Random Encounters in Red Dead Redemption 2

Random Encounters refer to events and characters the player can come across while roaming the map.

Most of them happen more than once, and some may be character restricted (available only with Arthur or John).

Rival Gangs

Aside from specific missions, encounters with rival gangs are restricted to the areas they control or operate:

• The O'Driscoll Boys can be encountered around all New Hanover and the Big Valley region of West Elizabeth;
• The Lemoyne Raiders, as their name implies, can be encountered all around Lemoyne;
• The Murfree Brood can be encountered in Roanoke Ridge, Roanoke Valley, and in the woods around Butcher Creek and Annesburg;

Aside from specific missions or exploits, the following gangs can only be encountered after the epilogue:

• The Laramie Gang can be encountered in the Big Valley region where the O'Driscolls used to operate before 1899;
• The Del Lobos can be encountered all around New Austin;
• The Skinner Brothers can be encountered around the Tall Trees and Great Plains regions of West Elizabeth.

Although not registered in the compendium as gangs per se, the following factions behave in gang-like pattern towards the player:

• The Night Folk can be encountered in all swamp regions of Lemoyne (specially Bayou Nwa and Bluewater Marsh);
• The Mob, which is headed by Angelo Bronte until the mission Revenge is a Dish Best Eaten and then by Guido Martelli after the epilogue, can be encountered all around Saint Denis.

Usually, neither looting nor violence towards rival gangs in front of witnesses or authorities incur in wanted level, with the only exception being mobsters (as it is stated in-game that their boss controls the Saint Denis police).

O'Driscoll Boys

Prison wagon break

The player can come across some O'Driscolls, who ambushed a prisoner transport and they are seen attempting to free their comrade from a prison wagon. If the player approaches, the gang member will attack the player. The gang member inside the wagon will curse at the player for foiling his escape. The player can also free him from the wagon and hogtie him, then bring him to the sheriff's office for a small cash reward and an honor increase.

Stagecoach robbery

Two O'Driscolls are robbing a stagecoach. One is holding the driver at gunpoint and the other is trying to break a locked compartment. They demand the driver to give them the key, but the driver states that the company that he works for does not give the keys to the employees. The driver will notice the Arthur and calls out for help. After killing the two O'Driscolls, the driver will thank Arthur. The driver states that the company will probably write it off as a robbery and that they can help themselves to whatever is inside the compartment. The driver will take one of the O'Driscoll's horses and leaves.

Extortion

In Valentine, the player can encounter two O'Driscolls beating a man near a tree. They demand the man to pay them what he owes. The player can choose to intervene or not. If they intervene a fight with the two O'Driscolls will start, which will also raise the player's Honor. If the player does not intervene they will knock the man out and the protagonist will lose Honor for not helping the man. One of the O'Driscolls will have a customized Schofield Revolver.

Train robbery

Along the tracks somewhere in New Hanover, the player can come across a stopped train. A few O'Driscolls will be holding several passengers at gunpoint outside the cars. If the player chooses to intervene, they will be forced to dispatch the O'Driscoll's and one of the passengers will subsequently express thanks for the assistance.

Road ambush

In New Hanover, an O'Driscoll will shout "Look who we found! Bury him, boys!". Then four O'Driscolls will appear and attack the player.

Bridge ambush

While crossing bridges in O'Driscoll territories, the player may be ambushed by a group of them, two or four of which shall appear in front of him from behind rocks or trees, and two others who will sneak from the other end of the bridge to kill him.

Bridge barricade

In western Lemoyne, on the bridge just across from the border with New Hanover and southwest of Old Greenbank Mill, the player may find a group of five O'Driscolls that have barricaded the bridge with a wagon. Upon approaching the barricade, the O'Driscolls will shout that the bridge is theirs and try to scare the player off. Continuing to approach will provoke them to open fire. After killing the O'Driscolls, a chest aboard the wagon can be looted for food and ammunition, and the wagon itself can be sold to the Wagon Fence at Emerald Ranch for $40.00.

Brawl at Keane's Saloon

Outside Keane's Saloon in Valentine, the player will be accosted by a group of three O'Driscolls on the porch. The player can ignore them, provoke them, or listen to their challenge. In the latter two cases, the O'Driscolls will start a fistfight with the player, with all three assaulting at once.

Note: In the epilogue, the O'Driscolls will be long disbanded and all their encounters shall be performed by the Laramie Gang in Big Valley, and by unidentified outlaws (labeled "stranger") in New Hanover.

Del Lobo Gang

Del Lobo Breakout

Upon arriving in Armadillo, Sheriff Palmer can be seen overwhelmed by three Del Lobos that demand for their comrade to be freed from jail. If the player intervenes, Palmer will thank them and announce his resignation, leaving his official paperwork inside the office. Then he heads for Blackwater. If the encounter is observed without interfering he will be promptly shot dead by the outlaws, who then leave town.

Town Terror

Three mounted Del Lobos arrive in Armadillo and start terrorizing the town by shooting blindly at some of the buildings. The player can antagonize them which will result in gaining Honor. If the encounter is observed without interfering, they will leave the town.

Bar Fight

In Armadillo, the player can encounter two Del Lobos exiting the saloon, with one of them having a fight with a local citizen. If antagonized, they will become hostile and attack the player.

Ambush

An ambush will be triggered if the player is traveling between Riley's Charge and Two Crows. Another ambush can happen if traveling between Pleasance House and Twin Rocks.

An ambush can also occur west of Tumbleweed, when going through the bridge at the Sea of Coronado. A group of Del Lobo will attack the player.

Del Lobo Posse

Several Del Lobos can be encountered on horseback, who seem to berate a younger member of the gang. If they are followed additional dialogue can be heard, although if the player is spotted, they will become hostile.

Venter's Place Party

If visited for the first time, an event will be triggered where three Del Lobo Gang members are having a party. They will pass out only to get robbed by a prostitute who will leave the area. The player can capture and loot her or leave her flee. During the encounter, two of the outlaws are revealed to be called Jorge and Marco.

Train Holdup

Observing a train robbery, the player can intervene to earn honor or watch the passengers getting killed which will result in a loss of honor.

Del Lobo Execution

Upon arriving in Tumbleweed, an event will trigger where a captured member of the Del Lobos is brought to Sheriff Sam Freeman, by a deputy only to be executed by Tumbleweed's Sheriff. Getting too close to the scene will irritate Freeman which will issue a warning to the player. Freeing the outlaw will result in a loss of honor. Upon observation of this incident, two Bounty Hunting missions will unlock i.e. Joaquín Arroyo and Esteban Cortez.

Laramie Gang

Ambush

Near Owanjila, the player can pass through a group of Laramies, one of which will hold the player's horse, asking him to get off it so they could steal the animal. The player can whistle for the horse, if they have achieved enough bonding level or they can deal with the Laramies themselves before they get too far away.

Hostage situation

The player can encounter a woman calling for help. The woman will tell them that a man named Mr. Abel demanded that she and her husband sell their land. Mr. Abel hires Laramie thugs to visit their homestead to force them to sell and she managed to escape the thugs. She tells the protagonist that Abel's thugs have her husband as a hostage and are planning to kill him. If the player accepts to help her, she will give John the location of the homestead and tell the player that she going to find more help. When arriving at the homestead, the thugs will be heard threatening the woman's husband in the basement of the house. The player must kill the thugs and untie the man. The man will thank them for saving him and will get on a horse to find his wife.

Wagon holdup

In northern Big Valley, the player can encounter two Laramies who have stopped a couple's wagon, with one holding them at gunpoint and the other looting the wagon's back. By intervening, the player will gain honor.

Lemoyne Raiders

Cavalry charge

As the player is riding along a trail near Hill Haven Ranch, a loud voice whistles and shouts out: "There's the son of a bitch! Shoot to kill!"; 8 to 12 mounted Lemoyne Raiders will appear and attack the player.

Gatling gun ambush

As the player travels westward along the riverside road towards Catfish Jacksons, they will pass through a group of waiting Lemoyne Raiders hiding in the woods with a wagon-mounted gatling gun. Once the player is surrounded, one of the Raiders will shout for the Gatling to fire, signaling the start of the attack.

Exploding wagon ambush

As the player travels along the road leading west out of Rhodes, just south of the large red barn near the train tracks, they will approach a dynamite-rigged wagon on the roadside, which is then detonated. The explosion will scare the player's horse, throwing them to the ground, and Lemoyne Raiders will emerge from the trees on the road's southern side.

Arson and vandalism at Saint Denis City Hall

At night, two Lemoyne Raiders are seen at the Saint Denis City Hall. One of the Lemoyne Raiders throws a fire bottle at the city hall while the other gang member finishes writing on the building with messages such as "Freedom from Tryanny of Taxation" and "Lemoyne is a free state". The two men will flee the area, as Saint Denis policemen rush to the scene. Both vandals can be dispatched and looted by the player without incur in wanted level.

