Cracking the Code: A Guide to Telegram Missions in Red Dead Redemption 2

So you’ve stumbled across those mysterious Telegram missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 and are scratching your head on how to tackle them? Don’t worry, partner, you’re not alone. These contracts, brimming with intrigue and danger, offer a unique brand of outlaw experience. Here’s the lowdown:

To do Telegram missions in Red Dead Redemption 2, you must first progress far enough into the game (typically after completing the chapter 2 mission “Polite Society, Valentine Style”). Then, look for the postal office in towns like Valentine, Strawberry, Rhodes, and Saint Denis. After the aforementioned mission, you will receive a telegram that will act as a trigger. Read it to find out what kind of job is on offer. Accept the mission and follow any instructions given, which may involve travelling to a specific location, finding a person, or collecting an item. Complete the objectives while avoiding any pitfalls that may get in your way. Finally, return to the post office where you obtained the telegram after the mission is complete to receive the final reward.

Telegram Missions: Your Gateway to High-Stakes Adventure

Telegram missions, also known as contracts, are essentially side quests offered to Arthur Morgan or John Marston through telegrams delivered to post offices. They typically involve illicit activities, often with moral ambiguity and significant financial rewards. Each mission presents a different scenario, requiring you to utilize your outlaw skills.

Finding and Accepting Telegrams

The cornerstone of participating in these missions lies in those fateful telegrams.

1. Reach Chapter 2 (or beyond): Many Telegram missions will only become available after the completion of “Polite Society, Valentine Style” in Chapter 2.
2. Visit Post Offices: Head to any post office located in major towns such as Valentine, Strawberry, Rhodes, or Saint Denis.
3. Check for Telegrams: If a contract is available, the clerk will hand you a telegram detailing the mission’s specifics.
4. Read the Telegram Carefully: Scrutinize the telegram for crucial information:
   • The Job: What you’re being asked to do (robbery, retrieval, etc.).
   • The Location: Where the mission will take place.
   • The Client: Who’s hiring you.
   • The Reward: How much you’ll get paid.
5. Accept or Decline: Choose to accept the job or decline it. Remember, some choices might have consequences down the line.

Embarking on the Mission

Once you accept a telegram mission, the real adventure begins.

1. Travel to the Designated Location: Follow the instructions in the telegram to the location where the mission starts. This is sometimes marked on the map.
2. Prepare for the Unknown: Depending on the job, you might need specific weapons, provisions, or even a change of clothes. Heists may require silent weapons and outfits, while rescue missions might need your trusty rifle.
3. Engage and Execute: Once you reach the location, the mission unfolds. Follow the instructions, use your skills, and adapt to any unexpected turns.
4. Overcome Obstacles: Be prepared for obstacles. These contracts often involve confrontations with lawmen, rival gangs, or other dangers. Use cover, your Dead Eye ability, and your wits to survive.

Completing the Mission and Claiming Your Reward

After successfully navigating the perils of the mission, it’s time to reap the rewards.

1. Fulfill the Contract’s Requirements: This might involve delivering an item, eliminating a target, or escaping with stolen goods.
2. Return to the Post Office: Once the mission is complete, head back to the same post office where you received the telegram.
3. Collect Your Payment: Speak to the clerk to receive your payment for a job well done (or at least, a job done).

Telegram Missions: FAQs for the Aspiring Outlaw

Here are some of the burning questions you may have about Telegram missions:

1. Are Telegram missions repeatable? Yes, some Telegram missions are repeatable after a certain in-game period, allowing you to earn extra cash. However, not all of them are. The ones that are repeatable are typically the less story-driven and more generic types of contracts.

2. Can I fail a Telegram mission? Absolutely. If you die, get arrested, or fail to meet the objectives outlined in the telegram, you’ll fail the mission. You can usually retry the mission, though.

3. Do Telegram missions affect my honor? Yes, some Telegram missions can significantly affect your honor, either positively or negatively, depending on the choices you make during the mission. Choose wisely if you’re aiming for high or low honor.

4. Are there any missable Telegram missions? While most Telegram missions can be accessed throughout the game, it’s always a good idea to tackle them as soon as they become available. Some might become inaccessible under certain story-related circumstances or near the end of the game.

5. Can John Marston do Telegram missions? Yes, after completing the main story and entering the epilogue, John Marston can also undertake Telegram missions. They are essentially the same as the ones available to Arthur.

6. How do I know when a new Telegram mission is available? Keep checking the post offices in major towns. There’s no specific in-game notification when a new telegram arrives, so regular visits are key.

7. Do I need to be online to do Telegram missions? No, Telegram missions are a core part of the single-player campaign and do not require an online connection. They are completely separate from Red Dead Online content.

8. What’s the reward for completing a Telegram mission? The reward varies depending on the difficulty and complexity of the mission. Expect to earn a decent amount of money, potentially along with other items like ammunition or consumables.

9. Can I use cheats to make Telegram missions easier? Using cheats might disable achievements and trophies, and possibly interfere with the intended experience. While technically possible, it’s generally discouraged.

10. Are Telegram missions harder than other side quests? Telegram missions often involve more complex objectives and dangerous scenarios compared to some other side quests. They offer a good challenge for experienced players.

11. Can I find Telegram missions in the Red Dead Online mode? No. Telegram missions are exclusive to Red Dead Redemption 2’s single-player story mode. Red Dead Online has its own missions and activities.

12. If I decline a Telegram mission, can I accept it later? Yes, you can typically accept a declined Telegram mission later by returning to the post office where it was initially offered. The telegram will still be available.

Master the Art of the Telegram

Telegram missions are a fantastic way to delve deeper into the world of Red Dead Redemption 2, offering exciting gameplay, moral choices, and hefty rewards. By understanding how to find, accept, and complete these contracts, you can truly become a master outlaw in the Wild West. So saddle up, check your post, and prepare for an adventure. Happy trails!