How do I maximize Arthur’s honor before the final missions?

Maximizing Arthur’s honor before the final missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial for unlocking the best possible ending and ensuring a more positive narrative arc for the character. Honor is a core game mechanic that influences Arthur’s interactions, dialogue, and the story’s outcome. To maximize honor, you need to consistently make morally good choices and engage in honorable actions throughout the game.\n\nOne of the most effective ways to increase honor is by helping strangers and completing side missions. Many strangers in the game offer tasks that reward you with honor points. For example, in Saint Denis, you can help a nun by donating money or assisting her with her charitable work. Similarly, in Valentine, you can help a woman being harassed by a drunk man. These small acts of kindness add up over time and significantly boost your honor.\n\nAnother reliable method is greeting people in towns and camps. Simply walking through towns like Valentine, Rhodes, or Saint Denis and greeting NPCs with a friendly "Howdy" or "Hello" will gradually increase your honor. This is a passive but effective way to build honor without engaging in combat or spending money. Make it a habit to greet at least 10-15 NPCs every time you visit a town.\n\nDonating to the camp and contributing to the gang’s funds is another way to increase honor. Visit the ledger at the camp and donate money, food, or supplies. This not only helps the gang but also reflects positively on Arthur’s character. Aim to donate at least $20-$50 each time you return to camp. Additionally, completing camp chores like chopping wood or carrying hay bales will also give you small honor boosts.\n\nAvoiding unnecessary violence is key to maintaining high honor. If you’re confronted by hostile NPCs, try to defuse the situation or flee instead of engaging in combat. Killing innocent people, even accidentally, will drastically lower your honor. If you do find yourself in a fight, use non-lethal methods like fists or the lasso to subdue enemies without killing them. This is especially important in towns where law enforcement will hunt you down for violent crimes.\n\nFishing and releasing fish back into the water is another underrated way to gain honor. Head to any body of water, such as the Dakota River or Flat Iron Lake, and catch fish using the fishing rod. After catching a fish, release it instead of keeping it. Each release grants a small honor boost, and this method can be repeated indefinitely. It’s a peaceful and rewarding activity that also allows you to enjoy the game’s beautiful environments.\n\nFinally, make sure to avoid actions that lower your honor. Stealing from NPCs, killing animals unnecessarily, and committing crimes like robbery or assault will quickly diminish your honor. If you accidentally lose honor, you can offset it by performing good deeds immediately afterward. For example, if you accidentally trample someone with your horse, donate to the camp or help a stranger to balance it out.\n\nBy following these steps and consistently making honorable choices, you can maximize Arthur’s honor before the final missions. This will not only lead to a more satisfying ending but also enhance your overall experience of the game. Remember, honor is a reflection of Arthur’s character, and your choices will shape his legacy.