Abducted policeman

At one of the Lemoyne Raiders' campsites, the player may find that the Raiders have kidnapped a Saint Denis policeman for ransom and are interrogating him. The player can choose to intervene or not. If they decide not to, a gang member will execute the police officer for calling them a disgrace to Lemoyne and other gang members will yell at their comrade for killing their hostage. This will cause the protagonist to lose honor. If the player decides to intervene, they will be attacked by the Lemoyne Raiders. The protagonist can untie the officer and he will thank them for saving him. The lawman will get on a horse and leave. Killing the lawman will lower the player's honor.

Abducted tax collectors

At one of the Lemoyne Raiders' campsites, the player may find that the Raiders have kidnapped a tax collector for ransom and are interrogating him. The tax collector will tell them that he is not a federal tax collector and works for the state. The player can choose to intervene or not. If they decide not to, a Lemoyne Raider gang member will be annoyed by the tax collector and will execute the man with a knife. If the player decides to intervene, the Lemoyne Raiders will attack them. The protagonist can untie the tax collector and he will thank them for saving him. The tax collector will state the Lemoyne Raiders put his belongings in a box and allows the player to take whatever they want. The tax collector will get on a horse and leave.

In another encounter, two Lemoyne Raiders are seen near the Kamassa River or Bluewater Marsh executing two tax collectors, one of them will be already executed. One of Lemoyne Raiders is seen pointing his revolver at the lone tax collector. The other gang member will tell the protagonist to get lost. If the player decides to intervene, the tax collector will thank them for saving him and will run away.

Prison wagon break

The player can come across some Lemoyne Raiders, who ambushed a prisoner transport and they are seen attempting to free their comrade from a prison wagon. If the player approaches, the gang member will demand that the player leave and will attack the player if they do not comply. The gang member inside the wagon will curse at the player for foiling his escape.

The player can free the prisoner or they can turn in the prisoner for a small reward at the sheriff office in Rhodes.

Brawls at Rhodes Parlour House

Inside Rhodes Parlour House in Rhodes, the player may encounter two Lemoyne Raiders, who enter the bar. They are annoyed chatter by patrons and not giving them respect for their cause. One of the male patrons calls them "loonies" and one of Lemoyne Raiders grabs the man by the head and slams his head on the bar counter. The other Lemoyne Raider will tell the man to get lost. The player can ignore Lemoyne Raiders or provoke them into fighting.

Outside the Rhodes Parlour House in Rhodes, the player may encounter a lone Lemoyne Raider, who tells the player that this is not the place for them to be and asks if they are from around here. The player can defuse or antagonize the Lemoyne Raider. If the player antagonize the Lemoyne Raider, the Lemoyne Raider will tell him to leave and pull out a knife to attack the player.

Lemoyne Raiders duo beat man outside Rhodes Parlour House

Two Lemoyne Raiders are seen harassing a man for not respecting them. One of gang members pins the man against the wall and starts beating the man. The other man will tell people mind their own business. The player can intervene or not intervene. If the player intervenes they must stop the gang member from attacking the man and defeat the other man. The man will thank the player for saving him from the two Lemoyne Raider and will raise the player's honor for intervening.

Train robbery

Along the tracks somewhere in Rhodes, the player can come across a stopped train. A few Lemoyne Raiders will be holding several passengers at gunpoint outside the cars. If the player chooses to intervene, they will be forced to dispatch the Lemoyne Raiders.

Deal gone wrong

Two men are seen selling goods in a wagon to two Lemoyne Raiders, which are not satisfied with the product that is sold to them. The Raiders point their weapons at them and demand they hand over the wagon to them. The men pull out their revolvers, but the two gang members kill them and decide to take their wagon. The player can attack the Raiders and loot the chest in the back of the wagon. The player can also sell the wagon to the wagon fence.

Successful deal

Two men are seen selling goods in a wagon to two Lemoyne Raiders, which they are satisfied with the product that is sold to them. The two men give the wagon to Lemoyne Raiders as agreed on and the two Lemoyne Raiders look forward to doing more business with the two men. The two Lemoyne Raiders will take the wagon.The player can attack the Lemoyne Raiders and loot the chest in the back of the wagon. The player can also sell the wagon to a wagon fence.

Gang intimidation

In Rhodes and Scarlett Meadows, the player can encounter a group or a lone member of the Lemoyne Raiders, who will try to intimidate the player. The player can choose to fight them or not.

Wagon Holdup

In Scarlett Meadows, a group of Lemoyne Raiders are seen surrounding a man with a wagon and asking what cargo is he bringing in. The man states that he is transporting supplies to a Federal building in Saint Denis. The Raiders tell the man that they will be taking the goods, to which he responds that they are crazy. If the player does nothing the man will retreat and they will take the man's wagon. The protagonist can choose to steal the wagon from the Lemoyne Raiders or to help the man.

Target Practice

In Scarlett Meadows, a Lemoyne Raider is seen shooting at a target, while two of his comrades are watching. If the player approaches the three Raiders, they will become hostile towards them.

Vengeful Raiders

Happens as soon as Chapter 4 starts. While at Saint Denis, the player may come across a group of Raiders standing by the sidewalk. If approached, one of them will identify him as "one of the pr***s who took over Shady Belle," and the group will immediatly attack him.

• A bug may happen when this encounter may occur in earlier chapters as soon as the player clears out Shady Belle as a hideout for the first time.

Murfree Brood

Camp intimidation

When the player sets up camp around Roanoke Ridge and Roanoke Valley for the first time, areas where the Murfree Brood are heavily present, a man in denim dungarees may approach the player's character from behind and ask to warm himself by the campfire. Although the man seems friendly, another man, also wearing dungarees, pulls out a revolver and holds it to the back of the player's head. The man by the fire will then threaten the player, identify themselves as the Murfree Broods and warn that the player should be careful where they camp. The man stands up and the two Murfrees walk away; both can be killed by the player.

Camp attack

If the player sets up camp around the Roanoke regions again after receiving the first death threath from the Murfrees, he will be immediatly attacked by two of them.

Camp robbery

The player can encounter multiple camp robberies around Murfree's territories, with all campers already dead by two of them. If approached, the Murfrees will panic and flee. If they are killed, then two more will show up and start shooting. The player can take the items left at the camp, however looting the killed campers will lower the player's honor.

Road Ambush

Two or more Murfrees will ambush the player by the road, and attempt to rob and kill him.

Burning wagon attack

In another road encounter, most commonly at night, the Murfree Brood will try to get revenge on Arthur for expelling them from Beaver Hollow. They will hear the player coming and push a burning wagon with explosives in front of him. The explosion will knock the player off their horse and a group of Murfrees will show up from the woods and attack Arthur.

Pox tent trap

The player can ride near Beaver Hollow and hear a man inside a closed tent screaming, making vomiting noises and yelling "Help me! The pox!" When the protagonist tries to enter the tent, two Murfrees will appear, one inside the tent and one behind him. The one inside the tent will accuse the player of trying to rob a sick man and will proceed to rob them. The player can fake surrender and shoot both of them.

Man tied to a tree

At night, the player can encounter two Murfrees who have tied up a man to a tree. They'll continue to torment and threaten to burn the man alive. If the player decides to help they must kill the two Murfrees before the man is set on fire. The man will then thank the player, who will gain honor for helping.

A Machete can be obtained from one of the Murfrees.

Pit trap

Yet another encounter involves the player falling into a pit camouflaged with leaves and grass, located near Huron Glen. About three Murfrees will show up to see what fell in their trap, who can be killed by the player. More Murfrees will show up after the player shoots the first three.

Kidnapping (grateful victim)

Two Murfrees have a woman tied up beside a wagon that has been ambushed and her male companion is dead nearby. The player can eliminate the two and will gain an honor increase for freeing the woman, and will gain some more if they accept her request to be taken home and follow through with the favor.

Kidnapping (traumatized victim)

In another random encounter near Bluewater Marsh, two Murfrees are seen riding a wagon with a woman crying for help with two dead corpses on her body. One of the Murfrees will brandish a weapon at the player and will tell them to mind their own business. If the player decides to help the woman, she would push the corpses off of her and tell the player to stay away from her. Then she will tell them to get out of the area and will run off. The player will gain honor for helping.

Murfree Brood dumping bodies from boat into the Elysian Pool

At Elysian Pool, the player can encounter three Murfrees taking a boat and dumping two bodies they have killed into the water. After they are done, they will head to the other side of the lake. If the player approaches as they about to move the boat they will jokingly ask the protagonist if they want a boat ride or after dumping the bodies one of them will jokingly say that they have "a free ride" for the player, as they leave. There is an option to antagonize the three men. Looting the two corpses in the boat incur in honor loss.

