How do I unlock the “Return to John” ending?

To unlock the ''Return to John'' ending in Red Dead Redemption 2, you must complete the main story and reach the epilogue. This ending is part of the game''s natural progression and is accessible after finishing the main campaign. The ''Return to John'' ending focuses on John Marston''s life after the events of Arthur Morgan''s story, allowing players to continue exploring the world and completing side missions.\n\nTo begin, you must first complete all six chapters of the main story. These chapters follow Arthur Morgan''s journey as a member of the Van der Linde gang. Key missions include ''The Wheel,'' ''A Strange Kindness,'' and ''Red Dead Redemption,'' which lead to Arthur''s final moments. After completing Chapter 6, the game transitions to the epilogue, where you take control of John Marston.\n\nThe epilogue consists of two parts: ''Princess Isabeau Katharina Zinsmeister'' and ''The Wheel.'' In these sections, John works to build a new life for himself and his family. You will complete missions such as ''Jim Milton Rides, Again?'' and ''A New Future Imagined,'' which set the stage for the ''Return to John'' ending. These missions involve tasks like building a house, reconnecting with old friends, and confronting lingering threats from the gang''s past.\n\nOne of the key requirements for unlocking the ''Return to John'' ending is completing the mission ''American Venom.'' This mission is the final one in the epilogue and involves tracking down Micah Bell, a former gang member. To access this mission, you must first complete all other epilogue missions and ensure that John has settled into his new life at Beecher''s Hope, a ranch located west of Blackwater.\n\nDuring the epilogue, you will also have the opportunity to explore the world as John Marston. This includes revisiting locations from Arthur''s story, such as Valentine, Saint Denis, and Annesburg. You can also complete side missions, hunt legendary animals, and collect unique items. These activities are not required to unlock the ending but add depth to John''s story and provide additional gameplay content.\n\nA common challenge players face is ensuring they have completed all necessary missions before attempting to unlock the ending. To avoid this, check your mission log frequently and prioritize main story missions over side activities. If you encounter difficulty during the epilogue, such as low health or limited resources, consider stocking up on supplies like food, ammunition, and tonics before starting key missions.\n\nIn summary, the ''Return to John'' ending is unlocked by completing the main story, finishing all epilogue missions, and successfully completing ''American Venom.'' This ending provides closure to John Marston''s story and sets the stage for the original Red Dead Redemption. By following these steps and engaging with the game''s rich narrative, you can fully experience this emotional and satisfying conclusion.\n\nPractical tips for unlocking the ending include focusing on main missions, managing your resources, and exploring the world as John Marston. Take your time to enjoy the epilogue''s slower pace and immerse yourself in the story. This approach will ensure you are fully prepared for the final mission and can appreciate the ''Return to John'' ending in its entirety.