Does completing side missions affect the ending?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, completing side missions does not directly affect the main story endings, but it can influence the overall narrative experience and Arthur Morgan''s character arc. The game has four main endings, determined by your honor level and a key decision in the final mission. Side missions, however, add depth to the story, provide context for Arthur''s relationships, and can impact how players perceive the ending.\n\nSide missions, also known as Stranger Missions, are optional tasks scattered across the map. These missions often involve helping NPCs with unique stories, such as helping a photographer capture wildlife or aiding a veteran in finding his old comrades. While these missions do not alter the main story''s outcome, they contribute to Arthur''s development and can affect his honor level, which plays a crucial role in the ending.\n\nTo unlock all endings, you must focus on Arthur''s honor level. Honor is a game mechanic that tracks your moral choices, such as helping strangers or committing crimes. High honor leads to a more positive ending, while low honor results in a darker conclusion. Side missions often provide opportunities to increase your honor, such as helping a stranded traveler or donating to the camp fund. Conversely, ignoring these missions or making selfish choices can lower your honor.\n\nFor example, the mission ''The Widow of Willard''s Rest'' involves helping Charlotte, a woman struggling to survive after her husband''s death. Completing this mission not only increases your honor but also adds emotional weight to Arthur''s journey. Similarly, the mission ''The Veteran'' allows you to bond with Hamish Sinclair, a retired soldier, and his horse Buell. These interactions enrich the story but do not change the main ending.\n\nTo achieve the high honor ending, prioritize side missions that reward honor and avoid unnecessary violence or theft. For the low honor ending, focus on selfish actions and ignore altruistic opportunities. The final decision in Chapter 6, where Arthur chooses to help John escape or return for the money, also determines the ending. High honor leads to a selfless choice, while low honor results in a greedy one.\n\nPractical tips for managing honor include regularly donating to the camp, greeting NPCs in towns, and helping strangers in need. Avoid killing innocent civilians or robbing travelers unless you are aiming for low honor. Additionally, explore the map thoroughly to discover side missions that align with your desired honor level.\n\nIn summary, while side missions do not directly change the main endings, they influence Arthur''s honor and provide a richer narrative experience. By carefully managing your honor and completing relevant side missions, you can shape Arthur''s journey and enhance your connection to the story.