Highlights

  • Uncover hidden plots and secrets by exploring various unique areas in Red Dead Redemption 2.
  • Find rare items like the Antler Knife, Stuffed Gorilla, and Viking Helm by exploring different regions.
  • Engage in supernatural encounters like encountering a ghost train or visiting a pagan ritual for unique rewards.

Rockstar Game's Red Dead Redemption 2 is a massive single-player experience. The map is gigantic without feeling empty, the pace is intentionally meandering, and the gameplay itself is fun but complex. And while you're trotting along through the swamps, countryside, and forests in RDR2, there are plenty of hidden areas to stumble across.

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There is a huge range of different secrets to find in the game, some supernatural, some historical, and some are just hilarious cosmetics. Some of these secrets are weapons as well, as there's a huge swath of weapons to be found, customized, and upgraded. So in an effort to help with that, we'll be exploring a few Red Dead Redemption 2 spots that you might have missed.

Updated March 12, 2024 by Jon Eakin: Red Dead Redemption 2 offers you a truly deep and incredible world to explore, with dozens of secrets to find along the way. It's, of course, fun to discover these yourself, but it's inevitable that you'll miss some without a helping hand. We've detailed some of them below for you, with updated features and information.

30 Have A Meal At The Aberdeen Pig Farm

Everyone Loves A Dinner Party

The Aberdeen Siblings and the location of their pig farm in Red Dead Redemption 2

The Aberdeen Pig Farm is inconspicuous but harbors a sinister secret. When you venture near the farm, a man beckons you to come over and join his wife for a home-cooked meal. The dinner conversation is awkward and rough. It takes a turn for the worse as they've spiked Arthur's drink.

Arthur wakes up in a pit with a corpse near him, robbed of his money. The incestuous couple are brother and sister. They've been luring strangers to their farm for years. You can kill them to reclaim your money or bring them near the grave pit for rare dialogue.

How to find the Aberdeen Pig Farm:

Follow the train tracks north of the "B" in Bluewater Marsh.


The northbound road you reach will take you to the Aberdeen Pig Farm's driveway.

How to retrieve your stolen money:

Return to the Aberdeen Pig Farm and deal with the Aberdeens.


Examine the painting of the old woman near the front door.


Retrieve your stolen loot from the hidden cabinet.

Although you can go back as Arthur to retrieve your stolen loot, it stays there even if you never do. That means you can use it as a way to stash all of your cash as Arthur, then retrieve it later as John. Spending it will feel like everything you buy is a gift from your adopted older brother.

29 Don't Miss Big Valley's Hidden Stuffed Gorilla

Hidden In The Ravine, Not Mist

Stuffed Gorilla in crate ravine West Elizabeth alongside its location on the map.

Rockstar loves leaving random props in their games. Sometimes there's a fun real-life connection. Other times, these props just seem randomly added in. In West Elizabeth's Big Valley, there's a gorilla statue lying at the bottom of a ravine. If you haven't completed the hunting challenges, you haven't heard of the taxidermist near Strawberry.

The house's owner, L. Hobbs, is a renowned taxidermist. Most evidence indicates Mrs. Hobbs purchased the stuffed gorilla but never received it since it was at the bottom of the ravine. Collecting exotic species was a big deal for wealthy individuals in the late 18th century.

How to find the stuffed gorilla:

Locate the ravine just south of the "Y" in Big Valley.

When you cross two wooden bridges examine the ravines underneath.

You'll see a broken crate and other debris down one of the ravines.

28 You Can Find A Monk Meditating In The Grizzlies

Reach Enlightenment

A monk meditating on a clifftop, next to an image of the location he can be found marked on the map.

The Grizzlies are the perfect place to take in wonderful views. Of course, you do have to worry about random bear attacks. Not even your wits will keep you safe against an angry bear, so be careful looking for Easter eggs and random encounters.

You can find a meditating monk at the top of the East Grizzlies near Cumberland Forest. Don't bother trying to have a conversation since the monk never responds. However, you interrupt his meditation through dishonorable means. Otherwise, enjoy the same view as the monk and have a few quiet moments becoming one with the environment.

