How do I avoid losing honor during the mission "Money Lending and Other Sins"?
The mission ''Money Lending and Other Sins'' in Red Dead Redemption 2 is part of the main story and involves collecting debts for Leopold Strauss. While the mission is designed to test your moral compass, it is possible to avoid losing honor by making careful choices during key moments. Honor is a core mechanic in RDR2, affecting how NPCs react to you, the story''s outcome, and even Arthur''s appearance. Losing honor can lead to negative consequences, so it''s important to approach this mission strategically.\n\nDuring the mission, you will visit three debtors: Winton Holmes, Chick Matthews, and Thomas Downes. Each encounter presents opportunities to lose honor if you choose aggressive or cruel actions. For example, when confronting Winton Holmes, you can either intimidate him or use force to collect the debt. To avoid losing honor, opt for dialogue options that are less aggressive. Instead of threatening him, calmly demand the money or search his property for valuables to repay the debt. This approach minimizes honor loss while still completing the objective.\n\nChick Matthews is another debtor who can be found near Flatneck Station. When you locate him, he will attempt to flee. Chasing him down and tackling him will not result in honor loss, but beating him excessively will. To avoid this, tackle him and use the ''Threaten'' option instead of ''Beat.'' This allows you to collect the debt without resorting to unnecessary violence. Additionally, if you search his camp, you can find valuables to repay the debt, further reducing the need for aggressive actions.\n\nThe most morally challenging part of the mission involves Thomas Downes, who is located at his ranch near Valentine. Downes is visibly ill and unable to repay his debt. While Strauss insists on collecting the money, you can minimize honor loss by avoiding excessive violence. Instead of beating Downes, use the ''Threaten'' option and search his property for valuables. This approach allows you to complete the mission without causing undue harm, preserving your honor.\n\nGame mechanics play a significant role in this mission. The honor system tracks your actions, and even small decisions can impact your overall score. For example, looting bodies or stealing from innocent NPCs will lower your honor, so avoid these actions during the mission. Additionally, the game rewards players who show restraint and compassion, so always consider the long-term effects of your choices.\n\nPractical tips for this mission include saving your game before each debtor encounter. This allows you to reload if you accidentally lose honor. Also, focus on searching for valuables at each location, as this can reduce the need for aggressive actions. Finally, remember that the mission is designed to challenge your morality, so take your time and think carefully about each decision.\n\nIn summary, avoiding honor loss during ''Money Lending and Other Sins'' requires a combination of restraint, strategic decision-making, and careful exploration. By choosing less aggressive dialogue options, avoiding unnecessary violence, and searching for valuables, you can complete the mission while maintaining your honor. This approach not only preserves your moral standing but also enhances your overall gameplay experience.