What happens if I ignore Dutch’s plans in later chapters?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, ignoring Dutch’s plans in later chapters can significantly impact the story progression and the ending you receive. The game is designed to follow a linear narrative, and Dutch’s missions are critical to advancing the plot. If you choose to ignore his plans, you will eventually hit a wall where the story cannot progress further until you complete the required missions. This is because Dutch’s missions are tied to key events that shape the fate of the Van der Linde gang and Arthur Morgan.\n\nTo ignore Dutch’s plans, you would simply avoid interacting with the yellow mission markers on the map that are labeled with his initials (D). However, the game will not allow you to progress indefinitely without completing these missions. For example, in Chapter 6, Dutch’s missions are essential for advancing the story toward the climax. If you avoid these missions, you will be stuck in a loop where no new content or side missions become available until you comply with the main storyline.\n\nOne practical example of this is during Chapter 6, where Dutch’s missions involve planning and executing major heists and confrontations. If you ignore these missions, you will miss out on critical character development and key plot points. For instance, the mission ''My Last Boy'' is pivotal as it leads to the death of a major character and sets the stage for the final confrontations. Skipping this mission would leave you unaware of these events, breaking the narrative flow.\n\nGame mechanics also play a role in enforcing the importance of Dutch’s plans. The game uses a system of mission dependencies, where certain missions are locked until others are completed. This means that even if you try to explore the open world or complete side missions, you will eventually need to return to Dutch’s plans to unlock further content. For example, in Chapter 5, after returning from Guarma, you must complete Dutch’s missions to unlock new areas and activities in the game world.\n\nFor players who want to experience the full story, it is highly recommended to follow Dutch’s plans as they are presented. Ignoring them not only halts progress but also prevents you from experiencing the emotional depth and complexity of the narrative. If you are looking to explore the open world, it is best to do so between missions or during chapters where the story allows for more freedom, such as Chapters 2 and 3.\n\nPractical tips for managing Dutch’s plans include prioritizing main missions when they appear and balancing them with side activities. For example, in Chapter 4, you can complete Dutch’s missions in Saint Denis while also exploring the city and engaging in side quests like the Stranger missions. This approach allows you to experience the full breadth of the game without feeling rushed or missing out on key story elements.\n\nIn summary, ignoring Dutch’s plans in later chapters will prevent you from progressing the story and experiencing the game’s endings. The game’s design ensures that these missions are essential for narrative continuity and character development. To fully enjoy Red Dead Redemption 2, it is best to follow Dutch’s plans while taking breaks to explore the rich open world and side content.