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Can You Avoid Arthur Getting TB in Red Dead Redemption 2? The Unavoidable Fate

No, you cannot avoid Arthur Morgan contracting tuberculosis (TB) in Red Dead Redemption 2. It’s a deeply ingrained, unavoidable plot point that is crucial to Arthur’s character arc and the overall narrative of the game. While many players have attempted various strategies to circumvent this fateful illness, Rockstar Games has designed the storyline in such a way that Arthur’s contraction of TB is inevitable, acting as a catalyst for his eventual demise.

Why Arthur’s TB is Unavoidable

Arthur’s illness isn’t merely a random event; it’s a meticulously crafted element that drives the story forward. It serves multiple purposes:

Character Development: Arthur’s TB forces him to confront his mortality and re-evaluate his life choices. He reflects on his past actions and strives to redeem himself, ultimately growing as a character.
Narrative Significance: The disease adds a layer of tragedy and realism to the game’s storyline, highlighting the harsh realities of the time period.
Thematic Resonance: Arthur’s TB connects to larger themes of morality, redemption, and the decline of the Wild West.
Gameplay Impact: The illness affects Arthur’s stamina, health, and overall performance, making the gameplay experience more challenging and immersive.

The moment when Arthur contracts TB is specifically tied to a mission involving Thomas Downes. During a debt collection encounter, Downes, who is suffering from TB, coughs directly into Arthur’s face. This direct exposure to the TB bacteria marks the beginning of Arthur’s decline. Even if you delay this mission as long as possible, completing it triggers the sequence of events leading to his diagnosis. The narrative structure ensures that the moment the player undertakes this specific mission, Arthur will be infected, regardless of any precautions or alternate choices made within the game. Many have tried to skip the mission, you can’t.

Attempts to Evade the Inevitable

Players have tried numerous tactics to bypass Arthur’s TB, but none have proven successful:

Avoiding the Thomas Downes Mission: Delaying the mission only postpones the inevitable. Eventually, you must complete it to progress in the storyline.
Maintaining High Honor: Arthur’s honor level has no impact on his susceptibility to TB.
Using Tonics and Upgrades: While tonics can temporarily boost Arthur’s health and stamina, they cannot cure or prevent TB.
Reverting to Previous Saves: Even if you revert to a save before contracting TB, you will eventually reach the point where the Downes mission must be completed.
Exploiting Glitches: No known glitches exist that can prevent Arthur from contracting TB.

The consistency in these outcomes shows just how integral the disease is to Red Dead Redemption 2’s narrative.

FAQs About Arthur Morgan and Tuberculosis in RDR2

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Arthur Morgan and his bout with tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2:

What triggers Arthur’s tuberculosis? The direct cause is exposure to Thomas Downes, who is suffering from TB, coughing on Arthur during a debt collection mission.
Can you shoot Thomas Downes in RDR2? Yes, you can shoot Thomas Downes in Red Dead Redemption 2, but doing so won’t prevent Arthur from getting TB. Killing him just changes the specific encounter, not the overall narrative arc.
Does Arthur always get TB? Yes, Arthur Morgan always contracts tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2. There’s no way to avoid this storyline element.
Is there a way to avoid getting tuberculosis in RDR2? No. The progression of the story demands that Arthur is infected.
What Happens If You DON’T Go Visit Thomas Downes In Red Dead Redemption 2? You must go eventually, and that is when it will be triggered.
Will there be a rdr3? While nothing is confirmed, given Rockstar Games’ history, a Red Dead Redemption 3 is likely at some point, perhaps after 2026.
How many endings does RDR2 have? The game has four main endings for Arthur Morgan, differing based on honor level and the final choice you make.
Does John get Arthur’s money? No. The game makes this deliberate.
How long does Arthur last with tuberculosis? Arthur’s illness lasts approximately 3-6 months within the game’s timeline.
Why is Hosea coughing RDR2? Hosea’s coughing suggests he is suffering from a lung ailment, though it’s never explicitly stated what it is.
Why did Dutch betray Arthur? Dutch’s actions are complex, driven by his ego, paranoia, and misjudgment of Arthur’s loyalty.
Why did no one get TB from Arthur? Arthur, while suffering with TB, did not engage in behaviors that transmit TB. He would have had to spit or sneeze on them for them to catch it.
Can you play as Arthur after he dies? No, you cannot play as Arthur after his death. The game transitions to John Marston for the epilogue.
What is the saddest ending in RDR2? The high-honor ending is generally considered the saddest due to Arthur’s poignant farewell and acceptance of his fate.
Can you cure Arthur’s tuberculosis? No, there is no cure for Arthur’s tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2.

The Impact of Arthur’s Illness on Gameplay

Arthur’s tuberculosis significantly impacts gameplay. As the disease progresses, players will notice:

Decreased Stamina: Arthur’s stamina depletes much faster, making it more challenging to run, swim, and engage in physical activities.
Reduced Health: Arthur’s maximum health is diminished, making him more vulnerable in combat.
Persistent Coughing: Arthur frequently coughs, alerting enemies to his presence and disrupting stealth gameplay.
Visual Changes: Arthur’s appearance changes as he becomes increasingly gaunt and pale.

These gameplay changes serve as a constant reminder of Arthur’s deteriorating health and add a layer of realism and immersion to the game.

The Broader Significance

The Games Learning Society explores the intersection of games and education. Arthur Morgan’s struggle with TB in Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a powerful example of how games can explore complex themes of mortality, morality, and social injustice. The game forces players to confront difficult questions about life, death, and the choices we make.

By experiencing Arthur’s journey, players gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals during the late 19th century, including the prevalence of diseases like tuberculosis and the lack of effective treatments. This creates a rich learning experience that extends beyond entertainment. You can find more information about games and learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.

In conclusion, while players can delay the inevitable, Arthur Morgan’s contraction of tuberculosis is a fixed and unavoidable event in Red Dead Redemption 2. It’s a crucial element that drives the narrative, shapes Arthur’s character arc, and contributes to the game’s overall impact. The focus shifts from trying to avoid the disease to embracing the story it tells and the lessons it imparts.

Can you avoid Arthur getting TB?