Red Dead Redemption 2 starts on an emotional note, but there was another place where the game could have potentially kicked off with a bang. The opening of a game is the first chance that it gets to grab the player's attention and show them what to expect. One decision could have thrown players right into RDR2's action from the start.
The opening of Red Dead Redemption 2 features the Van Der Linde gang finding themselves in the coldest area of the map after having freshly evaded the authorities. This opening chapter gives the player a chance to see Arthur Morgan and the gang in tough conditions, helping the player view them sympathetically despite their outlaw status. In addition, it offers an excuse to introduce the player to various game elements, such as using Red Dead Redemption 2's hunting mechanic to have Arthur gather food for the gang. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game that thrives on its atmosphere, and its opening chapter sets the stage well.
Red Dead Redemption 2's Intro Could Have Been More Impactful
There is one other scene that could have worked well as Red Dead Redemption 2's introduction, and that would be the botched heist in Blackwater. It would begin the game at the exact moment that the Van Der Linde Gang's downfall starts in earnest. Another perk to starting the game at the botched heist would be throwing the player right into the action. As soon as the gang loses control of the situation, the player would have to shoot their way out of the town, much like Micah's infamous escape from Strawberry early in RDR2. The player would see how dramatic RDR2 will get from the opening moments.
The Blackwater Heist Would Have Been RDR2's Best Opening Scene
Starting Red Dead Redemption 2 at the Blackwater heist wouldn't detract from the emotional impact that the original opening had. In fact, it may have had even more of an effect, The botched heist led to the deaths of Jenny and the MacAllender brothers, serious losses for the gang that didn't get much focus in the gang proper. It's also the incident that got the Pinkertons on their trail, which would haunt them throughout the game. Starting at the heist would have been a perfect setup for the rest of the game, showing the exact moment where RDR2's Van Der Linde gang was doomed.
There's only one argument against starting Red Dead Redemption 2 at the Blackwater heist, and it's admittedly a big one. Arthur wasn't present for the heist because he was pulling a con with Hosea elsewhere, and doesn't hear the details until after the fact. This would keep Arthur from being the playable character during that section for obvious reasons. However, this could be resolved by having the player control Dutch or another member during the segment, then introducing Arthur as the true protagonist as the gang makes their escape from town. It would also do a good job of showing why Arthur is banned from New Austin in RDR2.
The heist at Blackwater could have been a phenomenal way to open Red Dead Redemption 2. The opening in the mountains is fine as is, but the heist would have done a better job of setting the scene for the eventual downfall of the gang. Red Dead Redemption 2 did most things right, but not showing the fateful Blackwater heist was a missed opportunity.
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