Summary
To say that Arthur Morgan is a morally distraught outlaw would be an understatement.The now-iconic protagonist of Rockstar’s latest installment in their Old West open-world franchisehas spent his entire life being raised, and subsequently working for, theVan Der Linde Gang.
From robbing trains to bank heists, one of the core elements ofRed Dead Redemption 2’s plot is that Arthur Morgan is a good man forced to do terrible things. Just how good he is, however, is entirely in the hands of the player. The game’s honor system will tip the scales depending on just how virtuous Arthur’s actions in the Wild West are — randomly gunning down an entire town will not reflect on Arthur’s moral compass all too well. Whether it’s specific story choices or just exploring the vast open world, Rockstar gives players many opportunities to see the protagonist’s true character, even if he spends most of his time antagonizing the Saint Denis' population.
This list contains spoilers for Red Dead Redemption 2’s main story.
10Train Robberies
Times Are Tough
Players who haven’t found themselves progressing all that much into the main story will no doubt have an issue;everything just seems so darn expensive, whether it’s that new horse or just ammo for their beaten-upCattleman Revolver.
Train robbingis among the plethora of morally questionable, albeit cinematic, activities available to the player at any time. Any trains seen chugging their way along the tracks can be boarded, and all civilians inside can subsequently be intimidated into giving up their valuables. This classic cowboy trope is an excellent way of getting some cash when starting out. Just beware of the hyper-alert lawmen and the sky-high bounty that will subsequently be endowed upon the player.
9Looting Bonuses
Everything Can Be Free
One of the many ways thatRed Dead Redemption 2rewards players for pursuing a specific honor path for Arthur Morgan is throughpassive buffs and bonus items that will be unlockedas the Honor Meter starts moving in a particular direction.
For low-honor players, they will get extra items from looting dead bodies. Additional items and better tonics are incredibly beneficial for thosefrugal early-game missions. On top of that, a 10% discount in stores for all items really sweetens the deal.
8Character Interactions
Greet, Rob, & Antagonize
Something that can’t be denied is just how funny Arthur Morgan is.Given the option to eithergreet or antagonize every NPC in-game up to three times, each combination of the two seesArthur 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.
7Player Freedom
Make Arthur’s Own Missions
If, for one reason or another, players do not want to progress through the main story just yet,then after those Stranger missions run outand those bounties are all turned in, Arthur will have to make his own fun.
Whether it’s seeing how long one can hold out in Saint Denis or fulfilling everyDungeons and Dragonsplayer’s ‘murder-hobo’ fantasies, there are so many tools for experimenting with the world ofRed Dead Redemption 2and seeing just how far the game can be pushed. It really deepens the RPG side of Rockstar’s world, where Arthur’s sleep can be disturbed by a distant group of constantly pursuing bounty hunters.
6Different Dialogue
Kill, Spare, Or Something In Between
An Arthur Morgan with a lower moral standing will noticeably change tone during specific cutscenes. Whether he comes off as blunt or aggressive, the player’s honor level will significantly impact Arthur as a character in the story.
The cowboy is much harsher towards his companions, displaying a colder and more blunt demeanor compared to his more personable and caring usual self. Low-honor Arthur understandably has less regard for other people’s lives. and still seems to be stuck in his old ways, whether it’s his more cold-hearted reaction to Lenny’s death or his more aggressive advice to John Marston towards the end of the game.
5Environmental Reactions
Not The Most Popular Cowboy In The West
No one likes a dishonorable cowboy, and that much is valid for the residents of every significant town inRed Dead Redemption 2. Passing remarks of disgust and disapproval coming from the mouths of civilians and directed at this ethically-challenged cowboy are all too commonplace for a low-honor playthrough.
Whether it’s store owners telling Arthur not to cause any more trouble or a gunsmith wrapped in bandages begging the player not to shoot him again, the constant reminders of Arthur’s actions are a great way to poke fun at the player, and acknowledge that Rockstar knows just what they’re up to in New Hanover.
4Story Themes
Coyote In Sheep’s Clothing
Towards the end of Arthur’s tale, as he’s confronted with his own mortality, he ponders his actions and place in the world far more often. This manifests itself in the form of the deer, or the coyote, which act as a reflection of Arthur’s character and his honor alignment.
A more cold-blooded Arthur Morgan will often see a Coyote feasting on a bear carcass with an icy gray tone, showing just how he spent his life and all those he’s harmed and exploited to get his way. On top of that, his story becomes less focused on the idea of ‘redemption’ and is more-so a tragic tale of a good man corrupted by his surroundings.
3Different Story Choices
Let’s See Just How Murder-Happy Arthur Is
The story offers various opportunities and choices that will let playerschoose between being the ‘good guy’ and ‘bad guy’ options. Will Arthur throw the civilian who witnessed his crimes off a cliff, ensuring he’ll never say a word to anyone? Orwill he just kill him with kindness?
It’s always worth seeing the other end of the scale and how players deal with the choices presented. Will Arthur kill Tilly Jackson’s captor or let him run free? Though the first option subsequently lowers the player’s honor, seeing just how brutally protective Arthur can be of his gang is great for the player looking to understand all aspects of his character fully.
2The Last Ride
That’s The Way It Is
The legendary buildup towards Arthur’s final missionto see himself helping John Marston escape isaccompanied by a beautiful last ride as Arthur’s mind wanders to all of his actions throughout the game.
Various quotes and story moments play continuously in his head,which are completely different from an entirely high-honor playthrough. The player instead hears quotes of the Downes family begging for Thomas' life as Arthur viciously beats him, as well as the various moments Dutch Van Der Linde managed to creep his way into Arthur’s head and manipulate him into being theruthless cowboy he was.
1Low Honor Ending
Arthur Goes For The Money
If players decide to go back for the money in the main story’s final choice,Arthur will run back to the burning camp in an effort to grab the camp’s funding and return it to John.
After a long knife fight with Micah,Arthur lies surrounded by fire.A knife stuck in his back as the rain gently falls upon his body in his fleeting moments. He sees the coyote in the storm, reminding him of his vitriolic wrongdoings, and dies, unable to get the money to John. It’s a heartbreaking ending to a tragic story. During the epilogue, when the surviving Van Der Linde gang members discuss Arthur, the tone is entirely different. They know that he wasn’t a good man in the end, but that he tried to do right by Marston.