Murfree Brood corpse trap

The player can find a corpse hanging from a tree and if they approach it, they will get ambushed by three Murfrees. After they are dealt with, it is possible to shoot the rope off and loot the hanged man to obtain the Murfree Brood Prisoner's Note.

The same encounter with the same scenario can happen later, but this time the victim can be looted for the Murfree Brood Ransom Note.

Skinner Brothers

Camp intimidation

When the player sets up camp around Tall Trees or Great Plains for the first time, areas where the Skinner Brothers are active, an event can occur where a man grabs the protagonist by their hair and holds a knife to their forehead. Another Skinner Brother appears wielding a rifle, and two men laugh maliciously. The Skinner Brother with the knife releases the protagonist, and warns them that they should stay away from their territory, otherwise they will murder and mutilate the player. The two men then decide to leave, giving the player the option to kill them.

Camp attack

If the player sets up camp around the Tall Trees or Great Plains again after receiving the first death threath from the Skinners, he will be immediatly attacked by them.

Couple Hostage

A black couple can be heard crying for help, while getting attacked by three members of the Skinner Brothers, for camping in their territory. The husband is seen pinned to the ground and struggling to fight off a Skinner, who is wielding a knife and is about to kill the man. The wife is seen being held by the neck. If the player approaches the Skinner Brother who is using a bow, he will tell them to leave. The player can kill the three gang members.

If the man is not assisted in time and the encounter plays out, he will be killed by the Skinner Brothers. The wife will mourn the loss of her husband and will leave the area.

If the player is quick enough to save the husband and the wife, they will embrace each other and thank the player for saving them. The player will gain honor for the help.

If they aren't assisted or the encounter is ignored, both will be murdered and the player will lose honor.

Ruined camp

The player can come across the aftermath of a camp that had been raided due to the Skinner Brothers' assault. There, he finds a scalped man who is barely alive among the corpses of his fellow campmates, as he has borne the scars of his being scalped, disfigured, and covered in blood, with an arrow to his chest. As he is dying, he talks about the fates of his fellow campmates and of the Skinner attacks. Afterward, the player can either comfort or antagonize the man. If the player comforts him by telling him that the Skinners are gone and that he can rest now, the man, though blinded by the attack, sees a vision of his departed loved one and uses his final words to address that he's joining her now, before he passes on. The player can then loot his corpse, if he wishes.

Night Folk

Night Folk corpse trap

In the swamps of Bayou Nwa, the player may come across a hanged corpse dangling from a tree by the road. This encounter is more likely to occur at night, but can also be seen during the day. If the player gets off their horse to investigate the corpse, three Night Folk will appear and rush the player from behind. After killing the Night Folk, the hanged corpse can be shot down and looted to obtain one of two notes: in one, the victim confesses his fear of being stalked by the Night Folk, and in the other there's a lament of a naive young man who bet with friends he could survive an entire night in Night Folk territory.

Woman in White trap

In the swamps of Bayou Nwa, the player may come across a woman dressed all in white crying aloud. If the player approaches her, they will find that it's actually a Night Folk member in disguise, who will try to stab the player and start calling more of her fellows to attack.

Night Folk carrying a corpse

In the swamps of Bayou Nwa or Bluewater Marsh, the player may come across two members of the Night Folk. One is carrying the body of the person they have killed. If approached or questioned they will attack the player.

The Mob

Bridge watch

Soon after the mission "Urban Pleasures", sometimes mobsters may be found guarding the bridges to Saint Denis. If approached, they'll identify the player as one of the Van der Lindes and start shooting. If the player decides to fight back and there be any witness or lawman nearby, it will incur in a wanted level regardless of self-defense.

Doyle's Tavern setup

The player can encounter a black prostitute named Daisy at Doyle's Tavern in Saint Denis. She states that she recognizes the player and would like to get to know them. The player has the choice to accept or decline. If accepted, he will lose honor and she states that she would like to talk in a more private place and to follow her. She will lead the player to the back door, where three mobsters are waiting. They thank the prostitute for helping lure the player outside and want to get revenge on the protagonist for posing a threat to their boss. The mobsters will pull out knives and attempt to kill the player. Again, if the player draws them close enough to any witness or lawman, he'll become wanted.

If the player returns to the bar shortly afterwards, the bartender will state that woman's name is Daisy. Feeling bad that the player was tricked, the bartender will subsequently give the player a free drink.

Mobsters' bullying

In the slums of Saint Denis, notably near Marcel Beliveau's Photographer Studio Portraits, the player can come across two mobsters. If the player approaches, passes or stay too long by them, they will start taunting. The player can then defuse or antagonize them. By defusing them, the duo will urge the player to leave the are. By antagonizing them, they will become hostile and the player has to fight them, again risking a wanted level if done near witnesses or lawmen.

Note: In the epilogue, Angelo Bronte's mobsters will be replaced with Guido Martelli's and will instead be seeking revenge at the player for having helped Charles during his fixed boxing match. Their clothing and behavior shall be the same, however.

Nature, Hunting, Travel, and Gunslingers

Man bitten by snake

The player can encounter a man named Norbert who was bitten on the leg by a snake. The player can either suck the poison out of the man's leg or give him a health cure. The man can later be encountered sitting outside of the gunsmith in Valentine, where he thanks the player for saving his life. He then offers to buy anything the player wants from the gun store, enabling the player to obtain a free item from the store.

The player can encounter a different man in Scarlett Meadows who was also bitten and specifically asks for medicine. If the player helps, he offers his thanks and promises to repay them someday. The man can later be found sitting outside of the General Store in Rhodes, and will similarly offer to pay for any item in the store.

Man poisoned by plant

The player can encounter a man screaming in pain off the side of a road in New Hanover or Scarlett Meadows. The player can help the man by giving him a health cure. He thanks the player and points toward some Oleander Sage, warning the player not to eat it like he did.

Trapper steps on a trap

The player can encounter a trapper, who stepped on his own trap. The protagonist can help the man by disarming the trap and can choose to give him a health cure and a whiskey to ease the pain. The man will thank the player, allowing them to take any items from his bag. The same man can later be encountered in front of Cooper's General Store in Strawberry, and he will offer to pay for any item in the store.

Cougar attack

The player can encounter a cougar attack around The Heartlands and Big Valley. A person is trying to fight off a lone cougar and is climbing up a tree for safety. The stranger will cry for help and state that they are low on ammo. The player can choose to help them or not. They can also skin the cougar for a pelt and will gain honor for helping.

Wolf attack

The player can encounter a man trying to fight off a lone wolf and calling for help in Big Valley or just north of Bacchus Station in Cumberland Forest. They will gain honor for helping the man. He will state that he is in pain and then the player has the option to give him a whiskey or a health cure to ease the pain; the man will become frustrated if given the health cure, since it would not stop him from bleeding out. Eventually, he dies from blood loss. If the player points his gun at him, he will encourage the player to shoot and put him out of his misery.

In another encounter, the player will encounter a man attempting to fight off wolves surrounding him and is trapped on an elevated rock. He states that he needs help and is running out of ammo. If the player kills the wolves he will thank them.

Prospectors

The player can encounter a pair of prospectors near the Dakota River, Little Creek River or Upper Montana River panning for gold.

In one of the encounters, the player talks to a man, who will rant about not finding any gold and then he eventually finds some gold. He takes his gold and states that he is going to tell his friend. The player can rob, hogtie or kill him, and if looted he will have a gold nugget in him. Robbing or killing the prospector as well as looting him will lower the player's honor.

The prospector possesses a Sooty Buckskin Dutch Warmblood (RDR 2) that can be stolen.

In another encounter, the player can encounter another man near Bard's Crossing. He will pan to see if he got any gold but get frustrated that he was unable to find any and walks away.

Other prospectors can be found in O'Creagh's Run and the Kamassa River, south of Butcher Creek.

Shooting competitions

The player can encounter different gunslingers in New Hanover, Rio Bravo, Big Valley, Ringneck Creek, and Scarlett Meadows who will challenge them to a friendly shooting competition. The protagonist will be asked to shoot bottles, and must shoot as many as possible without missing. If the player wins, the man will request a second, double-or-nothing round, but this time the targets will be birds in flight. The protagonist can decline and walk away with their winnings, or accept a new bet and try to win more money.

The player will lose honor for sabotaging the targets that some of the gunslinger are shooting at, when not engaging in their competition.

Bear hunter

In Big Valley, the player may encounter a hunter stopped on the side of the road. The hunter will dismount his horse and start tracking a bear, commenting aloud how he cannot wait to eat it. The player can ignore him or track the bear alongside him; if the player tries to speak with the hunter, he will say to keep quiet as he is tracking game. After a short walk, during which the hunter will point out that the trail is fresh, a grizzly bear will emerge from a small stand of trees higher up the slope and charge. If the player does not join the hunter and watches from a safe distance, the hunter dies. If the player does join the hunter, the bear will target the player, and so must be killed in order to survive.

