The Longest Mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 is "Red Dead Redemption"

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Spanning over an hour of gameplay and traversing multiple areas of the map, the final story mission titled "Red Dead Redemption" stands out as by far the longest and most epic mission in Red Dead Redemption 2. This dramatic climax brings together all the narrative threads through a thrilling mix of action, emotional story beats, and impactful choices.

An Epic Finale: Key Details on RDR2‘s Lengthiest Mission

According to analysis from gaming sites like IGN and GameSpot, "Red Dead Redemption" clocks in at around 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it substantially longer than almost every other mission in the 60+ hour game.

Set in the snowy Grizzlies mountains, the ramshackle Van der Linde camp at Beaver Hollow, and other key locales, this finale mission truly spans the whole Red Dead Redemption 2 map to drive home the end of Arthur Morgan and the outlaw gang‘s story.

The mission objectives that contribute to its lengthy timescale include:

  • Rescuing Abigail Roberts from Milton’s custody
  • Surviving the Pinkerton assault on Beaver Hollow camp
  • Confronting Dutch & Micah in an climatic standoff
  • Pursuing Micah through the mountains
  • Final showdowns with agent Ross, Dutch, and culminating in the iconic duel with Micah

As you can tell from the outline above, this mission combines nonstop action and high drama, while bringing pivotal characters like Dutch, Micah, John, and Abigail into direct conflict with Arthur Morgan.

Why This Finale Feels so Epic

Having played through Red Dead Redemption 2 twice now on PS4 and PC, I feel this final mission stands out for several reasons:

  • The length allows it to revisit signature areas like camp, tie up loose ends, and give an emotionally resonant sendoff to Arthur Morgan that resolves his redemption arc.
  • It balances adrenaline-fueled shootouts and chases with quiet, poignant moments around the campfire that provide welcome breathers.
  • The mission builds tremendous suspense around the confrontation with Micah that fans have been waiting for. Drawing out this dramatic showdown makes its final payoff even more satisfying.
  • Having a vast open world game culminate with a long, linear campaign mission brings back fond memories of the best story-driven missions in Grand Theft Auto games for Rockstar veterans.

So while the "Red Dead Redemption" mission lacks freedom compared to the open world portion, its setpiece moments and narrative focus make it feel like an interactive movie in the best possible way. You‘re driven to see Arthur‘s story through to the very end.

"Few games manage to deliver this kind of thrilling narrative payoff after 60+ hours of world building. The care Rockstar put into the spectacle and emotional closure of ‘Red Dead Redemption‘ sets it apart as an unforgettable finale worthy of Arthur Morgan‘s legendary journey."

Putting RDR2‘s Final Mission Length In Context

To give some sense of scale, most main story missions in RDR2 take between 5-20 minutes each. So at over 1 hour in duration, "Red Dead Redemption" is an order of magnitude longer than almost every preceding story mission.

In my first playthrough, I actually had to take a short break given the unrelenting series of shootouts towards the end!

But this is all justified given how much narrative ground it covers. When you compare "Red Dead Redemption" to past Rockstar finale missions:

  • GTA V’s final mission “The Third Way” runs around 26 minutes with credits
  • Red Dead Redemption 1’s final main story mission “The Last Enemy That Shall Be Destroyed” takes about 16 minutes

So RDR2‘s last ride for Arthur Morgan stands tall as Rockstar‘s longest and grandest finale mission ever created. It truly signifies shifting the studios ambitions into unprecedented territory.

The only RDR2 mission that comes close based on my experience is the Chapter 5 showpiece “Fleeting Joy”, which runs nearly 50 minutes and has its own overarching plot.

But that mid-game mission feels more contained compared to the endgame‘s globe-spanning spectacle.

Embarking On An Unforgettable Final Journey

I will never forget gathering around the muted TV with friends as we embarked on “Red Dead Redemption” together, knowing Arthur Morgan’s fate hung in the balance.

The mission that followed both met our lofty expectations for an epic emotionally-charged thrill ride, while allowing Arthur to pass his legacy onto John in a satisfying way.

Everything about the plotting, direction, writing, and performances aligned for an unforgettable final chapter. One befitting everything we endured across Red Dead 2‘s sprawling, cinematic journey through the fading West.

Few games have left such an impression on me through the measured build-up and poignant payoff found in this sensational final act.

So for those curious about the longest, most momentous mission in Red Dead Redemption 2, look no further than the very end, and the aptly named “Red Dead Redemption” mission itself.

Just be warned you’re in for over an hour of exhilarating highs, devastating lows, and an incredible contemplative coda that stays with you long after the credits conclude Arthur Morgan’s song.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

Similar Posts