How do I ensure Arthur’s honor is high before the final missions?

Ensuring Arthur’s honor is high before the final missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial for unlocking the best possible ending and experiencing the narrative’s emotional depth. Honor is a core game mechanic that reflects Arthur’s moral choices, influencing interactions, dialogue, and story outcomes. To maximize Arthur’s honor, you must consistently make positive decisions 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 NPCs in towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, and Strawberry offer tasks that reward honor upon completion. For example, helping a stranded traveler fix their wagon or returning a lost item to its owner will boost your honor. Always prioritize these opportunities, as they are scattered throughout the world and often marked by white icons on the map.\n\nAnother reliable method is greeting people in towns and camps. Simply walking through populated areas and pressing the greet button (L2/LT on consoles) to say hello to passersby will gradually increase your honor. This is a low-effort way to build honor over time, especially in bustling locations like Saint Denis, where you can greet dozens of people in a short period.\n\nDonating to the camp’s ledger is another way to improve honor. At the gang’s camp, interact with the donation box near Dutch’s tent and contribute money or valuable items. This not only boosts honor but also improves camp morale. Aim to donate regularly, as it’s a consistent way to maintain high honor levels.\n\nAvoiding criminal activities is essential. Crimes like robbery, assault, and murder will significantly lower your honor. If you accidentally commit a crime, such as bumping into someone in town, immediately defuse the situation by surrendering to law enforcement or fleeing without escalating violence. Paying off bounties at post offices can also help mitigate honor loss.\n\nFishing and releasing fish back into the water is a lesser-known but effective way to gain honor. Equip your fishing rod, catch fish, and then release them instead of keeping them. This action is repeatable and can be done at any body of water, such as the Dakota River or Flat Iron Lake.\n\nFinally, make honorable choices during key story missions. Many missions present moral dilemmas, and choosing the compassionate or selfless option will reward you with honor. For example, sparing lives, helping the vulnerable, or standing up for what’s right will align Arthur with a high-honor path.\n\nTo summarize, focus on helping strangers, greeting NPCs, donating to camp, avoiding crimes, and making honorable decisions. These actions, combined with consistent effort, will ensure Arthur’s honor is high before the final missions, leading to a more satisfying and emotionally resonant conclusion.