Do You Get Honor for Killing Jean-Marc in Red Dead Redemption 2? A Deep Dive

The short answer is a resounding no. Killing Jean-Marc in Red Dead Redemption 2 results in a loss of honor. This decision, while offering a tangible in-game benefit, comes at the cost of Arthur Morgan’s reputation and moral standing. Let’s delve deeper into the ramifications of this choice and explore other related questions.

The Jean-Marc Dilemma: Kill or Spare?

During the “Idealism and Pragmatism” stranger mission in Red Dead Redemption 2, players are presented with a moral quandary involving Jean-Marc, a target of Mayor Henri Lemieux’s political machinations. Lemieux tasks Arthur with capturing Jean-Marc, allowing the player to choose whether to bring him in alive or to eliminate him. The consequences of this decision ripple through the game, affecting Arthur’s honor and shaping the narrative.

The Consequences of Killing Jean-Marc

Opting for the lethal route, players find themselves dumping Jean-Marc’s body in the water. While this action fulfills Mayor Lemieux’s implicit desire and seemingly resolves the immediate conflict, it carries a significant penalty:

• Honor Loss: Arthur’s honor rating decreases, nudging him further towards the “outlaw” side of the spectrum.
• Economic Benefit: The primary reward is a permanent 10% discount at all stores in Saint Denis. This discount provides a considerable economic advantage throughout the rest of the game, making purchases of essential supplies, weapons, and clothing cheaper.
• Political Stability: Lemieux remains the mayor of Saint Denis, maintaining the status quo. He also sends a letter to Arthur to thank him for getting rid of Marc.

The Consequences of Sparing Jean-Marc

Choosing to spare Jean-Marc yields a vastly different outcome:

• Honor Gain: Arthur’s honor increases, reflecting his compassionate and merciful act.
• Narrative Reward: The player receives a special journal entry, documenting Arthur’s thoughts on the situation. A letter is also received.
• Political Upheaval: Jean-Marc, now freed from Lemieux’s control, exposes the mayor’s corruption.
• Political Shift: After a few in-game days, Jean-Marc becomes the new mayor of Saint Denis.

The Moral Calculus

The decision to kill or spare Jean-Marc boils down to a trade-off between material gain and moral integrity. Do you prioritize Arthur’s honor and the greater good of Saint Denis, or do you seek the immediate economic benefit of the discount? The choice is entirely up to the player and reflects their preferred playstyle and interpretation of Arthur’s character.

FAQs: Untangling the Web of Choices in Red Dead Redemption 2

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the consequences of actions and choices in Red Dead Redemption 2, especially regarding honor and in-game events.

1. What happens if you kill a shopkeeper in RDR2?

   If you kill a shopkeeper, their shop will temporarily close. When they return, they will have a bandage on the location they were shot.

2. Does killing random NPCs always decrease honor?

   Generally, yes. Indiscriminately killing innocent civilians almost always results in a loss of honor. There are rare exceptions, but it’s best to assume that unprovoked violence will negatively impact your honor.

3. How can I quickly increase my honor in RDR2?

   Several actions can boost your honor. Completing story missions with honorable choices, helping strangers in need, donating to the camp, performing chores, and even greeting people politely in towns all contribute to a higher honor rating.

4. Does honor affect the ending of Red Dead Redemption 2?

   Yes, Arthur’s honor level significantly influences the ending he receives. High honor leads to a more redemptive and poignant conclusion, while low honor results in a darker and more tragic finale.

5. Can you rob the same homesteads more than once?

   No. Once a homestead has been robbed, it cannot be robbed again.

6. Should I spare or kill the first O’Driscoll I encounter?

   The decision doesn’t significantly impact the game. The outcome is predetermined and tied to character development, regardless of whether you choose to choke him or leave him to freeze.

7. Can you get rid of Arthur’s tuberculosis in RDR2?

   Unfortunately, no. Arthur’s tuberculosis is a fixed plot point and cannot be cured. It serves as a major driving force in the narrative and his character arc.

8. What happens if I kill the man from Blackwater who is tied up?

   Killing him will result in a loss of honor, but you can loot his body. Sparing him will result in gaining a gift.

9. What happens if I let Jean-Marc live?

   If you let Jean-Marc live, he will expose the mayor’s corrupt practices and become the new mayor of Saint Denis.

10. How do I start the Henri Lemieux missions?

    After completing “The Gilded Cage,” you will receive a letter from Henri Lemieux. You will be invited to visit the mayoral residence at nighttime. A quest marker will appear at nighttime in northwest Saint Denis, and the mission can then be started.

11. Is it better to be honorable or dishonorable in RDR2?

    There’s no objectively “better” path. High honor offers advantages like discounts and a more fulfilling narrative, while low honor unlocks unique interactions and gameplay opportunities. It depends on your preferred playstyle and desired experience.

12. Why did Dutch kill Micah?

    Dutch’s motive is complex. While some believe it was a moment of redemption or a way to atone for his mistakes, others argue that it was a narcissistic act aimed at preserving his own image. Ultimately, it’s a combination of factors, including loyalty to Arthur and the realization of Micah’s betrayal.

13. Should I spare or hang Cleet?

    Whether you spare or hang Cleet, the end result will be that he dies. Sparing him will lead to Sadie killing him. This choice does not have a huge bearing on the game.

14. How do I take Jean-Marc without being seen?

    To take Jean-Marc without being seen, you should approach him stealthily at his house. Knock him out to take him back to the Mayor’s mansion without causing alarm.

15. How does Red Dead Redemption 2 utilize game-based learning?

    Red Dead Redemption 2, despite not being explicitly designed as an educational tool, inadvertently provides learning opportunities. The game enhances problem-solving skills by requiring players to think critically to complete missions. It simulates historical contexts, promoting understanding of the American West. Furthermore, the game enhances empathy and ethical reasoning through moral choices and consequences. To delve deeper into the intersection of gaming and education, resources such as the Games Learning Society offer valuable insights and research. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore this fascinating field.

In conclusion, the decision to kill Jean-Marc in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a significant one with both immediate and long-term consequences. By weighing the pros and cons, players can make a choice that aligns with their preferred playstyle and moral compass, shaping their unique journey through the wild west.