Can You Avoid Arthur Getting Sick in Red Dead Redemption 2? The Definitive Answer
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Unfortunately, the blunt and unavoidable truth is: no, you cannot avoid Arthur Morgan contracting tuberculosis (TB) in Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2). Arthur’s illness is a core plot point, a tragic narrative arc meticulously woven into the game’s fabric. It’s a story about mortality, redemption, and the brutal realities of the Wild West. Rockstar Games designed it so that no matter your choices, skills, or strategy, Arthur’s fate is sealed. Accepting this inevitability allows you to fully appreciate the emotional depth and storytelling brilliance that makes RDR2 a masterpiece.
The Inevitable Cough: A Story-Driven Infection
Arthur’s TB isn’t just a random ailment; it’s triggered by a specific event during the “Money Lending and Other Sins” mission. While collecting a debt from Thomas Downes, a struggling farmer, Arthur is coughed on by the visibly ill Downes. This encounter serves as the catalyst for Arthur’s declining health. The game reinforces this inevitability by subtly introducing Arthur’s cough even before this mission if the player tackles other content out of sequence. This highlights the game’s narrative commitment to Arthur’s tragic destiny. Skipping the mission altogether is impossible, as it’s a necessary step to progress the main storyline.
Why Arthur’s Illness Is Crucial to RDR2
Removing or avoiding Arthur’s illness would fundamentally alter the game’s narrative, themes, and emotional impact. Here’s why it’s so important:
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Character Development: Arthur’s illness forces him to confront his morality, past actions, and the impact he has on those around him. It fuels his journey toward redemption and allows players to connect with him on a deeper, more human level.
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Storytelling Depth: TB provides a powerful commentary on the unforgiving nature of the late 19th-century American West, the lack of medical care, and the devastating impact of disease on marginalized communities.
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Thematic Resonance: The story is full of themes of mortality, loyalty, and morality. Arthur’s illness reinforces these themes, making the game more moving.
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Narrative Consistency: RDR2 is a prequel to Red Dead Redemption. John Marston’s story is informed by the events that led to the demise of the Van der Linde gang and the fate of Arthur Morgan. Altering Arthur’s destiny would create inconsistencies in the overall Red Dead saga.
Prolonging the Inevitable: A Temporary Reprieve
The only conceivable “way” to “save” Arthur is to avoid progressing through the main story after Chapter 4. This allows Arthur to roam the world before his health visibly deteriorates, but he is still carrying the disease and the associated changes to stats will take place.
The Illusion of Control: Choice and Consequences
While you can’t prevent Arthur’s illness, your choices do impact his life and legacy. High honor choices, like helping strangers and being charitable, lead to a more meaningful redemption arc and a poignant death scene. Low honor choices, on the other hand, paint Arthur as a more tragic, morally ambiguous figure. Ultimately, even with high honor, Arthur’s physical demise is unavoidable, but the manner of his passing and its impact on the remaining characters are shaped by your actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What triggers Arthur’s tuberculosis in RDR2?
Arthur contracts tuberculosis from Thomas Downes during the “Money Lending and Other Sins” mission when Downes coughs in Arthur’s face.
2. Can I avoid the encounter with Thomas Downes?
No, this encounter is an essential part of the main story, and you cannot progress without completing the mission.
3. Does Arthur’s honor level affect whether he gets TB?
No, Arthur’s honor level has no impact on whether he contracts tuberculosis. The disease is a fixed plot point.
4. Are there any glitches or mods that can prevent Arthur’s illness?
While mods can sometimes alter game mechanics, there are no known reliable glitches or mods that completely remove Arthur’s TB without fundamentally breaking the game.
5. How long does Arthur stay sick in the game?
The timeline is debatable, but a reasonable estimate is between 3-6 months.
6. Does Arthur infect anyone else with TB?
Despite Arthur’s illness, no other member of the Van der Linde gang contracts TB. The game does not provide a definitive explanation for this.
7. Did Dutch know Arthur was sick?
The game suggests Dutch was aware of Arthur’s deteriorating condition, but his increasingly erratic behavior and obsession with his own plans prevented him from adequately addressing it.
8. Does Arthur’s ability to aim or fight get worse after he gets sick?
Yes, Arthur’s physical abilities noticeably decline as his illness progresses, affecting his stamina, aim, and overall performance.
9. Can I cure Arthur’s cough in RDR2?
No, there is no cure for Arthur’s TB in the game. Consuming tonics or resting can temporarily alleviate symptoms, but they do not cure the underlying disease.
10. Can you still play as Arthur after he dies?
No, after Arthur’s death, you take control of John Marston. There are no cheats or in-game methods to continue playing as Arthur.
11. How old was Arthur Morgan when he died?
Arthur Morgan was approximately 35 or 36 years old when he died from tuberculosis.
12. Was TB always fatal?
Historically, TB was a major cause of death before the advent of effective treatments.
13. Why is Arthur so loyal to Dutch?
Arthur joined Dutch’s gang at a young age and viewed Dutch as a father figure. This deep-seated loyalty is a central aspect of Arthur’s character.
14. Does maintaining a healthy weight help Arthur recover?
Maintaining a healthy weight can improve Arthur’s overall condition but will not cure the underlying disease. You can maintain Arthur’s weight by having him eat regularly.
15. What can the RDR2 gameplay tell us about learning?
RDR2’s immersive and complex narrative, combined with its challenging gameplay, offers a compelling example of how games can promote problem-solving, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. The choices players make as Arthur Morgan, and the consequences that follow, highlight the potential of games to create meaningful learning experiences. To discover how games are used in education, check out the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
In conclusion, while the desire to save Arthur Morgan from his tragic fate is understandable, accepting his illness is crucial to experiencing the full emotional depth and narrative brilliance of Red Dead Redemption 2.