In the shadowy streets of Saint Denis, a peculiar inventor’s dream intertwines with the darker side of justice. The Mercies of Knowledge side quest in Red Dead Redemption 2 takes players on a gripping journey—from smuggling moonshine to capturing a notorious outlaw—all to power an invention that promises progress but delivers tragedy. Will you aid in this morally ambiguous tale, or let the electric chair’s secrets remain buried?
Unlocking the quest
The quest marker for this mission should appear in Saint Denis sometime after starting the fourth chapter. Bell’s workshop is in the northern part of the city. The man asks you to get a lot of alcohol.
Stealing alcohol
Arthur can rob a wagon with alcohol. Go to Alden in Rhodes. Go to the trains station and ask Alden about Bluewater Marsh Coach Tip (press X / A – the yellow dialog line).
The wagon will appear on the swamp north from Saint Denis. You don’t have to be in a hurry – the wagon will start moving when Arthur is nearby. Don’t forget to wear bandana before you attack the wagon. Kill the driver and the raiders. Get on the wagon and drive it to Bell.
Meeting the police chief
Reach the police station in Saint Denis, and ask the police chief for permission to test the electric chair. The chief wants $100, but you can haggle a bit and lower the price to $50.
Go back to Professor Bell. You receive a bounty letter for a “candidate” that will serve as a test subject for the chair.
Catching Wilson J. McDaniels
This part is a typical Bounty Hunting mission. Remember to capture McDaniels alive. Head to the place marked by the game – the railway tracks north from Emerald Ranch. Your destination is the camp presented in the picture above. Eliminate the bandits but remember that you can’t kill McDaniels. He is marked with a different icon on the mini-map.
Leave McDaniels for last. The best way to catch him is to shoot the man in the leg when he starts escaping (call your horse when your target gets too far away from you). Use lasso to hogtie the man. Stow him on your horse, and head to Saint Denis. On his way, Arthur can be attacked by hostile bounty hunters. Try to shoot them as fast as you can (use the Dead Eye).
Participating in the spectacle
What are the key challenges in completing “The Mercies of Knowledge” mission
Completing the “The Mercies of Knowledge” mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 presents several key challenges:
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Ambushing the Moonshine Wagon: In Part III, players must ambush a wagon carrying moonshine at a specific location in Bluewater Marsh. This involves taking out the guards quickly and safely transporting the fragile cargo back to Professor Bell.
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Negotiating with the Police Chief: In Part IV, obtaining a permit from the Saint Denis police chief requires negotiating a payment. The price can vary from $50 to $150 based on the player’s negotiation approach.
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Capturing Wilson McDaniels: In Part V and VI, capturing the bounty alive involves a confrontation with his companions and a chase to apprehend him. This requires strategic combat and quick reflexes to lasso and hogtie the target.
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Avoiding Ambushes: When transporting McDaniels back to Professor Bell, there is a risk of encountering additional ambushes, which demands vigilance and preparedness.
Overall, the mission requires a mix of stealth, combat skills, and strategic decision-making.
What strategies can help in the ambush at Bluewater Marsh
To successfully navigate the ambush at Bluewater Marsh in Red Dead Redemption 2, consider these strategies:
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Positioning and Preparation:
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Position yourself at the wooden bridge north of Saint Denis, where the wagon will pass through. Ensure you are not seen by any potential witnesses.
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Draw your weapon and stand in the wagon’s path to force it to stop.
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Using Dead Eye:
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Activate Dead Eye to quickly take out the driver and armed passenger. This allows for precise shots and reduces the risk of being overwhelmed.
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Focus on headshots to eliminate enemies quickly and minimize damage to the wagon and its contents.
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Handling the Ambush:
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If additional enemies appear, such as Wilson trying to escape, be prepared to chase him down on horseback.
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Use your lasso to capture Wilson if he attempts to flee on horseback.
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Protecting the Wagon:
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After securing the wagon, ensure it is not damaged during the escape. Drive carefully to avoid breaking any of the moonshine bottles.
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Environmental Awareness:
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Use natural cover like trees or rocks if needed during the ambush to protect yourself from incoming fire.
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By employing these tactics, you can effectively manage the ambush and complete the mission objectives.
