Highlights
- Red Dead Redemption 2 incorporates hidden elements, such as the dreamcatchers puzzle, that contribute to the game's immense replay value.
- Locating and deciphering the secrets of the dreamcatchers is a challenging and rewarding task, with players needing to use the Dead Eye feature to locate the unique trees.
- The long treasure hunt for the dreamcatchers offers beautiful scenery and a chance to uncover the hidden Ancient Arrowhead, which many players may not have discovered.
RPGs have historically featured Easter Eggs for players to find in their adventures, rewarding particularly observant gamers with unique items, special cutscenes, and achievement plaques in some cases. This dynamic cuts across all categories from fantasy to action, and it is no surprise that one of the games of the last decade, Red Dead Redemption 2, would incorporate this mechanic in its gameplay. The Wild West-themed title is known for its head-scratching riddles such as the meaning behind its Whiskey Tree and Mystery Tree Faces, and there are several similar features Rockstar kept hidden from players. One such side quest doesn't require players to trigger a mission to figure out its secrets, and the deliberate omission makes it one of the game's best-kept secrets.
Locating all the collectibles Red Dead Redemption 2 has to offer is no mean feat, and even the most skilled completionists have run into brick walls trying to exhaust the title's content. Dealing with the dreamcatchers puzzle is a frustrating experience for many players, as there are 20 such items to locate across the expansive map. Finding the keepsakes isn't the only challenge, as players have to learn the ancient secrets they hold - and the clues to solve the puzzle are easy to miss if not paying rapt attention. The manner Red Dead Redemption 2 handles its hidden elements is exemplary, and they contribute to the title's immense replay value.
Solving the Dreamcatchers Conundrum Holds Rewards for Players
Players can kick off the hunt for dreamcatchers right from Chapter 2 when first arriving at camp, although the locations of these items are seemingly random and can be hard to pick out even when standing close. Dreamcatchers are typically found on trees with minor distinguishing features from others in the area, either situated suspiciously further away from their companions or oddly shaped in comparison to their surrounding peers. However, seeing the differences with the naked eye isn't easy, and players usually employ the Dead Eye feature used for hunting to fish out camouflaged dreamcatcher trees.
The decorated tree will be highlighted with glowing yellow lights when using the Dead Eye, and investigating the anomaly adds the dreamcatcher to Arthur Morgan's Log for further appraisal upon finding all 20 items. New Hannover contains 14 of these, while Ambarino and Lemoyne hold four and two dreamcatchers respectively. Several can be found near the name markings of towns like Annesburg and Valentine on the map, and upon locating every item, Arthur will draw a map of their bearings for future reference that takes the shape of a buffalo.
This drawing is the first stage to finding the ancient secret behind the dreamcatchers, and a closer look at Arthur's sketch reveals an anomaly that solves the puzzle. All points on the map are connected to form the buffalo image on the map, except the one above the Elysian Pool. Heading to the Elysian Pool and walking into the waterfall leads players into a cave that requires a lantern to navigate, and beautiful cave paintings dot the walls inside. Among these paintings is a depiction of a buffalo similar to Arthur's caricature, and interacting with both pictures gives a reward of the Ancient Arrowhead.
Long treasure hunt quests are commonplace in RPGs, and several give substantial rewards like Red Dead Redemption 2. The long journey required to solve these side quests is hardly ever worth the trouble, but the vibrant scenery in every location players visit in the hunt for dreamcatchers makes for pleasant viewing. Each spot requires gamers to look for something different and can be difficult to fish out even with walkthroughs and Dead Eye easing the search. The effort needed to unveil the ancient secrets of the dreamcatchers means a sizeable portion of Red Dead Redemption 2's player base hasn't discovered the Ancient Arrowhead and its bow stamina boost, making it one of the title's best-kept secrets.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
