What are the consequences of killing or sparing certain characters?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, the choices you make regarding killing or sparing certain characters significantly impact the story, your honor level, and the game''s multiple endings. The game features two main endings, each with variations based on your honor level (high or low). These endings are influenced by key decisions, particularly during the final missions involving Dutch, Micah, and Arthur''s fate.\n\nOne of the most critical choices involves Micah Bell, the primary antagonist in the later stages of the game. During the mission ''Red Dead Redemption,'' Arthur must decide whether to go back for the money or help John Marston escape. Choosing to help John increases your honor and leads to a more noble ending for Arthur, where he succumbs to his illness while watching the sunrise. Conversely, going back for the money lowers your honor and results in Arthur being killed by Micah in a less dignified manner.\n\nAnother pivotal moment occurs in the epilogue, where John Marston confronts Micah at Mount Hagen. Here, you can choose to spare or kill Micah. Killing Micah aligns with John''s character arc and provides a sense of justice for Arthur''s death. Sparing him, while rare, leaves the story unresolved and feels less satisfying for most players. This choice does not affect the overall ending but impacts the emotional closure of the narrative.\n\nGame mechanics also play a role in these decisions. Your honor level, which is influenced by actions like helping strangers, donating to camp, or committing crimes, determines the tone of the ending. High honor leads to a more peaceful and redemptive conclusion, while low honor results in a darker, more tragic outcome. To maximize your honor, engage in positive activities such as fishing, hunting for the camp, and assisting NPCs in need.\n\nPractical examples include the mission ''Do Not Seek Absolution,'' where Arthur can choose to forgive debts owed to Strauss. Forgiving debts increases honor, while collecting them decreases it. Similarly, during random encounters, sparing lives or helping strangers boosts your honor, whereas killing or robbing them lowers it. These small choices accumulate and shape the final outcome.\n\nFor players aiming to unlock all endings, it''s recommended to create multiple save files at key decision points. This allows you to experience both high and low honor endings without replaying the entire game. Key moments to save include before the mission ''Red Dead Redemption'' and before the epilogue''s final confrontation with Micah.\n\nIn summary, the consequences of killing or sparing characters in Red Dead Redemption 2 are profound, affecting the story''s emotional weight and Arthur''s legacy. By understanding the game mechanics and making deliberate choices, you can shape the narrative to align with your preferred ending. Focus on building honor through positive actions and save strategically to explore all possible outcomes.