Coyote hunter

In The Heartlands, the player may encounter a hunter, who is tracking a coyote and wants to kill it for dinner. The man manages to track down the coyote and kills it.

Hunter needs help looking for his friend

The player can encounter a hunter near Cairn Lake. A hunter can be heard shouting for his friend named Tucker. The hunter will spot the player and ask him to stop for a moment. He will explain to the player that his friend went outside to get more firewood for their cabin, but his friend got lost in a storm. He will state that he looked everywhere for him and asks the player if they could help him. The player has the choice to accept or decline.

If accepted, he will tell the player that he will look again at the cabin and asks the player to search the surrounding area. The player will eventually find his friend dead near a dead tree with rocks and the player will inform the hunter. The player has the choice to mislead or assist the hunter. If the player chooses assist (raises honor), the protagonist will inform the hunter of his friend's death and the hunter will disappointed by the news. The hunter will get on his horse and head to where his friend died and will mourn the death of his friend. Later, a bear will appear from a random direction and attack him. The player can help the hunter or do nothing. If the player loots the hunter (if killed) it will lower the player's honor.

Herb collector

The player can encounter a man who collects herbs such as Indian Tobacco or American Ginseng. He will greet the protagonist when approached and show them where they can find the plant. He will grab some of the herbs and will leave the rest for the player to take. The man can be encountered in New Hanover, Big Valley, and Scarlett Meadows in Lemoyne and will have a different herb to show to the player each time.

Drunk duelist

The player can bump into a drunk man exiting the Smithfield's Saloon or Old Light Saloon. The drunk man will challenge them to a duel. If the challenge is accepted, the man will pass out from over-drinking after reaching the dueling position, or the player can kill the man. However, looting the man lowers the protagonist's honor. They can ignore him or decline the duel and this will gain the player honor. If they decline the duel, they can follow the man and antagonize him. He will start a fight and after knocking him out he will have a Volcanic Pistol (RDR 2) or a M1899 if you have acquired one already.

Duelist takes on challengers

In Valentine or Van Horn Trading Post only, the player may witness two men in a duel. One of the men accuses the other man of cheating at a poker game. Afterward, the winner challenges everyone else around them. The player can accept their challenge and duel them, where disarming him will increase their Honor or decrease it if they kill him. Alternatively, the player can refuse the challenge, which will also increase the player's Honor.

Boastful Duelist

Inside the Rhodes Parlour House, the player can encounter a man named Willy Curlls, who brags about his deeds as a gunslinger to another man. The latter asks him how many people he has killed, to which the self-proclaimed gunslinger states that he can not recount them. Then the man states that there is no one that can shoot like him and announces that he will challenge anyone to a duel.

If the player decides to challenge him, the protagonist will say that he believes that the man is "full of shit" and suggests they go outside to see who shoots faster. The self-proclaimed gunslinger will get very nervous and tries to make up an excuse. His friend convinces him to accept the challenge. The player and the self-proclaimed gunslinger will go outside to duel, while the other man watches. If the player disarms the man, they will gain honor. The self-proclaimed gunslinger will beg the protagonist not to kill him and will run away. Killing him after the duel is over, will not affect the players' honor.

However, killing him during the duel will result in a loss of honor.

The encounter gives the player the opportunity to obtain a second Volcanic Pistol (RDR 2), Schofield Revolver (RDR 2), M1899 Pistol, or Double-action Revolver (RDR 2) for free if they already have acquired one before that.

Man shoots himself in the leg

In Annesburg, the player can encounter a man who shows off his gun to his friend near the Gunsmith. The stranger will show his quick draw skills and his friend will tell him that it is dangerous to point a weapon like that. The man decides to holster his weapon, but accidentally fires a round in his gun holster and ends up shooting his leg. His friend states that he should go get some medical attention to his injury, but the man declines his advice. His friend leaves and the wounded man heads over to a bench to rest.

A similar encounter will happen at the Strawberry Depot in Strawberry where a man will show off his gun and accidentally shoots himself in the leg. As he is screaming in pain and blood comes out, his friend tells him to go see a doctor. He declines his friend's advice but still goes to sit on the bench at the doctor's office, despite the doctor has gone fishing.

Man accidentally shoots and kills his friend

While passing the gunsmith in Rhodes during its operating hours, two men will emerge from the shop, with one bragging about his newly-purchased revolver. He will show off by drawing it and pointing it at his friend, who plays along and raises his hands in mock surrender. Unfortunately, when the first man repeats this gag, he accidentally shoots his friend in the chest, killing him instantly. The newly-minted killer then panics and runs away. The player can chase down the killer and hogtie him, then bring him to the Rhodes sheriff for a small cash reward and an honor increase.

Horse races

In Big Valley, a man riding a Nokota horse will appear and compliment the player's horse. The man will brag paying top dollar for his horse and claim it is fast. He challenges the player to a race to a random location within Big Valley. If the player beats him, he gives money to the player and punches his horse for making him lose. The player can re-encounter the same man and race him a second time. If the player wins again, the man will be enraged and shoot his horse for losing.

In Scarlett Meadows, the player can similarly encounter a woman riding a Thoroughbred horse who will compliment the player's horse. She challenges the player to a race to a random location within Scarlett Meadows. If the player beats her, she will lightly berate her horse for losing and vow to win the next time. On the second encounter, if the player wins again, the woman will be more agitated, and exclaim that she may have to put down her horse if it keeps losing.

In Grizzlies East, the player can encounter a man riding an American Standardbred horse that will compliment the player's horse and then praise his own horse. The man will similarly race them to a random location in Grizzlies East.

In Ambarino, the player can encounter a man riding an  American Standardbred, who will compliment the player's horse. The man bets that his horse named Ariel is faster than the player's horse and challenges the protagonist to race him to a random location in Ambarino. If the player wins the race, he will express his disappointment of his horse for loosing and will vow to win the next time. The player can re-encounter the same man and race him a second time. If they wins again, he will express his disappointment at Ariel and will leave the area.

Winning these races may permanently increase the speed of the player's active horse. Also, killing the rider will reduce honor.

Horse kicks and kills its owner

The player can encounter people trying to clean their horse's hoof. However, the horse will kick and kills its owner. The horse can be taken without losing honor, but looting the horse's dead owner will reduce honor. The horse is a Palomino Dapple American Standardbred (RDR 2). The first encounter the owner possesses a Volcanic Pistol (RDR 2).

Runaway horse

As the player is traveling along a road in The Heartlands, they may pass a man trying to calm his horse. The player's approach startles the horse, causing it to run away. If the player lassos the runaway and returns it to its owner, the owner will offer a small cash reward.

Man falls off horse

Near Van Horn Trading Post, the player can encounter a man on horse. The man groans then appears as an "X" and will fall off his horse. The player can loot the man, but will lose honor, or they can take the horse.

Woman trapped under her horse

The player can encounter three different women trapped under their horses. The first will cry for help and states that her friend's horse died on her. The player can help get the dead horse off her legs or decline helping her. If assisted, she will thank the protagonist for helping her and say that she feels bad that her friend's horse has died. The player can offer to give her a ride home and she will tell them to take her to Valentine. During the ride she explains, that her friend let her borrow her horse to inquire about a seamstress job for a wealthy man. When arriving to Valentine, she gives jewelry as payment for giving her a ride back into town.

The second woman follows nearly the same scenario, but instead asks to be taken to Emerald Ranch. Along the way, she will discuss her life at the ranch and mention that its owner is an erratic and spiteful man, and that she intends to find work elsewhere. She also gives jewelry as payment for the ride. Sometimes there is a glitch during the encounter, where her horse will spawn alive and the player will have the opportunity to obtain a Silver Dapple Pinto Missouri Fox Trotter before the Epilogue.

The third woman follows nearly the same scenario, but instead asks to be taken to Lagras. Along the way, she tells the player that she usually does not trust strangers. She will discuss how horses do not help much in Largas and tell that she needs a horse that can swim fine, explaining that "a duck would be more useful" than the horses are. The last horse her family bought got its foot stuck in the mud and two gators ripped it's legs off and it died, and that her father and Thomas did not have time to shoot the gators. She also gives jewelry as payment for the ride.

If the player takes too long delivering either women to their destination, they will begin to complain, and then angrily force the protagonist to stop so they can get off the horse and walk back on their own.

Crashed Wagon

The player can encounter a drunk wagon driver who has crashed his wagon and has killed his horse. The stranger will ask the player to watch the wreckage while they go look for help. After the driver has left (he will eventually pass out after walking a short distance), the player can take any valuables from the wreckage, but will lose honor.

