Hey folks, as a hardcore Red Dead Redemption 2 player since its launch, I gotta say that Anthony Foreman decision still haunts me years later—it's one of those moments where the game makes you question everything about morality and consequences. I remember booting up the game back in 2025, replaying Arthur's story, and hitting that scene in Valentine all over again. The tension was real! Foreman's just this slimy character who treated Tilly like trash, but when Arthur hogties him and brings him before the gang, I felt torn. Should I end him right there or give him a chance? It's not just about the honor meter ticking; it's about how this tiny choice ripples into John's era, making me rethink my entire playstyle. Even now in 2025, with the game community buzzing about RDR2's legacy, this dilemma sparks endless debates on forums and streams—proof that Rockstar nailed the storytelling.
Who Is Anthony Foreman Anyway?
So, who is this guy that got us all riled up? Well, Anthony Foreman first pops up in Valentine when Arthur's on a mission to rescue Tilly. He's the leader of the Foreman Brothers gang, and man, he's a real piece of work. From what I gathered, he treated Tilly horribly—like she was property—before she escaped to join Dutch's crew. Arthur and Susan Grimshaw track him down to Radley's House in Scarlett Meadows, and after a wild chase, Arthur captures him. The whole scene is intense: Foreman's all smug, but you can see the fear in his eyes when Tilly confronts him. It sets up this personal vendetta that makes the choice later so gut-wrenching.
The Big Decision: Kill or Spare Him?
Alright, here's where things get juicy. After the chase, Arthur brings Foreman to Tilly and Susan, and they leave the call to you—the player. Tilly leans toward mercy, saying something like "just let him go," but Susan? She's all for putting a bullet in him. I mean, can you blame her? Foreman's a predator. So, you stand there, controller in hand, weighing your options. Do you go with cold justice or take the high road? The game doesn't hold your hand; it forces you to live with it. I've played this part multiple times, and each run feels different—sometimes I'm in a vengeful mood, other times I think about karma. Here's a quick breakdown of what happens based on your choice:
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Kill Anthony Foreman: If you pick the 'take out Anthony Foreman' option, Arthur stabs him right in the gut.
The cutscene is brutal: Arthur mutters, "Sorry, partner...we can't take no chances with the likes of you." It's over in seconds, but man, that guilt sticks with you. No long-term consequences beyond a slight honor hit—Foreman's gone for good.
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Spare Anthony Foreman: Go for the 'spare Anthony Foreman' choice, and Arthur cuts his bonds, telling him to scram.
Foreman bolts, and you think that's it...until eight years later, when you're playing as John Marston. Suddenly, he shows up as a measly $85 bounty in Saint Denis. I mean, come on—$85? That's barely enough for a new hat! John hunts him down at the Doyle Tavern, hogties him while he pleads, and brings him to the police. The dialogue there is gold: they chat about Arthur and Susan, adding this bittersweet layer to the whole saga.
Consequences That Linger
Choosing to spare Foreman is where the real magic happens. When John catches him in 1907, it's not just about the bounty; it's a full-circle moment that ties back to Arthur's era. Here's what I noticed:
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The emotional payoff: Hearing Foreman and John reminisce about the old gang hits hard—it's like a nod to your past decisions.
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Gameplay impact: Capturing him alive is trickier than killing him, adding challenge and replay value.
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Moral ambiguity: Even with the low bounty, I wondered if sparing him was worth it. He's still a scumbag, but does that justify cold-blooded murder? The game leaves that hanging, making you ponder long after you quit.
In 2025, this choice feels even more relevant. With RDR2 still topping charts and players modding new content, Foreman's dilemma is a hot topic in Discord chats. Some say it's a no-brainer to kill him; others argue that sparing him enriches the story. Personally, I lean toward mercy—it adds depth to John's arc—but I won't judge if you went the other way. What about you all? Drop your thoughts below—I'm curious how you handled it in your playthroughs. Until next time, happy gaming! 🤠