When gamers think of Red Dead Redemption 2, their first thoughts probably aren't of the supernatural. In spite of this, much of the lore of the wild west and the Americana aesthetic that defines Rockstar Games' western epic is steeped in mysticism and mythology. The history of the American west and spiritualism in America are connected ones, and Rockstar Games has often honored that legacy in its cowboy franchise. While the first Red Dead Redemption had a DLC titled Undead Nightmare that dove headfirst into this idea, its presentation of the paranormal in Red Dead Redemption 2 is more subdued.
One head nod to the supernatural in Red Dead Redemption 2 is the inclusion of a witch's cauldron, and, elsewhere, a woman that Arthur Morgan claims is either a witch or trying to be a witch. While a concrete connection can't be made between these two Easter eggs, they both paint an image of the American west that brings more life to the title and honors the history that the game pulls from. The inclusion of allusions to witchcraft accompany Red Dead Redemption 2's ghosts and vampires, which tie the game even more directly to the paranormal.
Finding A Witch's Cauldron
Red Dead Redemption 2 has one of the best historical settings in a video game. Set in 1899, approximately 20 years after the last American witch trial, it makes sense that the game would pay homage to witchcraft. In northern Ambarino, the player can find a small hut hidden among a patch of trees, just off the nearby horse path. While the location is easily accessed from the path, it is well hidden and difficult to see. When the player approaches the hut, they'll encounter a number of artifacts of witchcraft including a cauldron. In Red Dead Online the hut cannot be accessed, but strange noises can be heard nearby.
If the player enters the hut, they will find a cauldron. The cauldron contains a bubbling liquid, and the presence of fresh herbs around the hut also creates the sense that this place is likely still in use. There is a taxidermized raven here as well, which is a symbol of the occult in a variety of cultures. A chest and nearby tables have herbivore bait along with other mostly mundane outdoors supplies. If the player chooses to drink from the cauldron, they will pass out and wake up nearby with their cores restored. While simple, the hut and cauldron are a fun head nod to the occult and is one of most mysterious of Red Dead Redemption 2's Easter eggs.
Arthur Can Encounter A Witch In West Elizabeth
At the northernmost reaches of West Elizabeth, right along the border of the Grizzlies, Arthur can find a hermit woman living in a small shack with her dogs. If the player approaches the property, they will hear the growling of the dogs and the woman will begin to shout warnings. If the player doesn't leave immediately, they will be attacked by the dogs and the woman will pull out a shotgun and try to kill Arthur. After clearing the area, if the player holds Y to complete the inspect site prompt, an entry will be created in Arthur's journal with a drawing of the woman and the note that she is either a witch or trying to be one.
These witchcraft Easter eggs, while minor additions, work to build up Red Dead Redemption 2's immersion. Encountering the belongings of occultists hidden in the remote parts of the map creates a sense that the world is lived in. It isn't a reach to imagine that practitioners of witchcraft might flee to the wild west, seeking reprieve from a society that judges them. Given the presence of ghosts across the world and a vampire in RDR 2's Saint Denis, the restorative effects of the witch's potion also offer the player a rare chance to directly interact with the occult.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available now on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.