The Van der Linde gang plays an important role in the Red Dead Redemption series. In the first game, John Marston is tasked with hunting down the remnants of the gang. The sequel, however, provides the most in-depth look regarding the inner workings of the Van der Linde outlaw band.
Their story proves to be a tragic one. Dutch Van der Linde, the gang's eponymous leader, sets the course for the organization's eventual downfall. Along the way the player meets the colorful cast of characters that compose this collection of rogues. The gang's history is undoubtedly a rich source of storytelling that shouldn't be overlooked.
7 Formed By Dutch & Hosea
The gang's origins date back to the mid-1870s. The two founding members of the group were Dutch Van der Linde and Hosea Matthews, two small-time cheats who tried to con each other while both were traveling to Chicago. They decided to form a partnership instead, one that would last for over two decades.
Dutch and Hosea managed to pull off quite a number of schemes together. Fraud was the activity at which they excelled, although it eventually landed them in jail. They subsequently escaped and thereafter committed themselves to the outlaw lifestyle.
6 Adopted Arthur & John
Not long after escaping from jail, Hosea and Dutch crossed paths with a young Arthur Morgan. The fourteen-year-old Arthur was left an orphan after the deaths of his mother and father. The outlaw duo decided to adopt the teenager in the hopes of giving him a better life.
Thus, Arthur's subsequent upbringing was overseen by the two older men. A similar situation occurred with a young John Marston. Hosea and Dutch rescued John from a lynching and decided to take him in as well. Arthur and John formed a close friendship shortly thereafter.
5 They Live By A Code
It's clear from the many interactions with Dutch that he doesn't consider his gang to be normal outlaws. He purports to live by a solemn code in which the wealthy are robbed in order to care for the poor, reflecting a sort of "Robin Hood" mentality. Dutch is also deeply distrustful of organized government, preferring instead to live by his own moral code.
For a while, Dutch and his companions were actually faithful to this code. They sought non-lethal means to make a living and stayed true to their spirit of benevolence. One of Dutch's primary goals was to carve out a small space in the world where he and his followers could live without the damaging influence of "civilization."
4 The Group's Well-Being Is Affected By Arthur
By 1899, the setting of Red Dead Redemption 2, the Van der Linde gang had grown considerably. More people means more responsibility for Arthur, who takes a direct hand in the gang's well-being. Arthur can pitch in by making sure the group is consistently supplied with food, materials, items, and money. There are also chores around camp that can periodically be done.
Being a team player improves the overall mood of the gang. Upgrades to the camp can be made, which in turn benefits Arthur by granting him a ready supply of anything he may need. Conversely, if Arthur is a slacker and neglects the group, his partners in crime will be none too happy to see him.
3 The Ferry Debacle
It's safe to say the cracks in the gang's cohesiveness started to form after the botched ferry heist. The player never directly witnesses the event, but the gist of the story can be gleaned from conversations in Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2.
Micah Bell, a relatively new member of the gang, advocated for the ferry heist against the wishes of Hosea and Arthur. The boat contained vast sums of money, but the unanticipated arrival of the Pinkertons resulted in a disaster. Dutch murdered an innocent woman and four members of the gang were killed.
2 Dutch Renounces His Code
Dutch's story can be interpreted as quite tragic. Throughout the plot of Red Dead Redemption 2 Dutch's schemes frequently fail to bear fruit. It takes a mental toll on him, one that slowly drives him into the depths of cruelty and greed. He spurns the advice of the people who love him and instead puts his faith in a man who is completely amoral, namely Micah Bell.
As a result, Dutch's noble code of honor progressively crumbles. The gang commits acts of increasing violence in a desperate attempt to realize Dutch's dream of carving out a utopia. It all comes to naught. In the end, the Van der Linde gang disintegrates from within. Dutch's moral compass is sacrificed in the process.
1 The Gang Goes Their Separate Ways
When the Van der Linde gang disbands, the surviving members all go their separate ways. Some meet varying degrees of success, while others eventually meet their untimely ends. For example, in Red Dead Redemption, the U.S. government successfully eliminates Bill Williamson, Javier Escuella, John Marston, and Dutch himself.
Many of the surviving gang members can be encountered during the epilogue of Red Dead Redemption 2. Tilly Jackson marries a successful lawyer, while Mary-Beth becomes a romance novelist. Simon Pearson opens his own general store in Rhodes. Although the Van der Linde gang ultimately failed, some of its members manage to find some degree of happiness in the end.