Caught in a web of bounty hunters and danger, The First Shall Be Last mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 thrusts players into a daring rescue operation. As Arthur Morgan, you must stealthily navigate treacherous terrain, execute precise headshots, and free Sean from captivity—all while evading law enforcement near Blackwater. Will you rise to the challenge and secure the Gold Medal requirements, or will the Old West claim another victim?
Mission walkthrough: Get to the lookout point next to Blackwater. Don’t get into Blackwater and especially do not get too close to the law enforcement officers patrolling the area (they are marked on the radar), because you will be in great danger.
Climb on a horse and start travelling along the river that the boat is sailing. You don’t have to do any additional activities here. Just follow the same path as your allies. Take out binoculars when you are asked to do so and look at the situation on the banks of the river.
Reach the river and dismount your horse. The first two bounty hunters can be quietly killed. Wait until they are distracted and sneak into them from behind (listen to Javier’s orders when you are on the way!). Carry out stealth kills with your companion using a knife.
You can now move on to open fights with bounty hunters. Help yourself with rocks that are good cover. It’s a good idea to use a rifle that can be used to easily eliminate distant targets (preferably by headshots).
Gradually move towards the main bounty hunter camp where Sean is imprisoned. At first, take care of clearing the camp of enemies and then again hide behind any cover. Sean is hung on a line attached to a tree. It’s best to liberate him by shooting at the rope, but you can also approach it and cut it as an alternative. As a reward for completing the mission, you will receive a tomahawk that you can throw.
Note – Once you’ve completed your mission, try to leave the bounty hunters’ camp quickly. Law enforcement officers may appear here and start an investigation.
Additional note – Go back to the gang hideout after this mission. The gang can celebrate Sean’s rescue by making party. You can participate and, i.e. sing with others, dance or drink beer. To continue the game you have to go to bed.
How to get a gold medal in The First Shall Be Last?
- Quietly kill the bounty hunter by the river with Javier – this is described in our solution. Stealth kills with knives are required.
- Release Sean by shooting at the rope – Sean is released at the very end of the mission. Use any weapon of your choice. Do not cut the rope with a knife.
- Kill enemies with 10 headshots – It’s a simple challenge, because this mission consists in killing a large number of bounty hunters and there are many opportunities to attack from a distance. Perform accurate rifle shots. You can also help yourself with a Dead Eye.
- Complete the mission without using any health restoring items – at ease attack enemies from a safe cover.
What makes “The First Shall Be Last” a standout mission in Red Dead Redemption 2
“The First Shall Be Last” stands out in Red Dead Redemption 2 for its dynamic blend of stealth, action, and narrative tension. This mission highlights the camaraderie within the Van der Linde gang as Arthur Morgan teams up with Javier and Charles to rescue Sean from bounty hunters near Blackwater. The mission’s design emphasizes strategy, requiring players to silently eliminate enemies, aim for precise headshots, and navigate escalating threats. Its location near Blackwater adds a layer of danger due to law enforcement presence, while the post-rescue celebration at camp provides a rare moment of levity in the game’s otherwise intense storyline.
How does the mission’s focus on stealth and strategy differ from other missions in the game
“The First Shall Be Last” mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 distinguishes itself by emphasizing stealth and strategy in a way that contrasts with the game’s more action-heavy or narrative-driven missions. Here’s how it stands out:
-
Stealth-Centric Gameplay: Unlike many missions in the game that rely on shootouts or large-scale confrontations, this mission requires players to silently eliminate enemies and carefully coordinate with allies to avoid detection. The focus on stealth adds a layer of tension and precision not always present in other missions.
-
Strategic Execution: Players must plan their approach, using cover and timing to take down bounty hunters without alerting others. This contrasts with the more reactive combat scenarios common in the game, where improvisation often takes precedence over planning.
-
Narrative Integration: The mission’s stealth mechanics align seamlessly with the story, as Arthur and his gang need to rescue Sean without drawing attention from law enforcement near Blackwater. This situational danger elevates the stakes and reinforces the importance of a careful approach.
By combining these elements, “The First Shall Be Last” offers a unique gameplay experience that highlights stealth and strategy over brute force, setting it apart from many other missions in Red Dead Redemption 2.
