How do I unlock the “stay with John” ending in RDR2?

To unlock the ''stay with John'' ending in Red Dead Redemption 2, you must make specific choices during the final missions of the game. This ending is tied to Arthur Morgan''s honor level and decisions made in Chapter 6. The ''stay with John'' ending is one of four possible endings, and it is considered the more positive outcome for Arthur. Here''s a detailed guide on how to achieve it.\n\nFirst, you must ensure that Arthur Morgan has high honor by the time you reach the final missions. Honor is a core game mechanic that reflects Arthur''s moral choices throughout the story. You can increase your honor by helping strangers, donating to the camp, sparing enemies, and making altruistic decisions. Conversely, dishonorable actions like robbing, killing innocents, or being cruel will lower your honor. To unlock the ''stay with John'' ending, your honor must be at least halfway or higher on the honor meter.\n\nIn Chapter 6, you will encounter a critical mission called ''Red Dead Redemption.'' During this mission, Arthur and John are tasked with retrieving money from the gang''s camp. At the end of the mission, Arthur is confronted by Micah Bell, and you will have a choice: go back for the money or help John escape. To unlock the ''stay with John'' ending, you must choose to help John escape. This decision aligns with Arthur''s redemption arc and prioritizes John''s safety over personal gain.\n\nAfter choosing to help John, the game will transition to the final mission, ''Our Best Selves.'' In this mission, Arthur and the gang face off against the Pinkertons. Arthur''s health is deteriorating due to his illness, but he remains determined to protect John. During the mission, you will have to fight off enemies and make your way to a mountain pass. This is where the final confrontation with Micah occurs.\n\nIn the climactic scene, Arthur and Micah engage in a brutal fight. If your honor is high, Arthur will have a moment of clarity and choose to stay behind to ensure John''s escape. This is the ''stay with John'' ending, where Arthur sacrifices himself to give John a chance at a new life. The scene is emotionally charged and serves as a fitting conclusion to Arthur''s journey of redemption.\n\nTo summarize, the key steps to unlock the ''stay with John'' ending are: maintain high honor throughout the game, choose to help John escape during the ''Red Dead Redemption'' mission, and ensure Arthur''s final act is one of selflessness. This ending is widely regarded as the most satisfying and aligns with the themes of the game.\n\nFor players struggling to maintain high honor, focus on completing side missions that reward honor, such as helping strangers in need or donating to the camp. Avoid unnecessary violence and theft, as these actions will lower your honor. Additionally, pay attention to dialogue choices during missions, as some decisions can impact your honor level.\n\nIn conclusion, the ''stay with John'' ending is a poignant and rewarding conclusion to Arthur Morgan''s story. By prioritizing honor and selflessness, you can ensure that Arthur''s legacy lives on through John. This ending not only provides closure but also sets the stage for the events of the original Red Dead Redemption.