The Ultimate Guide to Achieving 100% in RDR2: Is the Journey Worth the Reward?

Red Dead Redemption 2, the sprawling Western epic from Rockstar Games, serves as a testament to the studio's dedication to creating a living, breathing world. It's a game that invites players to immerse themselves deeply, not just in its main narrative but in the vast array of activities and missions that pepper its open world. Among the most coveted and arguably most daunting achievements in RDR2 is the "Best in the West" trophy, a badge of honor that signifies complete mastery over everything the game has to offer. Achieving 100% completion in RDR2 is no small feat, requiring a blend of skill, patience, and an adventurous spirit. But what exactly does this journey entail, and more importantly, is it worth the effort? Let's delve into the rewards that await those who reach this milestone and dissect whether the pursuit justifies the time invested.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is not just a game; it's an experience. With its meticulously crafted world, rich storytelling, and attention to detail, it's easy to get lost in the vast expanses of the American frontier. However, for those who seek to leave no stone unturned, the game offers the ultimate challenge: achieving 100% completion and earning the prestigious "Best in the West" trophy. This monumental task is not for the faint-hearted, as it demands a comprehensive exploration of every facet of the game. But what exactly does achieving 100% in RDR2 entail, and what rewards does it unlock? Is the journey through every corner of this meticulously detailed world worth the effort? Let's break down the requirements and rewards to see if the pursuit of RDR2's ultimate achievement is as rewarding as it is challenging.

The Road to 100% Completion

Attaining full completion in Red Dead Redemption 2 is an immense challenge that necessitates engaging in all the diverse activities available within the game. This encompasses, among other tasks:

• Completing all 107 main story missions: This forms the backbone of your journey, guiding you through the narrative of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang.
• Undertaking 10 Stranger mission strands: These side missions introduce unique characters and stories that further enrich the world.
• Clearing out 6 Gang Hideouts: Test your combat skills and strategy by taking down these dens of iniquity scattered across the map.
• Finding collectibles and completing related quests: From dinosaur bones to rock carvings, these tasks will have you combing the landscape for hidden treasures.
• Mastering various challenges: Whether it's sharpshooting or herbalism, these challenges push you to explore different gameplay mechanics.
• Engaging in miscellaneous activities: From playing table games to encountering special characters, these activities add depth to your experience of the game's world.

Achieving 100% completion is a vast and diverse endeavor, requiring not only proficiency and endurance but also a deep willingness to uncover every hidden corner of the immense world crafted by Rockstar.

The Rewards of Perseverance

After investing potentially hundreds of hours into achieving 100% completion in RDR2, players are rewarded with two main prizes:

1. The "Best in the West" achievement or trophy: This digital badge of honor is a testament to your dedication and mastery over the game, a symbol that will proudly sit in your collection.
2. A secret cutscene: Perhaps the more emotionally resonant reward, this cutscene features John Marston visiting Arthur Morgan's grave, offering a poignant moment that connects back to the game's narrative and themes.

While these rewards may seem modest in light of the effort required, they carry with them the intrinsic value of completion and the satisfaction of knowing you've experienced everything RDR2 has to offer.

Is It Worth It?

The question of whether achieving 100% completion in RDR2 is "worth it" ultimately depends on what you seek to get out of the game. For those who aim to fully explore the game and are dedicated fans, this adventure provides an in-depth look into the game's universe and gameplay, along with the prestige associated with achieving the "Best in the West" achievement. However, for those more interested in the narrative or casual exploration, the sheer scope of the task may outweigh the rewards.

The secret cutscene, while touching, may not be a sufficient draw for everyone, and the lack of tangible, in-game rewards could be seen as a missed opportunity to incentivize players further. However, the true reward of achieving 100% completion may lie in the journey itself—the countless stories, encounters, and landscapes you'll experience along the way.

Conclusion

Achieving 100% completion in Red Dead Redemption 2 is an endeavor that demands dedication, patience, and a deep love for exploration. While the tangible rewards may seem modest, the real value lies in the journey and the satisfaction of knowing you've seen and done everything this vast, intricate world has to offer. Whether or not it's worth it is a personal decision that each player must make based on their own priorities and what they enjoy most about the game. For those prepared to embrace the challenge, the "Best in the West" trophy stands ready as a reward, alongside the profound sense of achievement that comes from attaining the apex of what RDR2 presents.