How to find the Meditating Mountain Monk:

Make sure you are there at noon in-game time to see the monk.

Climb the mountain located under the "R" in Grizzlies on the map.

Head south off the path once you reach the top towards the mountain's edge.

27 Drink From The Cauldron At The Witch's Hut

Toil And Trouble

A witches cauldron in Red Dead Redemption 2, next to an image of where it can be found marked on the map.

Out in the wild, winded forests of New Ambarino, you can discover a lot of bizarre locations. One of these strange sights is a cauldron nestled between a tree hut. If you're worried about being attacked by a witch, you'll be fine. There's no one in that area.

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You can browse through the hut and look at ingredients and scattered books. If you like risks, take a sip from the cauldron. Sure, Arthur blacks out and wakes up away elsewhere. However, it refills all your cores. You can't call that a bad trade, even if a raven is watching you.

How to get to the Witches Cauldron

Head to the hills northeast of Fort Wallace in the Grizzlies East region

You'll find the Witch's Hut just above the "N" in Ambarino

26 Try And Catch The Ghost Train In Lemoyne County

Incorporeal Choo Choo

The ghost train in Red Dead Redemption 2, next to an image of where it can be found on the map.

Do you want to go ghost hunting? In Northwest Lemonye, a ghost train passes by during the early morning hours. You'll have to be vigilant, or you'll miss it. Rockstar has tried to include some type of ghost vehicle. Considering 1898 didn't have cars yet, trains are close enough.

Be careful because you can still get hit by the ghost train. It's just another thing to keep you on your toes. Unfortunately, it also seems that the train can only be encountered once per playthrough. There's a good chance you've seen it and never realized it.

How to find the Ghost Train:

Head to the train tracks directly south of the "L" in Lemoyne.

Locate the "Welcome to Lemoyne" sign, indicating the correct set of train tracks.

Wait until around 3 am in-game time for the ghost train to arrive.

Camp and retry at the same time the next night if the train doesn't appear.

25 Track Down The Feral Man In Roanoke Valley

Bark At The Moon

The feral man in Red Dead Redemption 2, next to an image of where he can be found marked on the map.

In New Hanover, a strange, wild man roams the local woods. True to his calling, the wild man is nude and aggressive. When you first interact with him, he howls and summons wolves. If that wasn't bad enough, the wolves scare your horse and cause you to fall to the ground.

Horses really have no loyalty. In the event you survive the wolves, you can chase the man back to his cave. It's brimmed with carvings and bones. Safe to say he's been there a long time. The community has taken to affectionately calling him the Wolfman.

How to find the Feral Man:

Follow the sound of the Feral Man howling on a full moon for a possible early encounter.

Locate the Feral Man in the forest near the first "R" in Roanoke Valley on the map.

Be sure to pick up the Runaway Diary for his story, but he'll attack you if he is still alive.

You can either kill or capture the Feral Man and turn him in to the jail.

24 The Antler Knife Has Quite The Story

The Knife Of An Unknown Legend

A dead bear collapsed on top of a human body in Red Dead Redemption 2, next to an image of where it can be found marked on the map.

In northwest West Elizabeth, you should travel near the Hanging Dog Ranch. If you go down the beaten path west of the Ranch, you'll discover a dead bear. The Antler Knife is embedded in the bear, but even more surprising is what's underneath it.

Trapped underneath the bear was its victim. Despite being mortally wounded, the woman was able to kill her attacker. Considering how hard it is to fend off bears, let alone kill them, this lady was something else. In life, she could've been a powerful enemy or one heck of an ally.

How to find the Antler Knife:

Head northwest of Hanging Dog Ranch, to the east of the Little Creek River.

Activate your map and look for two corpse markings to find the bear and its victim.

Remove the Antler Knife from the bear.

23 Track Down Marko Dragic's Automaton

The Power Of Science

The automaton from Red Dead Redemption 2 sitting in the snow, next to an image of where it can be found marked on the map.

