How do I unlock the “save John” ending in RDR2?

To unlock the ''save John'' ending in Red Dead Redemption 2, you must make specific choices throughout the game that influence Arthur Morgan''s honor and the story''s outcome. This ending is tied to Arthur''s redemption arc and requires high honor, as well as completing certain missions in a particular way. The ''save John'' ending is one of four possible endings, and achieving it requires careful attention to your actions and decisions.\n\nFirst, you must maintain high honor throughout the game. Honor is a core mechanic in RDR2 that reflects Arthur''s moral alignment. You can increase your honor by helping strangers, donating to the camp, sparing enemies, and making altruistic choices in missions. For example, during the mission ''Money Lending and Other Sins III,'' you can choose to forgive debts instead of collecting them, which boosts your honor. High honor is essential for unlocking the ''save John'' ending, as it reflects Arthur''s desire to redeem himself.\n\nNext, you must complete the main story missions leading up to the final chapter, Chapter 6. Key missions like ''My Last Boy'' and ''Red Dead Redemption'' will shape Arthur''s fate. During ''My Last Boy,'' you must choose to help John escape from the Pinkertons, which sets the stage for the final act. In ''Red Dead Redemption,'' Arthur''s decisions will determine whether he sacrifices himself to save John or prioritizes his own survival. To unlock the ''save John'' ending, you must choose to help John escape during the mission ''Our Best Selves.''\n\nIn the final mission, ''Red Dead Redemption,'' Arthur and John are pursued by Micah and the Pinkertons. Arthur must ensure John escapes safely, which involves fighting off enemies and making a final stand. If your honor is high, Arthur will have a heartfelt moment with John, urging him to leave and take care of his family. This leads to the ''save John'' ending, where Arthur dies on the mountain, but John survives to continue his story. This ending is emotionally impactful and ties directly into the events of the first Red Dead Redemption game.\n\nCommon challenges include maintaining high honor, especially if you''ve made dishonorable choices earlier in the game. To address this, focus on completing side activities that boost honor, such as helping strangers, fishing, and donating to the camp. Additionally, avoid unnecessary violence and theft, as these actions lower your honor. If you''re struggling to raise your honor, consider replaying earlier missions with a focus on making altruistic choices.\n\nPractical tips for unlocking the ''save John'' ending include regularly checking your honor level in the player menu and adjusting your gameplay accordingly. Pay attention to dialogue options during missions, as these often influence honor. For example, during the mission ''The Fine Joys of Tobacco,'' you can choose to spare a character instead of killing them, which increases your honor. Finally, ensure you complete all optional honor-boosting activities, such as helping camp members with their requests or assisting strangers in need.\n\nIn summary, the ''save John'' ending requires high honor, specific mission choices, and a focus on Arthur''s redemption. By making altruistic decisions, helping John escape, and prioritizing honor, you can unlock this emotionally resonant conclusion to Arthur''s story.