Is Low Honor Arthur Morgan Canon in Red Dead Redemption 2?

The answer is nuanced: no, low honor Arthur Morgan is not strictly “canon” in the traditional sense of a single, definitive storyline. Rockstar Games intentionally designed Red Dead Redemption 2 with a morality system that allows players to shape Arthur’s character arc. While the broad strokes of the story – Arthur contracting tuberculosis, his complex relationship with Dutch van der Linde, and his eventual sacrifice – remain consistent, the player’s choices profoundly influence Arthur’s motivations, interactions, and ultimately, the tone of his final moments. The prevalent understanding, and the one most emotionally resonant with players and critics alike, leans towards a high honor Arthur finding redemption before his death. However, the existence of a fully realized low-honor path means that it’s a valid, deliberately created, and arguably equally compelling interpretation of the character. Think of it as an alternate telling of the same core story.

Arthur’s Morality: A Player-Driven Narrative

Red Dead Redemption 2 excels in providing the player with agency. Arthur’s honor isn’t a fixed attribute; it’s a dynamic reflection of your actions. You can choose to be a ruthless outlaw, preying on innocent travelers and leaving a trail of carnage, or you can opt for a more compassionate path, helping those in need and striving for redemption. This flexibility allows players to connect with Arthur on a deeper level, projecting their own moral compass onto his actions.

The game’s narrative responds to these choices. A high honor Arthur will experience different interactions and dialogue options compared to a low honor Arthur. He’ll also receive different dreams and visions, see different animals symbolizing his honor, and ultimately, have a different ending sequence reflecting his moral standing. This intricate system of cause and effect highlights that there isn’t a single, definitive “right” way to play. Both paths offer unique insights into Arthur’s character and the world he inhabits.

The Impact of Honor on the Story

While the main story beats remain largely the same, the subtle but significant differences in a low honor playthrough create a dramatically different experience.

• Dialogue: Arthur’s interactions with other characters are altered based on his honor. A low-honor Arthur is more cynical, dismissive, and even cruel in his dialogue. This affects his relationships with gang members and the wider world.

• Missions and Encounters: Some missions and random encounters become unavailable or change based on Arthur’s honor. For example, some honor-based side quests might be locked out if Arthur is notorious.

• Dreams and Visions: Arthur’s dreams and visions reflect his moral state. High honor Arthur will often see a stag, symbolizing honor and nobility, while low honor Arthur will see a wolf, representing savagery and brutality.

• Ending Sequence: The most significant difference is the ending sequence. A high honor Arthur dies peacefully watching the sunrise, having found a measure of redemption and leaving a positive impact on John Marston’s future. A low honor Arthur, however, is killed by Micah in a brutal confrontation, his last moments marked by bitterness and regret.

Canon vs. Player Choice

The debate about whether a low honor Arthur is canon often hinges on the definition of “canon.” If canon is defined as the single, officially sanctioned version of the story, then neither high nor low honor is definitively canon. Rockstar has deliberately left it open to interpretation, allowing players to craft their own version of Arthur’s journey.

However, if canon is defined as a valid and internally consistent interpretation of the character, then low honor Arthur is undoubtedly canon. The game provides ample support for this path, with unique dialogue, missions, and ending sequences that create a cohesive and meaningful narrative.

The emotional impact of a high honor ending often sways players towards that interpretation, as it offers a more hopeful and redemptive conclusion. However, a low honor playthrough can be just as compelling, exploring the darker aspects of Arthur’s character and highlighting the consequences of his outlaw lifestyle. It also underscores the difficulty of escaping a life of violence and the seductive power of ruthlessness in a harsh world.

Ultimately, the “canon” Arthur is the one that resonates most with the individual player. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a testament to the power of player choice in shaping a character’s narrative and creating a uniquely personal experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Arthur Morgan’s Honor

1. What happens if Arthur has low honor?

A dishonorable Arthur is killed by Micah Bell regardless of circumstances. Micah will either shoot Arthur in the face or stab him in the back. His interactions with NPCs are often negative, impacting his overall experience and storyline conclusion.

2. Is the low honor ending canon?

Not definitively. While Rockstar Games allows for both high and low honor playthroughs, the high honor ending is often considered more emotionally resonant. The low honor ending is a valid interpretation, reflecting a specific set of player choices.

3. What is Arthur’s canon death?

While both endings are valid, the ending where Arthur succumbs to tuberculosis and dies peacefully while watching the sunrise is often seen as the more fitting conclusion for a character striving for redemption.

4. Is it bad to have low honor in RDR2?

Not necessarily. Low honor provides a challenging and different gameplay experience, allowing players to explore the darker aspects of Arthur’s character and the consequences of his actions. It can also provide a greater payout in missions.

5. What does Arthur’s grave say with low honor?

With low honor, Arthur Morgan’s grave epitaph reads: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

6. What is the lowest honor possible in RDR2?

The lowest honor ranking is -8, which corresponds to -320 honor points.

7. Which Honor Arthur is canon?

Neither. Both high and low honor Arthurs are considered valid interpretations of the character, depending on the player’s choices and actions.

8. Can you prevent Arthur from dying?

Unfortunately, no. Arthur Morgan contracts tuberculosis, and his death is a fixed part of the narrative.

9. Who kills Arthur Red Dead?

In the low honor ending, Micah Bell kills Arthur in a brutal confrontation. In the high honor ending, Arthur succumbs to his tuberculosis while watching the sunrise.

10. Why does Micah shoot Arthur in low honor?

Micah kills Arthur due to his perceived betrayal of Dutch and the gang, fueled by Micah’s own ambition and manipulative influence over Dutch.

11. Is Arthur Morgan a good or bad guy?

Arthur is a complex character capable of both good and evil. The player’s choices determine the extent to which he leans towards either side. His journey is often interpreted as a redemption arc, highlighting his underlying goodness despite his outlaw lifestyle.

12. Does low honor Arthur see a wolf?

Yes, low honor Arthur typically sees a wolf in his dreams and visions, symbolizing savagery, brutality, and his descent into darkness.

13. Why does Micah spare high honor Arthur?

It’s open to interpretation, but it’s likely Micah spared Arthur either to use him as a distraction from the lawmen or because he was too caught up in his victory and the events that followed, or possibly even a sense of twisted respect or a belief that Arthur was already as good as dead.

14. What is Arthur’s canon look?

Arthur’s “canon look” is generally considered to be his Gunslinger Outfit with a bushy beard and long hair, as depicted in the player section of the game.

15. Can Arthur get full honor?

Yes, Arthur can achieve maximum honor in Red Dead Redemption 2. It requires consistently making moral choices, helping others, and engaging in honorable actions throughout the game. You can also use money to pay off your bounty, removing your “Wanted” status.

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