Let's be honest about Micah Bell. Whether you’re on your first playthrough or your fifth, there is a specific kind of dread that hits when you see that yellow "M" icon sitting over the town of Strawberry. You know what's coming. You've probably put it off for weeks, spending your time hunting legendary bucks or playing poker in Saint Denis just to avoid it. But eventually, the story demands it. You have to go.
RDR2 Blessed are the Meek is arguably one of the most chaotic, high-stakes, and morally frustrating missions in Red Dead Redemption 2. It’s the moment where Arthur Morgan’s life starts getting significantly more complicated, mostly because he’s forced to bail out the one man who seems hell-bent on burning the world down. If you’ve ever wondered why you end up with a $300 bounty for a guy you don't even like, you aren't alone.
The Strawberry Massacre: What Actually Happens
When you roll into Strawberry, the town feels quiet. Too quiet. Arthur’s original plan is "reasonable" by outlaw standards: talk to the sheriff, maybe bribe or trick him, and get Micah out quietly.
It never works out that way.
The moment you find Micah through that tiny basement window on the side of the jail, the vibe shifts. He’s pathetic, sure, but he’s also dangerous. You have a few ways to get him out, and honestly, the Steam Donkey is the classic choice. You grab the hook from that steam-powered winch, attach it to the bars, and literally rip the wall off the building.
Then, Micah does the most Micah thing possible.
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Instead of running for the hills, he executes his cellmate—an O'Driscoll who probably deserved it, but still—and starts a shootout that levels half the town. He doesn't just want to escape; he wants his guns. And he’s willing to kill everyone in Strawberry to get them.
Why Blessed are the Meek is a Gameplay Turning Point
This isn't just another shootout. This mission is a gatekeeper for a few massive gameplay mechanics. If you’re a fan of dual-wielding (and who isn't?), this is where it starts.
- The Off-Hand Holster: After you finally escape the law and reach a safe distance, Micah gives you an off-hand holster. This is the first time in the game you can officially carry and fire two sidearms at once. It’s a huge power spike for Arthur.
- The Bounty Trap: Most players walk away from this mission with a massive bounty. Because you’re forced to kill dozens of lawmen, your "Wanted" level in West Elizabeth sky-rockets. It’s a harsh lesson in how one bad decision (or one bad friend) can ruin your reputation in an entire region.
- Unlocked Path: Completing this mission is a prerequisite for "An American Pastoral Scene," another Micah-heavy mission that continues the Chapter 2 storyline.
Getting the Gold Medal (Without Losing Your Mind)
If you’re a perfectionist going for that 100% completion, RDR2 Blessed are the Meek is a nightmare. The gold medal requirements are tight, and one wrong move sends you back to the start.
To get Gold, you need to hit these marks:
- Kill all mounted Lawmen within 55 seconds during the escape.
- Get 15 headshots.
- Complete with at least 70% accuracy.
- Take zero health items (no tonics, no food).
The headshots are usually easy because the town is crawling with deputies. The real killer is the 55-second timer on the mounted lawmen. My advice? Don't wait for Micah to tell you what to do. The second you hit the horses, switch to a Repeater or a Bolt Action. Use Dead Eye sparingly but effectively to pop the riders as soon as they appear over the ridge. If you’re too slow, Micah will start shooting them, and he’s surprisingly good at stealing your kills.
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The Hidden Ways to Free Micah
Most people just use the Steam Donkey because it's right there, but Rockstar actually built in a few different methods.
You can actually use Dynamite. If you place a stick on the wall by the window and blow it, the mission proceeds just the same. It’s faster, but obviously louder.
There's also a much more "cowboy" way: walking right through the front door of the Sheriff’s office. If you go inside and start a fight, you can eventually kill the deputies, grab the jail keys off the wall, and walk down to Micah’s cell. It feels more personal, though it arguably makes the ensuing shootout even more frantic since you're starting from the inside out.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Mission
There’s a common misconception that you have to do this mission immediately to progress Chapter 2. You don’t. In fact, you can leave Micah rotting in that cell for a long time.
I’ve seen players finish almost every other available mission, including the Thomas Downes debt collection and the John Marston sheep herding, before finally touching Strawberry. There is even unique dialogue if you wait a long time; Arthur will mock Micah for how long he’s been sitting in the dirt.
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Another detail people miss is the house Micah raids. He kills a man named Norman and his wife, Maddy. This wasn't a random act of cruelty—well, it was, but it had a purpose. They were former associates who had Micah’s "precious" custom Double-Action Revolvers. It’s the first real look we get into Micah’s obsession with his own image and his complete lack of a moral compass.
Dealing with the $300 Bounty
Honestly, the bounty you get after this mission is a slap in the face. For many players early in the game, $300 is a fortune.
If you don't have the cash to pay it off, you’re going to be hounded by bounty hunters every time you try to hunt or explore West Elizabeth. A pro tip? Don't pay it immediately. Go do the "Statues" puzzle or find a Gold Bar (like the one in the burned-out town of Limpany) to cover the cost. Or, if you’re feeling brave, just live as an outlaw for a while. Just don't be surprised when six bounty hunters show up while you're trying to catch a legendary fish.
Essential Tips for Success
If you're struggling to survive the shootout, stay behind cover near the bridge. The lawmen in Strawberry have a tendency to flank you from the rooftops and the hillsides. Keep your eyes on the mini-map.
Also, watch Micah’s health bar. He’s aggressive—stupidly so. If he pushes too far forward and gets pinned down, the mission fails instantly. You basically have to act as his bodyguard while he throws a temper tantrum through the streets.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your inventory: Before starting, make sure you have a full stock of Tobacco or Snake Oil. Since you can't use health items for the Gold Medal, you’ll need Dead Eye to ensure those 15 headshots and maintain 70% accuracy.
- Scout the Steam Donkey: If it’s your first time, walk around the left side of the jail (facing the front) to find the winch. Don't go inside the jail unless you're ready for the shooting to start immediately.
- Hunt for Gold: If you’re worried about the bounty, visit the burnt-out town of Limpany just south of Horseshoe Overlook. There's a Gold Bar in a lockbox under the Sheriff’s desk that sells for $500—more than enough to clear your name after the Strawberry mess.
Once you've cleared the law and Micah heads off to his "little camp," take a breath. You've just survived one of the most polarizing moments in gaming history. Now, go find a fence and sell that Gold Bar, because West Elizabeth is about to get very expensive for you.