Lenora View Wagon crash

The player can encounter a man looking over a cliff. He beckons the player and tells them he sees a dead man down there and believes that the man lives at a cabin "up north of here". He then tells the player that he is going to report it to the sheriff in Strawberry. If the player heads down to where the body is located they will find a lockbox with a marriage certificate and a wedding photo of woman. The dead man's name is James Peyton, and he was going to pick up his wife Mildred before losing control of his wagon.

Crazy woman lost in the woods for two days

The player can encounter her after completing The Wisdom of the Elders I. When the player sets up camp in Roanoke Ridge a dirty looking woman turns up. She tells him she's very cold and asks if she can sit by the fire. If accepted, she'll say that her friends, Esther and Jerry-Ann, are part of why she's so cold, eating all chitterlings and lending her warm breeches amongst other things.

She tells the player she drank some moonshine to keep warm and woke up on a riverbank, totally lost. She'll then tell the player she's from Butcher Creek, and that they have to cope with a demon there, taking control of the bodies and minds of the villagers. Right after, she thinks the player looks at her funny and then goes on that he has the same look her uncle always has, running away in fear immediately afterwards.

The player can follow her but after running for a few dozen meters, she starts normally walking and acts like any random stranger.

Outlaws, Prisoners, Bounty Hunters, and Lawmen

Bill Williamson captured

Between Chapters 2 and 4, as Arthur Morgan is out riding, Javier Escuella will stop him and tell him that Bill Williamson was captured by bounty hunters. Arthur isn't happy with Bill for getting caught, and Javier tells him he can either help or not. If Arthur decides to help, he and Javier ride a short distance to a large clifftop, where they find a camp of bounty hunters, with Bill hogtied. Arthur and Javier kill the bounty hunters and free Bill, who thanks the duo. Javier and Bill then ride off to camp.

Prisoners at Crawdad Willies Shack

Two prisoners chained together murder the homeowner after a failed robbery and can be found outside following the trail of blood from the slain homeowner. You will find one of the prisoners is killed by the owner. If you help the living prisoner by shooting the chain, he will give you the location of a gold bar in between three rocks southwest of the Rhodes water tower across the railroad tracks. Be warned, if you are in the area with the random encounter activated and wait too long, you will find both prisoners dead.

Killer Prostitute

The player can encounter a prostitute in Valentine, who will ask for help disposing of the body of a client who she claims began attacking her. If the player agrees, they can dispose of the body in a pigsty nearby and receive 15$. However, if the player is seen carrying the body, the law will be set upon them and they will receive a bounty. The player can also tie her up and take her to the sheriff's office or report her crime to the sheriff for 14$ cash and a small boost in Honor. Soon after she is placed in jail, a public hanging will be staged. The player can save her from execution if they wish (this will result in a loss of honor), or do nothing and let her hang.

If the player doesn't report her she can be encountered again, asking for the same favor.

Outlaw attack

In New Hanover, A outlaw can be heard shouting to members of his gang, stating that first to kill the player will be rewarded with gold. Four outlaws on horses will attack the player. This event can only occur in Chapter 2. The encounter can trigger near Citadel Rock.

Pickpockets

The player can encounter various pickpockets who purposely bump into the player and take the player's money. This occurs when entering the gunsmith and the tailor clothing store in Saint Denis and the saloon in Van Horn Trading Post. The pickpocket will take a significant amount of the player's money, and taking the money back from him will give the player their own money back and more on top. Killing and looting the thief shall not incur in a wanted level.

Fugitive prisoner

The player can encounter several different lone prisoners in multiple regions who will ask the player to shoot their leg shackles. If a prisoner is helped, he will give the player a robbery tip. On subsequent encounters with the same prisoner, the player will comment on how he was recaptured and suggest he run further away. You can also deliver them to the sheriff to get a cash reward, but only after completing the mission Good, Honest, Snake Oil.

Chain gang escape attempt

The player can encounter a group of two lawmen and three prisoners around Scarlett Meadows. The lawmen are guarding the prisoners as they break up some rocks. Two prisoners will purposely get into a fight and a lawman will step in to intervene. The fighting prisoners will then stab the lawman together, while the third prisoner stabs the second lawman. The dying second lawman shoots and kills the third prisoner. The other two prisoners flee.

The player can capture the two men and turn them into the Rhodes sheriff's office for money or let them flee.

It is possible to use Dead Eye to save the lawmen from being killed, in which case they will thank the player.

Criminal being transported by lawmen

Two lawmen can be encounter transporting a criminal inside a prison wagon and order people to stay back from the wagon. The player can question the lawmen or antagonize them. The lawmen will shoot back if the player attacks them or follows them to close. Killing the lawmen will lower the player's honor and the player has the option to free the criminal. Shooting the lock and allowing the prisoner to fight the lawman and escape will increase the player's honor.

Criminal being transported by bounty hunters

The player can encounter two bounty hunters transporting a wanted criminal they captured and will order the player to stay back from them. The fugitive will cry for help, but the bounty hunters tell the person to shut up. The player can kill the two bounty hunters. The player has the option to free the wanted fugitive or collect the bounty for the fugitive.

Kidnapping

The player can encounter a man on a horse with a woman tied up. The woman will cry for help stating that she has been kidnapped. The player can greet the man or intervene. If the player intervenes the captor will fight the player. After killing the man, the player will have to calm the horse down and the woman asks the player to untie her. There are two encounters of this but will have two different women (a white woman and a black woman) kidnapped.

Two outlaws trying to break open a safe

The player can encounter two outlaws trying to break open a safe they stole. They will tell the player to get lost. The player can kill the men and blow open the safe with dynamite.

Two outlaws with a crashed wagon

The player can encounter two outlaws arguing over a crashed wagon. Looting the outlaws will give you a free lock breaker.

Injured woman robbery ambush (Lydie)

The player can come across a woman calling for help and pretending to be injured on the ground. As the player approaches, she stands up and points her gun at the player and orders the player to put their hand up. Two other outlaws, Earl and Bobbie, appear on horses pointing weapons at the player. As she about to search the player's satchel, the player can quickly pull out their gun to kill the trio. When being robbed, one of the two men will refer to the woman as Lydie. If you kill her cohorts and not her, she will refer to the other two men as Bobbie and Earl.

Horse thief

The player can encounter a man around the area of New Hanover. The stranger standing along the road claims that his horse died and needs a ride. The player can accept or decline the man's offer for a ride, but the man will steal the player's horse in an attempt to ride away. The player's horse will buck the man off (if its bonding level is high enough or if the protagonist quickly whistles for the horse) or they can shoot or hogtie the thief.

The player can encounter a man between Bluewater Marsh and the area near the Van Horn trading post. It will follow the same scenario.

Robbery

It follows the same scenario as the horse thief encounter, but a man will pull out his gun and wants to rob the player.

Bridge holdup

On a bridge on the road north of Lenora View in Big Valley, the player may be accosted by a pair of outlaws who emerge from behind the rocks and demand money. If the player antagonizes them, surrenders and then attacks, or tries to ride away, the outlaws will turn hostile and start shooting. Two more outlaws on horseback will also appear from the opposite end of the bridge and join the attack.

Uncle's Saloon Debacle

Occasionally, when passing Blackwater Saloon or Keane's Saloon in Valentine, the player will encounter a man threatening Uncle. The player will gain Honor if they intervene.

Attempted Murder

The player can encounter a man named Horace, crying for help around the Bayou Nwa. Horace is injured and tells the protagonist that some men have broken into his shack and that he was able to get away but they got his wife. If the player accepts to help the man, they will tell them where the shack is located. Then the protagonist will tell the man to go get the law, and that they will see what they can do. When heading to the shack, a woman can be heard screaming. The two men inside the shack plan on murdering the man's wife and the player must kill the two men. The woman will ask the protagonist to untie her and thanks them for saving her life. She asks the protagonist to dispose of the bodies of the two men and after disposing of them she will tell the player to take some money in a sack as a reward.

Brutal Death

Similar to the Unlucky Man and Man falls of Horse, a man can be seen very slowly riding his horse in various areas before falling off. If inspected it will be shown that his face is horribly macabre. His eyes are gouged out and the left side of his face has no skin, as it has been torn off to reveal his bones and is oozing with blood. Choosing to loot the man will lower honor.

Random People

Blind Man Cassidy

On several occasions while traveling the player may encounter Blind Man Cassidy on the roadside, where he will ask the player for money. If the player gives him $1.00, Cassidy will give the player words of wisdom / tips that also may allude to later events in the game and the overall series.

