If you think you’ve seen everything Red Dead Redemption 2 has to offer, think again. Rockstar Games has packed this sprawling open world with secrets, nods, and bizarre events and one of the rarest among them is the mysterious Jonathan Jones Easter Egg.
But wait, who is Jonathan Jones? And how do you unlock this secret? Let’s saddle up and ride deep into one of the game’s most hidden and cryptic side stories that has left players in both the USA and UK buzzing with theories and excitement.
What Makes the Jonathan Jones Easter Egg So Unique?
While most Easter eggs in RDR2 are visible and triggered through simple exploration, the Jonathan Jones secret is layered in mystery, with players only uncovering it through cryptic clues, environmental storytelling, and a careful alignment of in-game choices.
Unlike UFOs, vampires, or the mysterious missing princess, Jonathan Jones is not part of the main storyline or any side quest. You won’t find a marker for it. It must be unlocked organically, and that makes it one of the most satisfying discoveries in the game.
Who Is Jonathan Jones in RDR2?
Jonathan Jones isn’t a major character. In fact, you’ll never meet him face-to-face. He’s a phantom character that appears through environmental clues, journal entries, and strange occurrences. Many players believe he was a writer, hunter, or outlaw whose presence lingers across certain zones.
What we know:
- His name appears carved into trees and rocks in remote parts of the map
- Arthur Morgan references him in a hidden journal entry if certain actions are taken
- The lore suggests he may have gone mad, chasing something in the mountains
This Easter egg has grown legendary for how easily it can be missed and how deeply hidden it is.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Unlock the Jonathan Jones Easter Egg
Let’s walk through the process of triggering this rare Easter egg. You’ll need patience, some careful exploration, and a specific in-game environment.
1. Head to the Grizzlies West Region
Start your search in the Grizzlies West, near the northern stretch of Ambarino. This snowy, isolated zone is where most of the Jonathan Jones lore is scattered.
Coordinates to note: Around -155, 85 on the in-game map (near Cairn Lake)
What to look for:
- A carved tree with “J.J. 1898” scratched into the bark
- A burnt-out cabin with strange markings on the wall
2. Wait for a Thunderstorm at Night
The Easter egg only triggers under specific weather and time conditions:
- Time: Between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM
- Weather: Thunderstorm or heavy rain
- Arthur’s Honor Level: Must be high honor
Use your campfire or hotel stays to advance time, and keep checking the forecast until the conditions align.
3. Return to Cairn Lake Cabin
During the thunderstorm window, return to the cabin on foot, not horseback. Stay quiet, and don’t carry a lantern or firearm.
You’ll notice a subtle change:
- The wind howls louder
- A faint voice whispers in the background
- A journal page appears on the cabin floor that wasn’t there before
This page is signed Jonathan Jones and includes a cryptic message:
“The stars guide me where men go mad. I found truth, and it buried me.”
4. Use Eagle Eye to Follow the Trail
After picking up the page, activate Eagle Eye (L3 + R3 on controller) and scan the area. A glowing trail appears leading up the mountain behind the cabin.
This trail is treacherous, filled with wolves and narrow cliffs. Keep following it until you reach a strange stone circle with bones arranged in a spiral.
What you’ll find there:
- A rusty rifle (Jonathan’s old weapon)
- A carved wooden statue resembling a man screaming
- The sky flashes purple briefly (a one-time visual effect)
5. Arthur’s Hidden Journal Entry
Sleep at camp after discovering the stone circle, and you’ll unlock a new journal entry that doesn’t appear otherwise.
Arthur writes:
“Saw something I can’t explain. Felt like madness, or maybe someone else’s memory. This Jonathan Jones… he’s still out there, in the rocks.”
This is the final confirmation you’ve unlocked the full Easter egg.
Why This Easter Egg Matters
The Jonathan Jones secret has gained a cult following for several reasons:
- It’s completely missable: Most players finish the game without even knowing it exists
- No official confirmation: Rockstar hasn’t acknowledged the character directly, making it all the more intriguing
- Community-driven discovery: Reddit threads, YouTube deep dives, and fan wikis have all pieced the lore together
This makes it one of the most immersive world-building secrets in RDR2, offering players a unique mystery to unravel.
Real-World Connections: Is Jonathan Jones Based on Someone?
Some fans theorize that Jonathan Jones is inspired by real-life American and British explorers or writers who vanished in the 1800s. Parallels include:
| Real Person | Connection to Jonathan Jones |
|---|---|
| Everett Ruess | American explorer who vanished mysteriously in the wild |
| John Franklin | British Arctic explorer lost at sea with strange final journals |
| Ambrose Bierce | American writer who disappeared in Mexico, known for eerie stories |
These connections make the Easter egg feel eerily authentic, blending real-world history with RDR2’s fictional universe.
Tips for First-Time Hunters
If you’re setting out to unlock the Jonathan Jones Easter egg, keep these in mind:
- Boost your Honor first: Rescue strangers, avoid crimes, and help people
- Use the in-game camera: Take pictures of the carved tree and journal page (they won’t appear again)
- Don’t reload mid-search: The trail can disappear if you reload checkpoints
- Join Reddit or Discord communities: Other players share new clues all the time
What Players Are Saying
“This Easter egg is exactly why I love Rockstar. It’s subtle, unsettling, and genius.” — @DocWest, UK Player
“Found the stone circle last night. Got chills. It’s like Jonathan is watching you…” — @ClaytonRDR, USA
“I think it ties into the UFO mystery. The purple flash isn’t random.” — @Gunslinger99, Reddit
Theories continue to build, and it’s likely Rockstar intended this Easter egg to remain open-ended.
Will We See Jonathan Jones Again?
With rumors swirling about a Red Dead Redemption 3 and potential DLC, fans hope Jonathan Jones’s story might expand.
Could he return as a ghost? Or maybe a full side mission? While nothing is confirmed, the player interest is massive, and Rockstar has a habit of rewarding loyal explorers.
The Jonathan Jones Easter Egg in Red Dead Redemption 2 is more than just a hidden detail it’s a masterclass in storytelling, atmosphere, and world-building. For USA and UK players alike, it adds another rich layer to an already legendary game.
If you haven’t experienced it yet, now’s the time to dust off your satchel, check your weather settings, and head north. You might just find a voice in the mountains calling your name.
