Red Dead Redemption 2 Serial Killer Guide: How to Solve the “American Dreams” Stranger Mission

Red Dead Redemption 2 is packed with mysteries, and one of the most chilling is the Serial Killer event. Known as the American Dreams Stranger mission, this side quest involves tracking down a murderer who leaves behind gruesome crime scenes across the map. If you’re ready to take on the investigation and bring this killer to justice, here’s a detailed guide to help you through every step of the process, including clue locations, how to trigger the mission, and what you can expect at the end.

Triggering the Serial Killer Quest

To begin the American Dreams mission, you don’t need to actively start it from a specific NPC, as the quest is triggered by finding any of the three murder scenes scattered across the world. These locations become accessible randomly between 10 PM and 5 AM, and each will automatically start the investigation once discovered.

While the quest can also be activated by speaking to Sheriff Curtis Malloy in Valentine, the most common way is by stumbling upon any of the crime scenes.

Step 1: Finding the Killer’s Clue Pieces

The goal of the mission is to gather three killer clue pieces that form part of a map, leading you to the final showdown. Each clue is hidden at different murder scenes around the world, and finding all three will unlock the killer’s hideout.

Clue Location 1: Shepards Rise (South of Wallace Station)

The first clue can be found south of Wallace Station, at a location called Shepards Rise. Here, you’ll discover a disturbing scene—a body strung up and dismembered, with the message “Do you see?” written beside it. Examine the severed head nearby, where you’ll find the first Killer Clue, a portion of a map.

Clue Location 2: Braithwaite Manor (East of the Mansion)

Next, head east of Braithwaite Manor, where you will find the second clue at a large tree with the word “Behold” written on it. Hanging from the tree is another dismembered body. Check the severed head on the back side of the tree for the second clue, another piece of the map.

Clue Location 3: Under Train Tracks South of Valentine

The third and final clue piece is located south of Valentine, beneath a small bridge near the train tracks. When you arrive, you’ll find a body hanging from the supports with the words “Look on My Works” written on a nearby rock. Examine the severed head on the westernmost support to collect the third clue, completing the map.

Tip: If the clue doesn’t appear immediately, try sleeping for 24 hours in the game to reset the area.

Step 2: Following the Map to Lucky’s Cabin

Once you have all three clues, head to Lucky’s Cabin, located southwest of Valentine. When you arrive, you’ll find that the cabin is mostly destroyed, but there’s a locked basement. Use the code, R9 L3, you discovered from the clues to open the basement and enter. Inside, you will find several bodies, and to progress, you must inspect a knife on the wall at the back of the basement. This action triggers a cutscene.

Step 3: Confronting the Serial Killer

In the basement, you will be confronted by the killer, Edmund Lowry Jr. As soon as you approach him, he will attack. It’s important to note that you should not use your weapons during this fight—doing so will fail the mission. Instead, engage him in a fistfight, and once you defeat him, hogtie him.

Step 4: Bringing the Killer to Justice

Now that you’ve successfully captured the killer, transport him to the Valentine Sheriff’s Office to complete the mission. After a cutscene, you’ll receive a small reward of $20 for bringing him to justice.

Mission Rewards

Completing the American Dreams Stranger mission may not net you a large sum of money, but the satisfaction of solving the mystery and bringing justice is worth it. Here are the rewards you receive:

• $20 reward for capturing the killer
• Unique items, including:
  • Jewelry Bag
  • Special Horse Medicine
  • Eagle Feather
  • Ginseng Elixir
  • Platinum Chain Necklace
  • Vintage Civil War Handcuffs (for crafting the Alligator Tooth Talisman)

Additional Tips

• Killer Scene Spawns: The three crime scenes are not fixed in their locations—they can spawn at any of the known locations randomly. Keep exploring at night (10 PM to 5 AM) for a chance to find them.
• Time of Day: The killer clues only appear during nighttime hours (10 PM – 5 AM), so make sure to adjust the time or wait for the right conditions.

The American Dreams Stranger mission offers a thrilling and eerie side quest for those who want to delve deeper into Red Dead Redemption 2’s world of mysteries. By following the clues and tracking down the serial killer, you’ll uncover chilling details that add another layer to the game’s rich narrative.

If you’re fascinated by the otherworldly mysteries of Red Dead Redemption 2, don’t miss our detailed guides on where to find meteorites and uncover UFOs.

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