How do I ensure Arthur’s journal is completed before the endgame?

Completing Arthur Morgan''s journal in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a rewarding task that adds depth to the story and provides insight into his thoughts and experiences. To ensure the journal is fully completed before the endgame, you need to focus on specific activities, interactions, and exploration. The journal is updated automatically during key story missions, but many entries require Arthur to manually document his observations, encounters, and discoveries.\n\nFirst, prioritize story missions. Many journal entries are tied to main story progression, and Arthur will automatically write about significant events, such as camp relocations, major character deaths, and pivotal moments in the narrative. Completing all main story chapters (Chapters 1-6) is essential to unlock the majority of these entries. Pay attention to Arthur''s dialogue and actions during missions, as these often trigger journal updates.\n\nNext, explore the open world thoroughly. Arthur''s journal includes sketches and notes about wildlife, landmarks, and unique encounters. To document these, you must visit specific locations and interact with the environment. For example, Arthur will sketch animals like the legendary buck or the grizzly bear if you encounter them in the wild. Similarly, visiting landmarks such as Mount Shann or the Elysian Pool will prompt him to write about them. Use the in-game map to identify points of interest and plan your exploration.\n\nInteract with NPCs and participate in random encounters. Arthur''s journal often reflects his thoughts on the people he meets, such as strangers with side missions or hostile gangs. For instance, helping the veteran in the "The Veteran" stranger mission series will result in journal entries about their growing friendship. Similarly, encountering the Night Folk in the swamps or the Murfree Brood in Roanoke Ridge will prompt Arthur to document these dangerous groups.\n\nCollectibles and challenges also contribute to the journal. Arthur will write about unique items, such as dinosaur bones, rock carvings, and dreamcatchers, if you find them. Completing challenges like hunting legendary animals or finding rare plants will also result in journal updates. For example, after hunting the legendary wolf, Arthur will sketch it and reflect on the experience. Use the compendium and challenge menus to track your progress and identify missing entries.\n\nFinally, pay attention to Arthur''s health and honor. Some journal entries are influenced by his moral choices and physical condition. For example, if Arthur contracts an illness or suffers a significant injury, he may write about it. Similarly, high or low honor can affect his perspective on certain events and interactions. Make choices that align with the type of journal entries you want to see, whether they reflect a redeemed or fallen Arthur.\n\nTo ensure you don''t miss any entries, regularly check the journal by opening the satchel and selecting it. This allows you to review what has been documented and identify gaps. If you''re unsure about specific entries, consult online guides or maps that detail all possible journal updates. By combining story progression, exploration, and interaction, you can complete Arthur''s journal before the endgame and fully experience his journey.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a pencil (automatically provided) to ensure Arthur can write in the journal. Visit all regions of the map, including New Austin if possible, as some entries are location-specific. Save your game frequently to avoid losing progress, and use fast travel to revisit areas if needed. Finally, take your time—RDR2 rewards patience and thoroughness.