High atop the rugged peaks of West Elizabeth, a disillusioned writer awaits—a man whose ideals clash with the harsh realities of the frontier. In Red Dead Redemption 2’s “The American Inferno, Burnt Out,” players embark on a poignant journey with Evelyn Miller, an author consumed by his vision of America’s soul. As you navigate through his unraveling story, from philosophical debates to tragic solitude, the line between hope and despair burns brighter than ever.
Unlocking mission
You can unlock this mission as soon as you get to the campaign’s epilogue, but you can only take care of it when the main story is fully completed. You need to find Evelyn Miller and his location is shown in the pictures above. This is the state of West Elizabeth, an area north-west of Beecher’s Hope and south of Strawberry. You will find the writer sitting on the rocks and on your way to him you have to climb a bit. Talk to Miller, who will invite Marston to his home.
Visiting Evelyn Miller in his house
Evelyn Miller’s house is to the south of the place where you first met him. It is shown in the picture above – this is the Tall Trees area next to the Aurora Basin reservoir. The mission marker will not appear there immediately, as the writer must first reach the place. Try to go there about one day after the first meeting.
Embark on a journey with Evelyn. On the way you’ll come across an animal that has fallen into traps. Go to the trap and disarm it by rhythmically pressing the action button.
Reach the poachers’ camp together with the writer. Expect a hostile reaction from them. You can defeat them in hand-to-hand combat or shoot them. After hearing them, listen to the conversation with Miller, which will complete this part of the task.
Bring Miller some food supplies
Again you have to wait for the mission marker to appear next to the Miller’s hut. Upon arrival, Evelyn will not let the hero in and will not meet him, because he is busy working on a new book. You have to bring some food supplies to Evelyn. Each time you stand at the entrance door, hold down the interaction button and select an item from the hero’s inventory. If you don’t have any food, you can quickly hunt for animals and cook meat or visit any shop in the game world.
You have to bring food to Evelyn Miller three times. Each time you have to wait one or two days for the marker to reappear.
Mission finale
The last part of the task should be available 24 hours after you bring food to Evelyn for the third time. Go to his hut. After knocking out the door you will find a dead writer. You can take his latest work (America) and read the book in the inventory. There is also a valuable platinum watch on the writer’s desk.
What makes “The American Inferno, Burnt Out” a standout Stranger Mission in Red Dead Redemption 2
“The American Inferno, Burnt Out” stands out as one of the most poignant Stranger Missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 due to its deep philosophical undertones and tragic narrative arc. The mission introduces Evelyn Miller, a disillusioned author grappling with the contradictions of civilization and nature, offering players a rare opportunity to explore themes of idealism, despair, and mortality.
What makes this mission unique is its gradual progression across five distinct parts, where John Marston builds a complex relationship with Miller. From freeing trapped animals to witnessing Miller’s fervent attempt to complete his magnum opus while neglecting his basic needs, players are drawn into an emotional journey that culminates in Miller’s death and the symbolic burning of his cabin. This act serves as a haunting reflection on the futility of his ideals in the face of an unforgiving world.
The mission’s blend of philosophical dialogue, moral choices, and its tragic conclusion solidifies it as a standout moment in the game’s epilogue.
How does the dynamic between John Marston and Evelyn Miller evolve throughout the mission
The dynamic between John Marston and Evelyn Miller evolves significantly throughout “The American Inferno, Burnt Out” mission, showcasing a complex relationship that develops over five distinct parts:
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Initial encounter: John meets Evelyn Miller, a famous author, in the mountains of West Elizabeth. Despite Miller’s philosophical ramblings going over John’s head, Miller is intrigued by John’s straightforward nature and invites him to visit his cabin.
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Shared experience: During their second meeting, Miller takes John to witness the destruction caused by hunters. They free a trapped animal and confront the hunters, demonstrating their shared concern for nature and justice.
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Growing concern: As Miller becomes consumed by his writing, John’s role shifts to that of a caretaker. Miller isolates himself in his cabin, neglecting his basic needs, while John begins to provide him with food.
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Silent support: John repeatedly returns to Miller’s cabin to leave food, speaking to him through the window. This showcases John’s growing concern and commitment to supporting Miller, despite the author’s increasing detachment from reality.
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Tragic conclusion: In the final part, John discovers Miller has died. He fulfills Miller’s last wish by burning the cabin with Miller’s body inside, reflecting on the profound impact of their relationship.
Throughout this progression, we see John evolve from a curious outsider to a concerned friend and finally to the executor of Miller’s final wishes. This dynamic highlights themes of idealism, despair, and the clash between civilization and nature that are central to Red Dead Redemption 2’s narrative.
