The Best Reasons To Do A Low Honor Run in Red Dead Redemption 2

Key Takeaways

Train robberies are a key way to make money in
Red Dead Redemption 2
, but watch out for the lawmen and bounties.
Arthur’s honor level affects gameplay, from looting bonuses to cutscene dialogue, impacting interactions and story outcomes.
Players have the freedom to create their missions and explore Arthur’s different story choices, revealing his true character.

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must say that Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most immersive and character-driven games I’ve ever played. Arthur Morgan, the protagonist, is a complex character whose journey reflects his honor alignment brilliantly.

It’s fair to say that Arthur Morgan, the renowned character from Rockstar’s newest addition to their Old West game series, is more morally conflicted than just an ordinary outlaw. Throughout his life, he has been nurtured and employed by the Van Der Linde Gang.

The narrative of the game centers around Arthur Morgan, who starts off as a train robber and later moves on to bank heists. Despite being a bad guy in terms of his actions, Arthur is essentially a good man pushed into doing wrong things. The player has the power to decide just how ‘good’ Arthur truly is. The game’s honor system plays a crucial role here, as it determines the moral compass of Arthur based on his actions throughout the Wild West. Indiscriminately shooting up an entire town might not sit well with Arthur’s conscience. Throughout the game, players have multiple chances to uncover Arthur’s true character, even though he often clashes with the residents of Saint Denis.

This list contains spoilers for Red Dead Redemption 2’s main story.

10 Train Robberies

Times Are Tough

The Best Reasons To Do A Low Honor Run in Red Dead Redemption 2

Those players who feel they aren’t advancing significantly in the main plot might encounter a problem, as everything appears quite costly. Whether it’s purchasing a new steed or simply acquiring ammunition for their worn-out Cattleman Revolver, the prices seem excessively high.

Board trains and rob passengers is one of many activities in the game that might raise ethical concerns, yet it offers a thrilling cinematic experience. Should you spot any trains moving along the tracks, feel free to hop on board. The civilians inside can then be coerced to hand over their valuables. This old-fashioned cowboy move is a useful method of acquiring cash, especially at the beginning of the game. However, do keep in mind that law enforcement officials are particularly vigilant about this sort of activity, and engaging in it will likely result in a large bounty being placed on your head.

9 Looting Bonuses

Everything Can Be Free

In the game ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’, players are incentivized for following a certain honor path with Arthur Morgan by receiving hidden advantages (passive buffs) and additional rewards (bonus items). These perks become accessible as the Honor Meter shifts towards a specific direction.

For less prestigious players, they’ll find additional loot on fallen enemies, which can be very advantageous during initial gameplay missions when resources are tight. To make things even better, a 10% storewide discount on all goods is also offered.

8 Character Interactions

Greet, Rob, & Antagonize

Something that can’t be denied is just how funny Arthur Morgan is. Given the option to either greet or antagonize every NPC in-game up to three times, each combination of the two sees Arthur Morgan come up with some hilarious, albeit brutal, burns.

Though constantly antagonizing civilians will clearly impact Arthur’s honor meter, having that extra level of interaction in an already incredibly immersive world is a wonderful mechanic. It’s not always certain how the characters will react to being antagonized. Sometimes, it’s just a push; sometimes, it’s a fistfight where the entire Saloon gets involved.

7 Player Freedom

Make Arthur’s Own Missions

Should players find themselves unwilling to advance the main story at present, they’ll eventually find themselves with fewer Stranger missions and completed bounties. At that point, it falls upon Arthur to create his own amusement.

Exploring ways to survive in Saint Denis for extended periods or indulging in the role-playing freedom that embodies a ‘murder-hobo’ character from Dungeons and Dragons, there are numerous options to test the boundaries of Red Dead Redemption 2. This exploration significantly amplifies the RPG aspect within Rockstar’s universe, as Arthur may even be woken up by relentless bounty hunters in the distance.

6 Different Dialogue

Kill, Spare, Or Something In Between

A character like Arthur Morgan, who has a less noble moral compass, will alter his demeanor noticeably during certain scenes. Depending on whether he appears gruff or confrontational, the game’s “honor” level will greatly influence how Arthur develops throughout the narrative.

In a different phrasing, the cowboy exhibits a harsher attitude towards his comrades, showing a less warm and straightforward personality than his typically friendly and caring nature suggests. This hardened Arthur, with little respect for human life, appears to be entrenched in his old habits. Whether it’s his cold response to Lenny’s demise or his aggressive counsel to John Marston near the end of the game, his actions demonstrate a lack of empathy.

5 Environmental Reactions

Not The Most Popular Cowboy In The West

In every major town within “Red Dead Redemption 2”, people don’t appreciate an unscrupulous cowboy. During a game with a low honor setting, disdainful comments from the townsfolk towards this morally questionable character are frequent occurrences.

The repeated warnings from store owners for Arthur to stop causing trouble or a gunsmith pleading not to shoot him again, serve as humorous reminders throughout the game in New Hanover, suggesting that Rockstar is well aware of the player’s actions and tactics.

4 Story Themes

Coyote In Sheep’s Clothing

Near the conclusion of Arthur’s story, as he grapples with the reality of his own life’s end, he spends more time contemplating his actions and self-worth. This introspection is symbolically represented by animals such as deer or coyotes, embodying aspects of Arthur’s character and moral compass.

In a chilly, somber manner, an unfeeling Arthur Morgan frequently encounters a coyote dining on a dead bear’s remains under a frosty gray sky, symbolizing the harsh life he has led and the people he has wronged in his pursuit of power. Rather than emphasizing ‘redemption,’ his narrative transforms into a melancholic tale of a virtuous man who was ultimately tainted by his environment.

3 Different Story Choices

Let’s See Just How Murder-Happy Arthur Is

The narrative presents multiple scenarios where players must decide whether Arthur will act as a ruthless figure or show mercy. Will Arthur resort to violence by pushing the civilian off a cliff, thus silencing any potential witnesses? Or will he opt for a more subtle approach and pretend to be kind instead?

It’s beneficial to explore different perspectives and observe how characters react to tough decisions. For instance, will Arthur choose to eliminate Tilly Jackson’s captor or spare him? While this action may decrease the player’s respect level, it offers a fascinating glimpse into just how fiercely protective Arthur is of his crew, providing a more comprehensive understanding of his character for those eager to delve deeper.

2 The Last Ride

That’s The Way It Is

As Arthur embarks on his fateful quest to aid John Marston, he is joined by a moving farewell journey. In this moment, thoughts of all his past deeds during the game drift through Arthur’s mind.

In his mind, a continuous loop of quotes and pivotal scenes from the story don’t resemble a noble playthrough at all. Instead, what echoes are the pleas of the Downes family for Thomas’ life as Arthur brutally attacks him, along with instances where Dutch Van Der Linde subtly infiltrated Arthur’s thoughts and molded him into the ruthless cowboy he became.

1 Low Honor Ending

Arthur Goes For The Money

Should the players opt for retrieving the money in the game’s conclusive decision, Arthur makes a dash towards the blazing camp with the intention of rescuing the funds and delivering them back to John.

After a prolonged duel with Micah, Arthur finds himself encompassed by flames. A knife impaled in his back as rain softly drizzles on his fading form. His final moments reveal a coyote amidst the tempest, echoing his past transgressions, and he breathes his last, failing to deliver the money to John. This somber conclusion caps a sorrowful narrative. In the denouement, when the remaining Van Der Linde gang members reminisce about Arthur, their sentiments shift dramatically. They acknowledge that he wasn’t an unblemished hero, but they remember his efforts to uphold Marston’s ideals.

2024-10-05 18:35