How do I ensure Arthur’s redemption arc in the story?
To ensure Arthur Morgan’s redemption arc in Red Dead Redemption 2, you must focus on making honorable choices throughout the game. Arthur’s morality is tracked by an honor system, which directly impacts the ending you receive. High honor leads to a more positive and redemptive conclusion, while low honor results in a darker, less satisfying outcome. The honor system is influenced by your actions, such as helping strangers, donating to the camp, and making ethical decisions during missions.\n\nOne of the most effective ways to increase Arthur’s honor is by helping strangers in need. Random encounters, marked by white dots on the map, often present opportunities to assist others. For example, you might encounter a stranded traveler near Valentine or a woman being attacked by wolves in the wilderness. Helping these individuals by offering aid or defending them will boost your honor. Conversely, robbing or harming innocent people will lower it.\n\nAnother key mechanic is donating to the camp. At your gang’s camp, you can contribute money, food, and supplies to improve morale and support your fellow gang members. Donating regularly not only increases your honor but also unlocks upgrades and benefits for the camp. For instance, upgrading the medical supplies will improve the health of your gang members, while contributing to the food supply ensures everyone stays well-fed.\n\nDuring story missions, you’ll often face moral dilemmas that affect your honor. For example, in the mission "Money Lending and Other Sins," you can choose to collect debts harshly or show leniency. Opting for leniency will increase your honor, while being ruthless will decrease it. Pay attention to dialogue options and mission outcomes, as they often provide clues about the honorable choice.\n\nHunting and fishing can also contribute to your honor. Releasing fish back into the water after catching them or sparing animals during hunts will earn you honor points. Additionally, greeting NPCs in towns like Saint Denis or Strawberry with a friendly "Howdy" or "Good morning" can slightly boost your honor. These small actions add up over time.\n\nTo maintain high honor, avoid unnecessary violence and theft. Killing innocent civilians, robbing stores, or antagonizing NPCs will quickly lower your honor. If you accidentally commit a dishonorable act, you can regain honor by performing positive actions, such as donating to the camp or helping strangers.\n\nFinally, the game’s final chapters are crucial for Arthur’s redemption. In Chapter 6, Arthur’s health deteriorates, and his actions take on greater significance. Choosing to help John Marston and his family escape the gang’s downfall is a pivotal moment that solidifies Arthur’s redemption. This decision, combined with high honor, ensures a more satisfying and emotionally resonant ending.\n\nPractical tips for maintaining high honor include regularly checking your honor level in the player menu, focusing on positive interactions, and avoiding reckless behavior. By consistently making honorable choices, you’ll unlock the best possible ending for Arthur Morgan, completing his redemption arc in a meaningful way.