Side quests can be middling, but the Marko Dragic quest is worth the effort. He's a clear-cut reference to Nikola Telsa with a laboratory ripped straight from history. After you've encountered Marko three times, you'll find out he's been murdered.

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If you follow the mysterious footprints up the mountain, a strange-looking robot sits close to the edge, watching the scenery. Marko's dream of a living automaton came true. The Northern Hills of Ambarino's robotic resident will still be there long after Arthur passes. Keen-eyed fans will notice the robot references the Cybermen from Dr. Who.

How to find Marko Dragic's Robotic Automaton:

Complete "A Bright Bouncing Boy" and collect the Electric Lantern.

Head to the far northwest part of the map halfway between Colter and Spider Gorge.

Climb to the top of the mountain and use the Electric Lantern to locate the robot.

The light bulb will turn red when you are facing the direction of the robot.

22 Add The Civil War Knife To Your Collection

A Piece Of History

The civil war knife in Red Dead Redemption 2, next to an image of where it can be found marked on the map.

Some discoveries are more mundane, but if you like history, you'll enjoy searching for this weapon. In New Hanover, go to Fort Brennan. If you're not fond of using maps, it's northeast of the Kamassa River. In the first building on your left, go inside the basement and collect your reward.

There's no struggle for the Civil War Knife. You can simply pick it up and leave. While it lacks worthwhile damage, the knife looks pretty good for what it's worth. Besides, aesthetics come first. Cowboys were meant to look cool and menacing, so get a knife that suits it.

How to find the Civil War Knife:

Find the Lindsey Wofford Bounty Hunter poster in Saint Denis.

Head to Fort Brennand northeast of Kamassa River near Van Horn Trading Post.

Take out Wofford and his crew of Lemoyne Raiders for a nice bounty

Activate your Eagle Eye vision to locate the trapdoor that leads to the basement.

21 Have A Discussion With A Possible Bigfoot Hidden In A Cave

He Just Wants To Talk

A rock cave in Red Dead Redemption 2, next to an image of where it can be found marked on the map.

You'll have to be dedicated if you want to meet Bigfoot. This encounter doesn't unlock until you've seen and registered 30 unique animals in your compendium. Then you need to go to North Ambarino and follow an unusual flock of birds down a river.

After all of that, you'll find a cave blocked by an enormous rock. Get closer to the cave, and you'll start talking with the mysterious resident. The stranger locked himself away from the world because he was too big, but now he's become very lonely. This is also the third time Rockstar has included Bigfoot in one of their games.

How to find the blocked hidden cave:

Register 30 animals to the compendium by studying different species with your binoculars or gun scope.

Head to the Calumet Ravine to the east of the Wapiti Indian Reservation.

Startle a flock of birds at the lake and follow them to the blocked cave entrance.

20 Get Some Viking Drip

Impractical But Awesome

Arthur preparing to throw the viking hatchet in Red Dead Redemption 2, next to an image of where it can be found marked on the map.

Are you a fan of seemingly pointless weapons that look cool? There's a Viking Tomb in the northwestern section of Roanoke Valley with your name on it. There are not a lot of landmarks to work with, so look for a star shape on your map and work from there.

Once you finally navigate the area, grab the Viking Helm. Pull the Viking Axe out of the skeleton to add it to your arsenal. Remember you need to pick up collectible axes every time you use them. They don't respawn and can be lost forever if you're not careful.

How to find the Viking Tomb:

Head south of the "R" in Roanoke Valley.

Locate the star-shaped area on the map.

Find the Viking Axe at the altar in the center.

Enter a side room to find the Viking Helm on a body.

Look for stacked skulls in the rooms that you can shoot to find the Viking Comb.

19 Search Far And Wide For Otis Miller's Revolver

The Golden Gun

Otis Millers revolver in Red Dead Redemption 2, next to a location of where it can be found marked on the map.

While you aren't finding the One Piece, the amount of effort getting this gun sure feels like it. The Otis Miller Revolver can only be found through treasure maps. Even if you know the location, you can't obtain it until you get to each part of the map. Be ready to talk with a lot of secluded hermits.

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Through glitches, you can complete the map by Chapter 4 and get the revolver. Otherwise, you'll have to find it as John in New Austin. West of Twin Rocks in Rattlesnake Hollow, you'll find your reward in a tiny box.

How to find the Otis Miller Revolver:

Locate the first hermit in Manito Glade, directly north of Annesburg.

Kill the hermit and loot the drawers in his home to find the first half of the map.

Follow the Little Creek River northwest of Wallace Station to find the second hermit.

Kill the hermit and her dogs and loot the drawers in her home to find the second half of the map.

Find a hidden cave at Rattlesnake Hollow north of the first "S" in Cholla Springs.

18 Visit A Tiny Church

Where Is Your Tiny God Now?

The tiny church in Red Dead Redemption 2, next to an image of where it can be found marked on the map.

If you travel through Bayou Nwa, around Lagras is an area called Lakay where you can stumble across a ridiculously small church. If horror movies are anything to go by, the church is definitely haunted. Worn-down buildings are bound to creep anyone out, especially abandoned ones.

You can go inside and see how small the venue truly is. Like other religious areas, don't destroy anything, or you'll lose honor. Even though nothing will happen, it's for the best if you don't visit it at night. The Bayou Nwa region can be downright terrifying.

How to find the Tiny Church:

Head directly north of the "Y" in Lakay near Lagras.

The tiny church is also one of the points of interest Arthur can make a sketch of in his journal, so when you swing by make sure to do this. You can also do this as John, but his sketches are a little rougher around the edges.

17 A Roleplayer Lurks At The Devil's Cave

The Least Charismatic Devil Ever

The hermit in his cave in Red Dead Redemption 2, next to an image of where his cave can be found marked on the map.

You want to head Northwest of West Elizabeth for this little surprise. West of Hanging Dog Ranch is an inconspicuous cave. To be fair, most caves have something going on. At the very least, Rockstar puts in the effort to reward you for exploration.

The Devil's Cave is home to a role-playing hermit calling himself Lucifer or at least he strives to be. His speech is rather awkward and sad, as it's clear he's become lonely from his years of isolation. While he isn't a demon, there's an eerie glowing pentagram near his campfire. Something is amiss.

How to find the Devil's Cave:

Head north of Pronghorn Ranch and west of the Hanging Dog Ranch to the border.


Enter the hidden cave entrance and follow the light to find the Cave Hermit.

How to access the Cave Hermit's lair:

Find the stalagmite closest to the lit cave opening on the right.


Sprint, jump, and press forward simultaneously to grab the ledge.


It may take a few tries, but you'll be able to meet the Cave Hermit.

16 The Ghost Of Bluewater Marsh

A Tragic Tale

The ghost of Bluewater Marsh, next to an image of where it can be found marked on the map.

Unsurprisingly, there are lots of supernatural locations and creatures hidden within Red Dead Redemption 2. Some of these creatures include vampires, giants, mammoths, and ghosts. One of these ghosts happens to be Agnes Dowd. Mrs. Dowd has quite a depressing story.

After her husband cheated on her and was killed by her father, Agnes was devastated and retaliated by killing her father and taking her own life. You can see her in Bluewater Marsh around 2 AM. As you get closer, her ghost becomes more and more transparent before it completely disappears.

How to find the Ghost of the Swamp:

Head to the road under the "L" in Bluewater Marsh around 2 am.

Listen for a sobbing woman and look around with your binoculars.

When mist appears and the music starts, look for the ghost near Trapper's Cabin.

It may take multiple nights for the ghost to appear, so camp and retry.

15 Tarzan's Lesser Known Cousin

He Has It All Figured Out

The King of the Forest in Red Dead Redemption 2, next to an image of where he can be found marked on the map.

