The Strange Man is a mysterious character in the Red Dead Redemption games, and plays an important role in the lore. He appears in both Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2, and his presence is not just a random cameo; he leaves a significant mark on the player, if not the characters. Rather than just being a symbol of God, Death, or the Devil, he serves as a reminder for the players to think about moral choices and consequences.

He watches over the events of the game, reminding players of the unpredictable balance between fate and free will. His strange abilities and cryptic comments challenge players to confront the outcomes of their actions. Leaving the Strange Man out of Red Dead Redemption 3 would be a big mistake, and there's a lot of evidence as to why he'd return in full form instead of just another reference.

Who The Strange Man Is

A Mysterious, Potentially Supernatural Stranger

The Strange Man will likely continue his role in Red Dead Redemption 3 as a character that sparks a lot of fan theories and discussions. While his true identity is never clearly explained, his actions suggest he has abilities beyond normal humans. He seems to know things about John Marston's past that even Marston has forgotten, hinting that he may have some supernatural knowledge. This character appears in different places and seems to move around the game world effortlessly, which adds to the mystery.

His strange comments often mix dark humor with moral lessons, making it hard to figure out who or what he really is. He gives tasks to players involving moral choices, which seems to indicate he’s more interested in watching people behave rather than getting involved directly. During his final encounter with Marston, he cannot be harmed by bullets, which gives him an otherworldly quality, suggesting he exists outside the normal physical world.

However, his supposed neutrality is called into question in Red Dead Redemption 2. His run-down cabin is filled with strange writings and a painting that changes based on Arthur Morgan's choices. The writings reference locations and events that impact the game. There are also theories about his possible curse on Armadillo. Some people think he either made the cholera outbreak happen as a form of punishment or made a deal with Herbert Moon, the shopkeeper who seemed fine, which led to the town's troubles. It's not really clear what he actually did.

There are many clues pointing to his involvement in Armadillo, but it's never given real confirmation. It also relies on the supernatural, so it's hard to say he really did anything to the town.

The Strange Man doesn't behave purely as good or evil; he’s more of a puzzling figure who tests characters. He seems to understand the consequences of people's actions deeply. Some fans think he represents death or fate, while others believe he could be a higher power, like God or the Devil, guiding characters along certain paths. Although we don’t exactly know his powers and goals, his mysterious influence ensures he remains a significant part of the Red Dead Redemption story.

It's Not Enough To Just Talk About Him

Players Need More Than Rumors

The Strange Man will likely play an important role in the story of Red Dead Redemption 3. His repeated appearances and eerie knowledge of everything really aren't getting any simpler. Rockstar needs to give players another chance to talk to the man instead of just referencing him.

Red Dead Redemption 3 is likely to be set during or before Red Dead Redemption 2. Jack Marston isn't very popular, and the Wild West has already come to an end in the first game, so RDR3 likely won't be a sequel. The Strange Man was in Armadillo before Arthur Morgan arrived, which shows he exists in the timeline and location of the game. Since previous Red Dead games often reuse maps, RDR3 may use the same map again, possibly with some new areas added.

Basically, Rockstar has great reasons to add him in physically. Only referencing him isn’t going to please fans, and Rockstar would know this. There are too many YouTube videos and theories for people to be okay with a nonspeaking role for the Strange Man, so we're likely going to hear his opinion of morality again.

He Likes Dutch's Gang Too Much To Keep Him Hidden

He's Always Around The Gang

Although it's unknown who he really is, players can be sure that the Strange Man will be there if Red Dead Redemption 3 deals with the Van der Linde Gang in any capacity. Arthur and John were of the gang, and the Strange Man was interested in both. Essentially, he's there whenever a gang member is heading toward their redemption.

When John Marston meets the Strange Man in Red Dead Redemption, these encounters aren't just coincidences. The Strange Man seems to know things even Marston has forgotten, which hints at a supernatural understanding of the gang's history. His presence pushes Marston to face his past and his choices, showing he's actively watching. The strange notes and artwork in his cabin from Red Dead Redemption 2 show that he was also watching Arthur.

He's clearly been watching the gang for some time, and this would continue thematically if Lyle Morgan became RDR3's protagonist, as many theories have stated. This would mean that once a character has been redeemed and killed, the Strange Man moves on to the next protagonist, which means he'd be watching Jack Marston after John.

If We Only Hear of Him, It Will Just Make Stranger Theories

Stranger Things Have Happened

Not having the Strange Man in Red Dead Redemption 3 would be a huge mistake in the story. His character is mysterious in the first two games, and resolving his story is important. Rockstar has kept his identity unclear, which has sparked speculation, but this mystery adds depth to the game. Leaving him as a word on the lips would just be a disservice to fans.

Little additions would only fuel the fire that he's nothing more than a random person. If players were to speak to him, it would make him more interesting because fans would eat up every word, and it would likely continue to show that he's more spiritual than human. Bringing him back isn’t just about satisfying curiosity; it’s a crucial part of the narrative. Leaving his story unfinished would lessen the overall experience that Rockstar has worked so hard to create.

The Strange Man represents the unpredictable nature of fate and the consequences of actions within the game. His unique interactions with characters like John Marston and Arthur Morgan emphasize the themes of violence and redemption throughout the series. While he watches from the sidelines, he helps fans think about their own morality. He would challenge players’ morals; he forces them to think about their choices and impact in Red Dead Redemption 3.