What are the consequences of helping or refusing to help Strauss with debts?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, helping or refusing to help Leopold Strauss with his debt collection missions has significant consequences for Arthur Morgan''s honor, story progression, and gameplay. Strauss is the gang''s loan shark, and his missions involve collecting money from desperate individuals who owe the Van der Linde gang. These missions are optional but play a key role in shaping Arthur''s character arc and the game''s ending.\n\nIf you choose to help Strauss, you will be tasked with visiting debtors across the map, such as Winton Holmes in Valentine, Chick Matthews near Emerald Ranch, and Thomas Downes in the Heartlands. These missions involve confronting the debtors, often using intimidation or violence to collect the money. Completing these missions earns you money for the gang''s camp funds and increases your honor slightly if you handle the situations with restraint. However, these missions also highlight the moral dilemmas Arthur faces, as many debtors are poor and struggling.\n\nRefusing to help Strauss, on the other hand, allows you to avoid the moral weight of these missions. While this choice may feel more ethical, it means missing out on the money and potential honor gains. Additionally, refusing to help Strauss does not significantly impact the main story until later in the game, when Arthur''s relationship with Strauss becomes a pivotal plot point. This choice ultimately reflects Arthur''s personal growth and his questioning of the gang''s methods.\n\nGameplay-wise, helping Strauss unlocks a series of missions that contribute to the gang''s financial stability. For example, collecting debts from Winton Holmes and Chick Matthews provides immediate cash rewards, which can be used to upgrade the camp or purchase supplies. These missions also introduce you to key locations like Emerald Ranch and Valentine, which are useful for exploration and side activities. However, the mission involving Thomas Downes has long-term consequences, as it directly ties into Arthur''s health and the game''s ending.\n\nFor new players, it''s recommended to complete at least some of Strauss''s missions to gain experience with the game''s mechanics, such as combat, dialogue choices, and exploration. These missions also provide opportunities to practice Arthur''s Dead Eye ability and improve your shooting skills. Experienced players may choose to skip these missions for role-playing reasons, focusing instead on other activities like hunting, fishing, or completing side quests.\n\nPractical tips for handling Strauss''s missions include using non-lethal methods to collect debts, such as threatening debtors without resorting to violence. This approach helps maintain Arthur''s honor and aligns with his character development. Additionally, always loot the debtors'' homes after completing the missions, as they often contain valuable items like money, jewelry, or crafting materials. These items can be sold or used to upgrade your gear.\n\nIn summary, helping Strauss with his debts provides financial benefits and contributes to the gang''s survival, but it also forces Arthur to confront the moral implications of his actions. Refusing to help Strauss allows for a more ethical playthrough but may limit your access to resources and story content. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferred playstyle and how you want to shape Arthur''s journey.