions open the door to inventions that will make quality of life changes to normal gameplay, such as the electric lantern that won't run out of oil and shines brighter than average lanterns. Additionally, the missions increase the distance from criminal activities and make Red Dead Redemption 2 feel like an episode of Bill Nye.
RDR2 Stranger Mission: Oh, Brother
Sibling rivalries and familial relationships are at the heart of the game's story, but Stranger Mission "Oh Brother" takes it to the next level with a pair of siblings fighting over the affections of a young lady named Helen. In order to prove their bravery, the twins attempt to outdo one another in increasingly dangerous hijinks. First, they ask the players to shoot bottles off their heads, and then proceed to make the challenge more difficult by using smaller bottles and balancing on one leg.
Players must avoid killing either of them, which will end what is one of Red Dead Redemption 2's funnier Stranger Missions prematurely (and a bit gruesomely). The targets are relatively easy to hit using Deadeye, and upon completion, the pair leaves to take Helen home without either of them earning her hand in marriage. Soon after they will appear again in Valentine, this time without Helen, and ask Arthur to beat them up to prove whom is tougher.
While Valentine is a place players will likely pass through frequently, and is at the center of several story missions, it can be easy for players to miss out on the adventure of the two brothers. They will only appear within Valentine and its surrounding areas, a territory which can be thoroughly explored during the earlier sections of the game. Seeing the Stranger Mission through to the end results in an amusing outcome for the brothers and Helen, and the increasing level of shenanigans are enjoyable for Arthur Morgan and players alike.
RDR2 Stranger Mission: Academia For Amateurs
RDR2 Stranger Mission "Academia for Amateurs" is one of the most endearing missions on the list. Albert Mason is a wildlife photographer seeking to bring awareness to the creatures of the West, to better protect them and their environments. While his efforts are noble, he is more than a little naïve and often finds himself endangered by the very species he's attempting to document. Albert can be difficult to find in the wilds, as he often changes region, but players that can locate him at every step will be sent astounding photographs of the wildlife they help him obtain, which make great mementos of their time with him.
Many great side stories exist alongside the heart-wrenching events of Red Dead Redemption 2. As Arthur and John experience the trials and adventures of others, their personalities are also explored more deeply, beyond usual criminal activities and the troubles of the gang. The Stranger Missions successfully flesh out the massive open world, making it feel less empty and more alive.