Key conclusions
- Taking a low rank immerses players in the true lifestyle of the outlaws of the Wild West, offering a different narrative perspective.
- Players can still earn the prestigious achievement “Man of Honor” in a low honor race.
- Lower honor levels make the game more difficult by limiting resources, increasing the number of encounters with bounty hunters, and allowing crimes to be committed with fewer obstacles.
In the world Red Dead Redemptionplayers explore the complexities of an intense narrative focused on John Marston's quest for redemption. While Marston's main story revolves around his efforts to come to terms with his past and achieve a peaceful future, the game features various paths to honor, including the option to follow a darker and more chaotic trajectory.
The Low Grade Choice offers an alternative and intriguing take on this unforgiving Wild West, where a man lives as a true outlaw while exploring the consequences of questionable morals. Below are the main reasons why you should take part in a low honor run and discover just how far John Marston's dark side can go Red Dead Redemption.

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8 A lifestyle more like the Wild West
There is no room for heroism
John Marston's compulsion follows low honor Red Dead Redemption serves as a commentary on the way people lived in the Wild West, in an era marked by violence. An honorable character trying to be a hero doesn't quite match the harsh reality of the setting.
Moreover, taking this path allows players to experience the true essence of outlaws in the Wild West, taking advantage of the lax laws, ambushes and typical confrontations of the time. This deep immersion into the criminal lifestyle enriches the narrative, making the experience more authentic and engaging.
7 There is an achievement for low honor
Completionists need this achievement
While it is possible to earn the Man of Honor/Dead Chivalry achievement in the high honor race, those who choose to explore John Marston's criminal side in Red Dead Redemption can also unlock it while traveling with low honor. To achieve this, Marston needs to reach the maximum level of fame while maintaining honor at the highest or lowest level.
This achievement is an incentive for those who prefer to wreak havoc in the Wild West, offering an excuse to commit crimes, without losing the opportunity to achieve this feat. Running with a low level of honor changes the gaming experience, allowing the main character to live as a true outlaw, dominated by violence and the pursuit of power.
6 An exclusive horse for John Marston
Being bad has its advantages
When John Marston reaches the second low honor level, Road Agent, he can whistle to summon a new exclusive mount, the Dark Horse. This beautiful animal has a smooth black body, a few white hairs and red eyes.

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Along with its beauty, the horse is somewhat better than many options available in the game. Although not as fast, it makes up for it with more stamina and health than other horses. The Dark Horse also doesn't lose speed off-road, making it a great option for combat.
5 Unique interaction with NPCs
Mostly rude, sometimes funny
John Marston's personality also changes when choosing the low honor path in the game, which is noticeable mostly through NPC interactions. For example, instead of greeting the other person, he will insult him.
This improves immersion while traveling Red Dead Redemptionas one can see a real difference in character based on his level of honor. Also, many of these insults are funny and can get a laugh from hearing insults from both John Marston and the various NPCs encountered throughout the game.
4 Best prices at Thieves' Landing
Profit More There
Choosing a low-honor path means players won't have the same freedom to maximize profits by selling various loot at shops in towns along the way. However, this can be worked around because Thieves' Landing starts offering John more money.
If players are unsure of the consequences John Marston might face if he doesn't get good prices from merchants, as is the case when the character is honorable, they have other options. What's more, Thieves' Landing has some of the best settings in the game that capture the essence of the Wild West with the many outlaws and fugitives that live there.
3 More bounty hunters appear
For those who are looking for active moments
Throughout the history of Red Dead Redemptionplayers are prone to random encounters on the map. Groups of bounty hunters may come after John Marston's head, which is even more likely if the character does not have a positive honor level.
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2 More freedom to commit crimes
People are afraid of John Marston
As John Marston's honor wanes Red Dead Redemptionhis reputation as a dangerous outlaw spreads, making people fear him. This natural intimidation makes it easier to commit crimes on the game map. Citizens will think twice before reporting him to the authorities, increasing immersion in the game.
Additionally, the cost of bribing witnesses is greatly reduced, making it easier to silence those who witness John's criminal activities. With fewer people willing to speak or interfere, it's possible to continue the criminal path with fewer obstacles, enhancing the experience of living as a true outlaw in the Wild West.
1 In general, the game becomes more difficult
Some resources are not available
For those who want to add more difficulty Red Dead Redemptionchoosing a path without much honor can contribute to this factor. This is because the game as a whole becomes more difficult, creating new obstacles for the character to complete missions.
For example, the lack of access to discounts and higher sale prices in many card shops makes it impossible to make easy money in a game that, although not very important, still has some benefit. Also, the fact that John is constantly being chased by bounty hunters is another significant problem to deal with.

Red Dead Redemption
- Released
- May 18, 2010
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar San Diego