What side missions should I complete to influence the ending?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, the ending you receive is heavily influenced by your honor level and the choices you make during key story missions. However, certain side missions, particularly those involving Arthur''s relationships with other characters, can also impact the narrative and emotional tone of the ending. To unlock all possible endings, you need to focus on both your honor level and completing specific side missions that shape Arthur''s character arc.\n\nFirst, your honor level is a critical factor in determining the ending. High honor leads to a more positive and redemptive conclusion, while low honor results in a darker, more tragic outcome. You can increase your honor by helping strangers, donating to the camp, and making morally good choices in missions. Conversely, low honor is gained through criminal activities, harming innocents, and selfish decisions. Pay attention to the honor bar in the top-right corner of the screen, as it reflects your current standing.\n\nOne of the most important side missions to influence the ending is the ''Brotherhood and Other Dreams'' series, which involves helping Sister Calderón and Brother Dorkins in Saint Denis. These missions become available in Chapter 4 and are tied to Arthur''s spiritual redemption. Completing these missions with high honor reinforces Arthur''s desire to make amends for his past, which aligns with the high honor ending. If you ignore these missions or have low honor, Arthur''s redemption arc is less pronounced, affecting the emotional weight of the ending.\n\nAnother key side mission is ''The Widow of Willard''s Rest,'' which involves helping Charlotte Balfour, a widow living in the wilderness near Annesburg. This mission becomes available in Chapter 6 and is only accessible if you have high honor. Helping Charlotte showcases Arthur''s softer, more compassionate side and contributes to the high honor ending. If you have low honor, this mission will not trigger, and you''ll miss out on a significant moment that reinforces Arthur''s redemption.\n\nAdditionally, the ''Help a Brother Out'' mission in Chapter 6, where you assist Captain Monroe and Rains Fall, is crucial for the high honor ending. These missions involve aiding the Native American tribe and making morally upright decisions. Completing these missions with high honor further solidifies Arthur''s commitment to doing the right thing, even in the face of adversity. Skipping these missions or making selfish choices will push you toward the low honor ending.\n\nFor players aiming for the low honor ending, focus on missions that involve violence and selfishness. For example, in the ''Money Lending and Other Sins'' missions, you can choose to intimidate or harm debtors instead of showing compassion. These choices will lower your honor and align Arthur with a more ruthless path. Similarly, in the ''A Fine Night of Debauchery'' mission in Chapter 2, you can engage in reckless behavior, which contributes to a low honor playthrough.\n\nTo ensure you unlock all endings, consider creating multiple save files at key points in the story, such as the start of Chapter 6. This allows you to experiment with different honor levels and side mission choices without replaying the entire game. Pay attention to the dialogue and interactions with characters like Dutch, John, and Sadie, as these relationships also influence the ending''s tone.\n\nIn summary, to influence the ending in Red Dead Redemption 2, focus on your honor level and complete side missions that align with your desired outcome. High honor missions like ''Brotherhood and Other Dreams,'' ''The Widow of Willard''s Rest,'' and ''Help a Brother Out'' are essential for the redemptive ending, while low honor choices in missions like ''Money Lending and Other Sins'' lead to a darker conclusion. By carefully managing your honor and completing these missions, you can experience all the game''s endings and fully appreciate Arthur Morgan''s complex journey.