What happens if I ignore Strauss’s missions in Chapter 6?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, ignoring Strauss’s missions in Chapter 6 has significant consequences for the story and Arthur Morgan’s character arc. Strauss’s missions, specifically the debt collection tasks, are tied to Arthur’s moral development and the overall narrative. If you choose to ignore these missions, the game will progress differently, and you will miss out on key story moments that shape Arthur’s redemption journey.\n\nStrauss’s missions in Chapter 6 revolve around collecting debts from various NPCs, including Thomas Downes, who plays a pivotal role in Arthur’s story. If you ignore these missions, the game will eventually force you to complete them, as they are critical to the plot. However, delaying these missions can impact Arthur’s honor level and the way other characters perceive him. For example, if you avoid helping Strauss, Dutch and other gang members may comment on Arthur’s lack of commitment to the gang’s survival.\n\nFrom a gameplay mechanics perspective, ignoring Strauss’s missions will not prevent you from progressing through Chapter 6, but it will lock you out of certain storylines and character interactions. For instance, the mission "Money Lending and Other Sins III" is essential for revealing Arthur’s illness and his growing sense of morality. Skipping this mission means you miss a crucial turning point in the narrative, which affects the emotional weight of the story.\n\nTo complete Strauss’s missions, you must visit specific locations and interact with debtors. For example, in "Money Lending and Other Sins III," you are required to confront Thomas Downes at his ranch near Valentine. This mission is unavoidable if you want to progress the story, as it directly ties into Arthur’s diagnosis and his eventual redemption arc. Ignoring it will delay the inevitable, but the game will eventually prompt you to complete it.\n\nFor players who want to explore alternative outcomes, it’s worth noting that Arthur’s honor level plays a significant role in the game’s endings. Completing Strauss’s missions with high honor can lead to a more positive resolution for Arthur, while low honor results in a darker conclusion. If you ignore these missions, you may miss opportunities to increase your honor, which can affect the final cutscenes and Arthur’s legacy.\n\nPractical tips for handling Strauss’s missions include focusing on Arthur’s honor level and making choices that align with your desired ending. If you want a high-honor ending, consider completing the missions but treating the debtors with compassion. For example, in "Money Lending and Other Sins III," you can choose to spare Thomas Downes and his family, which boosts your honor. Conversely, if you prefer a low-honor playthrough, you can take a more ruthless approach, but be prepared for the consequences.\n\nIn summary, ignoring Strauss’s missions in Chapter 6 is not a viable long-term strategy, as the game will eventually require you to complete them. These missions are integral to Arthur’s character development and the overall story, so it’s best to approach them thoughtfully. Pay attention to your honor level and make choices that reflect the kind of Arthur you want to portray. By doing so, you can unlock the ending that best suits your playstyle and fully experience the emotional depth of Red Dead Redemption 2.