Nigel (Gavin's Friend)

The player can encounter a man named Nigel in various locations, who is looking for his lost friend Gavin. With each encounter, Nigel will provide additional details, such as how Gavin is a Cockney and that he disappeared without a trace one night while Nigel slept. After his initial dialogue with the player, Nigel will proceed to wander through the town he was encountered in, repeatedly and desperately calling Gavin's name. By 1907, Nigel is still searching for Gavin, but is the worse for wear. If lassoed or murdered, he can be looted for the Letter to Nigel from Tom.

Agnes Dowd

The ghost of a young woman named Agnes Dowd can be seen in Bluewater Marsh between 9 pm and 3 am. She can be encountered 16 times, telling a part of her lifestory at each encounter. In the last encounter, she will talk to the player and invite him to know the tree by which she hanged herself. There will be a Ghost Orchid in the tree's trunk.

• She will vanish if the player comes too close to her, however she can be observed through binoculars and gun scopes.
• The details of her lifestory shall appear in random order.

Mad Preacher

The Mad Preacher can be encountered randomly near most bodies of water across all territories. He is usually found ranting while standing in the water, and can be briefly spoken to by the player. He always has a small camp nearby, decorated with a wooden cross.

Peeping Toms

In Valentine, the player can encounter two men spying on a drunk couple acting intimate in the bedroom . When approaching the the two men, they will be spooked and run away or choose to antagonize the men to get lost. If the player decides to watch the drunk couple, the player will lose honor.

The same scenario can occur in Valentine. This time the couple is sober and doing some intimate in the bedroom. If the player decides to watch. They will realize that someone is watching them and the man asks his wife to close the window curtains. The player will lose honor for watching them.

In Strawberry, the player can encounter two men spying on a woman. The player can choose to antagonize the men to get lost, this will raise the player's honor and the men will leave. If the player decides to spy on the woman, the player will lose honor. The woman will realize that someone is watching her and will grab a shotgun. She will fire her shotgun at the player and the player will receive a bounty.

Soothsayer

The player can encounter a Soothsayer in Bayou Nwa in Lemoyne. She asks the protagonist to come over and tells them about their future. If the player gives her $2.00 will give the player words of wisdom / tips that also may allude to later events in the game and the overall series.

Lost dog

In Emerald Ranch, a boy can be seen looking for his dog. The boy asks the player if he has seen his dog, and requests that the player helps him find it.

The dog can be found under a nearby water tower, and the player attempts to convince the dog to follow him. The boy is found waiting under a tree, and his dog appears to be unhappy to see him. The boy then insults the dog for running away. The dog then escapes again, causing the boy to chase after it. Despite the boy's efforts, he loses sight of his dog.

In Strawberry, the player can encounter, a boy can be seen looking for his dog and asks the player if he has seen his dog, and requests that the player helps him find it. The player can use eagle eye to help you locate the dog and the dog can be seen barking at a tree. The player convinces the dog to follow him. The boy can be found at a house. The boy is happy that the player was able to find the dog and the dog is happy to see the boy. The boy thanks the player and states that the dog is "the closest thing to a family I got left". The boy seems to live in the same house that Norman and Maddy did and is likely he was their son. He will also comment on Arthur's condition, hence the encounter can only be done after the mission "A Fork in the Road".

If the player kills the boy's dog, the player will lose honor. The boy will cry and say "No...no! How could you?"

Hayden Russell

The player can encounter Hayden Russell at Clingman in Roanoke Ridge, a delusional former US Army captain who believes that the current date is April 14th, 1862 and the Civil War is still raging. When approaching him, Russell will point his Carbine Repeater at the player and ask them which side they are on, North or South. If the player does not respond or points a weapon at him, he will shoot at the player. If the player defuses the situation, Russell relieved that the player is not a southern and asks the player if they have any news from his commanding officer, named General Scollick. He will also state that he is awaiting orders to advance into Lemoyne and take Saint Denis from the rebels. Russell apparently has amnesia and will forget the player's previous encounter with him.

Poor Joe

North of Annesburg and east of Doverhill. The player can encounter a man named Joe, who is a hermit that lives in a tree and claims he is a king.

Lost tourist

The player can encounter a tourist from New York in West Elizabeth who is lost on his way back to Strawberry. He asks the player for help, and thanks the protagonist after safely making it back.

Directionally-challenged drunk

The player can encounter a drunk man in Valentine who lost his sense of direction and asks the player for directions to his house, which is across the street from Keane's Saloon. The player can assist him for an increase in honor, in which case he returns home and is forced to sleep outside by his angry wife, or mislead him for a decrease in honor, in which case he wanders off in the wrong direction. He will think the Valentine Stable is his house and try to cuddle with a horse's rear, thinking it is his wife. The horse will kick him, killing the man. This man can be re-encountered later on, and the same choice is presented.

Occasionally, the bartender of Keane's Saloon may describe this man and ask if the player has seen him recently, since he frequently gets lost.

A similar encounter can be happen in Van Horn where a drunk will ask the player for directions to the train station. If he's assisted the drunk will find the train station but will pass out on the ground. If mislead he'll head to the docks and fall in the water where he will drown himself to death.

Destitute war veterans

In Valentine, outside the gunsmith, the player can occasionally encounter Mickey, an alcoholic who claims to have been a Union soldier in the Civil War. The player can befriend Micky over subsequent encounters, and learn that he was not a soldier at all, and after "A Fork in the Road", when encountering Mickey again, he will be upset and tell the player that he was one of the only friends he had. When returning as John, after being told that Arthur passed away, he will ask to be held by John, who will refuse.

In Rhodes, outside the general store, the player can occasionally encounter Joe Butler, a Confederate soldier in the Civil War. The player can befriend Joe over subsequent encounters.

Drunk camp veteran

The player can encounter a man camping in the woods. The man is depressed and is finishing a bottle of whiskey. He spots the player and asks them to come and sit next to him at the fire. The stranger states that he has committed sins and would reveal them to the player if they are given some whiskey. If the beverage is given the drunk will thank the player and say that it's fitting that he be drinking the devil brew. The stranger also states that he will be seeing the devil soon.

The drunk tells the player he used to be a soldier stationed at Fort Riggs. He reveals that a lot of Native Americans were suppressed and held in captivity in the Fort. The man also states the U.S. Army ended up killing a lot of Indians in the Fort. He still remembers the Indians as clear as yesterday and feels bad for them. The drunk will also tell the player that he feels sleepy and takes one last swig of the whisky. Then falls off the chair and passes out. The player can loot him but will lose honor and if looted the they will find a Native American ring. The ring can be sold to a fence and it's worth ten dollars.

If the player refuses to give the man the whiskey he will still pass out on the ground, without revealing the story about the Fort and Indians. However the ring can still be looted.

Moonshiners

The player can encounter two men making moonshine at their camp in Big Valley and they will notice the protagonist's approach. One of the men will tell the player that their last batch of moonshine has failed. He will ask if the player can help them find some ingredients for their moonshine and will reward them for the favor. The player has the option to accept or decline. The moonshiner will ask the protagonist to find some Indian Tobacco so it could give flavor to their moonshine. If the player has some in their inventory or finds some in the surrounding area, the man will tell them to put it in the still. The other man samples the moonshine but states that it is not very tasty, but is sharp in flavor. The moonshiner will thank the player for the help and will ask them to take the loot from their chest. Inside, there will be Aged Pirate Rum and Moonshine. Helping the two men will raise the player's honor.

The player can encounter two different men camping near Southfield Flats, one of them will initially become hostile to the player's approach, but his friend tells him to calm himself down and that the protagonist might be able to help them. The encounter will follow the same scenario as the previous one but this time the two men will ask the player to find some Evergreen Huckleberry for their moonshine. The man will thank the player for helping them and will ask the protagonist to help themselves to whatever is in their chest.

The player can re-encounter the same moonshiners, who previously camped at Southfield Flats but this time at Bluewater Marsh. They will greet the player and will request that they find some Milkweed for their moonshine.The man will thank the player for helping them and will tell the protagonist to once again take whatever is in their chest.

Treasure hunter with High Stakes Treasure Map

The player can encounter a treasure hunter with the High Stakes Treasure Map. The man will be looking at the map for the next clue. If the player greets or approaches, he will quickly close the map and will get on his horse. If the player hogties or kill him they will obtain the treasure map and will lose honor when looting him.

Alternatively, if the player has a lasso equipped and runs quickly to tackle the man before he closes the map. The player can pick up the map without looting him or killing him without the lose of honor.

Heartbroken stone-thrower

On the edge of the Dakota River, Morgan may find a man skipping stones while ranting about a woman called "Lily-May". Morgan can either give the man advice to be a good man and she will come, or antagonize him. Later on in the Epilogue, Marston may run into the same man where he will reveal that he got with Lily-May, but she turned out to be emotionally abusive. He goes on to mention that Arthur's advice ruined his life.

