Can You Get a Good Ending in RDR2? Exploring the Nuances of Redemption
The question of whether Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) offers a “good” ending is complex, resonating deeply with players long after the credits roll. The short answer is: Yes, you can achieve a version of a good ending, but it’s crucial to understand that this is within the context of the game’s morally ambiguous world and Arthur Morgan’s tragic fate. RDR2 doesn’t deliver a classic fairytale conclusion. Instead, it provides a nuanced and emotionally resonant experience where “good” is relative to Arthur’s journey of self-discovery and redemption.
Understanding the Multiple Endings
RDR2 features multiple endings influenced primarily by Arthur Morgan’s honor level at the conclusion of Chapter 6. This isn’t a simple black-and-white good vs. evil choice, however. It’s a spectrum that reflects the decisions you make throughout the game. The most impactful choice that determines which version of the end you get is, by a mile, the decision to help John.
The High Honor Ending
If you consistently make honorable choices, helping people, completing good deeds, and generally striving for a morally upright path, you will trigger the high honor ending. This is widely considered the “best” ending. In this scenario, Arthur prioritizes John Marston’s escape and family’s safety. He eventually succumbs to his tuberculosis but does so watching a beautiful sunrise. The high honor ending is poignant and serves as a powerful culmination of Arthur’s redemptive arc. It emphasizes that even in a life marked by violence, compassion and sacrifice are the path to a form of peace. Arthur, in this ending, embodies the ‘redemption’ aspect of the title.
The Low Honor Ending
On the other hand, if you embrace a more ruthless and dishonorable approach, leading a life of crime and prioritizing your own interests over those of others, you will be subjected to the low honor ending. While the key plot points regarding John’s escape remain similar to the high honor ending, the final moments differ drastically. In this version, Micah Bell executes Arthur in a much more brutal and callous scene. This ending highlights the darker themes of the game, emphasizing the consequences of a life consumed by violence.
The Epilogue: A Second Chance
Regardless of Arthur’s specific fate, RDR2 offers an extensive epilogue that continues the story with John Marston as the protagonist. The epilogue sees John building a home, working on the ranch, and trying to escape the life of a criminal he was forced into. It’s this section, more so than Arthur’s actual death, that provides a glimmer of hope for the future. It reinforces the idea that despite the brutality of the past, change and a more peaceful future are possible.
The “Secret” Ending
Beyond the main storyline, there is also a subtle “secret” ending that can only be unlocked by achieving 100% completion of the game. It offers a brief scene where John visits Arthur’s grave, serving as a final poignant note to the epic Western narrative. It’s a touching moment of reflection and remembrance and acts as a final emotional bow.
The True Meaning of a “Good” Ending
Ultimately, whether you consider RDR2 to have a good ending depends on your perspective. It’s not about whether Arthur survives (as his death is unavoidable), but rather about the arc of his character. The high honor path is considered the “best” as it best reflects the games title. Arthur learns to value compassion and makes sure John and his family are able to have a chance at a peaceful existence.
The game emphasizes that redemption isn’t about perfection; it’s about choosing to make amends and prioritizing the well-being of others, even in the face of your own demise. RDR2 crafts a nuanced approach to ‘good’ and ‘bad’, which makes its story deeply moving and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many endings are there in Red Dead Redemption 2?
There are four primary endings in Red Dead Redemption 2, though the game’s focus is really on two: one based on high honor choices, and the other on low honor choices, both within the context of Arthur’s death. The epilogue provides a continuation with John Marston. The “secret ending” is a post 100% completion scene.
2. Which ending is the most realistic in RDR2?
The high honor ending, where Arthur sacrifices himself to ensure John’s safety and watches a sunrise, is often seen as the most realistic, as it best represents the games title ‘Redemption’. However, a case could be made that low honor is just as realistic in the old west setting.
3. Can Arthur be cured of tuberculosis in RDR2?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Arthur’s tuberculosis in the game. His deteriorating health is a fixed part of the narrative, serving as a reminder of the inevitability of death, and highlighting the importance of his final actions.
4. How does Arthur contract tuberculosis?
Arthur contracts tuberculosis from Thomas Downes, a man he roughs up for debt collection. It’s a moment that acts as a major turning point in his story, which he often reflects on.
5. Can I play as Arthur after the story ends?
The only way to play as Arthur after the story concludes is to reload a save file from before Chapter 6. Once you finish the main storyline, the game continues with John Marston in the epilogue.
6. Is it better to be honorable or dishonorable in RDR2?
There is no “better” choice in RDR2. Being honorable provides access to discounts in shops and a more uplifting ending while dishonorable allows for more mayhem based loot and a darker ending. However, from a narrative viewpoint, the honorable path is seen as better.
7. Does dying matter in RDR2?
Dying in RDR2 has little effect, the character will simply respawn nearby, and you will lose nothing from your inventory.
8. Can you get Arthur’s money as John?
Yes, by completing the Aberdeen Pig Farm side mission as Arthur but delaying revisiting until the epilogue as John. Be sure to spend all money as Arthur before visiting this location if you wish for a second shot at it.
9. What year is RDR2 set?
RDR2 is set in 1899, depicting the decline of the Wild West and the rise of modern society.
10. Why did Dutch walk away in the end?
Dutch walked away because he realized that Micah was the true traitor but due to his narcissistic personality, refuses to admit this.
11. How old is Arthur Morgan in RDR2?
Arthur Morgan is 36 years old during the events of Red Dead Redemption 2, his age and life stage contributing to his character arc.
12. Why does Hosea cough so much?
Hosea is suffering from what appears to be a lung disease of some sort, though not much is explained about it.
13. What happens if you visit Arthur’s grave?
If Arthur had high honor, his grave will be adorned with flowers and have an uplifting message with an eagle sitting on top, while a low honor grave will be in disrepair, with a more sombre message.
14. Does Dutch betray Arthur?
Dutch’s actions throughout the game are a betrayal to his gang members. While Dutch’s blind loyalty was always towards Micah, Dutch would ultimately be the reason for his gangs demise.
15. Will there be an RDR3?
Based on past releases, Red Dead Redemption 3 might be released around 2026 at the earliest. There have been some hints from Rockstar Games, however, a date has yet to be confirmed.