How do you trigger the ghostly figure in the Van Horn mansion?

The ghostly figure in the Van Horn mansion is one of Red Dead Redemption 2''s most intriguing hidden features. This eerie encounter is tied to the abandoned mansion located just north of Van Horn Trading Post. To trigger the ghost, you must visit the mansion at a specific time and under specific conditions. The ghost is part of a multi-night event, meaning you’ll need to return to the mansion multiple times to fully experience the story.\n\nFirst, locate the mansion. It’s situated on a hill overlooking the Lannahechee River, directly north of Van Horn. The mansion is dilapidated and surrounded by overgrown vegetation, making it easy to spot. Once you arrive, you’ll notice a second-floor balcony where the ghost appears. However, the ghost only appears at night, specifically between 9 PM and 3 AM in-game time. Make sure you arrive during this window to witness the event.\n\nTo trigger the ghost, you’ll need to visit the mansion on three separate nights. On the first night, you’ll see a faint, glowing figure on the balcony. She will appear briefly before vanishing. On the second night, the ghost will reappear, but this time she will move closer to the edge of the balcony. Finally, on the third night, the ghost will fully manifest and deliver a cryptic message before disappearing forever. Each encounter lasts only a few seconds, so be patient and keep your camera focused on the balcony.\n\nOne common challenge players face is missing the ghost due to incorrect timing or weather conditions. The ghost only appears on clear nights, so if it’s raining or foggy, you’ll need to wait for better weather. Additionally, the ghost won’t appear if you’re too close to the mansion or if you’re actively searching the area. Stand at a moderate distance, near the edge of the property, and use your binoculars or a scoped rifle to get a clear view of the balcony.\n\nAnother tip is to save your game before attempting to trigger the ghost. This allows you to reload if you miss the event or encounter any issues. If you’re playing as Arthur Morgan, you can still experience this Easter egg, but it’s also accessible during the epilogue as John Marston. There are no specific items or character requirements needed to trigger the ghost, making it accessible to all players.\n\nThis ghostly encounter is tied to a tragic backstory involving the mansion’s former inhabitants. While the game doesn’t explicitly explain the ghost’s origins, environmental clues and dialogue from NPCs in Van Horn suggest she was a woman who met a grim fate. Exploring the mansion’s interior reveals further details, such as old letters and photographs, which add depth to the mystery.\n\nIn summary, to trigger the ghostly figure in the Van Horn mansion, visit the location north of Van Horn Trading Post between 9 PM and 3 AM on clear nights. Return on three separate nights to witness the full sequence. Use binoculars or a scoped weapon to observe the balcony from a distance, and save your game beforehand to avoid missing the event. This hidden feature is a testament to Red Dead Redemption 2’s attention to detail and immersive storytelling.