Can You Get Dutch’s Money as John? The Red Dead Redemption 2 Mystery, Solved!

The burning question that has plagued Red Dead Redemption 2 players for years: Can John Marston ever get his hands on the elusive Blackwater heist money that Dutch van der Linde stashed away? The short answer, unfortunately, is no. There is no legitimate, in-game way to retrieve Dutch’s money as John Marston in the epilogue. However, that doesn’t mean the story ends there. Let’s delve into why, and explore the tantalizing possibilities and persistent myths surrounding this financial phantom.

The Allure of Untapped Riches: Why We Care About Dutch’s Money

From the moment the disastrous Blackwater heist is mentioned, the prospect of recovering that lost fortune hangs like a Damoclean sword over the Van der Linde gang. It represents a clean break, a chance for redemption, and a solution to their ever-worsening predicament. For John, in the epilogue, the money would mean securing a truly stable future for Abigail and Jack, a life far removed from the outlaw world that has haunted them for so long. The inherent human desire for wealth, coupled with the emotional stakes, fuels the relentless search for this missing treasure. The money’s disappearance is more than a plot point; it’s a symbol of lost hope and the broken promises that define the gang’s downfall.

Why The Money Remains Unreachable

Several factors contribute to the impossibility of recovering Dutch’s money as John through normal gameplay:

• Narrative Design: Red Dead Redemption 2 is a story about legacy, redemption (or lack thereof), and the cyclical nature of violence. Giving John access to Dutch’s money would undermine the core themes of struggle and sacrifice that define his journey. The ending, while bittersweet, emphasizes the importance of family and honest labor over ill-gotten gains.
• Map Limitations: The game map, despite its vastness, has been meticulously explored by players. No hidden location, trigger, or interaction has been found that leads to the recovery of the Blackwater money in the epilogue. While some areas might feel like they should hold the key, the developers have left no breadcrumbs to follow.
• Dialogue and Story Cues: Throughout the epilogue, there are no hints or quests that directly relate to finding the money. Characters don’t mention it, and John himself seems to have moved on from the idea, focusing on his responsibilities as a husband and father.
• Game Code Analysis: Data miners and modders have extensively examined the game’s code. They have found no evidence of any programmed event, location, or item associated with recovering the Blackwater money as John. While code is constantly being modified, there has never been any confirmation that there is access to the money.

The Lingering Hope: Unconfirmed Theories and Myths

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, speculation persists. Here are some common, yet unsubstantiated, theories:

• The Mysterious Cave: Several caves throughout the map have sparked theories, particularly those near known gang hideouts or landmarks. However, none have yielded any results.
• Hidden Clues in Dutch’s Last Stand: Some believe that Dutch’s final encounter with John at Mount Hagen contains subtle clues about the money’s location. Analyzing his dialogue and the surrounding environment hasn’t revealed anything definitive.
• A Secret Trigger: The most persistent myth is that a specific combination of actions, performed in a particular location, will unlock the treasure. This is based on the idea that Rockstar Games might have hidden the money behind an extremely obscure trigger. Unfortunately, years of searching have produced no evidence to support this.

While these theories are intriguing, they remain firmly in the realm of speculation. It’s crucial to separate fan theories from verifiable facts. The evidence points overwhelmingly to the conclusion that Dutch’s money is simply not accessible to John in the game.

Accepting the Inevitable: Moving On From the Blackwater Dream

While the allure of untold riches is understandable, it’s important to accept the narrative choices made by Rockstar Games. John’s story is not about finding a shortcut to wealth; it’s about building a life of his own, free from the shadows of his past. The money, ultimately, is a MacGuffin, a plot device that drives the story forward but is never meant to be obtained.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dutch’s Money and John Marston

1. Is there any glitch or exploit that allows me to get Dutch’s money as John?

While glitches are sometimes discovered in games, no confirmed glitch or exploit exists that allows John to acquire Dutch’s money. Any videos or claims suggesting otherwise are likely scams or hoaxes. Exercise caution before downloading any files or following instructions that promise to reveal the money’s location through illegitimate means.

2. I heard a rumor about a treasure map that leads to the money. Is this true?

There are treasure maps in Red Dead Redemption 2, but none of them lead to Dutch’s Blackwater money. The treasure maps lead to other smaller caches of gold, items and money, but not the grand Blackwater total. Focus on finding the existing treasure maps available in the game to benefit from the experience and find extra items.

3. Does Arthur have a better chance of finding the money than John?

No. As with John, there is no confirmed way for Arthur to directly find or access the full Blackwater heist money during the main story. While Arthur can acquire significant sums of money through various activities, the Blackwater money remains elusive and unreachable.

4. Could DLC or a future update add the ability to find the money?

While it’s always possible for developers to add content in future updates, Red Dead Redemption 2 has not received any significant single-player story DLC since its release. Given the time that has passed, it is unlikely that Rockstar Games will release an update that adds the ability to find Dutch’s money.

5. Why is everyone so obsessed with finding this money?

The obsession stems from a combination of factors: the sheer amount of money mentioned, the promise of a better life it represents, and the unresolved mystery surrounding its disappearance. The prospect of finding a large sum of money in a game naturally piques players’ interest, and the lack of a clear resolution fuels speculation and a persistent desire to solve the puzzle.

6. I’m convinced the money is hidden somewhere obvious. Am I crazy?

Not necessarily! The most cunning hiding places are often in plain sight. However, years of exhaustive searching by the Red Dead Redemption 2 community have yielded no results. While it’s always possible that something has been overlooked, the odds are extremely low.

7. Is there a specific time of day or weather condition that affects the money’s availability?

No. There is no evidence to suggest that the time of day or weather conditions have any impact on the ability to find Dutch’s money.

8. Does my honor level affect my chances of finding the money?

No. Your honor level in Red Dead Redemption 2 does not influence the availability of Dutch’s money.

9. Are there any mods that allow me to get the money?

Yes, mods exist that can add large sums of money to John’s inventory or unlock items associated with the Blackwater heist. However, these mods are only available on PC and may alter the game in unintended ways. Use caution when installing mods and ensure they are from reputable sources.

10. If I can’t get the money, what should I focus on in the epilogue?

Focus on completing the epilogue storyline, building the ranch at Beecher’s Hope, hunting legendary animals, completing challenges, and exploring the map. The epilogue offers plenty of content to enjoy, even without the Blackwater money.

11. What happens to the money in the Red Dead Redemption storyline?

The ultimate fate of the Blackwater money is never explicitly revealed. Dutch likely used some of it during his time leading the new gang of Native Americans and criminals. His last interactions at the end of the game suggests that he has moved on from the ideals that drove him in the first place.

12. Why did Rockstar Games choose to leave the fate of the money unresolved?

Leaving the fate of the money unresolved adds to the game’s sense of realism and moral ambiguity. Not every loose end is tied up neatly, mirroring the complexities and uncertainties of real life. It also reinforces the game’s themes of loss, disappointment, and the futility of chasing unattainable goals. The game has provided its audience with a more immersive experience that closely imitates real life.