Red Dead Redemption 2: Untangling the Endings, Secrets, and What Comes After the Outlaw Life
So, you’ve been with Arthur Morgan. You’ve faced the Pinkertons. Maybe you committed a crime or two (or more). You are at the end of Red Dead Redemption 2. Wait a minute. This ending is not just a stop. It feels like a choose-your-own-adventure mixed with existential dread and some cowboy tears. Unclear about the “true” ending, secret cutscenes, or what to do after the main story? Do not worry. We will cover everything about RDR2’s endings, post-game content, and Red Dead Redemption 3 rumors.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2 Endings: High Honor, Low Honor, and the Canon Conundrum
Let’s begin with the grand finale, or finales. Red Dead Redemption 2 offers players a few ways to end Arthur Morgan’s wild ride. We have the “true” or canon ending that many know, and then there’s the low honor path that isn’t so sweet.
“True” or Canon Ending: The High Honor Path to Redemption (and Deer)
If you’re looking for that emotional punch, and an ending even Roger Clark respects, check out the high-honor ending. Think of it as the “good guy” route. “Good” in the Wild West can be flexible. You are mainly making choices that do not make your grandma clutch her pearls too tightly. This means helping your gang, showing mercy, and being less of a scoundrel.
The high honor route centers on moral choices, lending a hand to gang members in trouble, and thinking of others – especially John Marston – before your own desires. This isn’t about being a saint though; Arthur remains an outlaw. It’s about finding humanity in a harsh world.
Regardless of choices, Arthur’s fate is sealed tightly. That tuberculosis diagnosis is less of a suggestion and more of a narrative inevitability. But in the high-honor ending, Arthur’s actions spark John’s redemption. He sacrifices himself to give John a chance for a life beyond the gang and for his family. It is Arthur’s final act of goodness.
In this “true” ending, John avenges himself on that slippery weasel, Micah Bell, during the epilogue. John settles scores for Arthur, the gang’s betrayal, and all the heartache Micah caused. Consider it justice served cold with some lead.
Ultimately, the high-honor ending isn’t about Arthur riding into the sunset (spoiler: he does not). It’s about his legacy. It’s about the positive impact his choices have on John’s life after Arthur’s death. It’s a bittersweet symphony of sacrifice and redemption, with a healthy dose of grit.
The Darker Side: Low Honor Ending – When Revenge is a Dish Best Served Bleak
Now, let’s move to the low-honor ending. If you spent your time in RDR2 robbing stagecoaches, antagonizing NPCs, and embracing your inner outlaw, then this is your path. The low-honor route sees Arthur focused on personal gain, grudges, and mayhem for fun. Think of it as an “anti-hero” ending that sometimes just leans into villainy.
While some people may find the low-honor ending less emotional, others argue it shows a more realistic view of outlaw life. It’s gritty, cynical, and does not provide warm feelings. It’s a darker take on Arthur’s story and its effect on those around him.
Ultimately, whether you favor the high-honor tearjerker or the low-honor bleak-fest is down to personal taste. Rockstar cleverly crafted these endings to resonate with differing playstyles and views of Arthur’s character. There’s no right or wrong choice; just shades of gray in a world painted in brown and red.
2. Unlocking the Secrets: The Elusive 100% Completion Secret Ending
Think you’ve seen all Red Dead Redemption 2 offers? Think again. For those truly dedicated (or somewhat obsessive), Rockstar hid a little extra: a secret ending. This is not an alternate ending, but a bonus cutscene for those who go above and beyond.
The Path to 100%: How to Earn Your Secret Cutscene Badge of Honor
How do you get this elusive secret ending? It is not handed to you on a silver platter. You need dedication and a willingness to explore every nook of the Red Dead world. Here’s how:
- Finish the Main Story and Epilogue: This is essential. You must see Arthur’s journey through its conclusion and play through John’s epilogue. No skipping here.
- Achieve 100% Completion: This is the heart of the challenge. You can track your progress in the game menu. Prepare yourself; this is a marathon.
- Witness the Bonus Cutscene: Once you reach that glorious 100% mark, a special cutscene will trigger. Consider it your reward for your effort.
“100% completion” in Red Dead Redemption 2 doesn’t mean ticking some boxes only; it’s a serious list of Wild West activities. You are not expected to complete *everything* possible (thank goodness), but you still face an enormous task. You must finish all those stranger missions, track down collectibles, master hunting and fishing by catching every animal and fish, and discover every point of interest. It is a completionist’s dream.
The 100% Completion Cutscene: A Little Reward for Lot of Work
Achieving 100% completion in Red Dead Redemption 2 is not an easy job. It reflects your dedication, perseverance, or perhaps an obsession with virtual cowboys. So what do you achieve for all that effort? Well, you get an exclusive, short cutscene. It will not rewrite the story or reveal a grand conspiracy. But it’s a nod from Rockstar recognizing your commitment. You also gain a unique journal entry since Arthur (or John) is a meticulous chronicler of even mundane activities.
3. Arthur’s Fate: Sunrise or Showdown? Honor Determines His Final Moments
Let’s return to Arthur’s destiny because, although predetermined, how it plays out depends on your honor level. Remember, Arthur will succumb to that tuberculosis; however, the game presents two distinct send-offs based on your honor choice.
If you’ve taken the high honor trail, helping folks out and trying to be decent amid indecency, Arthur’s final moments are as peaceful as possible. In this ending, if Arthur helps John escape (which is the only narrative choice fitting for high honor), he does not die in gunfire. Instead, he crawls to a vantage point to see the canyon. There, under the sunrise, he witnesses dawn’s glow. It is serene, a final moment of beauty before he “drifts off,” as the game describes.
