How Did Arthur Get TB in Red Dead? The Tragic Truth Revealed
Arthur Morgan’s tragic fate in Red Dead Redemption 2 is sealed by a single, devastating event: his contraction of tuberculosis (TB). This isn’t a random occurrence, but a direct consequence of his actions during a mission. The game meticulously sets up this critical moment, emphasizing the brutal reality of life in the late 19th century.
The Source of the Infection: Thomas Downes
Arthur’s tuberculosis is directly linked to Thomas Downes, a struggling farmer from whom Arthur is tasked with collecting a debt. During the mission “Money Lending and Other Sins“, Arthur confronts the sickly Downes at his farm. The interaction escalates into violence, and as Arthur is beating Downes, the man coughs blood, directly spraying the infected fluids onto Arthur’s face. This gruesome act is the explicit moment of transmission, and it marks the beginning of Arthur’s slow and agonizing decline.
The game makes it clear that this is not a chance infection. It highlights the direct contact with bodily fluids as the primary method of TB transmission, in line with the medical understanding of the time. This isn’t just a background detail; it’s a crucial plot point that drives the narrative and highlights the harsh realities of the era. Arthur, a tough outlaw, becomes a victim of a disease that he can neither fight nor outrun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthur’s TB
1. Can you prevent Arthur from getting tuberculosis?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot prevent Arthur from contracting tuberculosis within the main storyline of Red Dead Redemption 2. The infection is a predetermined narrative event. However, if you halt progression in the game before the mission “Money Lending and Other Sins”, Arthur will remain free from the disease. He can continue his adventures as long as the player avoids triggering the TB infection sequence. This is the only known way to keep Arthur TB-free, though it does mean missing out on large portions of the game’s story.
2. How long does it take for Arthur to get TB?
The game’s timeline matches the actual incubation period of tuberculosis, which is approximately three months. The infection takes hold around chapter 2 or 3, but Arthur’s symptoms only become prominent around the start of chapter 5. From the moment of infection during the encounter with Thomas Downes to the onset of noticeable illness, approximately three months pass.
3. Did Micah get TB?
Interestingly, despite his close and violent contact with infected blood, Micah Bell does not contract tuberculosis. While Micah gets a blade pierce his skin that results in infected blood mixing directly in his body he is fine. Arthur is infected because the blood was coughed directly into his face which caused an infection of the respiratory system. The fact that Micah doesn’t contract TB serves as a contrasting point and further highlights Arthur’s vulnerability and how easily the infection was able to take place.
4. Did Thomas Downes give Arthur tuberculosis?
Yes, unequivocally, Thomas Downes is the source of Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis infection. The scene is graphic and explicit: Downes coughs blood directly onto Arthur’s face. There is no other moment of possible infection indicated in the game, solidifying Downes as the source.
5. Why didn’t anyone else catch TB from Arthur?
Tuberculosis is primarily spread by direct contact with infected bodily fluids, usually airborne through coughing or sneezing. Since Arthur doesn’t spit on or sneeze directly onto his companions, they do not contract it from him. It’s important to recognize the specific modes of transmission of TB to understand why only Arthur is affected. This aspect highlights the game’s attention to detail regarding the mechanics of disease spread.
6. Could Arthur have killed Micah without TB?
It’s a widely speculated theory that, had Arthur not been weakened by tuberculosis, he would have had a better chance of defeating Micah during their final confrontation. Tuberculosis severely weakened Arthur’s immune system, making him susceptible to other infections. A healthy Arthur could likely have overcome Micah.
7. Could Arthur beat Micah without TB?
Yes, it is believed that a healthy Arthur would have been more than capable of beating Micah. With his strength, skills, and without the debilitating effects of tuberculosis, a healthy Arthur could likely beat Micah even with his hands tied behind his back.
8. Why does Micah have a scar on his eye?
Micah’s prominent scar over his eye is a consequence of a violent encounter with Arthur. In one of the game’s endings, specifically the “Go after the money” ending when Arthur has high honor, Arthur slashes Micah across the face with a knife, leaving a large and lasting scar.
9. Will there be a Red Dead Redemption 3?
While there has been no official confirmation of a Red Dead Redemption 3, Rockstar Games has dropped some hints and teases that indicate they intend to bring the franchise back at some point. It’s predicted that we may not see RDR3 until 2026 at the earliest, given the typical development cycles of Rockstar.
10. Why did Dutch betray Arthur?
Dutch’s betrayal of Arthur is a culmination of multiple factors. Primarily, Dutch has been heavily manipulated by Micah. Additionally, Arthur’s constant questioning and doubts about Dutch’s plans makes Dutch believe that Arthur is not fully committed to his vision. He also demands absolute blind faith which Arthur struggles to give.
11. What happens if you visit where Arthur died?
If Arthur has high honor when he dies, his grave will be decorated with flowers and will bear the inscription “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” Additionally, an eagle will be perched on top of the grave. A grave with low honor will have a much less inspiring message and no eagle.
12. Would Arthur have died from tuberculosis?
Yes, Arthur’s death from tuberculosis is unavoidable within the game’s main narrative. It’s a fixed story element that highlights the often harsh realities of life during the Wild West period. The game aims to drive a dramatic point home about the consequences of their actions and the limited control they had over life and death.
13. Did Dutch know Arthur was sick?
It’s never explicitly stated that Dutch knew about Arthur’s tuberculosis diagnosis. He does observe Arthur’s deteriorating health, but he’s too engrossed in his own plans and delusions to take serious notice. Dutch is blind to everything that doesn’t align with his agenda.
14. Why is Hosea coughing in RDR2?
Throughout the game, Dutch and others in the gang often mention that Hosea is experiencing what is believed to be some type of lung disease. The constant coughing could also have contributed to Arthur’s sickness in addition to the direct blood contact from Downes.
15. How did Strauss get Arthur sick?
While Leopold Strauss’s loan-sharking practices put Arthur in a position to get sick, Strauss himself did not directly cause Arthur’s tuberculosis infection. Arthur contracted TB directly when he was beating Thomas Downes for money that he owed to Strauss. Strauss’ actions indirectly led to Arthur’s contraction of tuberculosis, but the direct transmission came from Downes.
By understanding how Arthur contracted TB, players can appreciate the game’s intricate storytelling and its commitment to historical accuracy. Arthur’s plight is a harsh reminder of the vulnerabilities that existed in a time when modern medicine was not readily available, and it further drives the game’s narrative of redemption and consequence.