Red Dead Redemption "Can a Swindler Change His Spots" Mission Guide and Walkthrough

Red Dead Redemption "Can a Swindler Change His Spots" Mission Guide and Walkthrough
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“Can a Swindler Change His Spots?”

One thing is certain about working with Nigel West Dickens, his tasks are never boring. In “Can a Swindler Change His Spots,” John will once again attempt to help Nigel sell his magical elixir, only this time things don’t go at all as planned.

It was only a matter of time before the locals began to catch on, and that time has come.

A Familiar Setup…

Red Dead Redemption Combat

You’ll find Mr. West Dickens in the oil fields of Plainview this time. John is at first reluctant to speak to Nigel, sure that he’ll be required to perform another service for the old swindler.

Nigel needs John’s help to dupe Plainview’s residents into buying some of his “miracle” tonic. If this setup seems at all familiar to you, it’s because he pulled the same scam at Ridgewood Farm about three missions ago.

With a Much Less Favorable Outcome

Red Dead Redemption unlockable weapons the repeater

As before, you’ll need to walk up to the yellow “X” and mingle with the crowd that has gathered to hear Nigel’s spiel. Mr. West Dickens extols the virtues of his worthless tonic, and a pair of riders appear who were previously swindled by Nigel. They’re unimpressed with the effectiveness of his tonic and their words quickly turn the crowd against the two of you.

Run back to the wagon with Nigel and hop up into the shotgun position. The former customers are very angry and out for blood, so you’ll have to take them out to survive. Much like the first time you met Nigel, you’ll need to shoot and escape at the same time, only this time you don’t have to drive while you do so.

A series of riders will appear as Nigel drives the wagon, and you’ll need to take them out quickly before either John or Nigel are injured. Watch the radar to spot them as they approach, and take them out from as long a distance as possible.

Red Dead Redemption Map

As you near the railroad tracks, you’ll come across a blockade in the road ahead. Shoot the TNT in the wagon ahead to clear the road, and take out the gunner stationed atop a nearby rock. As you pass Benedict Point, a gunman in a wagon will approach. Take them out as quickly as you have all the other attackers.

The two of you won’t be safe until you reach Cueva Seca, so keep your gun at the ready and continue to take out any bad guys who come near until you arrive.

Afterward, John is none too happy with Nigel for getting him involved in another scheme and for putting his life in jeopardy once again. After a few choice words, the mission ends and you’ll earn some fame for your efforts.

For more mission walkthroughs, cheat codes, weapons guides, and more, check out our Ultimate Guide to Red Dead Redemption.

This post is part of the series: Red Dead Redemption Mission Guides

A collection of some of the over 30 different mission guides for Red Dead Redemption here at Altered Gamer.

  1. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “A Frenchman, an Irishman, and a Welshman”
  2. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “Spare the Love, Spoil the Child”
  3. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “Wolves, Dogs, and Sons”
  4. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “The Outlaw’s Return”
  5. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “Bear One Another’s Burdens”
  6. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “For Purely Scientific Purposes”
  7. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “Cowards Die Many Times”
  8. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “Landon Ricketts Rides Again”
  9. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “Mexican Caesar”
  10. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “My Sister’s Keeper”
  11. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “The Gunslinger’s Tragedy”
  12. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “Let the Dead Bury Their Dead”
  13. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “The Burning”
  14. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “Can a Swindler Change His Spots?”
  15. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “Justice in Pike’s Basin”
  16. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “Political Realities in Armadillo”
  17. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “A Tempest Looms”
  18. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “New Friends, Old Problems”
  19. Red Dead Redemption Mission Guide: “Exodus in America”
  20. Guide to “The Gates of El Presidio”