As Arthur Morgan, I've lived a life on the edge in the wild west of Red Dead Redemption 2, and in 2025, the game's immersive world still draws me back to its hidden treasures. Robbing stores isn't just about filling my pockets with cash—though, let's be honest, as an outlaw, the allure of easy money is irresistible. It's about the heart-pounding moments, the moral dilemmas, and the sheer chaos that unfolds when I decide to turn a simple shop visit into a full-blown heist. I remember my first time holding up a side business; the adrenaline surged through me like wildfire, and the unexpected twists made me question my choices, even as the dollars piled up. Over time, I've discovered four key side businesses across the map, each offering unique risks and rewards that test my skills and my conscience. 😈
Starting in Valentine, New Hanover, I targeted the Doctor's Office nestled between the Sheriff’s Office and the Saloon. Oh boy, this one was intense—I still feel the jitters thinking about it. Sneaking around the back, I spotted that locked metal door with an O’Driscoll guard lurking inside; it was like a red flag waving at me, daring me to act. I stormed in, gun drawn, demanding cash from the register and forcing the doctor to reveal the side business in the back room. The reward? Over $70 and a sleek Schofield Revolver, but here's where it got messy. Blowing up the safe created a massive explosion—boom!—and suddenly, the whole town was alerted. Sheriff and deputies swarmed the place, guns blazing. I barely escaped, dodging bullets and feeling that mix of exhilaration and panic. Honestly, I pitied the woman inside who posed no threat, but in the heat of the moment, survival trumped sympathy. This heist taught me that high risks yield high rewards, but they also stain my honor, making me question if I'm truly the villain I portray. 😨
Next up was Strawberry in West Elizabeth, where I hit the General Store. This robbery felt different—less violent but emotionally heavier. Peeking through a tiny window at the back, I glimpsed an illegal moonshine distillery humming in the basement. Armed and ready, I confronted the owner, who nervously led me down to his secret stash. The payout? A solid $50 or more, easy money for minimal fuss. But here's the thing that stuck with me: the shopkeeper had a prosthetic leg. Seeing him limp away after I robbed him stirred a pang of guilt in my gut. Why did he deserve this? I'm an outlaw, driven by greed, but that prosthetic leg was a silent reminder of his struggles. In the end, I rationalized it—his illegal operation meant he wouldn't call the law, so I got away clean, honor slightly dented but pockets heavier. It's moments like this that make me wonder about the blurred lines between right and wrong in this unforgiving world. 😔
Rhodes in Lemoyne brought its own brand of weirdness to my heisting spree. Walking into the Gunsmith shop, I felt the tension from the Lemoyne Raiders and the watchful Grays family—every step was scrutinized. But the real shock came when I noticed a basement entrance; peering inside, I saw a teenager chained up in a sailor outfit, begging for help. Chills ran down my spine—what kind of twisted setup was this? I didn't hesitate; I robbed the Gunsmith at gunpoint, forcing him to open the basement. Freeing the captive earned me some much-needed honor, and hearing the owner's sob story about losing his son in a gun accident almost softened my heart. Almost. I still looted everything—ammo, the cash register, a lockbox, and a free Lancaster Repeater (which, by the way, was redundant since I already had one). The whole experience was surreal, blending opportunity with moral conflict. I walked away richer but haunted by the teenager's cries. 😳
Finally, Saint Denis in Lemoyne tested my stealth and cunning like never before. The Gunsmith in the east district looked ordinary on the surface, but a tip from a beggar (after I donated 25 cents, no less!) revealed an illegal poker game in the back. Robbing it head-on? No way—in a city crawling with cops, that's suicide. I aimed my revolver at the Gunsmith to unlock the metal door, then threatened the guard to stay quiet as I slipped upstairs. Up there, poker players were gambling away; I seized the cash on the table, demanded their valuables, and forced one to open the safe. The haul? Over $70, a sweet bonus for my troubles. The thrill of outsmarting the law, threatening without a shot fired, gave me a rush of satisfaction. But in the back of my mind, I knew this was pure greed—no honor gained, just dollars. It summed up my journey: sometimes, you play the villain to win. 💰
To help you navigate these adventures, here's a quick summary of my experiences in a table:
| Location | Reward | My Personal Feelings | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valentine, Doctor's Office | $70+, Schofield Revolver | Exhilarating but guilt-inducing; cops everywhere made it tense 😱 | High ⚠️ |
| Strawberry, General Store | $50+ | Sympathetic yet greedy; easy escape eased the moral weight 😌 | Low ✅ |
| Rhodes, Gunsmith | $50+, Lancaster Repeater | Surreal and opportunistic; freeing the captive balanced the act 😲 | Medium 🔄 |
| Saint Denis, Gunsmith | $70+ | Cunning and satisfying; pure profit with no honor boost 😈 | Medium ⚔️ |
Overall, these heists have defined my time as Arthur Morgan, blending danger, drama, and dollars in a way that only Red Dead Redemption 2 can. In 2025, with the game's graphics still stunning, I urge you: load up your revolver, don that bandana, and dive into these side businesses yourself. Feel the rush, face the choices, and share your own outlaw tales—let's make the wild west wilder together! 🤠