How do I unlock the “save John and his family” ending in RDR2?

To unlock the ''save John and his family'' ending in Red Dead Redemption 2, you must make specific choices during the game''s final chapters, particularly in Chapter 6 and the Epilogue. This ending is tied to Arthur Morgan''s honor level and his decisions, which directly impact the fate of John Marston and his family. Here''s a detailed guide to achieving this ending.\n\nFirst, you must ensure Arthur Morgan has high honor by the end of Chapter 6. Honor is a core game mechanic that reflects Arthur''s moral choices. You can increase honor by helping strangers, donating to camp funds, sparing lives during missions, and making altruistic decisions. For example, during the mission ''Money Lending and Other Sins,'' you can choose to forgive debts rather than collect them, which boosts honor. High honor is crucial because it unlocks the ''good'' ending for Arthur, which in turn sets the stage for John''s survival.\n\nIn Chapter 6, during the mission ''Our Best Selves,'' Arthur is tasked with collecting debts for Micah and Dutch. To maintain high honor, avoid antagonizing or killing innocent people during this mission. Instead, focus on completing objectives peacefully. Later, in the mission ''Red Dead Redemption,'' Arthur will face a critical choice: return to camp to help John escape or go after the money. Choosing to help John is essential for unlocking the ''save John and his family'' ending. This decision reflects Arthur''s redemption arc and prioritizes loyalty over greed.\n\nAfter Arthur''s story concludes, the game transitions to the Epilogue, where you play as John Marston. The Epilogue spans several years and involves John building a new life with his family. To ensure John''s survival, complete all Epilogue missions, including ''Jim Milton Rides, Again?'' and ''American Venom.'' These missions tie up loose ends from Arthur''s story and solidify John''s future. Pay close attention to the mission ''American Venom,'' as it involves confronting Micah Bell, a key antagonist. Successfully completing this mission ensures John''s safety and sets the stage for the game''s final moments.\n\nThroughout the Epilogue, focus on building John''s life at Beecher''s Hope, a ranch near Blackwater. Completing side activities like building the ranch, herding cattle, and bonding with John''s family adds depth to the story and reinforces the theme of redemption. These activities are optional but highly recommended for a fulfilling gameplay experience.\n\nPractical tips for achieving this ending include regularly checking your honor level in the player menu. If your honor is low, engage in positive actions like greeting strangers, fishing, and releasing caught fish. Additionally, avoid unnecessary violence and theft, as these actions lower honor. During missions, always choose dialogue options that reflect compassion and integrity. For example, in the mission ''A Short Walk in a Pretty Town,'' you can choose to spare enemies rather than kill them, which boosts honor.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the ''save John and his family'' ending requires maintaining high honor, making selfless choices as Arthur, and completing all Epilogue missions as John. By prioritizing loyalty, compassion, and redemption, you can ensure a satisfying conclusion to Red Dead Redemption 2''s story.