Red Dead Redemption 2 Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego Walkthrough

Embark on a thrilling adventure with Arthur Morgan and Hosea Matthews in Red Dead Redemption 2’s “Exit Pursued By a Bruised Ego,” where the hunt for a legendary bear becomes a test of skill and strategy. This mission not only introduces players to the game’s legendary animal hunts but also offers a chance to master essential skills like tracking and combat. Dive into our comprehensive walkthrough to uncover the secrets of this mission and achieve a gold medal finish.

Walkthrough: Approach the horse, hold the button to remove the saddle and then place it on the newly received mount. Get on the horse and start moving to Valentine town. Reach the stable. You can sell your horse or buy and name a new one (you probably have money only for the cheapest horse which costs $15). From now on you can ride on your new horse or you can go back to the one to which you have attached your saddle earlier during the mission (provided that you didn’t sell the animal).

This is also a great opportunity to check what you can purchase at a stable (i.e. styles for your horse’s mane, hairdo or a new saddle) – these steps are completely optional.

Get on the horse and continue your journey with Hosea. Reach the mountains to receive a new objective – hunt a rabbit. Take out your bow from the satchel attached to your horse. Use the Eagle Eye and look for a rabbit. Kill it with one shot. Try to do that from far away – thanks to that you will avoid scaring the rabbit off. Approach the dead rabbit and take it back to your companion.

Open the wheel menu, go to the Items tab and select Crafting Camp. Arthur will set a camp.

Interact with the bonfire and select Plain Game option. Eat the meat. You can repeat this process (optional) or end the activity. Press the correct button to go to sleep. In this mission your only option is to wake up in the morning.

Once you wake up, interact with the bonfire again. This time you have to go to the tab with hunting items. Choose Potent Predator Bait (your only option in this mission). Leave the bonfire and get on your horse.

Accompany Hosea to the lair of the legendary predator. Activate the Eagle Eye. Tracks that can be examined are marked yellow – the picture above shows an example. The bear’s footprints are your first track. This mechanic is simple – find and examine tracks. After that you can follow the familiar line. It will lead you to another track (remember to examine it).

Examine the tracks and follow the lines that lead to the bear’s lair. Reach the end of the line to trigger a short cut-scene. You now have to make a choice – split up or use bait.

If you chose the latter then you must place the bait in the place marked by the game – open the bag and select the bait from your inventory. Move away from the bait and then go back to it.
If you chose to split up then you should go in Hosea’s opposite direction. After a while you will hear his calling. Go to the man and rescue him.

The legendary bear appears. Activate the Dead Eye and shoot as many bullets towards the bear as you can. You can also shoot a few times when the bear starts running away. Speak with Hosea. You can stay near the bear’s lair or go back to the hideout. You also get a map with locations of the legendary animals.

Note – Even though the mission is over, Arthur can still hunt the legendary bear. Remember to save your progress and use consumables that will replenish the Dead Eye. Activate the Eagle Eye to start tracking the bear. Slow down the time when you encounter the animal. Also, remember to use your best weapon (i.e. a carbine or a shotgun). If you die, you can always reload your previous save and try again or you can decide to go back here again in the later part of the game (the bear won’t appear in its lair immediately, you have to wait a bit).

How to get a gold medal in Exit Pursued By a Bruised Ego?

Track the bear in less than 1 minute and 30 seconds – Don’t waste your time on examining the tracks carefully or on listening to your comrade’s comments.
Shoot the bear at least 6 times – Use the Dead Eye with your revolver and shoot the bear as soon as it appears. You can also shoot a few times at the bear when it starts running away.
Complete the mission in less than 12 minutes – Be fast in the stable, try to quickly hunt a rabbit, and don’t stop when you are riding on your horse.

What makes “Exit Pursued By a Bruised Ego” a standout mission in Red Dead Redemption 2

“Exit Pursued By a Bruised Ego” stands out as a memorable mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 for several reasons:

Introduction to Legendary Animals: This mission marks the first encounter with a legendary animal, specifically a bear, which sets the stage for future hunting challenges. Completing this mission unlocks the locations of other legendary animals on the map, adding a new layer of exploration and challenge to the game.
Character Development: It offers a unique opportunity for character development, particularly in the relationship between Arthur Morgan and Hosea Matthews. The mission allows players to connect with Hosea on a personal level, enhancing the narrative and emotional depth of the game.
Gameplay Variety: The mission combines elements of exploration, strategy, and combat, providing a diverse gameplay experience. Players must use tracking skills and environmental advantages to outsmart the bear, showcasing the game’s emphasis on realism and immersion46.
Story Integration: The mission is seamlessly integrated into the game’s storyline, contributing to the overall narrative arc and setting the stage for future events in the game.

How does the mission impact the overall storyline of Red Dead Redemption 2

The mission “Exit Pursued By a Bruised Ego” in Red Dead Redemption 2 contributes to the overall storyline in several ways:

Character Development: This mission allows players to deepen their understanding of Arthur Morgan and Hosea Matthews’ relationship. It showcases their camaraderie and trust, which is crucial for the narrative as it progresses.
Setting the Stage for Future Events: The mission introduces players to the concept of hunting legendary animals, which becomes a recurring theme throughout the game. This adds a layer of exploration and challenge, enriching the player’s experience.
Narrative Integration: While the mission itself is relatively self-contained, it fits into the broader narrative by reinforcing the gang’s dynamics and Arthur’s role within it. This helps maintain the game’s focus on the gang’s struggles and Arthur’s personal journey.
Emotional Resonance: The mission’s lighthearted moments contrast with the overall tragic arc of the game, making the eventual downfall of the gang and Arthur’s personal sacrifices more impactful. This contrast enhances the emotional resonance of later events in the story.

Overall, “Exit Pursued By a Bruised Ego” serves as a pivotal moment in establishing the game’s tone and character relationships, setting the stage for the dramatic events that unfold later in the story.