Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2 is at its best when it's telling stories, and RDR2 does the best job of this during the game's many missions. From key moments that advance the plot to optional interactions with strangers along the way, missions guide players in a specific direction so they can witness character development and be a part of major events. Although many of RDR2's best missions come at critical moments for Arthur and his gang, the more subtle ones also play a part in making the world feel more alive.
After Red Dead Redemption 2's dreary introductory chapter, both the Van der Linde gang and the player can finally some time relaxing in the town of Valentine. One of the missions that becomes available at this point is "A Quiet Time," and it is fair to say that it is one of the most beloved in the entire game. A stark contrast from Chapter 1's killing of O'Driscolls and attempting to survive in the bitter cold, "A Quiet Time" revolves around Arthur and Lenny getting extremely drunk in the Valentine saloon. As Arthur desperately attempts to find Lenny among crowds of characters that look just like him, Rockstar's humor shines through. Not only does this mission make both Arthur and Lenny more endearing, but it also shows the player that there will be funny moments in an ultimately serious game.
One of the most visually stunning missions in all of RDR2, "Blood Feuds, Ancient and Modern," is also one of the best. Much of Red Dead Redemption 2's Chapter 3 is spent meddling in the affairs of two wealthy families in Rhodes, the Grays and the Braithwaites, and during this time the player become familiar with some of the characters and internal politics within the families. After it is suspected that the Braithwaites kidnapped the young Jack Marston, Dutch decides to kick the group into action, and this is where Chapter 3 finally pays off. Through Arthur the player gets to march alongside the gang as they make their way towards the Braithwaite mansion. After the Van der Linde gang engages in a fight and sets the house ablaze, they are finally able to discover Jack's actual location, before eventually watching the manor collapse with the families matriarch inside.
Red Dead Redemption 2's Final Mission Is One Of Its Best
The final mission of RDR2's Chapter 6 is fittingly named "Red Dead Redemption," and it does an excellent job in wrapping up Arthur Morgan's story. Burdened by a terminal illness, Arthur is aware that the end is near, yet he continues to seek redemption in his final moments. By this point Dutch has completely lost himself, and he and Arthur even find their guns pointed at one another until Pinkertons finally arrive. This mission features a terribly tragic moment, where the player watches their (likely favorite) horse die before being forced to make a choice for Arthur. Does he go back for the money, or give everything he can to save John? The core of RDR2's story revolves around these tough choices, and whatever the player picks will say a lot about the man they think Arthur Morgan is.
There are plenty of other Red Dead Redemption 2 missions worthy of recognition, such as when John, Sadie, and Charles find Micah and Dutch in the Epilogue's final mission "American Venom." There are also more subtle missions with major consequences for the franchise, such as during Arthur's time spent with Jack in "A Fisher of Men." Red Dead Redemption 2 is able to keep players interested in the story whether the gang is in a major gunfight or simply riding to their next destination, and that is what makes it one of the best stories in all of gaming.