In the vast, untamed world of Red Dead Redemption 2, one of the most poignant and memorable side quests is “The Veteran,” a multi-part mission that weaves a tale of friendship and adventure with Hamish Sinclair, a disabled war veteran. Located near O’Creagh’s Run, this mission takes Arthur Morgan on a journey of recovery, fishing, and hunting, culminating in a heart-wrenching finale that will leave players reflecting on the bonds forged in the Wild West. Dive into our comprehensive guide to navigate the mission’s twists and turns.
Unlocking the mission
You can find the veteran while playing chapter 6 of the story campaign. Explore the area around O’Creagh’s Run west of the town of Annesburg. You’ll find Hamish leaning against a huge boulder and he’ll need help.
Recovering the leg prosthesis.
The prosthesis is carried by the veteran’s horse, Buell. Look for the horse in the direction of a nearby lake. The place where the horse is found is depicted in the screenshot. Get closer to the animal and calm it down enough to be able to lead it. Return with the horse to Hamish.
Catching the legendary fish
Hamish will invite the hero to fish, but you can’t take care of it right away. Wait about one full day. A new mission marker will appear at the lake – it’s the Veteran’s Homestead.
When you reach the hut, knock on the door. Hamish will propose you join him on a fishing trip. Its aim will be to catch a legendary specimen of The Great Tyrant. Climb into the boat and take it to a marked spot on the lake.
Hamish will give you a special type of lure for catching legendary fish from the lakes – Special Lake Lure. Set it as active. During the first attempt to catch the fish, Hamish will have a small accident and fall into the water. Stop fishing and drag him back on board.
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Reach a new area on the lake. Only now will you start THE fishing. Catching the legendary Great Tyrant is unfortunately much more difficult than hooking an “ordinary” fish. It’s a much stronger specimen and if you rely on standard activities connected with catching fish with a lure, you’ll have to wrestle with the fish for a very long time.
Fortunately, there is also an alternative method to catch the legendary fish much easier. After you cast the rod and the lure lands in the water, start retrieving the line much faster while waiting for the fish to be caught with the lure. If you are lucky, The Great Tyrant catch the lure after most of the line has been rolled up (see example in picture 1). This will allow you to shorten the time of wrestling with the or even trigger the cut-scene right away.
Return to shore with Hamish to complete the second part of the mission. It is worth mentioning that catching the legendary great tyrant is one of the ways to get the achievement It was THIS big! awarded for catching a sufficiently big fish.
Hunting the she-wolf
Again, you must wait at least one full day for the new mission marker to appear next to the veteran’s hut. This time Hamish will tell you about a she-wolf that appears around his farm. He will decide to hunt her down.
Get on the horse and follow Hamish. After some time you will leave the horses. You can take the initiative and use Eagle Eye to find the wolf’s footprints, or let Hamish track down the animal and simply follow him.
Soon after reaching the edge of the cliff you will get an opportunity to shoot the wolf. It turns out that it was a trap and the heroes will be attacked by several other wolves. Be ready to eliminate them quickly and efficiently, which can, of course, be achieved by Dead Eye.
The biggest wolf will attack last. He will knock Arthur down on the ground. Throw him off the hero and shoot him quickly before he jumps again. As a gift from Hamish, you will receive a good quality wolf skin. Of course, you can also skin other wolves that have taken part in the attack.
Hunting the giant boar
Likewise, wait for about 24 hours. When you reach the veteran’s hut and watch the new cut-scene, you have to go hunting for the huge wild boar that has appeared in the area. Pursue the boar on foot. After it escapes Arthur, use the Eagle Eye to locate its trail. At the same time, Hamish will come with the horses and you will be able to continue the search on horseback.
Follow the boar’s trail. Hamish will soon suggest splitting up. Choose the path leading to the top of the mountain. You must reach the corpse of a wolf and investigate it closely.
After hearing shots, go to the area that the veteran was investigating. On arrival, you will find the dying Hamish. Expect a huge wild boar to attack you. Empty the magazine to make sure the boar dies before it comes close to Arthur.
What makes Hamish Sinclair’s story so compelling
Hamish Sinclair’s story in Red Dead Redemption 2 is compelling for several reasons:
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Resilience and Spirit: Hamish is a decorated war veteran who has lost a leg but remains indomitable in spirit. His unwavering optimism and kindness, despite his hardships, inspire admiration and empathy from players.
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Deep Characterization: Through interactions with Arthur Morgan, Hamish reveals his depth as a character. His stories, wisdom, and the bond he forms with Arthur make him a memorable figure in the game.
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Emotional Connection: The missions involving Hamish, such as fishing and hunting, create heartfelt moments that highlight his bravery and generosity. His final moments, where he gifts Arthur his horse Buell, add a poignant layer to the narrative.
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Tragic End: Hamish’s eventual death, caused by a wild boar, leaves a lasting impact on players. It underscores the harsh realities of life in the Wild West and serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of relationships in the game.
How does Hamish’s relationship with Arthur deepen throughout the mission
Hamish Sinclair’s relationship with Arthur Morgan deepens throughout the mission “The Veteran” in several ways:
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Mutual Respect and Trust: As Arthur helps Hamish with various tasks, such as hunting and fishing, their mutual respect and trust grow. Arthur admires Hamish’s resilience and spirit, while Hamish appreciates Arthur’s kindness and willingness to assist him despite his own struggles.
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Emotional Connection: The quiet moments they share, particularly during fishing, create a sense of calm and camaraderie. These interactions humanize both characters and highlight their capacity for friendship and empathy.
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Self-Discovery for Arthur: Through Hamish, Arthur experiences a form of self-discovery. Witnessing Hamish’s peaceful existence in the wilderness, despite his hardships, prompts Arthur to reflect on his own life choices and the path he has chosen.
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Tragic Conclusion: The eventual loss of Hamish serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of the bonds formed during Arthur’s journey. This deepens Arthur’s emotional journey and underscores the impact of his relationships on his character development.
