How does helping or ignoring the Wapiti tribe affect the story’s ending?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, the Wapiti tribe plays a significant role in the game''s narrative, particularly in the later chapters. Your interactions with the tribe, specifically whether you choose to help or ignore them, can influence certain story outcomes and character relationships. While the main story''s ending is largely predetermined, your choices regarding the Wapiti tribe can affect Arthur Morgan''s moral alignment, his relationships with key characters like Dutch and Charles, and the overall tone of the narrative.\n\nTo engage with the Wapiti tribe, you must progress through the main story until Chapter 6, where Arthur is introduced to the tribe through Charles Smith. The Wapiti are struggling against the U.S. government and the encroachment of settlers on their land. During this chapter, you will have several opportunities to assist the tribe, such as helping them gather supplies, defend their camp, or rescue their members from captivity. These missions are optional but highly impactful.\n\nOne key mission is ''The Delights of Van Horn,'' where Arthur and Charles help the Wapiti by stealing supplies from a military convoy. Completing this mission strengthens Arthur''s bond with Charles and reinforces his moral compass if you choose to help. Ignoring these missions, however, can lead to a more detached and self-serving portrayal of Arthur, which may align with a low-honor playthrough. The game tracks your choices, and while they don''t drastically alter the main ending, they do influence Arthur''s legacy and how other characters perceive him.\n\nAnother critical moment is the mission ''My Last Boy,'' where Arthur and Dutch assist the Wapiti in a final stand against the U.S. Army. Your actions here, such as saving Eagle Flies or prioritizing your own survival, can affect the emotional weight of the story. Helping the Wapiti in this mission demonstrates Arthur''s growing sense of responsibility and redemption, while ignoring their plight can highlight his internal conflict and detachment.\n\nGame mechanics also come into play during these missions. For example, stealth and combat skills are essential when infiltrating military camps or rescuing tribe members. Ensure you have adequate supplies like health tonics, ammunition, and a reliable weapon such as a bow or rifle. Pay attention to mission objectives and use the environment to your advantage, such as taking cover behind rocks or using distractions to avoid detection.\n\nFor new players, it''s recommended to help the Wapiti tribe to experience a more emotionally resonant story. This aligns with the game''s themes of redemption and sacrifice. Experienced players may choose to ignore the tribe to explore alternative narrative paths, but this often results in a less satisfying conclusion for Arthur''s character arc.\n\nPractical tips include saving your game before key missions to explore different outcomes and ensuring your honor level is high if you want to emphasize Arthur''s redemption. Additionally, take time to interact with Wapiti characters like Rains Fall and Eagle Flies during camp visits, as these interactions provide deeper context and emotional stakes for your decisions.\n\nIn summary, helping the Wapiti tribe enriches the story and reinforces Arthur''s journey toward redemption, while ignoring them can lead to a more morally ambiguous narrative. Your choices shape Arthur''s legacy and relationships, making these missions a crucial part of the game''s emotional depth.