Conman in hiding in Strawberry

The player can encounter an angry man in Strawberry who is looking for someone. The man will notice the them and will ask for help. The stranger states that a conman sold him a fake serum, claimed to have been made from rhino horn to be used for a little problem the man has been having. The protagonist can accept or decline helping him. If the player accepts they will have to search for the conman in Strawberry. The protagonist can find the conman inside an outhouse and hiding inside the toilet. The player will confront the man and he will admit that he has been scamming people and asks the protagonist not to tell the other man where he is located. The player can tell the angry man where the conman is located or mislead the man. If they choose to tell the man, he will confront the conman and drown him in the toilet. If the player chooses to mislead the angry man, they can return to the conman for an increase in honor; the conman will attempt to exit the toilet but he will fall back in and drown.

Braithwaite trespasses on Caliga Hall

The player can encounter two Gray members shooting at a Braithwaite for trespassing on their tobacco field. The Braithwaite is seen running away from them. The player can help the Grays capture the Braithwaite or help the Braithwaite escape.

If the player helps the Grays, the Braithwaite will express his anger at the player and one of the Grays thanks him. The Gray member will execute the Braithwaite and disposes his body on the Braithwaite's property.

This will always occur the first time the player approaches the entrance to Caliga Hall.

Shipwreck

The player can encounter a shipwreck south of Flatneck Station or near the Van Horn Trading Post. The player will find a small boat flipped over with its supplies and man that appear to be dead (a "X" symbol is seen on the map). If the player loots the man, he will find that the man is still alive. The man then gives the player a love letter addressed to Bonnie MacFarlane and dies soon after. The player can loot a chest near the boat for goods.

Fistfight challenge

In Van Horn Trading Post only, the player may witness two men fighting, unarmed. Afterwards, the winner will challenge everyone else to a fight, which the player can accept. Beware, though, that the residents in Van Horn may begin shooting at the player afterwards. It is possible for the player to possess an M1899, if it is in the player's possession.

Reverend Peter Fotheringham

Reverend Peter Fotheringham can occasionally be encountered on a street corner in Strawberry. He repeatedly claims that people can be saved and reside together with him for eternity simply by expressing a desire to be saved. The player can speak with him, and when asked if they want to be saved, choose to answer yes or no. After speaking with him for a while he reveals that he is only preaching because his wife wishes for him to.

Lenora View owner's fatal accident

When traveling the road just south of Lenora View during the day, a man will beckon the player to come look over the edge of the cliff that the road runs along. When spoken to, the man will explain that the owner of Lenora View apparently lost control of his wagon and drove off the cliff to his death. He will point out the wreckage and corpse before riding away to tell the authorities in Strawberry.

Unlucky man

When travelling through Bayou Nwa during the day, a man losing a lot of blood will fall off his horse and will call for help. He will tell the protagonist that he needs a doctor. The player can pick him up and take him to Saint Denis doctor. Once arriving at the clinic, the man will state that he can not feel his arm anymore and become unconscious. Dr. Barnes will be surprised when the player enters his office. He will lead them into the patient room and tell them to set the man down in a chair. The patient wakes up, crying in pain and the player tells him that he is at the Doctors' office. The man then thanks the protagonist for helping him and pays them. Dr. Barnes examines the man's arm and sees that the arm is infected and requires amputation. He pulls a syringe and sedates the man before using a bone saw for the amputation. Barnes will constantly suggest that the protagonist should leave, but more honor will be gained if they decide to stay.

The same man that player has helped can be encountered in Saint Denis. This time, he is being hanged for murdering his wife. The man recognizes the player and asks him to help him escape. If they help him escape, the player will receive a bounty. If not, the protagonist will tell the police officer about how they saved the man's life.

Timothy A. Donahue

In Saint Denis, the player can encounter Donahue on the street trying to sell his book. He claims his book can change a person's life and help you become rich. If the player interacts with him, he asks if they want a copy of his book and that it will cost fifty dollars. If the player decides to buy it from him, they discover that the book was actually a fraud, and so they can later return to Donahue and ask for a refund. At this point, Donahue flees and thus his fate is left to the player; they can leave him, or loot the $50 from him after either killing or hogtying him.

Norris Forsythe

Near the Fontana Theatre in Saint Denis, the player can encounter Norris Forsythe a professor in eugenics. Forsythe can be heard preaching the ideology of eugenics and how other races are inferior. When approached he ask if they want a flyer. The player chooses to approach him, they can choose to either accept or decline a pamphlet. Afterwards, the player explains that they've known people who were good and bad regardless of their race. In response, Forsythe belittles the protagonist for suggesting that every race is equal and begins repeatedly calling them a fool. Subsequently, Norris attempts to flee after the player becomes visibly irritated with him. There will be no consequence for beating him up or killing him.

Skinny Dipper

Arthur can re-encounter the skinny dipper in the same area, whom he encounter during the fishing companion activity with Kieran. The man will greet the player, to which the latter can choose to antagonize him or greet him.

Feral Man

The player can encounter him three times. In the first and second encounter, he is running through the woods and howling in the forests of Roanoke Ridge, especially near the site of the Old Tomb. For the third encounter, he can be tracked back to his cave, where he will set his wolves on the player. Killing the wolves will result in an honor loss. The player can pick up the Feral Man's journal, which will make the man angry and he will immediately attack the player.

Captive in the Rhodes gunsmith store

A man notices a man dressed in sailor outfit inside the basement of Rhodes gunsmith with bars on the window. The man inside the basement begs the man to help him but other man does not want any trouble and walks away. The man in the basement begs him not leave. The man in the basement notices the player and begs him to help him. When entering the store the player will have the option to rob the basement and the gunsmith will comply. The man in the basement is seen chained near a bed. The man tells the gunsmith to stay away from him and tells the man not talk that way to his father. The man in the basement is relieved that player is here. The player can question the two men.

If the player frees the man, the gunsmith will apologise for kidnapping him and dress him up as his son. Also, that he only did that because he did not want to face the fact that his son Sammy died in an accident teaching his son on how to shoot a rifle and fell in the river. The man runs away and the gunsmith tells the player to take whatever they want from his shop.

Sheriff Sam Freeman

In Tumbleweed, the player can encounter him preaching law and order to the citizens of Tumbleweed and executing a member of the Del Lobos.

Manito Glade Hermit

The man can be found living at Manito Glade, a homestead north of Annesburg. If the player comes close to his cottage, the Hermit will shout obscenities at them, warning the protagonist to leave, while threatening them with the Rare Shotgun.

Domestic Violence

At night in Valentine, an angry man can be seen arguing with his wife and attempting to drown her in a water trough. If the player intervenes, they will gain honor. The man will then fight them for intervening. After he's dealt with, the woman will thank the player and the latter will gain honor. If the player does nothing, the man will drown his wife and the latter will lose honor. The player can hogtie the man and deliver him to the sheriff's office for a reward. The protagonist will tell the sheriff that the man has murdered his wife or attempted to murder his wife.

In Rhodes, an encounter with the same scenario will occur.

Saint Denis City Life

Back alley mugging

At night in Saint Denis, the player may encounter someone in front of an alley entrance who calls them over. As the man is approached, he will ask if the player wants to make a lot of money very quickly, and then beckon the player to follow him into the alley. At this point the player can walk on and ignore him, or follow him. If he is followed into the alley, a second man will knock the player out from behind. The two muggers will then rifle through the player's pockets and mock the player's gullibility. The player will wake up sometime later in the Saint Denis cemetery with their health core depleted and around 25% of their money gone.

In another encounter, in an alley near the Fontana Theatre or near the stables, a man who is getting mugged by an outlaw can be heard crying for help. The robber pins him to the wall and points his gun at him, asking him to hand over the money. The player can choose to intervene or not. If helped the man will thank the player for saving him, which will increase the player's honor. The stranger will offer some money for the help. The player can decline the offer which will gain them some more honor.

French couple robbed

At night in Saint Denis, the player can encounter a man attempting to rob a French couple. The robber will be trying to steal the wife's purse as she tries to fight him off while her husband just stands and watches near his Black Arabian - an elite horse which is not supposed to be available to the player until Chapter 4 but can be stolen from this event if the player acts fast enough.

If the player does nothing, the robber will shoot the wife in the chest and the player will lose honor. The husband now a widower, mourns her death and takes the body to bury her.

Beggars

In Saint Denis, the player can encounter a blind beggar on the sidewalk. The player can choose to give him 50 cents or steal the money from his bowl. Pointing a gun at him will reveal that he is not blind. If the player continues to antagonize him, the beggar will admit that he is not blind.

Also in Saint Denis, the player can encounter a drunk beggar on the sidewalk, who will claim he has lost all of his money in a poker game. If the player gives him 25 cents, he will give the player a bottle of Ginseng Elixir and a robbery lead: a backroom poker game is being run at the city's gunsmith.

