Red Dead Redemption 2: Ways Honor Actually Affects The Story

The world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most expansive worlds to run around in in any game. Rockstar presents a story showcasing a gang of outlaws trying to escape the law in the closing days of the Wild West. Can you redeem yourself or leave behind a legacy of pain?

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Returning from the first game, honor is a morality system gauging Arthur's actions throughout the game. Rockstar took a more subtle approach on its effects. The most noticeable effect is dialogue. Try it out and see how the gang sees Arthur.

Updated October 10, 2024, by Jon Eakin: Red Dead Redemption is aging like a fine old whiskey, gathering more fans as the years go by. Whether you're new to the saddle or a dust old hand at the reins, you may only have played through it once, meaning you missed out on life on the other side of the tracks, morally speaking. To help keep this list as fresh as Arthur after a visit to the bathhouse we've updated this list with new features.

10 Arthur's Personality

By His Deeds

Honor level has subtle effects on Arthur's personality and behavior. Even the way he interacts with people depends on his temperament. With high honor, Arthur is more compassionate and selfless, looking out for others and keeping a protective eye on the Marston family. With low honor, Arthur is selfish and heartless, ignoring the plights of the Van der Linde gang.

Even though honor is limited until Chapter 6, Arthur's dialogue reflects his views and attitudes toward others during missions. Arthur can be more optimistic or downright vile and pessimistic, depending on how you've been going through the story so far.

9 The Whittemore Outfit

The Clothes Make The Man

During the mission, A Fine Night Of Debauchery, Arthur infiltrates a boat hosting a high-stakes poker game to take the money onboard.

Before departing, Josiah Trelawny suggests Arthur dress up for the occasion. The Whittemore outfit has a gray jacket, black pants, and a vest and tie that change colors depending on your honor. The high honor version has a blue tie and vest, whereas the low honor suit has a red vest and tie.

8 Arthur's Post-Diagnosis Thoughts

Looking Back

After returning from Guarma, Arthur discovers he has tuberculosis. Following the news, he walks through the streets of Saint Denis, contemplating his life and the many mistakes he's made. His perspective changes depending on his current honor level.

With low honor, the world has a dark, sepia filter, and pessimistic phrases cut through his memories. The music is also an uncomfortable low drone. With high honor, there's hazy yellow light as Arthur remembers conversations with loved ones as somber music drones on.

7 Arthur's Spirit Animal

The Golden Buck And Black Coyote

After Arthur's diagnosis, he begins seeing one of two animals. They're his spirit animals and are affected by honor levels. Both of these are also metaphors for the man he's become. A coyote or a deer will wait for Arthur as he enters the forest.

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A black coyote follows Arthur if he has low honor, while a deer guides Arthur if he has high honor. They make occasional appearances throughout Chapter 6 and the Epilogue.

6 Arthur's Advice To John Changes (Slightly)

Tone Is Everything

In "The Bridge to Nowhere," John Marston expresses his doubts and concerns about Dutch and the Van Der Linde Gang. He's grown leerier of Dutch's declining behavior as well as the gang's fizzling community. Arthur's advice on what to do varies slightly depending on his honor level.

At either level, Arthur still tells John to look after his family and leave before it's too late. With low honor, Arthur's delivery is much more bitter and envenomed but has a more compassionate and warm tone at higher honor levels.

5 Sadie's Thoughts About Arthur

Ride Or Die

At the end of "Mrs. Sadie Adler, Widow," Sadie and Arthur avenge her husband, Jake, by slaying his killers. As Sadie cries with relief and pain, Arthur tries to comfort her. She thanks Arthur and tells him what she thinks about it.

Sadie tells a dishonorable Arthur that he's "a confusing man," but he's her best friend. An honorable Arthur, however, is told "apart from my Jake, you're the best man I've known." Regardless of honor, it's a touching and satisfying moment seeing Sadie finally get her revenge.

4 Honor Affects The Final Ride

With Or Without Hope

After saving Abigail from Agent Milton in "Red Dead Redemption," Arthur has one last ride to the gang's camp to inform them of Micah Bell's betrayal. Like the Saint Denis walk, the montage changes based on his decisions.

Instead of a droning piece, "The Way It Is" plays, and the quotes are different. The song becomes darker and bleaker if Arthur is dishonorable. However, the music becomes more emotional if he's honorable. Either way, it's the start of the emotional roller coaster that doesn't stop until the mountainside fight.

3 Arthur's Death Depends On Your Choices

The End

No matter how you try to fight it, Arthur dies at the conclusion of "Red Dead Redemption." However, Arthur's death will change depending on his honor and final actions. A dishonorable Arthur is killed by Micah Bell regardless of the circumstances. Micah will either shoot Arthur in the face or stab him in the back.

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An honorable Arthur is still beaten viciously by Micah until Dutch intervenes. Afterward, Arthur watches the sunrise as he slowly succumbs to his wounds and dies. No matter what choice you make, the story is undeniably great.

2 How John And Charles Remember Him Changes

By The Company He Keeps

Even a decade after his death, Arthur is still in the minds of those he was closest with. John Marston and Charles Smith remember him differently based on Arthur's honor before Red Dead Redemption 2's Epilogue, after they reunite in Saint Denis.

Charles will remember an Arthur with low honor as a man true to himself, even though he was not a good man. On the opposite end of the spectrum, he will say that an honorable Arthur was "a good man, as much as any of us could've been."

1 Arthur's Tombstone Reflects His Honor Level

Loved Or Simply Remembered

After his death, Charles gives Arthur a proper burial. His grave can be visited and changes based on his honor. If Arthur was dishonorable, his grave is weathered, unkempt, and guarded by a black coyote. His epitaph reads, "Blessed are those that mourn for they be comforted."

A high honor Arthur's tombstone is tended to and adorned with flowers. His epitaph reads "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness." An eagle watches over the site. You can't harm the eagle nor the coyote; it's as if Arthur is looking on even from the grave.

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