Step into the eccentric world of Red Dead Redemption 2 with “The Smell of the Grease Paint,” a Stranger side mission that blends drama, humor, and mystery. From barroom brawls in Van Horn to chasing elusive smoke trails through the woods, this quirky quest introduces you to a traveling sideshow troupe in desperate need of your help. Will you track down the elusive Magnifico and reunite the act in time for their grand performance in Saint Denis? The stage is set—it’s time to play your part!.
Head to the quest marker presented on the map – it appears in the saloon in Van Horn Trading Post. This place is located in the eastern part of the map. Van Horn is located north from Saint Denis and south from Annesburg.
Speak with Marjorie in the saloon. This initiates a fistfight with Bertram. He is a more challenging enemy so use dodges and blocks.
The second part of the missions requires you to find Magnifico. His camp has been marked on the map – it is located south-west from Van Horn.
Speak with the man. After that Magnifico will start to run away. Don’t use your lasso – the chase sequence is scripted. Follow the colorful clouds (check the mini-map if you get lost). The chase sequence has a few unique moments:
- Examine three “smokescreens”.
- Investigate the glade.
- Approach Magnifico hiding on one of the trees (see the picture above).
What makes “The Smell of the Grease Paint” a standout mission in RDR2
“The Smell of the Grease Paint” stands out in Red Dead Redemption 2 due to its unique blend of humor, eccentric characters, and theatrical storytelling. The mission introduces players to a traveling sideshow troupe led by Miss Marjorie, featuring the gentle giant Bertram and the elusive magician Magnifico. Its standout moments include a chaotic barroom brawl with Bertram, a whimsical chase through the woods as Magnifico evades capture using colored smoke, and the culmination in Saint Denis, where players can witness the troupe’s vaudeville performance.
This mission’s charm lies in its quirky tone, contrasting with the game’s often gritty narrative. It offers a lighthearted yet memorable experience, showcasing Rockstar’s ability to craft bizarre yet endearing side stories that enrich the game’s world.
What unique challenges does Magnifico present during the chase
Magnifico presents several unique challenges during the chase in “The Smell of the Grease Paint” mission:
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Colored smoke trails: As players pursue Magnifico, he leaves behind colorful plumes of smoke that they must follow down hills and across rivers.
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Disappearing act: Magnifico uses his magician skills to vanish and reappear, making the chase more unpredictable. At one point, he disappears and hides in a tree, requiring players to search the area carefully.
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Multiple smoke clouds: Magnifico creates three plumes of smoke simultaneously, forcing players to run through all three to progress the chase.
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Varied terrain: The pursuit takes place across diverse landscapes, including hills, rivers, and eventually train tracks, adding environmental challenges to the chase.
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Trickery: Magnifico’s illusionist nature means he constantly tries to misdirect and confuse the player, making the chase more of a puzzle than a straightforward pursuit.
These elements combine to create a whimsical and challenging chase sequence that stands out from typical missions in Red Dead Redemption 2, showcasing the unique character of Magnifico and the eccentric nature of “The Smell of the Grease Paint” side mission.