In both high honor variations (helping John or choosing money), Arthur’s last sight is of a deer in sunlight. The deer in Red Dead Redemption
2 represents high honor and positive symbolism. It reinforces Arthur’s chosen path and the redemption he sought.
For low honor folks, it’s different. If you’ve embraced outlaw life, Arthur’s end is less poetic. Instead of a sunrise and deer, you face Micah. In this ending, Micah Bell, the gang’s rat, takes center stage. Micah executes Arthur. It’s brutal and unceremonious. A fittingly grim end for low honor. No sunrises, no deer, just failure.
4. Life After Arthur: Post-Game Content and Playing as John Marston
Arthur’s story is done. The credits rolled. Is that it? Not even close. Red Dead Redemption 2 keeps the Wild West alive after Arthur’s chapter closes. You now play as John Marston. Not the same experience as riding with Arthur, but there’s still much to explore.
The post-story gameplay begins with the epilogue. Now you control John Marston, trying to build a new life for his family. You see John’s journey to become the John Marston from the first game. It cleverly bridges both games and provides closure for the overarching saga.
While main story arcs resolve, the map remains open for business. You can continue exploring, tackle side missions, hunt legendary animals, and fish. It’s like a sandbox mode but with a cowboy hat.
Transitioning from Arthur to John changes some things. The gang camp is gone, dismantled along with Dutch’s plans. Some stranger missions might disappear, especially those tied to Arthur. It reflects time passing and changing circumstances.
It’s not all loss. You keep certain things from your Arthur playthrough. Your trinkets and talismans remain with you. Progress on hunting legendary animals carries over, allowing your frontier pursuits to continue. You can replay missions as Arthur, though he’ll be in default clothes, which may be jarring if you customized his look.
5. Echoes of the Past: Other Characters and Their Fates
Red Dead Redemption 2 features a vast cast of memorable characters, all with distinct storylines and fates. Let’s explore key figures beyond Arthur and John.
Micah Bell receives his comeuppance in the high-honor ending epilogue, courtesy of John. This satisfying conclusion offers justice for Arthur and the gang’s betrayal. Micah is a character you love to hate, and his demise is anticipated.
John Marston’s fate in the first game is grim. He gets gunned down by U.S. Army soldiers, lawmen, and Edgar Ross. This happens after Ross manipulates John into hunting down gang members. It highlights the cyclical nature of violence in the Wild West.
Tilly Jackson finds peace after the gang’s downfall. She receives an inheritance from Karen Jones, who passes from liver cancer. Tilly tells John about this when they meet again after the gang disintegrates. It’s a bittersweet moment, hinting at better futures for some gang members.
During the final fight with Micah’s gang on Mount Hagen, Charles Smith and Sadie Adler play key roles. Charles is wounded while defending John and Sadie. Sadie, a fierce gunslinger, gets stabbed in the stomach but is saved by Charles. Both survive but not unscathed, showing the brutal cost of outlaw life.
Lenny Summers and Hosea Matthews face unfortunate fates during the Saint Denis bank heist. Their deaths are unavoidable events that push the narrative forward and highlight dangers faced by the gang.
Mary-Beth Gaskill has a positive epilogue appearance. She meets John at a train station and reveals she’s become a writer. This reflects her finding a path beyond the outlaw world, contrasting the violence that affects many others.
6. Game Mechanics and Elements: Honor, Cheats, and the Unavoidable
Red Dead Redemption 2 has complex mechanics and details worth exploring. Let’s focus on essential gameplay elements impacting endings and overall experience.
The honor system directly impacts your ending. High honor leads to altruistic actions and results in a more heroic conclusion. Low honor embraces darkness, resulting in a grim finale.
For rule-benders, RDR2 cheat codes offer fun opportunities to experiment. These codes unlock special features or create mayhem, adding playfulness to the Wild West sandbox.
Horse bonding is another significant mechanic. Building a bond with your horse unlocks special tricks like rearing and skid turns. It showcases the connection between cowboy and horse, adding depth to gameplay.
The game also hides chilling secrets like the Edmund Lowry Jr. serial killer easter egg. This mystery involves tracking clues at crime scenes, adding macabre intrigue to exploration.
For those hoping to relive Arthur’s journey with gear and skills, RDR2 does not have a New Game Plus mode. A new playthrough means starting fresh with nothing carried over. This design encourages experiencing the story anew each time.
Lastly, Arthur’s tuberculosis is unavoidable. No matter what you do or how many miracle tonics you use, Arthur contracts TB. This plot element is integral to his character arc and the overarching narrative. Accept the tragedy and maybe keep some tissues handy.
7. Whispers of the Future: Red Dead Redemption 3 on the Horizon?
The question on every cowboy’s mind: Will there be a Red Dead Redemption 3? As of now, Rockstar Games remains quiet. No official confirmation, no trailers, no hints about a sequel exist. RDR3 is still rumored.
However, persistent rumors suggest RDR3 is in development. Whispers on social media and supposed leaks claim it’s already in production, though skepticism is wise. Take-Two CEO hints at the franchise’s longevity, indicating more games may come.
If we speculate based on Rockstar’s past cycles, RDR3 could release between 2026 and 2030. The gap between Red Dead Redemption (2010) and Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) was eight years. Rockstar takes time to polish their games for critical acclaim.
So, patience is key. Red Dead Redemption 3 might be a long ride away, but that trail is likely being blazed in Rockstar’s studios as we speak.
