How do you unlock the secret ending for Arthur’s story?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur Morgan’s story has multiple endings, but there is a secret ending that many players may not discover without specific actions. This ending is tied to Arthur’s honor level and a key decision he makes during the final mission. To unlock the secret ending, you must achieve high honor and make a specific choice in the game’s climax. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this.\n\nFirst, you need to focus on building Arthur’s honor throughout the game. Honor is a core mechanic in Red Dead Redemption 2, and it influences how NPCs react to Arthur, as well as the story’s outcome. You can increase your honor by performing good deeds, such as helping strangers, donating to the camp, or sparing enemies during missions. Conversely, committing crimes or being cruel to NPCs will lower your honor. To unlock the secret ending, you must reach the highest honor level, which is represented by a fully white honor bar on the player stats screen.\n\nOne of the most effective ways to increase honor is by greeting NPCs in towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, or Rhodes. Simply saying hello to people as you pass them will gradually raise your honor. Additionally, completing side missions that involve helping others, such as saving someone from a robbery or assisting a stranded traveler, will significantly boost your honor. Donating money to the camp ledger at Horseshoe Overlook or other camp locations also contributes to your honor level.\n\nAs you progress through the story, pay attention to key moments where your choices affect Arthur’s honor. For example, during the mission ‘Money Lending and Other Sins,’ you can choose to forgive debts owed to the gang, which will increase your honor. Similarly, in the mission ‘A Short Walk in a Pretty Town,’ you can spare certain characters instead of killing them, which also boosts your honor. These small decisions add up over time, so always consider the moral implications of your actions.\n\nWhen you reach Chapter 6, the game’s final act, Arthur’s health begins to deteriorate due to his tuberculosis diagnosis. This is a critical point in the story, and your honor level will determine the tone of the ending. To unlock the secret ending, you must have high honor before starting the final mission, ‘Red Dead Redemption.’ During this mission, Arthur and Dutch confront Micah on Mount Hagen. When given the choice to go back for the money or help John escape, choose to help John. This decision, combined with high honor, will trigger the secret ending.\n\nIn the secret ending, Arthur’s final moments are more peaceful and reflective. Instead of a violent death, he succumbs to his illness while watching the sunrise, symbolizing his redemption. This ending is widely regarded as the most emotionally impactful and aligns with Arthur’s character arc. To ensure you achieve this outcome, keep an eye on your honor bar throughout the game and make choices that reflect Arthur’s growth as a person.\n\nFor players struggling to maintain high honor, here are some practical tips. Avoid unnecessary violence, especially against innocent NPCs. If you accidentally commit a crime, surrender to law enforcement or pay off your bounty to minimize honor loss. Additionally, focus on completing side missions that reward honor, such as helping the Downes family or assisting the veteran in ‘The Veteran’ stranger mission. These activities not only boost your honor but also enrich the overall story experience.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the secret ending for Arthur’s story requires careful attention to your honor level and a specific choice during the final mission. By consistently making moral decisions and helping others, you can ensure Arthur’s journey ends on a poignant and satisfying note. This ending is a testament to the game’s depth and the impact of player choices, making it a must-see for any Red Dead Redemption 2 fan.