Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most realistic and awe-inspiring open-world titles ever made. Its huge map boasts blizzard-ravaged mountaintops, desert plains, murky swamps, sprawling plantations and industrial towns, to name but a few. What’s even more impressive than its environmental diversity, however, is the vast array of people, animals, monuments and geographical points of interest that populate this living, breathing world.
Rockstar’s open worlds are known for their collectables and secrets, and Red Dead Redemption 2 holds within it more mysterious and intriguing easter eggs and unique locations than arguably any other game they’ve ever produced. This, combined with the beautiful scenery, makes it so much fun to explore.
10 The Tiny Church Of Lemoyne
Located just north of Saint Denis, this teeny chapel sits unspoiled among the trees. Still in reasonably good condition, its diminutive bell and minuscule windows make it an aesthetically pleasing house of worship.
Unfortunately, Arthur Morgan is a bit too big to squeeze through the front door, so players will have to crouch down to go inside and check out what this mysterious little building holds. Riding your horse through the woods and coming across a tiny church is a somewhat bizarre experience, and has made countless players do a double take while assessing its size as they ride on by.
9 Saint Denis
As the first game in the series boasted a map that was entirely rural, the sight of a bustling metropolis on the west side of Red Dead Redemption 2’s world is a sight to behold (as are its many other interesting towns of various shapes and sizes).
Saint Denis is a hub of activity, with its factories, streetcars and relative overpopulation. Aside from being visually striking and grand in scope, it also provides some of the game’s best missions, as well as a litany of side missions and other activities.
8 Faces In The West Elizabeth Trees
Another sight that would make a player do a double take while riding through the woods. Located on the other side of the map, west of the Owanjila river, five faces are carved into the trunks of five trees in the woods in the area.
Ranging from benign elderly man to terrifying-looking mythical beast, the faces are slightly unsettling to behold (especially if players see them at night by lamplight). What’s even more creepy is that the identities of the faces and the artist remain unknown. An essential stop for fans of all things creepy.
7 Hidden Tunnel In West Elizabeth
Also in the state of West Elizabeth, the entrance to this tunnel is literally situated off the trail, making it somewhat of a hassle to find. Something else that makes this tunnel a hassle are the different paths you can take once you make it inside.
A dark and desolate mystery to traverse, going down the wrong path will lead to Arthur’s untimely demise. Take the right one, though, and you will explore the deepest depths of the cave, where you might just meet a new friend. A mysterious and easily overlooked stop that’s worth any player’s while.
6 Valentine
The first true town players visit in Red Dead Redemption 2 is the epitome of the way of life the game seems to present. Within a few minutes of visiting the town and walking its muddy streets, gamers will probably get into a mass brawl in a saloon after several drinks.
Valentine is also the linchpin that pushes the story forward in the early stages of the game. Regardless of whether you’re going on a mission or just squelching down the road passing through, it’s sure to bring back some wonderful, presumably blurry memories.
5 Blackwater
While it was a complete no-go zone in the first game, Blackwater is a completely different beast in this title. Containing some of the game’s more laid back missions and sweeter moments, it becomes the cornerstone of Red Dead Redemption 2’s intriguing epilogue.
From casual strolls through its streets to meeting old acquaintances to accepting bounties, it keeps the player interested in the latter stages of the game. As a bonus, the nostalgia on offer here for those who played the original game is off the charts!
4 Face In The Ambarino Cliffs
The cliffs of Ambarino are also a sight to behold. Much easier to spot than the giant’s remains, though, this face lies rather conspicuously at the cliff’s peak, surrounded by scaffolding.
An obvious homage to Mount Rushmore, players can make their way up to the structure to see it up close. Upon reaching it, the body of the sculptor can also be found, with a note confirming that this masterpiece depicts the face of his lost love. That sad discovery aside, this is still one of the game’s most epic landmarks.
3 Strawberry
Perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing town in the entire game, Strawberry sits atop a hill surrounded by nice homes, waterfalls and tall trees. Relatively hidden away compared to other towns in the game, it feels like a real find when you first enter.
The area also boasts some of the game’s rarer animals and fish (there are some very tough hunting targets among the game’s non-Legendary creatures). On top of that, the jailbreak mission, the very first one players are given in the town, is one of Red Dead Redemption 2’s best.
2 Strange Statues Of Ambarino
Along with the many natural wonders in the game lie some supernatural or mysterious anomalies. One of them is located high up in the mountains of Grizzlies East. After squeezing through a tiny crack in a mountain, Arthur finds his way into a cave filled with eerie-looking statues with buttons on them.
Solve this little puzzle and a valuable reward will become available. This is an excellent example of the game mixing up its Wild West action with genuinely creepy, almost horror-inspired moments.
1 Mysterious Hill Home In Ambarino
From creepy to cute, but still in the mountain range of Grizzlies East, there lies a little hill home. Covered in moss and grass, it is literally embedded in the ground, with the door sitting in the mouth of a small hill.
Heavily inspired architecturally by The Lord of the Rings, it’s just another example of how Red Dead Redemption 2 likes to throw curve balls at the player as they explore its world. Its unique look makes it stand out from the rest of the landscape in a major way. There may not technically be much of note to find here, but this Hobbiton easter egg is an essential stop for any fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic franchise.
NEXT: Grand Theft Auto Vs. Red Dead Redemption: Which Series Is Better?
