In the vast, gritty world of Red Dead Redemption 2, a chilling mystery unfolds in the “American Dreams” Stranger Mission. This hidden quest challenges players to track down a serial killer, piecing together gruesome clues left at murder scenes across the map. As Arthur Morgan delves deeper into the darkness, he must confront the sinister forces driving this killer’s twisted ambitions. Dive into this gripping walkthrough to uncover the secrets behind the “Look Upon My Works” graffiti and bring justice to the Wild West.
Investigate three crime scenes
This task will not appear immediately in the hero’s diary and the game does not tell you where to go. You have to find and investigate 3 different crime scenes without any help. Information about the location of crime scenes and the required additional searches are provided below. You can visit the listed locations in any order.
The first crime scene is next to the estate of Braithwaite Manor, south of the town of Rhodes. It is a huge tree growing at a crossroads.
Walk around the tree and you’ll find the head cut and pierced with a piece of riddle left by the killer (Killer Clue Piece).
Note – You can also use Eagle’s Eyesight to locate the head – follow a stranger’s footsteps. This also applies to the other two fragments of the puzzle.
The second crime scene is located under the railway tracks, a short distance south of the town of Valentine.
Find a head nailed to one of the bridge supports (as before, help yourself with your eyesight if necessary) and get a new piece of the riddle (Killer Clue Piece).
The third crime scene is located a short distance south of Wallace Station railway station. It is located west of Valentine.
The cut off head with the last fragment of the riddle (Killer Clue Piece) lies on the neighboring smaller scale.
After completing all three fragments of the puzzle, you will automatically get a Pieced Together Map. You can view it from the inventory level.
Finding the killer’s hideout
The killer’s hideout is the destroyed Lucky’s Cabin cottage shown in the picture above, which is located a short distance west of Valentine. Go to the manhole leading to the basement. The hero will automatically interact with the lock and use the combination needed to open the manhole.
Help yourself with a lantern while exploring the basement. On the way you will find 2 notes and a collector’s card. The most important is the last room of the basement. Analyze the knife shown in the picture.
Bringing a serial murderer to custody
The main character will be attacked and stunned by the murderer. After regaining consciousness, press the throw button on him with the head cut off next to him, and then beat him in a fist to fist fight. After that cuff him.
Bring the murderer out of the cellar, place him on the horse of the hero and go to the detention centre in Valentine. Move the murderer to the detention building and place him on the floor. The murderer will soon attack the sheriff – try to shoot the man quickly. If you acted quickly, the sheriff will thank you and give you 20 dollars. Otherwise, the Sheriff will help himself and you won’t receive any prize.
What makes the American Dreams mission unique compared to other Stranger missions
The American Dreams mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 stands out from other Stranger missions due to its dark and intriguing narrative. It involves tracking down a serial killer, which adds a layer of mystery and suspense not typically found in other missions. Here are some key aspects that make it unique:
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Serial Killer Mystery: Unlike many other Stranger missions, which often involve helping eccentric characters or completing tasks, “American Dreams” focuses on solving a gruesome crime series. Players must find and piece together clues from three murder scenes, each containing a portion of a map that ultimately leads to the killer.
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Graphic Content: The mission includes graphic scenes, such as decapitated bodies with map pieces stuffed in their mouths, which is more intense than the typical content of other missions.
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Investigative Gameplay: The mission requires players to engage in detective work, examining crime scenes and piecing together evidence, which is a distinct gameplay mechanic compared to other missions that might focus on combat or exploration.
Overall, the combination of its dark theme, investigative gameplay, and the challenge of solving a serial killer mystery makes “American Dreams” a standout among the Stranger missions in Red Dead Redemption 2.
What is the significance of the serial killer in the American Dreams mission
The serial killer in the American Dreams mission of Red Dead Redemption 2, identified as Edmund Lowry Jr., holds significant narrative and thematic importance. Here are some key aspects of his significance:
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Dark Reflection of Humanity: The serial killer storyline serves as a dark reflection of humanity’s capacity for violence and cruelty, which is a recurring theme in Rockstar’s games. It highlights the brutal nature of the Wild West era and challenges players to confront the harsh realities of that time.
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Investigative Gameplay: The mission introduces an investigative gameplay mechanic, where players must gather clues from gruesome crime scenes to track down the killer. This adds a layer of detective work to the game, making it stand out from other missions.
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Psychological Insight: The killer’s actions and writings provide insight into his twisted psyche, showcasing a sense of grandiosity and a desire for recognition. This psychological depth adds complexity to the narrative, making the mission more engaging and memorable.
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Impact on Arthur Morgan: The mission also affects Arthur Morgan’s character development, as he grapples with the moral implications of his actions. The journal entry he writes after completing the mission can vary based on whether he kills the killer or not, reflecting his internal conflict.
Overall, the serial killer in American Dreams serves as a catalyst for exploring themes of violence, morality, and the darker aspects of human nature, making the mission a compelling and thought-provoking experience in Red Dead Redemption 2.