8 Red Dead Redemption 2 Details that Foreshadowed the Ending

It is widely accepted that Red Dead Redemption 2's grand western narrative is one of the best in gaming history. From incredibly deep and complex characters to a number of twists, turns, and tragedies, the near-100 hour story takes players on a journey spanning all conceivable emotions. However, throughout the story and the game as a whole, there are several clues embedded which foreshadow what is to come, not just for Arthur, but the gang as a whole.

On a first playthrough, you might not think twice about certain lines of dialogue or seemingly 'random' interactions, but on a second or third viewing, it becomes obvious that they were planted there intentionally. Whether they are small moments which act as a catalyst for far greater events, or subtle lines of dialogue which spell doom for certain characters, these are moments which made the outcome of the Red Dead Redemption story seem inevitable in hindsight.

8 Hole in the Head

An Interesting Choice of Words

Sean's death was arguably one of the most shocking moments of the game the first time around, but on a second, third, or fourth playthrough, it becomes increasingly obvious that his death was inevitable. Not only do the main events of the story implicate him in some cosmic justice (after all, he is the one who decides to torch the Gray's fields), but Arthur and Sean himself even hint towards his impending demise.

The reference comes during the mission Pouring Fourth Oil IV, during which the gang robs a train. As the robbery is taking place, Sean makes a comment that he has a "right ol' lump in me head", to which Arthur responds "At least you ain't got a hole in it." Of course, this would only be true for a few more chapters, until Sean does indeed end up with a hole in it.

7 Javier's Deathwish

Be Careful What You Wish For

While it might not necessarily be relevant to the events of Arthur Morgan's story, Javier does deliver a frightening foreshadow of his own future during Chapter 2 in a random camp interaction. You can hear him discussing with other members of the gang how he hopes to one day die and be buried in his home country of Mexico, a wish which eventually becomes too when the events of the original game play out.

After siding with Dutch rather than John and Arthur, Javier is left to flee and eventually makes his way to Mexico. However, he quickly becomes embroiled in more trouble whilst there and eventually is hunted down by John during the events of Red Dead Redemption's story. It is yet another example of how small details, which can easily go unnoticed, often have a lot to say when it comes to the grander narratives of the game and its characters.

6 Micah in Strawberry

It Should've Been Obvious

As anyone who completed the game will know, it eventually transpires that Micah is the one who had been feeding information to the Pinkertons and enabling them to track the gang all along. The first appearance of the Pinkertons can also be tied to the same time as when Micah goes missing, eventually showing up in prison in Strawberry.

While the mission itself quickly devolves into chaos, Arthur makes a poignant statement which reveals a lot more than it might seem at first: "I heard so much bluster outta your mouth these last six months." It should've been obvious to everyone in retrospect that if anyone in the gang had too big of a mouth for their own good, it was Micah.

5 The Tram Incident

No Wonder Dutch Lost His Mind After This

Dutch is certainly not the most stable of leaders, even at the best of times. He is impulsive, arrogant and delusional to an extent like few other characters in video game history. He starts out paranoid enough, even suspecting that Arthur will betray him by the end of the game — which, from Dutch's perspective at least, does come true.

However, things really take a turn during the mission "Urban Pleasures", which features a tram chase through the city of Saint Denis. Towards the end of the mission, the tram crashes and Dutch sustains a hard impact to the head. He can be heard remarking afterwards about how he feels dizzy and unwell, and thereafter he begins to act with increasing unpredictability. You will eventually find him devolved into full-blown madness as he strategizes his machinations alone at Lagras.

4 Mary's Prophecy

Maybe She Was Right in the End

Mary Linton isn't the most popular character in Red Dead Redemption 2, but she might be the most sensible. Arthur's former lover can be infuriating at times, manipulating him and taking advantage of their past history to get him to help her, only to abandon him repeatedly with very little thanks. The reason she gives is that she simply doesn't have faith that Arthur will change from his outlaw lifestyle.

Her letters in particular warn of Arthur going down the wrong path, and how she is very conflicted about her feelings towards him in contrast with the reality of living with the gang. "There's a good man within you, Arthur," reads one letter, "but he is wrestling with a giant. And the giant wins, time and time again." Ultimately, Mary turns out to be correct, and no matter what choices Arthur makes, the web of complications and his loyalty to the game are what cost him the most.

3 The Doctor's Diagnosis

No Coming Back from That

Perhaps the most obvious moment of foreshadowing in Red Dead Redemption 2 comes when Arthur visits the doctor in Saint Denis. Not only does the doctor's grim expression and reading of the diagnosis tell that it is not likely to be cured, but the segment is also followed by the first major appearance of either the deer or the wolf, depending on your honour level at the time.

For players with high honour, the deer will appear walking down the street in the middle of the city, while for low honour players it will be the wolf. It is one of the more mystical moments in the story and a recurring theme which becomes increasingly prevalent the closer Arthur becomes to death. I think most players knew from this mission onward that Arthur was inevitably doomed, and no matter which choices you make towards the end of the game, there is no real happy ending for Arthur either way.

2 The Fishing Trip

A Full Circle Moment

The most iconic moment of foreshadowing in Red Dead Redemption 2 comes early in Chapter 2 during the mission "A Fisher of Men" when Arthur takes jack fishing at the local creek. Whilst there, the two are confronted by Edgar Ross from the Pinkerton detective agency, a character who players a key role as an antagonist in the first game.

What makes it a 'full circle' moment is the fact that Jack, while still only a child here, eventually grows up to take revenge on Ross by killing him while he is fishing. The shooting is the final event during the mainline quests of the Red Dead Redemption series, so it is a neat little reference to have Jack actually come face-to-face with his arch nemesis at this point in the story.

1 "Face Me to the West"

Arthur Has a Soul After All

One of the dead-giveaway moments of foretelling the game's main narrative comes as an optional camp interaction with Hosea, Lenny, and Tilly at Horseshoe Overlook. The gang are discussing where they would like to be buried, with Lenny stating that he wants to be buried among friends — ironic considering he and Hosea are later buried side-by-side near Shady Belle after the bank robbery in Saint Denis goes sour.

If you interact with Hosea during the conversation and select the positive interaction option (Greet), Arthur will respond to the question of where and how he would like to be buried by saying, "Me? I don't care about that nonsense... Face me to the West so I can watch the setting sun and remember all the fine times we had that way." This line is particularly touching since that is exactly what happens to Arthur if you finish the main story with high honor.