How to (Try to) Stop Arthur Morgan from Getting TB in Red Dead Redemption 2: A Deep Dive

So, you’re wracking your brain, desperately trying to rewrite fate and save Arthur Morgan from his tragic demise in Red Dead Redemption 2? Let’s cut right to the chase: the only known method to prevent Arthur from contracting tuberculosis (TB) is to avoid progressing past a specific point in the storyline. This means essentially halting the narrative before the fateful encounter with Thomas Downes at the Downes Ranch. If you never complete the mission “Money Lending and Other Sins – Part I,” you will never see Arthur contract TB. While this allows Arthur to continue “yee-hawing” indefinitely, it also means significantly curtailing the story. You sacrifice most of the game’s narrative depth and character development to preserve Arthur’s health.

Living a (Limited) Life on the Run

Essentially, you’re trading a complete and emotionally resonant experience for a prolonged state of pre-TB gameplay. Arthur remains healthy, but the vast majority of the game’s content becomes inaccessible. You’ll be stuck perpetually in the early chapters. Think of it as living in a beautiful, detailed diorama that you can never fully explore.

The decision rests on your priorities. Do you value the emotional arc and narrative conclusion of Red Dead Redemption 2, or do you prioritize keeping Arthur alive at the cost of experiencing the full story? There’s no right or wrong answer; it’s purely a matter of personal preference.

FAQs: Red Dead Redemption 2 and Arthur’s Fate

Let’s delve deeper into some frequently asked questions regarding Arthur’s tuberculosis and related aspects of Red Dead Redemption 2:

What triggers Arthur’s tuberculosis?

Arthur contracts TB during the mission “Money Lending and Other Sins – Part I” when he confronts Thomas Downes at the Downes Ranch. In the midst of a struggle, Downes, suffering from TB himself, coughs directly into Arthur’s face, transmitting the disease.

Is there any in-game cure for Arthur’s TB?

No. The game explicitly states that there is no cure for tuberculosis in Arthur’s time. While certain items, like the Owl Feather Trinket, can alleviate some of the symptoms by reducing core drain, they do not cure the underlying disease.

Can I prevent the Downes Ranch encounter by avoiding the mission?

Yes, technically. However, avoiding the mission “Money Lending and Other Sins – Part I” will halt story progression entirely. You’ll be unable to advance to later chapters or experience the bulk of the game’s narrative.

Does Arthur spread the TB to anyone else in the gang?

Interestingly, despite Arthur’s close proximity to other gang members, there’s no indication that he infects anyone else with TB. This is often considered a plot hole within the narrative, as TB is highly contagious, particularly in close quarters.

How long does Arthur live after contracting TB?

The game doesn’t provide an exact timeline, but a reasonable estimate is that Arthur lives for approximately 3-6 months after contracting tuberculosis. This timeframe allows for the events in Rhodes and Saint Denis to unfold plausibly.

Does wearing a mask prevent Arthur from getting TB?

Unfortunately, no. While masks exist in the game, they do not prevent Arthur from contracting TB. The infection is scripted to occur during the specific cutscene at the Downes Ranch.

Would Arthur have been able to defeat Micah if he didn’t have TB?

It’s highly plausible that a healthy Arthur Morgan would have had a significantly better chance against Micah Bell in the final confrontation. Tuberculosis weakened Arthur considerably, impacting his strength, stamina, and overall health, making him more vulnerable.

What does the doctor inject Arthur with after diagnosing him with TB?

The doctor in Saint Denis injects Arthur with morphine after diagnosing him. This was a common pain management strategy at the time, but it offered no curative properties.

What happens to Arthur’s money and possessions after his death?

When you transition to playing as John Marston in the epilogue, you automatically retrieve Arthur’s guns and clothing. However, Arthur’s money, food, and other consumables are gone. This is a deliberate narrative choice to reflect John’s family’s struggles and their need to rebuild their lives.

Can you save Lenny from dying?

No, Lenny’s death is a scripted event during the Saint Denis bank robbery. It cannot be prevented, regardless of your actions during the mission.

Should I help Rains Fall?

Yes, it is highly recommended to help Rains Fall. Assisting him is an integral part of Arthur’s character development and redemption arc. Choosing not to help him closes off a significant portion of the storyline and feels contrary to Arthur’s evolving moral compass.

Can you turn in the serial killer in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Yes, after finding clues across the Valentine area, you can find, hogtie, and bring the serial killer to the sheriff in Valentine to claim a reward.

Is there going to be a Red Dead Redemption 3?

While nothing is confirmed, based on Rockstar Games’ past release patterns, Red Dead Redemption 3 is unlikely to be released until 2026 at the earliest. However, hints and teases suggest that the franchise will continue at some point.

What are the requirements for the secret ending in RDR2?

Unlocking the “secret ending” requires a significant investment of time and effort. You’ll need to complete all stranger missions, find every collectible, hunt every animal and fish, and discover every point of interest, among other tasks.

Is Red Dead Redemption 2 educational?

While primarily entertainment, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers subtle educational opportunities. The game features a richly detailed historical setting, showcasing late 19th-century American life. Learning in games has become a popular field of study, for more information see the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Final Thoughts: Sacrifice or Narrative?

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to try and prevent Arthur from contracting TB comes down to a personal choice. Are you willing to sacrifice a full and richer gaming experience, including the powerful story arc, the moving ending, and everything that takes place after the TB diagnosis to keep Arthur alive and healthy?

Many players argue that Arthur’s death, though tragic, is integral to the overall narrative and message of Red Dead Redemption 2. His struggle with TB forces him to confront his mortality and re-evaluate his life choices, leading to a profound sense of redemption in his final days.