What happens if I don’t help John during the final missions?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, the final missions of the game revolve around Arthur Morgan''s choices and their impact on the story''s conclusion. One of the most critical decisions occurs during the mission ''Red Dead Redemption,'' where Arthur must decide whether to help John Marston escape or return to the camp to confront Dutch and Micah. If you choose not to help John, the story takes a significantly different turn, and the ending you experience will reflect Arthur''s moral alignment and choices throughout the game.\n\nIf you decide not to help John, Arthur will return to Beaver Hollow, the gang''s final camp location, to face Dutch and Micah. This path is often associated with a low Honor playthrough, where Arthur prioritizes his loyalty to the gang over his personal redemption. Upon returning to camp, Arthur confronts Micah in a tense standoff, but Dutch intervenes, leading to a dramatic and tragic conclusion. Arthur is left to die alone on the mountain, succumbing to his tuberculosis and the betrayal of those he once trusted.\n\nThis ending is emotionally impactful but lacks the sense of redemption and closure that comes with helping John. It also affects the post-game content, as John''s survival is crucial for the epilogue, where players continue the story as John Marston. Without helping John, the epilogue is significantly altered, and players miss out on key narrative moments that tie the story together.\n\nTo avoid this outcome, players should prioritize helping John during the final missions. This choice aligns with a high Honor playthrough, where Arthur seeks redemption and aims to protect those he cares about. To achieve this, players must make morally positive decisions throughout the game, such as helping strangers, donating to the camp, and avoiding unnecessary violence. These actions increase Arthur''s Honor level, making the ''help John'' ending more accessible.\n\nDuring the mission ''Red Dead Redemption,'' players are given a clear choice: go with John to ensure his escape or return to camp. To help John, follow the on-screen prompts and stay with him as you fight off Pinkertons and other enemies. This path leads to a more satisfying conclusion, where Arthur sacrifices himself to ensure John''s survival, allowing the story to transition seamlessly into the epilogue.\n\nFor players struggling with the combat or stealth mechanics during this mission, it''s essential to stock up on health tonics, ammunition, and Dead Eye supplies beforehand. The mission is intense and requires quick reflexes, so being prepared is key. Additionally, using cover effectively and prioritizing high-threat enemies can make the encounter more manageable.\n\nIn summary, not helping John during the final missions leads to a tragic and less fulfilling ending for Arthur Morgan. To experience the full narrative and unlock the epilogue, players should prioritize helping John and maintain high Honor throughout the game. This approach not only provides a more satisfying conclusion but also sets the stage for the continuation of the story as John Marston.