Transform John Marston: Must-Try Mods for Red Dead Redemption 2!

Stepping back into the boots of John Marston in the epilogue of Red Dead Redemption 2 feels like a heartwarming throwback for fans. Even though we may mourn the demise of Arthur Morgan, it’s a comfort to have the main character from the original game gallop once more, spurs jingling, enabling us to live out the entire end content as this legendary fugitive in his denim coat.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed something unusual about John Marston’s appearance in Red Dead Redemption 2. But thankfully, there are plenty of mods out there that can give John Marston a makeover, making him look and feel just like the John Marston from the original Red Dead Redemption. By fine-tuning animations, graphics, and textures, it’s like John Marston has risen from the past again.

1. John Marston Restoration Project

Provides John Marston With His Beta Model and NPC Clothes

  • Mod Link
  • Created by: GuiCORLEONEx794

The John Marston Restoration Project might be the key modification for truly embodying the character of John Marston. This mod aims to enhance the gaming experience during the Epilogue by reintroducing the Beta version of John Marston, as well as offering new outfits that were initially intended for his player model but ultimately removed. Now, players can don the clothes worn by John’s NPC counterparts.

This modification isolates John from Arthur entirely, allowing John to be distinct and independent, without appearing as a retextured version of John. It enhances John’s facial features, neck, hairline, and body shape, resulting in an authentic experience when playing as John Marston.

2. John Marston Animation Overhaul V2.7

Brings Back Classic John Marston Walk Animations

  • Mod Link
  • Created by: Dick Hertz

A significant enhancement that brings John Marston more to life is the John Marston Animation Overhaul, now at version V2.7. This mod introduces unique animations tailored for John Marston, drawing from the Beta of Red Dead Redemption 2 and the original Red Dead Redemption.

The animations are designed to enhance John Marston’s character by restoring his natural walking gait, making him appear less rigid. The beta animations have significantly improved John’s movements, giving them a smoother, more suitable feel for the game.

3. 1.00 Fitment

Provides John With His 1.0 Release Body

  • Mod Link
  • Created by: Dooge

Back when Red Dead Redemption 2 initially dropped, the raw 1.0 adventure for ol’ John Marston was quite sturdy, his physique seemed beefier and his garments seemed tailor-made. However, subsequent updates seemed to strip that away. But fret not, fellow gamers, we’ve managed to reclaim that original feel thanks to the genius of d00ge, by modifying the game.

This mod restores John Marston’s physique and outfit to match their appearance in version 1.0 of the game. Essentially, this means his clothing fits him more naturally, and he appears less gaunt with broader shoulders, giving him a distinct identity separate from Arthur Morgan, who merely has John’s texture overlaid on him.

4. RDR1 John Marston’s Body ‘N’ Arms

New Textures For More Tanned Arms

  • Mod Link
  • Created by: Lino

In the game ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’, John Marston’s arms seem a bit too pasty and hairy, and slightly underdeveloped. Fortunately, the mod named “John Marston’s Body ‘N’ Arms” from RDR1, often called “John Mars-tan”, gives John a more realistic skin tone on his forearms, making him resemble his appearance in the original ‘Red Dead Redemption’ more accurately.

This game is ideal for people who appreciate both third-person and first-person perspectives, as it provides a richer, less awkward experience when John’s sleeveless denim jacket reveals his uniquely pale arms.

5. The Classic Cowboy – RDR1 Accurate Cowboy Outfit for John Marston

Provides John With His Classic Worn-n-Dirty Cowboy Costume

  • Mod Link
  • Created by: GuiCORLEONEx794

In the first Red Dead Redemption game, John Marston’s cowboy attire appeared slightly soiled and well-worn, with numerous stitches, a grubby off-white shirt, trousers, and gloves that accurately fit him. Conversely, in Red Dead Redemption 2, the textures seem less refined, and his trousers appear somewhat oversized, lending an odd or comical appearance.

With The Classic Cowboy modification, John Marston’s attire is given a more authentic appearance similar to the original game. This is achieved by revamping the models and textures in a way that maintains the quality and realism of the visual charm seen in Red Dead Redemption 2.

6. John Marston – HD Classic Stubble

  • Mod Link
  • Created by: BOAH1907

When players control John Marston in the game, they can watch as he grows an impressive amount of facial hair, even sporting full beards that give him a rugged, caveman-like appearance. But for those who prefer the original look, the HD Classic Stubble mod returns the classic style by providing both NPC John and Epilogue John with more authentic stubble.

As a gamer, I can’t wait to see the enhanced details on my character’s rugged visage. The intricate textures on his stubble give an extra depth to the dark hues of his mustache and beard, making them pop against his fearful and fierce expression. Since John’s scars and stubble are integral to his character design, adding high-definition 2K textures will only make him look more impressive and authentic in the game.

7. Extended Player Animations

New Animations for John, Arthur, and NPCs

  • Mod Link
  • Created by: iAbokai

In comparison to the original animations in “Red Dead Redemption,” some of John Marston’s movements might appear somewhat rigid. However, an exceptional mod created by iAbokai addresses this issue by introducing numerous fixes and enhancements to the in-game actions not just for John, but also for several other non-player characters (NPCs), as well as Arthur Morgan.

Initially designed to enhance John Marston’s animations, distinguishing them from both Arthur’s and NPCs, this modification expanded into a comprehensive overhaul encompassing numerous alterations. These modifications not only improve the visual aspect but also significantly refine the appearance and individuality of the characters.

8. Enable Swimming (John Can Swim)

  • Mod Link
  • Created by: srgamerio

As a devoted fan, one intriguing aspect of John Marston’s persona that I can’t help but notice is his inability to swim. Initially, this was merely a design choice in the first Red Dead Redemption game, serving as a means to restrict players from accessing off-limits areas by promptly eliminating John when he ventured into the water. However, in the prequel Red Dead Redemption 2, this trait has been elevated to a canonical event, with John Marston remaining just as landbound in the watery expanses of his world.

In the Epilogue, some players might find it disconcerting that Arthur swam effortlessly, while John struggles and eventually drowns. However, with this modification, John Marston not only learns how to swim, but can do so indefinitely, making the experience more authentic.

9. John Marston – 1911

New Textures For John’s Face For Greater Quality

  • Mod Link
  • Created by: GuiCORLEONEx794

Players can enjoy enhanced visuals of John Marston, originally from 1911, in Red Dead Redemption 2, as they now have access to improved textures from the original game. This upgrade emphasizes John’s distinctive scowl and meticulously details his scars and skin tones for a superior quality appearance. Remarkably, this mod seamlessly integrates with Red Dead Redemption 2, aligning beautifully with the game’s high-definition face textures.

John’s facial scars stand out more prominently, and the tactile qualities of the materials portray him more authentically with his furrowed brows and scars, as opposed to the youthful and slender visage depicted in the 1907 black-and-white postscript.

10. JMFAO – John Marston Facial Animation Overhaul

  • Mod Link
  • Created by: DickHertz

As a seasoned gamer, I’ve got to say, this mod completely transforms John Marston’s facial expressions! No more repetition of the same gloomy, fatigued looks during every encounter. Instead, you get a fresh set of aiming, combat, and regular moods for ol’ John. Plus, his expressions perfectly fit the context of each situation, making the game feel more immersive and realistic.

The enhancements made to John’s facial expressions are quite significant, enabling him to blink naturally now and appear more ordinary rather than the constant, tired stare of his previous, unblinking model. Here, John looks fantastic, and viewers in cutscenes and third-person interactions will definitely appreciate the noticeable change.

Read More

2025-02-08 21:36