Red Dead Redemption 2: 10 Mind-Blowing Secrets & Theories You Need To Know

A contentious fan theory, as many would argue that Dutch’s behaviour is at the heart of the game’s themes. Did he change under the mounting pressure, or had he always been that way, hiding his dark side?

Suggesting he has a brain injury gives him a bit of a get out of jail free card on the issue, but there’s certainly compelling evidence. Many point to the failed bank job as the first moment Dutch cracks, after seeing Hosea shot in front of him. However, prior to this he feeds Bronte to the alligators; so if we take that as the start of his recklessness, what could have kickstarted it?

The theory goes that it’s the post office heist. During their escape, Dutch hits his head during a tram crash and complains of a sore head the entire way home. It’s never mentioned again, but frontal lobe damage often causes impulsivity and changes to behaviour.

However, he’s arguing with Hosea for most of the game, and things have apparently been going downhill since the events of Blackwater, prior to the game’s opening. Maybe Dutch always had that darkness within him, and the brain trauma just exacerbated it.