Dead Rising 2: Your Ultimate Side Mission Guide! Introduction: Unlocking Fortune City’s Full Potential! What’s up, guys? Ready to dive back into the zombie-infested chaos of Fortune City? If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours in Dead Rising 2 , battling hordes, crafting insane combo weapons, and just trying to survive the madness. But let’s be real, the main story is only half the fun! The real meat and potatoes, the stuff that makes Dead Rising 2 truly shine, are its incredible array of side missions . These aren’t just filler; they’re absolutely essential for maximizing your enjoyment, racking up serious Prestige Points (PP), unlocking unique endings, and even finding some of the game’s most memorable moments and characters. Forget just rushing through the story; we’re talking about a treasure trove of content that adds layers of replayability and depth to an already fantastic game. Think of it: every corner of Fortune City is teeming with desperate survivors waiting for a hero, deranged psychopaths ready for a showdown, and unique situations that demand your attention. Ignoring them means you’re missing out on vital experience, powerful new weapons, and the chance to truly shape your experience as Chuck Greene, a dad just trying to save his daughter. Chuck’s journey isn’t just about Katey; it’s also about the countless others he encounters, each with their own mini-story, their own plea for help. Whether it’s a frantic dash through a zombie-filled mall to save a stranded shop owner or a tense standoff against a deranged former employee, these side missions paint a much richer picture of Fortune City’s downfall and the human element amidst the horror. They’re not just objectives on a list; they’re opportunities to hone your combat skills, master your time management, and experience the full spectrum of Dead Rising 2 ’s unique blend of dark humor and genuine peril. We’re going to explore every facet of these missions, from rescuing the quirky survivors to facing off against the game’s most notorious villains . We’ll discuss how to prioritize, how to prepare, and why tackling all side missions is not just a good idea, but practically a requirement for the full Dead Rising 2 experience. So buckle up, grab your best combo weapon, because we’re about to become the ultimate side mission specialists in Fortune City! It’s all about making sure you get the most out of your time in this zombie playground, ensuring no precious PP is left on the table and no survivor is left behind. This guide will be your ultimate companion for navigating the chaotic, rewarding world of Dead Rising 2’s optional content. ## The Heart of Fortune City: Categorizing Dead Rising 2’s Side Missions When you jump into Dead Rising 2 , you’ll quickly realize that side missions aren’t a single, uniform type of objective. Oh no, Fortune City throws a whole lot of different challenges your way, keeping things fresh and exciting! Understanding these categories is key to effectively planning your routes, managing your inventory, and ultimately maximizing your PP gains. Primarily, Dead Rising 2 side missions fall into three main buckets: the ever-present survivor rescues , the intense psychopath encounters , and the more unique, often story-driven or special objective missions. Each type offers distinct rewards and requires a slightly different approach, so knowing what you’re getting into beforehand can make all the difference. For instance, a survivor rescue might call for a quick dash and some crowd control, while a psychopath fight demands careful weapon selection and strategic dodging. Let’s break down each category so you guys know exactly what to expect and how to prepare for every crazy scenario Fortune City throws at you. Optimizing your approach to these varied quests is what separates the average zombie slayer from the true master of the mall. Sometimes you’ll be on a tight deadline, sprinting across the map, while other times you’ll be meticulously crafting the perfect weapon to take down a formidable foe. It’s this variety that keeps Dead Rising 2 so engaging, and mastering each mission type is crucial for anyone aiming to achieve 100% completion or simply get the most out of Chuck Greene’s wild adventure. We’ll be looking at specific examples and general strategies that apply across the board, ensuring you’re well-equipped for any challenge. From the hilarious antics of some survivors to the truly unsettling backstories of the psychopaths, these side quests offer a narrative depth that greatly enhances the main campaign. Don’t underestimate the power of knowing your enemy, or in this case, knowing your mission type, before you even open that door. Mastering these different types of missions is truly a cornerstone of the Dead Rising 2 experience, offering not just rewards but also a deeper immersion into the game’s unique, over-the-top world. Get ready to learn the ins and outs, because every minute in Fortune City counts! ### Survivor Rescues: Your Moral Compass and PP Goldmine Survivor rescues are perhaps the most iconic and plentiful type of Dead Rising 2 side missions . Guys, these are your bread and butter for Prestige Points and they often lead to some of the game’s funniest, saddest, or most frustrating moments. As Chuck Greene, you’ll constantly receive calls on your transceiver from folks stranded in various shops, casinos, and maintenance tunnels. Your job? Get to them, clear a path, and escort them back to the safe house in the Security Room. Sounds simple, right? Wrong! These survivors come in all shapes and sizes, with varying levels of combat prowess (mostly none), speed, and sanity. Some are quick and easy, happily following you with minimal fuss. Others are slow, cowardly, or even a little bit unhinged, requiring you to literally carry them, bribe them, or sometimes even knock them out and drag them! The key here is time management . Many survivor missions have strict deadlines, so you’ve got to prioritize and plan your routes carefully, especially since the game clock never stops ticking. Always check the map for nearby survivors, group them up if possible, and make sure you have enough healing items and weapons to keep both yourself and your charges safe. Remember, a survivor who dies on your watch means missed PP and a bit of a moral defeat for Chuck. Weapon choice is crucial for escort missions; you need weapons that can clear crowds efficiently without harming your allies. Something with a wide swing like the Defiler (Sledgehammer + Fire Axe) or a simple Shotgun can be incredibly effective. Also, consider the environment. If you’re going through a long stretch, maybe look for a vehicle like the Sports Car or the Motorcycle to get everyone to safety faster. Don’t forget to offer them a weapon if they can use one, or at least a Zombrex shot if they are infected. Some survivors, once rescued, might even offer you their own unique missions or reveal secret areas. For example, helping a certain group of gamblers might lead to a nice cash payout, while finding a specific engineer could unlock new combo weapon recipes. The sheer variety of characters you encounter, from the practical to the utterly absurd, makes these missions incredibly engaging. Saving people like the crazy war veteran Carl Schliff, or the surprisingly competent handyman Sven, adds so much personality to the game. These interactions aren’t just about saving lives; they’re about building Chuck’s story and making him a true hero in a world gone mad. Always keep an eye on your map for the