Hermits in Red Dead Redemption 2 are some of the most interesting and quirky characters you can encounter. Another one of these hermits is the King of the Forest. In the northernmost section of New Hanover, you can meet a hermit who lives in a tree.

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The King of the Forest isn't too keen on conversation, as he wants you to leave him alone. If you stick around and look at his home, it's well-built and almost cozy. It makes you wish you could create a hidden camp without worrying about being attacked by bandits.

How to find the King of the Forest:

Head east of Marko Dragic's laboratory, directly north of the Brandywine Drop.

14 Uncover Strawberry's Secret Moonshining Operation

Everyone Misses This One

The secret moonshine operation in the town of Strawberry in Red Dead Redemption 2. Next to it is an image of its location marked on the map.

The quaint little town of Strawberry doesn't seem like much at first glance. It's the first populated place the game lets you settle in on and leaves a lot of players wanting. However, there are a few interesting as well as awful things you can discover.

The most innocuous discovery is the secret moonshine still hidden under the general store. You have to spot the operation before you try to rob the store, or you'll miss out on the hidden robbery. The upside is that you can empty the register before venturing downstairs.

How to locate and rob the hidden still:

Walk underneath the porch of the General Store in Strawberry.

Follow the prompt to peek through the basement window to discover the still.

Enter the store and aim your weapon at the owner to rob the basement.

13 Steal The Rare Shotgun

A Better Boomstick

 The rare shotgun in Red Dead Redemption 2, next to an image of where it can be found marked on the map.

Instead of visiting the Meteor House and wondering what happened, we're going to look for a hermit who happens to live nearby. Head to the Brandywine Drop, look for a house square on your map, and travel southeast. Unfortunately, the hermit isn't friendly, so you'll have to dispatch them however you please.

You want their treasure, so don't die, or it'll disappear for a while. If this game has taught us anything, it's that unexpected nonsense happens when you don't want it to. The Rare Shotgun can't be customized. Go through the hermit's belongings to get a treasure map.

How to find the Rare Shotgun:

Head East of the "A" in Roanoke Ridge.

Kill the hermit previously located at Manito Glade north of Annesburg.

Don't forget to pick up the gun, or it will disappear.

12 Get Jump Scared By A Bear

Almost Impossible To Survive

The Vetter cabin in Red Dead Redemption 2, next to an image of where it can be found marked on the map.

In Northwest West Elizabeth, an abandoned cabin known as Vetter's Echo has a fun surprise waiting for you. Don't let your judgment get the better of you. Walk into the cabin and let the cinematic play out.

Traveling through West Elizabeth can get tedious, especially with the occasional bear. At least you have a warning, unlike when you enter this cabin. As soon as the door opens, a giant angry bear pins you down and attempts to maul you. Make sure you have your Dead Eye ready and a powerful gun, or you won't survive the encounter.

How to find Vetter's Echo:

Head northeast of the "W" in West Elizabeth on the map.


Be sure to pick up Lenny's silver pocket watch and Dutch's pipe inside the cabin.

How to survive the bear attack (2 ways):

Go to the back of the cabin and shoot the bear through the wall gaps, but it's risky.


Equip a powerful weapon and get ready to go into Dead-Eye and unload on the bear.

11 Find A Crashed Airplane Years Before The First Flight

Try, Try, Fly Again

The crashed plane in Red Dead Redemption 2, next to an image of where it can be found marked on the map.

West Elizabeth never fails to surprise players with its hidden props and scenarios. One of these moments comes in the form of an anachronistic plane crash. The wreckage was visible in 1898, yet the Kitty Hawk didn't take flight until 1903.

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Upon further inspection, the inventor met an unfortunate end trying to fly their plane off a cliff. However, the most memorable part is in Arthur's journal, where he compares the inventor to Icarus. Even Arthur has his surprises. Despite his callous outlook on life, Arthur is quite well-read. Dutch did at least one good thing in regard to that.

How to find the crashed airplane:

Head right above the "W" in West Elizabeth, just north of the Devil's Cave entrance.

Walk east towards the Little Creek River.