SinceRed Dead Redemption 2is such a deep experience filled with many secret side-missions andiconicRed Dead Redemptioncharacter references, it can be easy for players to overlook details that may seem trivial at first but have more of an impact further into the overall story of protagonist Arthur Morgan. From odd jobs involving escaped exotic circus animals to rescuing a one-legged war veteran, the Rockstar title has it all. But it is possible to miss out on an influential quest if players aren’t keeping their eyes peeled during a pivotal moment of the game.
There are intriguing strangers scattered across the open world just waiting for players to discover them. Usually in need of some assistance, their often humorous encounters give players a brief break away from theintricate main storyline ofRed Dead Redemption 2. However, this upcoming secret mission has a much more dreary narrative that ties into Arthur Morgan’s all-inclusive themes of morality.There will be major spoilers for the campaign ahead.
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How to Start the Amputated Arm Mission in RDR2
For the uninitiated, at the end of Chapter 5 of the main storyline, a doctor tells Arthur Morgan that he has contracted tuberculosis, which is an infectious bacterial disease that targets the lungs and can be terminally fatal without modern treatment. It is truly a definingly chilling scene from the prequel and serves as one of themost memorable moments inRed Dead Redemption. Largely because the illness ultimately assists in Arthur’s demise, then death, leading many fans to wonder what could have changed if the gunslinger had never contracted tuberculosis in the first place.
With that said, it is during thisheartbreaking point inRed Dead Redemption 2where players get to meet doctor Joseph R. Barnes, a brisk and matter-of-fact clinician who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. After he makes the tuberculosis diagnosis, players are free to get back on track to progress in the main story or catch up on any loose side-missions, but if one returns to Barnes' clinic, the doctor will ask Arthur Morgan how he feels. Unexpectedly, this somewhat conciliatory interaction results in the start of a random encounter, as a citizen collapses outside of Saint Denis.
If the player rushes the collapsed man to Joseph Barnes, it is revealed that the man has an infected arm that will need to be removed. As Arthur can only watch, the doctor will anesthetize the poor patient before amputating the infected arm in a brutally slow and audibly gruesome scene that is sure to stick with some players even after turningRed Dead Redemption 2off. During the mission, as Arthur has tuberculosis, Barnes will tell him he should not be doing this because of a chance of further infection.
With the mission now over, the doctor then ties up the limb and advises both Arthur and the patient to get some well-deserved rest. Although some may assume this to be the end of the arm-less man, the game still has one horrific scene left up its sleeve. If the player visits Saint-Denis after some time has passed, they will discover that the amputee was involved in a cold-blooded murder and is now being hung for his diabolical crimes. With this in mind, it is up to the player to decide if they want to stick around to watch the trap door fling open and see the criminal swing.
In short, these side quests do not have any drastic effects on the central story progression, but for players striving to achieve thatelusiveRed Dead Redemption 2100% completion accolade, it is best to track down these interactive in-game events while exploring the environment. After all, the title is often heralded as one of the best video games of all time, so why not check out every nook and cranny the sequel has to offer, no matter how ghastly they are.
Red Dead Redemption 2is available on PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.
