How does helping or abandoning certain characters affect the ending?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, the ending you experience is heavily influenced by your choices throughout the game, particularly in how you treat certain characters and the moral decisions you make. The game features multiple endings, and your honor level, as well as your actions during key missions, determine which one you unlock. The two primary endings are tied to Arthur Morgan''s fate, and they are shaped by whether you choose to help or abandon certain characters, such as John Marston and Dutch van der Linde.\n\nYour honor level is a critical game mechanic that affects the ending. Honor is influenced by your actions, such as helping strangers, donating to the camp, or committing crimes. High honor leads to a more positive outcome, while low honor results in a darker conclusion. For example, if you consistently help John Marston and other gang members, your honor will increase, and Arthur will be portrayed as a redeemed character. Conversely, abandoning them or making selfish choices will lower your honor, leading to a more tragic ending.\n\nOne of the most significant decisions affecting the ending occurs during the mission ''Red Dead Redemption'' in Chapter 6. Here, Arthur must choose between helping John Marston escape or returning to the gang to retrieve the money. If you choose to help John, Arthur prioritizes loyalty and redemption, which aligns with a high honor playthrough. This decision leads to a more hopeful ending, where Arthur sacrifices himself to ensure John''s survival. On the other hand, choosing to retrieve the money reflects a selfish mindset, aligning with low honor, and results in a grim conclusion where Arthur meets a less noble fate.\n\nAnother key character whose treatment impacts the ending is Dutch van der Linde. Throughout the game, Dutch''s decisions become increasingly erratic, and Arthur must decide whether to remain loyal or question his leadership. If you side with Dutch during critical moments, such as the mission ''My Last Boy,'' your honor may decrease, especially if his actions conflict with your moral compass. However, if you challenge Dutch and prioritize helping others, your honor will rise, influencing the ending toward a more positive outcome.\n\nTo achieve the high honor ending, focus on helping characters like Sadie Adler, Charles Smith, and John Marston during their missions. For example, in the mission ''Mrs. Sadie Adler, Widow II,'' assist Sadie in rescuing her friend, and in ''The Fine Joys of Tobacco,'' help John escape the law. These actions not only boost your honor but also strengthen your relationships with these characters, making the ending more emotionally impactful.\n\nFor players aiming for the low honor ending, prioritize selfish decisions, such as abandoning missions or betraying allies. For instance, during ''The King''s Son,'' you can choose to keep the money for yourself instead of returning it to the camp. These choices will lower your honor and lead to a more tragic conclusion for Arthur.\n\nPractical tips for managing your honor include regularly donating to the camp, greeting strangers politely, and avoiding unnecessary violence. Conversely, if you want to lower your honor, commit crimes like robbery or murder and ignore opportunities to help others. Pay attention to the honor bar in the game''s HUD to track your progress.\n\nIn summary, the ending of Red Dead Redemption 2 is shaped by your honor level and your decisions regarding key characters. Helping John Marston and others leads to a high honor ending, while abandoning them results in a low honor conclusion. Focus on your choices during pivotal missions and manage your honor to unlock the ending that aligns with your playstyle.