What Happens If You Shoot Dutch Instead of Micah in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game known for its rich storytelling, complex characters, and moral dilemmas. In the epilogue, players find themselves in a climactic showdown, facing off against Micah Bell, a character who has caused much suffering throughout the game. However, what if you decide to take matters into your own hands and shoot Dutch van der Linde instead of Micah? In this detailed exploration, we dive into the consequences of this alternative choice.

The Epilogue and the Final Showdown

The epilogue of Red Dead Redemption 2 sees players assuming the role of John Marston, the protagonist of the original Red Dead Redemption. John, along with Sadie Adler and Charles Smith, embarks on a mission to confront Micah Bell, the treacherous former gang member.

The final mission, “American Venom,” takes players to Mount Hagen, where Micah has holed up with his gang. It’s a challenging journey, filled with intense gunfights and treacherous terrain. As you progress, Sadie gets injured, and Charles takes a bullet from a sniper at the base of the mountain.

Upon reaching the peak of Mount Hagen, players enter a cutscene where the stage is set for the ultimate confrontation. Dutch van der Linde, the former leader of the gang, suddenly appears, throwing a twist into the already tense situation.

The Dialogue Before the Storm

Before the bullets start flying, there’s a pivotal dialogue exchange between John, Micah, and Dutch. Dutch’s reappearance brings forth a sense of betrayal, as he seemingly aligns himself with Micah.

Here’s a snippet of the dialogue:

Micah: “Hello, Scarface. Did you miss me?”

John: “Not much.”

Micah: “In a few years…”

Dutch: [chuckles] “How’s that, um, [explicit] of yours?”

John: “She’s good. Didn’t reckon I should waste my time killing you, but I felt different.”

Micah: “So it seems.”

Dutch: “Maybe after all this is over, I’ll go pay her a call.”

The tension escalates as Micah opens fire, initiating a standoff among John, Micah, and Dutch. This is where the player’s choice can diverge from the expected path.

Experimenting with Shooting Dutch

What happens if you decide to take a shot at Dutch instead of Micah during this crucial standoff? We conducted several experiments to uncover the outcomes of this daring choice.

Attempt 1: Missing Dutch

In the first attempt, we intentionally aimed to miss Dutch. The shot went over his right shoulder, nowhere near him. Surprisingly, Dutch reacted swiftly, firing a shot that took us down. It was a clear signal that the game’s mechanics prioritize Micah as the main antagonist in this scene.

Attempt 2: Aiming Far Away

In the second attempt, we aimed even further away from Dutch, making it obvious that we weren’t trying to hit him. However, the outcome was identical to the first attempt. Dutch shot us as if to say, “Don’t mess with the script.”

Attempt 3: Hitting Dutch in the Chest

Next, we decided to see what would happen if we shot Dutch directly in the chest. The result was unexpected but fascinating. Dutch did react, staggering backward, but the game still continued as if nothing had changed. Micah ultimately shot us, bringing an end to the experiment.

Attempt 4: Shooting Dutch in the Face

In this attempt, we aimed for Dutch’s head and fired. The shot landed squarely in his face. However, Dutch’s reaction was peculiar. He didn’t collapse or die; instead, he seemed unfazed. Micah, once again, shot us, underscoring the game’s determination to follow its narrative.

The Outcome of Shooting Dutch

No matter how you choose to shoot Dutch, whether it’s missing him or hitting him, the game is resolute in its storytelling. Dutch’s character remains intact, and Micah ultimately saves him, maintaining the original narrative arc. It appears that the game prioritizes preserving the plot over diverging based on player choices.

What Happens if You Don’t Shoot?

Curiosity led us to experiment with yet another scenario—what if you choose not to shoot anyone during the standoff? Surprisingly, the game doesn’t reward passivity in this case. If you refrain from pulling the trigger and simply watch the events unfold, Micah takes matters into his own hands. He shoots both Dutch and John, leading to a grim conclusion.

The Aftermath and Unanswered Questions

The experiment sheds light on the intricacies of Red Dead Redemption 2’s narrative design. While players might yearn for alternate endings based on their choices, the game’s creators have crafted a tightly woven story where certain key events remain unaltered.

After the standoff, Dutch mysteriously walks away, leaving John to complete the mission. As John and Sadie secure the money and escape the mountain, Dutch’s fate remains unresolved. Players are left wondering what became of him after that encounter. It’s a testament to the game’s storytelling prowess, leaving room for interpretation and speculation.

Conclusion: The Unyielding Narrative of Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 continues to captivate players with its compelling storytelling and rich character development. While experimenting with shooting Dutch instead of Micah might yield intriguing outcomes, it’s clear that the game prioritizes its narrative integrity.

The epilogue’s final showdown serves as a reminder that, in the world of Red Dead Redemption, certain events are set in stone. Dutch’s actions, no matter how you aim to change them, ultimately lead to the game’s predetermined outcomes.

As players, we are participants in a carefully crafted narrative, where choices, while impactful in some instances, cannot deviate from the overarching story. Red Dead Redemption 2’s unwavering commitment to its narrative vision is a testament to the game’s enduring legacy in the world of video game storytelling.