Exodus in America

Welcome to the world of Red Dead Redemption! This mission kicks-off the game and main story with John Marston arriving back in Blackwater before traveling by train to Armadillo and then onto Fort Mercer to face an old friend. But things don't go so well for John... Sit back and take in the cinematic at the start of the game.

Introduction

Cutscene

Marston arrives in the bustling town of Blackwater off a ferry with a number of the townsfolk while being escorted by two straight-faced men in suits.

The camera cuts to the docks showing a fancy new motorcar being lifted off the ferry.

John and his two minders brush past a paper boy with an important top story about Bill Williamson's gang terrorizing New Austin. And the health benefits of smoking...

They continue to make their way through the town of Blackwater without saying a word.

Eventually the threesome end up at Blackwater Station, where they ensure Marston gets on a train.

The two suited men watch on with a look of satisfaction as the train pulls away.

During the train ride, John overhears some interesting and very related conversations.

Two elderly upper class ladies - Mrs. Ditkiss and Mrs. Bush - who like the sound of their own voices chatter all of the way through the journey as we're shown the train heading along the tracks to the West.

John picks up on a conversation between a preacher and a girl named Jenny who we find in strange circumstances later.

You may also notice another woman changing seats who we learn more about soon.

We're treated to some cinematic views of the New Austin countryside as the train eventually makes its way to Armadillo Station.

Armadillo Arrival

Once the train arrives in Armadillo you will take control of John Marston as the game instructs you to "Go to the saloon" which is marked with a yellow blip on the radar in the bottom corner of the screen.

Help information at the top left corner of the screen will go through the basic controls. As you'd expect, you can use the left analog stick to move John and the right analog stick to look around and adjust the camera.

You'll also be told you can hold X to run, and quickly tap X to sprint as you make your way through the train station and towards the yellow cross outside the saloon which will trigger a cutscene.

Cutscene

John heads through the saloon doors which swing closed behind him...

Once inside, he's instantly spotted by his contact, a man named Jake who is fighting off female attention from the saloon's brothel workers.

Jake explains he was hired by John's "friends" in Blackwater to guide him. "They ain't my friends, but pleased to meet you, Jake" replies John.

Jake then explains he's got their horses saddled up and ready out front.

After the cutscene, follow Jake outside, then to the left to find your horse and the game will explain how to ride it. The horse is marked with a blue blip on the radar.

You'll find the horse tied up a little way down the saloon. Approach it and press Triangle to climb up then use the left stick to direct it, tapping X to make it move faster.

Once you're on, follow Jake. You'll need to stop for a little while as the train moves out of the way. You can hold R1 to slow down and stop your horse.

From there, continue along the path wity Jake. There's no point running off as you'll constantly be told to get back to him, so just stick with him and take in the beautiful scenery while listening to the discussion.

Usually when riding a horse, you'll tap the X button to make your horse gallop, the faster you tap, the faster it'll run, but the quicker its stamina will drain. You need to work out the perfect rhythm for each horse so you maintain your speed while allowing the stamina bar to replenish between taps. Usually it's to tap after every 3rd gallop or so.

When you're on a mission and riding with someone else, you can usually hold down the X button which will cause you to ride at the same speed as your ally without using any stamina. More often than not you'll need to stick with your partner so it's always worth doing to give your fingers a bit of a rest.

You'll make your way into the county of Cholla Springs, passing Two Crows and Mercer Station as you head up the hill into another county called Rio Bravo.

Continue following the track and some wildlife will be pointed out to you as three coyotes are feasting on the remains of a deer by the side of the road as Jake expresses his jealousy - "I tell you, Mr. Marston, those coyotes eat better than I do". You can hold Circle to focus on the action.

At the top of the hill, Fort Mercer will come into view. Stick with Jake and a cutscene will kick in.

Forget Mercy

Cutscene

Jake tells John to "have yourself a good time" as they part ways, leaving John to approach the old fort alone.

When back in control of Marston, you're told to "Approach Fort Mercer" which is marked with another yellow blip on your radar. Gallop to the yellow marker at the entrance to trigger the next cinematic.

This is the last time you control him in this mission so head towards the yellow cross marker then sit back and enjoy some rest.

Cutscene

John gets the attention of Bill Williamson who doesn't want to hear John's fancy talk about helping him.

After a slightly heated discussion with a reluctant Bill, John goes for his gun but gets shot by one of Bill's men and blacks out.

A short time later, a waiting vulture is scared off as a wagon approaches.

We then see a man and familiar woman at dusk pulling John's body away from Fort Mercer and onto their wagon before the screen fades to black.

The next mission, "New Friends, Old Problems" will begin immediately.

Gold Medal Tips

• Sprint to the saloon as quickly as possible.
• After the cutscene, run outside to the horses. You'll need to wait for Jake.
• Stay with the Jake on the other horse. There's no point running off as you'll only waste time being told to return to him.
• Once you reach the fort and see the small cutscene, gallop towards the fort.

Mission Rewards

• None
• Mission Unlocked: New Friends, Old Problems (begins automatically)
  

  New Friends, Old Problems

  John Marston recovers from his wounds before helping Bonnie MacFarlane clear out some vermin around her ranch.