Protagonist Maintenance

Maintaining Arthur
Unlike previous Rockstar games, Red Dead Redemption 2 features hair that grows. Over time, Arthur's hair and beard will grow longer. Should the player wish to remove Arthur's beard, his beard can be either trimmed or completely shaved off at camp. If players decide they want to cut off his hair, they'll have to visit a barbershop, where the barber will cut their hair/facial hair, or style it professionally in ways Arthur can't do at camp. No hair can be "added" at barbershops in the same way as in previous games, or in real life. For example, if the player decides to shave off Arthur's beard, he will not be able to select a styled beard with a curled mustache.

In addition, Arthur can also bathe. This isn't necessary, but if the player is covered in mud or blood, NPCs will comment on Arthur's smell or appearance. If Arthur doesn’t bathe for an extended amount of time, Susan Grimshaw will forcibly make him wash at camp. Furthermore, Arthur needs to sleep and keep himself healthy, otherwise, he'll feel tired and drained of energy. If Arthur is underweight, his stamina will diminish more slowly, but his health will drain more quickly. If overweight, his health will deplete more slowly while his stamina will diminish at a faster rate. Arthur's weight is best when it's at a perfect or moderate level.

While Arthur is sick, his cores will be reduced by a fixed percentage and he will only be able to eat a limited amount of food. Arthur will only get the benefits he needs by sleeping. If Arthur eats too much while he is sick, he will start coughing immediately afterward.

Maintaining John
After completing the mission "Red Dead Redemption" the player will be able to play as John.

Over time, John's hair and beard will also grow longer. Should the player wish to remove John's beard, it can be either trimmed or completely shaved off in the bathroom at Pronghorn Ranch (Epilogue - Part One) or Beecher's Hope (Epilogue - Part Two). If the player wants his hair styled professionally, they must go to a barbershop. If the player wishes to style long hair, they must grow out John's hair/beard. Players may find John's scars to be visible if his facial hair is short.

John can also bathe. This may be just something the player can do, or serve as a function. If John is dirty and has not bathed in a while, other civilians will make comments on his smell. John needs to sleep and keep himself healthy, otherwise, he will feel tired and drained of energy.

John's weight is also a big part of maintaining his health. If his weight is average his stamina and health will not be affected. If John is underweight, he will have less health but more stamina; while if he is overweight he will have more health but less stamina.