The player can encounter a beggar asking for some money. The player can give him 25 cents or steal from him. If the player gives him money, he will thank the player and give them Special Snake Oil. He will say that it is nice to give something instead of begging and hates that he has to ask for money like "a worm in the dirt". If the player steals money from him, he will fight them.

Street urchin ambush

Two street urchins by the sidewalks in Saint Denis will rudely insult the player, who can antagonize or defuse them. The two street urchins then will run away and, if the player chases after them, they will encounter a large group of ambushers armed with guns, who will demand that the player to hand over the money. The player can either try to gun them down and escape, or simply surrender the money. If the player attacks the ambushers, the street urchins shall run away and alert the police, incurring in a wanted level.

• Only the ambushers can be killed and looted by the player. The two street urchins, however, cannot be harmed, lassoed or murdered after nor before the ambush starts.

Doyle's Tavern rat infestation

The player can encounter the bartender outside Doyle's Tavern in Saint Denis. A patron will complain about the cleanliness of the tavern and threaten to take their business elsewhere. The bartender calls out to the player. He tells the player that rats have infested his tavern and will pay the player to get rid of rats. The player will have to kill all of the rats inside the tavern. After killing the rats, the bartender will give the player either $13 or $8 dollars (depending on if the interior was damaged). This encounter can be repeated for the same reward. Notably, the encounter resembles the Bully mission Rats in the Library.

Police brutality

A Saint Denis policeman will be chasing after a black man for stealing. The suspect will eventually stop and surrenders. The suspect will apologize for stealing food, but the lawman decides to punch him and the suspect is knocked out. The player can question the lawman's actions or antagonize him.

In another encounter, will follow the same scenario, but with a white man as the thief. The suspect will eventually stop and surrenders, but tries to vault over a wall to escape the policeman. The policeman will grab him by the leg and throws him to ground. The officer then knocks out the suspect and carries him.The player can question the lawman's actions or antagonize him.

Jeering men

As the player passes an alley entrance in Saint Denis, he may be accosted by a pair of well-dressed men who insult the player's own clothing and appearance. The player can ignore them, in which case they can be heard gloating that they scared the player off, or antagonize them, which will start a fight.

Dorothea Wicklow

In Saint Denis, the player may occasionally run into a Dorothea Wicklow protesting for women to gain the right to vote. After chanting slogans, the player can speak to her. In one encounter, he suffragette will ask the player's opinion on allowing women to vote, and the player will respond that he is fine with it, but does not see the value in voting. In another encounter, the suffragette will claim that the first female president will surely be elected "in ten years or so", and women will do a better job of running the country than men; the player will say he hopes she is right.

Man splashed by passing wagon

In Saint Denis, a man will be speaking with an acquaintance on a sidewalk near a muddy street puddle. As a wagon passes by, the second man will shout for the first man to look out, but is too late to prevent the first man from being splashed by the wagon. The unfortunate man will walk away, muttering about how his ruined clothes had been brand-new.

An abrupt end to an argument

In Saint Denis, two men will be loudly arguing on the sidewalk beneath a balcony on one of the city's poorer streets. A woman, upset at the racket, will appear on the balcony and empty a chamberpot onto the men while berating them. The men will wander off, disgusted and humiliated.

Man splashed by woman dumping a chamberpot

Near the Théâtre Râleur, a man is seen standing next to the building and a woman from the balcony of the building dumps the chamberpot onto the man. The man is upset at her and states that his new shirt got ruined. The player can interact with the man.

Chelonian spokesman

In Saint Denis, the player may encounter Anders Helgerson a spokesman and leader of the Chelonia cult. Helgerson will offer a Chelonian Handbill, which the player may choose to accept or reject.

Man recognizes Arthur from "A Fine Night of Debauchery"

In Saint Denis, a black man will recognize Arthur from the river boat poker game robbery. He will berate Arthur for killing all those people on the riverboat. Arthur can defuse or antagonize the man. If defused is chosen, Arthur will tell the man that he got him mixed up with someone else. If antagonize is chosen, Arthur will threaten the man to leave or he will kill him. This is the only Saint Denis random encounter that shall not happen again after the epilogue starts.

Valentine

Smithfield's Saloon fight

The player can encounter a fight between two men near Smithfield's Saloon in Valentine. One of the men is angry at the other one for kissing his wife. The man states that it was "a peck on the cheek" and knocks out the other man. The man will tell his unconscious friend that he is going to get a drink and will go see his wife. The player can antagonize the man into fighting.

Man asks the protagonist to help him rob his friend

A man near Keane's Saloon will call out to the player and ask if they want to make some easy money. If the offer is accepted he tells the player to follow him to somewhere more private. He states that his friend has double crossed him again. He asks the player if he could rob his friend for him with the promise of splitting the money. The player can choose to accept or decline. If accepted the man will state that his friend is staying at the hotel and has rented a room on the first floor. The player can head to the Saints Hotel and enter the room to find the money. After finding the money, the man's friend will enter his room seeing the player is robbing him. He will start fighting the player. After defeating the man, the player can return to the other man. Then they can choose to split the money or lie to the man and keep the money for themselves.

A woman will be running the desk instead of the man at the hotel.

Man confronts Arthur about beating up Tommy

A angry man in Valentine will confront Arthur about nearly killing Tommy. The player can antagonize him or defuse the confrontation.

Public Hanging

In Valentine, a man is seen being hanged for murdering three people. His wife and son are seen crying and begging the lawmen not to kill him. Sheriff Malloy asks him if he has any last words before judgement. The man will say that he wishes that he could kill them all over again. The floor will drop and the man will die.

Blackwater

Alley Mugging

A man can be heard crying for help as another man is trying to rob him with a knife. If the player decides to intervene the man will thank them and will offer to give money for saving him which John can accept or decline.

Out of control wagon

Near Beecher's Hope, an "X" mark can appear, representing a wagon with a dead driver, killed with an arrow who is driven by a lone scarred Nokota or Shire, moving fast. Eventually the horse will stop. The player can loot the dead individual(s) (loss of honor), take the wagon (loss of honor), or take the horse. It possible that individual(s) were mostly like attacked by the Skinner Brothers.

Guarma

Pitfall trap

In Guarma, Arthur may fall in a pitfall trap set up by the soldiers. Two soldiers approach the pit and with their weapons drawn at him. After shooting the two soldiers, more soldiers will purse after the player.

Soldiers pursing two escapees

In Guarma, Soldiers can be seen shooting two escapees and have orders to capture the two men dead or alive. If Arthur runs into the soldiers they will open fire on him.

Armadillo/ New Austin

Undertaker burning bodies in Coot's Chapel

At Coot's Chapel, a gravedigger is seen picking up a corpse, dragging it and putting it in a mass grave. He will tell the player to keep their distance. The protagonist can question him about what he is doing and he will say the bodies are victims of the Cholera plague in Armadillo, explaining that most of the citizens have left the town. He will then burn the bodies, instead of burying them. The player also has the option to antagonize him. Killing him will result in an honor loss.

Undertaker exhausted

In Armadillo, an undertaker seems exhausted, trying to carry a corpse to a wagon, so he can take it to a mass grave but is unable to carry the corpse so he decides to take a break. The player can question him about what he is doing or antagonize the man. While the undertaker gets on the wagon, John can also get on the wagon and ride as a passenger on the way to the grave. The player can loot the corpses, but will lose honor. If antagonized enough times, the undertaker will become hostile and attack John.

Town crier in Armadillo

A town crier can be heard saying that Armadillo is unwell and people should get out of there. The player can greet or antagonize him. He will inform John that there is a cholera outbreak in Armadillo and that most of the citizens have left the town. The town crier will also state that other plagues have occurred in the town over the years and that some folks believe that Armadillo is cursed. He offers a pamphlet with information about the cholera plague, which the player can accept or decline.

Fleeing family leaving Armadillo

A man is seen packing up a wagon, with his wife waiting for him to get on. The player can question or antagonize them. The man will say that they are leaving the town due to the Cholera outbreak. As they are leaving, his wife will ask if he has fed the horses and if he has brought enough water for the journey. The player can wish them well on their journey or has another option to antagonize them, threatening to steal their horses. The latter will result in a loss of honor.

Exploding House

North of Tumbleweed and near Cholla Springs. The player can encounter a small house that will explode.

Tree house

In Hennigan's Stead, a man with a high-pitched voice, who lives in a tree house will tell the player to go away and if the they shoot at his tree house he will tell them to stop. If the protagonist shoots the floor underneath the house, the hermit will fall to his death.

Appleseed Timber Company

These encounters can only occur playing as Arthur.

For all of the random encounters there, see Appleseed Timber Company.

See also

• Random encounters featured in Red Dead Redemption.