How do I ensure Arthur’s relationships with John and Abigail are positive?
Ensuring Arthur’s relationships with John and Abigail are positive in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of story-driven choices, camp interactions, and specific missions. The game’s honor system and dialogue options play a significant role in shaping these relationships. To maintain a positive bond, prioritize helping John and Abigail during key story moments and engage with them regularly at camp.\n\nOne of the most critical ways to strengthen Arthur’s relationship with John is by completing missions that involve him. For example, during Chapter 2, you’ll encounter the mission ‘Polite Society, Valentine Style,’ where Arthur and John rescue a kidnapped boy. During this mission, support John’s decisions and avoid antagonizing him. Later, in Chapter 3, the mission ‘The Course of True Love’ involves helping John and Abigail reconcile. Choose dialogue options that encourage their relationship and avoid undermining their trust in Arthur.\n\nAt camp, interact with John and Abigail frequently. Approach them when they’re sitting by the fire or performing tasks, and choose friendly dialogue options. For example, when John is working on his tent, compliment his efforts or offer to help. Similarly, when Abigail is cooking or caring for Jack, engage in positive conversations. These small interactions build rapport over time and contribute to a stronger bond.\n\nAnother way to ensure a positive relationship is by completing optional tasks for them. For instance, in Chapter 2, Abigail may ask Arthur to fetch a harmonica for Jack. Completing this request not only improves Arthur’s relationship with Abigail but also demonstrates his care for Jack. Similarly, in Chapter 3, John may ask Arthur to help him with a hunting trip. Agreeing to these requests and completing them successfully reinforces their trust in Arthur.\n\nGame mechanics like the honor system also influence relationships. Maintaining high honor by helping strangers, donating to the camp, and making morally upright choices will reflect positively on Arthur’s interactions with John and Abigail. Conversely, low honor can strain relationships, as they may view Arthur as reckless or untrustworthy. To boost honor, consider donating money to the camp ledger, helping strangers in need, or sparing enemies during missions.\n\nPractical examples of maintaining positive relationships include avoiding conflicts with John during missions like ‘American Distillation’ in Chapter 3. During this mission, John and Arthur work together to sabotage a rival gang’s operations. Support John’s plans and avoid unnecessary risks to keep the mission smooth and reinforce their partnership. Additionally, in Chapter 6, the mission ‘My Last Boy’ involves John and Arthur working closely together. Prioritize John’s safety and follow his lead to ensure a positive outcome.\n\nFinally, pay attention to the epilogue, where Arthur’s actions directly impact John’s future. In the mission ‘Red Dead Redemption,’ Arthur’s sacrifice ensures John’s survival and sets the stage for the epilogue. By consistently supporting John and Abigail throughout the game, Arthur’s legacy becomes one of loyalty and care, which is reflected in the game’s ending.\n\nPractical tips for maintaining positive relationships include saving frequently to avoid unintended consequences, focusing on high-honor choices, and prioritizing missions involving John and Abigail. Engage with them at camp, complete their requests, and support their decisions during missions. These actions will ensure Arthur’s relationships with John and Abigail remain strong and meaningful throughout the game.