Is Overweight Better in RDR2? A Comprehensive Guide to Weight Management in Red Dead Redemption 2

The short answer? It depends entirely on your playstyle. Being overweight in Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) isn’t inherently “better,” but it offers a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages compared to being underweight or average weight. The weight system influences Arthur Morgan’s (and John Marston’s in the epilogue) stamina and health, creating a trade-off between endurance and damage resistance. This article will dissect the nuances of the weight system, helping you decide if packing on the pounds is the right choice for your gunslinger.

Understanding the Weight System in RDR2

RDR2 employs a surprisingly sophisticated weight system that goes beyond mere cosmetic changes. Arthur’s physique is directly affected by his diet and activity levels, impacting his gameplay experience. There are three primary weight states:

• Underweight: This state offers a significant stamina boost, allowing Arthur to run further and engage in more strenuous activities for longer periods. However, it comes at the cost of reduced health, making Arthur more vulnerable to damage.
• Average: This is the baseline state, providing a balance between stamina and health.
• Overweight: Being overweight grants Arthur increased health, enabling him to withstand more damage from enemy fire, animal attacks, and falls. The downside is a noticeable reduction in stamina, leading to quicker fatigue during activities like running, swimming, and combat.

The game provides visual cues and prompts to indicate Arthur’s current weight state. Pay attention to the arrow icons – an upward arrow indicates gaining weight, a downward arrow indicates losing weight, and no arrow signifies maintaining the current weight. Note that these arrows reflect a state and not necessarily the active process of gaining or losing weight.

How Weight Affects Gameplay

The impact of weight on gameplay is tangible:

• Stamina: Underweight characters excel in endurance-based activities. Overweight characters tire more easily.
• Health: Overweight characters can absorb more damage. Underweight characters are more fragile.
• Appearance: Arthur’s physique visibly changes, ranging from gaunt to noticeably larger.
• Dialogue: Certain NPCs may comment on Arthur’s weight, adding a layer of immersion.

Advantages of Being Overweight

• Increased Damage Resistance: This is the primary benefit. An overweight Arthur can take more hits, making him more resilient in gunfights and encounters with wildlife. If you frequently find yourself in combat situations, the added health can be a lifesaver.
• Improved Survivability: The extra health provides a buffer against accidental falls and other environmental hazards.

Disadvantages of Being Overweight

• Reduced Stamina: The most significant drawback. Running, swimming, and combat become more taxing, requiring more frequent breaks. This can be a serious impediment for players who prefer a fast-paced, agile playstyle.
• Slower Movement: While not explicitly stated, some players report a perceived slight decrease in movement speed.

Who Should Choose Overweight?

The overweight build is best suited for players who:

• Prioritize survivability over agility.
• Engage in frequent combat.
• Favor a slower, more deliberate playstyle.
• Enjoy the challenge of managing stamina.

Tips for Gaining Weight in RDR2

Gaining weight in RDR2 requires consistent overeating. Here’s a strategy:

1. Eat Regularly: Consume several meals per in-game day. Aim for three large meals.
2. Choose Calorie-Rich Foods: Focus on foods with high-calorie content, such as:
   • Big Game Meat (Panther, Cougar, Wolf, Alligator): These are among the most effective for weight gain.
   • Fatty Meats: Venison, mutton, and beef also contribute to weight gain.
   • Canned Goods: Canned peaches and other canned fruits offer a quick calorie boost.
   • Saloon Meals: Saloon meals are generally high in calories and readily available in towns.
3. Limit Exercise: While some activity is necessary to maintain Arthur’s overall condition, avoid excessive running, swimming, or hunting.
4. Sleep Regularly: Sleeping helps Arthur process the calories and gain weight.
5. Monitor Your Weight: Keep an eye on the arrow icons to track your progress.

Maintaining a Balanced Approach

The key to enjoying the weight system in RDR2 is finding a balance that suits your playstyle. Experiment with different weight states to determine what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to adjust your diet and activity levels to achieve your desired physique.

FAQs: Weight Management in Red Dead Redemption 2

1. How does weight affect RDR2 Online?

In Red Dead Online, weight affects stamina and health, similar to the single-player campaign. Underweight characters have increased stamina but reduced health, while overweight characters have reduced stamina but increased health. Max Stamina benefit for being Underweight is +7.5%, while your Health is altered by -7.5%. Being Overweight has the inverse effect as above. Stamina is -7.5% and Health is +7.5%.

2. How quickly can Arthur get fat in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Arthur can gain weight relatively quickly by consistently overeating and limiting exercise. You can see a noticeable difference within a few in-game days if you consume several high-calorie meals daily.

3. What is the most fattening food in RDR2?

Big game meat (from panthers, cougars, wolves, and alligators) is considered the most fattening food in RDR2 due to its high-calorie content.

4. How often should you eat in RDR2?

To gain weight, aim for at least two to three meals per in-game day. Saloon meals and cooked meats are good options.

5. Does Arthur’s weight affect his accuracy?

While not explicitly stated, some players believe that weight can subtly affect aiming stability. However, this is largely anecdotal and not definitively confirmed.

6. Can I lose weight if Arthur is already overweight?

Yes, you can lose weight by reducing your food intake and increasing your activity levels. Focus on eating less and engaging in activities like running, hunting, and swimming.

7. What happens if Arthur becomes severely underweight?

If Arthur becomes severely underweight, his health will be significantly reduced, making him extremely vulnerable to damage. He will also appear gaunt and weak.

8. Is it better to be good or bad in RDR2 Online regarding weight?

Good or bad honor does not directly affect weight. However, it can influence the types of missions you receive and the rewards you earn, potentially impacting your ability to acquire certain foods. High Honor leads to reduced prices in shops, more outfits to buy, and better loot from enemies. Low honor leads to more loot from enemies.

9. How do I check Arthur’s weight in RDR2?

The game doesn’t explicitly display Arthur’s weight numerically. Instead, you can observe his physique and monitor the arrow icons next to his health and stamina cores. An upward arrow indicates gaining weight, a downward arrow indicates losing weight, and no arrow signifies maintaining the current weight.

10. Can I change my weight during a mission?

Your weight state remains consistent during missions. However, changes to your weight won’t be reflected until after the mission is completed.

11. Does Arthur’s weight affect horse stamina?

No, Arthur’s weight does not directly affect horse stamina. Horse stamina is determined by the horse’s breed, bonding level, and equipment.

12. Can I play as Arthur after he dies?

Regardless of story choices made, Arthur dies, and the game allows you to continue playing as John Marston, prior to the events of the original Red Dead Redemption. There are no cheats to allow play as Arthur, so there is no way to continue playing as him unless you revert to an earlier save.

13. How did Arthur get TB?

In the case of Arthur Morgan, the man that gives him tuberculosis is Thomas Downes, who he shakes down for money.

14. Does Arthur infect anyone with TB?

No one in the Van der Linde gang became sick with tuberculosis over the course of the game, despite Arthur seemingly not taking any precautions to safeguard other people.

15. Can Arthur avoid TB?

Currently, the only known way for a player to even come close to saving Arthur from TB in RDR2 is by not progressing in the game at all.

Ultimately, whether being overweight is “better” in RDR2 is a matter of personal preference. Consider your playstyle, prioritize your goals, and experiment to find the weight state that suits you best. After all, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a deeply immersive and customizable experience, allowing you to forge your own path in the Wild West. It is important to explore how games can be useful in teaching. For information about how video games and learning intersect, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.