Table of Contents

Unraveling the Endings: A Comprehensive Guide to Red Dead Redemption Endings

So, you’re wondering how many endings there are in the Red Dead universe? The answer, as with any sprawling Western epic, is layered and nuanced. While each game has its own specific conclusion, understanding the various outcomes depends on which title you’re referring to and how you define an “ending.” Here’s a breakdown:

Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2): Arguably the most complex, RDR2 has four primary endings for Arthur Morgan, dictated by your honor level and a pivotal choice at the end of Chapter 6. There’s also a very debatable “secret ending” that requires near 100% game completion.
Red Dead Redemption (RDR1): This title presents two main endings – one with John Marston and another with Jack Marston after a time skip.
Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare: This standalone expansion has one distinct ending related to its unique storyline.

Essentially, Red Dead delivers multiple ways for the sun to set on its narratives, each carrying emotional weight and reflecting your choices within the game. But let’s dive a little deeper, shall we?

Red Dead Redemption 2: The Many Paths to Sunset

Arthur Morgan’s Endings

High Honor – Help John: This is generally considered the “good” or “honorable” ending. Arthur helps John escape, sacrifices himself to buy John time and succumbs to his tuberculosis while watching a beautiful sunrise. This is the most emotionally resonant ending for many players.
High Honor – Go for the Money: Arthur tries to retrieve the gang’s money. Arthur still tries to help John escape, but the final confrontation with Micah takes place on Mount Hagen. Arthur succumbs to his tuberculosis while watching a beautiful sunrise.
Low Honor – Help John: This ending sees Arthur helping John escape and makes the same choice to sacrifice himself. Instead of succumbing to tuberculosis, the vengeful Micah Bell executes him.
Low Honor – Go for the Money: Arthur tries to retrieve the gang’s money. The confrontation with Micah takes place on Mount Hagen, and Micah executes a beaten-down, dishonorable Arthur.

The “best” ending is subjective, but the high honor, help John ending aligns most closely with Arthur’s character arc of redemption.

The Elusive “Secret Ending”

The existence of a true “secret ending” in RDR2 is debated, but many players consider achieving near 100% completion to be its own reward, unlocking unique dialogue and world states. The requirements are steep:

Complete all Stranger Missions.
Find all Collectibles.
Hunt and study every Animal.
Catch every Fish.
Discover every Point of Interest.

While this doesn’t trigger a distinct cutscene, the level of immersion and detail you experience makes it a rewarding, almost “secret” culmination of your journey. It’s a testament to the game’s intricate design and world-building. Think of it as an extended epilogue, offering a profound sense of closure.

Red Dead Redemption: A Generational Tale

John Marston’s Sacrifice

The primary ending of RDR1 is the tragic death of John Marston. Forced to hunt down his former gang members to protect his family, John ultimately sacrifices himself in a blaze of glory, holding off government agents long enough for his wife and son to escape. This is the most iconic and heartbreaking moment in the game.

Jack Marston’s Revenge

After a time skip, you take control of Jack Marston, John’s son. The game concludes with Jack tracking down and killing Edgar Ross, the man responsible for John’s death. This act of vengeance completes the cycle of violence, leaving Jack with a bleak future.

Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare – A Zombie Western Finale

This expansion features one definitive ending: John Marston’s transformation into a zombified hero. After finding a cure for the undead plague, John is unable to save himself and becomes one of the undead. He is eventually put to rest by his family, ending the nightmare. While not a traditional ending in the same vein as the main games, it offers closure to the expansion’s unique story arc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you prevent Arthur from dying in RDR2? No, Arthur Morgan’s death is a fixed point in the narrative. His tuberculosis diagnosis is unavoidable, and there’s no cure. The ending you receive is determined by your choices and honor level leading up to his death.
Does your honor level affect the gameplay besides the endings in RDR2? Absolutely. High honor leads to discounts in shops, while low honor results in higher bounties and more encounters with law enforcement. The way NPCs react to you also changes based on your honor.
What happens if you have neutral honor in RDR2’s final chapter? The ending you receive will be a variation between the high and low honor endings. The specific outcome depends on the choice you make: helping John or going for the money.
Is there a way to keep Arthur’s money for John in RDR2? Yes, there is a well-known method involving the Aberdeen Pig Farm. Allow them to rob you as Arthur, and don’t return until you are playing as John. The money will then be accessible in their farmhouse.
Who is Micah Bell, and why is he important to the story? Micah Bell is the primary antagonist in RDR2. He’s a ruthless and manipulative character who undermines the Van der Linde gang from within, ultimately leading to their downfall and Arthur’s demise.
Why did Dutch betray Arthur in RDR2? Dutch’s betrayal is complex. He’s influenced by Micah, struggles with paranoia, and loses his grip on reality. He increasingly prioritizes his own vision over the well-being of the gang.
Does the “Undead Nightmare” expansion connect to the main Red Dead Redemption storyline? No, “Undead Nightmare” is considered non-canon. It’s a standalone, alternate-reality scenario that doesn’t impact the main storyline of Red Dead Redemption.
Is Red Dead Redemption 2 a prequel to Red Dead Redemption? Yes, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel. It tells the story of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang, events that precede John Marston’s journey in the first game.
Will there be a Red Dead Redemption 3? While Rockstar Games hasn’t officially announced Red Dead Redemption 3, the success of the series makes a sequel highly likely. Speculation suggests it could be released sometime in the future, but there are no confirmed details.
What makes Arthur Morgan’s death so impactful? Arthur’s death is poignant because of his character development throughout the game. He evolves from a loyal enforcer to a man seeking redemption, making his sacrifice deeply emotional. The contrast between his violent past and his desire for a better future adds to the tragedy.
Can you free roam after completing the main story in both Red Dead Redemption games? Yes, both Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2 allow you to free roam after completing the main story. You can continue exploring the world, completing side missions, and hunting for collectibles.
Are there any romantic options in the Red Dead Redemption games? While there are encounters with female characters and flirtatious dialogue, the Red Dead Redemption series does not feature traditional romance options or relationships in the same way as some other open-world games.
What is the significance of the sunrise in the high honor ending of RDR2? The sunrise symbolizes hope, redemption, and a peaceful passing. It contrasts with Arthur’s violent life and signifies his acceptance of death, knowing he has done his best to secure a future for John and his family.
How does Red Dead Redemption explore themes of morality and redemption? The Red Dead Redemption series delves into themes of morality and redemption by presenting characters who grapple with their past actions and strive to find meaning in a changing world. The games explore the consequences of violence, the complexities of loyalty, and the possibility of finding redemption even in the face of overwhelming odds. You can learn more about how video games can explore such powerful themes on websites like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
What is the most popular theory for Red Dead Redemption 3? One popular theory involves a prequel focusing on a younger Dutch van der Linde and Hosea Matthews forming the gang, showing the origin story of the iconic outlaw group. Another theory suggests a new protagonist in a different region.

Ultimately, the Red Dead series’ genius lies in its ability to craft compelling narratives with multiple layers and deeply human characters. The endings, though often tragic, serve as powerful conclusions to journeys marked by violence, loyalty, and the enduring hope for redemption. No matter which path you choose, the sunsets in Red Dead are always breathtakingly beautiful, tinged with both regret and the promise of a new dawn.

How many endings does Red Dead have?