Are you ready to uncover one of Red Dead Redemption 2's most intriguing mysteries, a structure that whispers of scientific marvels far ahead of its time? We're talking about the "Tesla Building," also known as Marko Dragic's Laboratory, a fascinating location that holds secrets and a truly unique encounter in the vast American West. Let's dive in and unravel how you can gain access to this electrifying place!
Step 1: Embark on the Quest for Innovation: "A Bright Bouncing Boy"
Before you can even dream of setting foot inside Dragic's mysterious lab, you first need to initiate a specific Stranger mission. This is where your journey into the world of peculiar inventions begins!
1.1 Locating the Eccentric Inventor
Head to Saint Denis: Your first stop is the bustling, somewhat opulent city of Saint Denis. This is where you'll find the peculiar Marko Dragic.
The Pond in the Park: Look for a park with a large pond in the southwestern outskirts of Saint Denis. Dragic can be found on the eastern bank of this pond. Keep an eye out for the white "Stranger" mission icon on your map.
First Encounter: Approach Marko Dragic. He's quite the character and will have some choice words for you. After a lengthy cutscene, he'll present you with a task.
1.2 The Remote-Controlled Boat Challenge
Demonstration Time: Dragic will ask you to help him demonstrate a remote-controlled toy boat. This is a revolutionary piece of technology for the game's 1899 setting!
Navigating the Waters: Your goal is to pilot the toy boat and destroy static battleships while avoiding mines. It's a relatively straightforward task, but precise control is key. Don't be afraid to get close to your targets to ensure your shots land!
Completing the First Part: Once you successfully complete this demonstration, Dragic, impressed by your abilities (or at least your willingness to help), will invite you to his laboratory for the next stage of his ambitious projects.
Step 2: Journey to Doverhill: The Tesla Building's Location
Now that you've piqued Dragic's interest, it's time to make your way to his remote, electrically charged lair. This isn't just any old shack; it's a monumental structure hinting at groundbreaking experiments.
2.1 Finding the Laboratory on the Map
Northeastern Corner: Marko Dragic's Doverhill Laboratory is situated in the far northeastern corner of the Red Dead Redemption 2 map.
Reference Points: Look north of Roanoke Ridge and Brandywine Drop. After completing the first part of "A Bright Bouncing Boy," a map marker should appear, guiding you to its exact location.
The Imposing Structure: As you approach, you'll see a large, imposing building outfitted with an array of electrical conductors and lightning rods. It bears a striking resemblance to Nikola Tesla's real-life Wardenclyffe Tower, a clear nod to the legendary inventor.
Step 3: Assisting Dragic at the Lab: "A Bright Bouncing Boy" Part 2
Once you arrive at Doverhill, you'll find Dragic in need of your assistance once more. This section involves some exploration and a bit of a puzzle to get his contraptions working.
3.1 Placing the Conductors
Inside the Workshop: Enter the laboratory. You'll find Marko Dragic ready for your help with his electrical experiments.
Tracking with the Detector: After a cutscene, head off into the northern hills, following the quest objective marker. You'll be given a "Detector" which will flash more quickly as you get closer to where you need to place the conductors, eventually turning solid when you're in the right spot.
Strategic Placement:
Place the first conductor in the marked zone.
Continue heading up the hill to place the second conductor at the top.
Finally, turn east and place the third conductor by a tree within the quest marker area.
3.2 The Tower Puzzle
Back to the Lab: Once all conductors are placed, return to the laboratory for another cutscene.
Climbing the Tower: You'll then need to climb up onto the impressive tower located behind the lab. Run around to the other side to find a ladder to ascend further.
Electrifying the Lights: At the very top, you'll encounter a small puzzle. Your goal is to illuminate all three lights simultaneously. The solution is specific:
Pull the left-hand lever first.
Then, pull the right-hand lever.
Finally, pull the middle one.
Returning to Dragic: Climb back down the ladder and rejoin Marko Dragic to witness the culmination of his efforts.
Step 4: Unveiling the Aftermath and the Robot's Fate
The "Tesla Building" isn't just about the initial quests; it's also a place with a poignant aftermath and a final, surprising discovery.
4.1 Revisit the Laboratory (After a Day or So)
Allow Time to Pass: After completing the second part of "A Bright Bouncing Boy," you need to let at least one in-game day pass. You can sleep, fast travel, or simply explore other parts of the world.
A Tragic Scene: Return to Marko Dragic's laboratory. You'll find a rather compromised and grim scene. The brilliant but eccentric inventor has met a tragic end.
Claiming the Electric Lantern: On the floor, you'll find the Electric Lantern, a unique and useful item that emits light in a broader, more concentrated beam than a standard lantern. Be sure to pick it up!
Lore and Notes: Take some time to inspect the notes scattered around the lab for additional lore and insights into Dragic's work and his aspirations.
4.2 Locating the Robot's Final Resting Place
The Robot's Journey: After the events at the lab, Dragic's creation, the robot, will have wandered off.
Far Northwestern Side: To find the robot, you need to travel to the far northwestern side of the map, specifically near Spider Gorge.
The Mountain Peak: Walk up to the top of the mountain in this area. There, you will find the robot, standing silently at the edge of a cliff, gazing at the vista. It's a somber and memorable sight, completing this incredible side story. The robot will utter "Papa" if you get close, a truly heartbreaking detail.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "Tesla Building" (Marko Dragic's Lab)
How to Start the Marko Dragic mission?
You start the Marko Dragic mission, "A Bright Bouncing Boy," by finding him at the pond in the southwestern part of Saint Denis.
How to Find Marko Dragic's Lab (Doverhill)?
Marko Dragic's lab, Doverhill, is located in the far northeastern corner of the map, north of Roanoke Ridge and Brandywine Drop, and will have a map marker after the first part of his Stranger mission.
How to Solve the Tesla Tower Puzzle?
To solve the Tesla Tower puzzle, pull the left-hand lever, then the right-hand lever, and finally the middle lever to illuminate all three lights.
How to Get the Electric Lantern?
You can obtain the Electric Lantern by revisiting Marko Dragic's lab a day or two after completing the second part of "A Bright Bouncing Boy," where you'll find it on the floor next to Dragic's body.
How to Find the Robot after the Quest?
After completing the Dragic mission, the robot can be found on a mountain peak in the far northwestern side of the map, near Spider Gorge.
How to Revisit the Tesla Building?
You can revisit the Tesla Building (Doverhill) at any time after discovering its location on the map, though its interior will change after Dragic's fate.
How to Know if I've Completed the "Tesla Building" Questline?
The questline is complete once you've found the robot after revisiting the lab. You'll also earn the "Artificial Intelligence" trophy/achievement.
How to Identify Marko Dragic?
Marko Dragic is an eccentric inventor, often found near his contraptions, and marked with a white "Stranger" mission icon on your map.
How to Get to Doverhill Quickly?
The quickest way to get to Doverhill is by fast traveling to a nearby location like Annesburg or the Van Horn Trading Post and then riding north.
How to Prepare for the Marko Dragic Mission?
No special preparations are strictly necessary, but having a well-fed horse for the ride to Doverhill is always a good idea.
Experience a fascinating journey through this iconic RDR2 Easter Egg:
