Can You Sidestep Arthur’s Fate? A Deep Dive into Red Dead Redemption 2’s Tuberculosis
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The grim reality is this: no, you cannot completely avoid Arthur Morgan contracting tuberculosis (TB) in Red Dead Redemption 2. It’s an unavoidable plot point intricately woven into the game’s narrative, serving as a catalyst for Arthur’s character development and the overarching themes of mortality and redemption. While there are ways to prolong Arthur’s life before the diagnosis, once he contracts TB, his fate is sealed. Now, let’s saddle up and explore the intricacies of this tragic inevitability.
The Unavoidable Encounter: Downes Ranch and Arthur’s Diagnosis
The turning point comes during the money-lending mission involving Thomas Downes at the Downes Ranch. This mission is mandatory for story progression. Arthur, in his pursuit to collect debt, becomes infected with TB after a physical altercation with the ailing Downes. The game makes it clear that this event is inescapable; attempts to wear masks or circumvent the mission through glitches or exploits have proven futile. The game’s narrative design ensures Arthur’s infection is a pivotal and irreversible moment. Rockstar Games meticulously designed the story to include this element as a way to explore themes of morality, mortality, and the changing landscape of the West.
A Temporary Reprieve: The Art of Procrastination
The only way to “avoid” Arthur dying of TB is by simply not progressing the story past a certain point. This essentially freezes the game’s narrative timeline, keeping Arthur alive, though technically pre-diagnosis. Players can spend countless hours exploring the open world, hunting, completing side missions, and engaging in various activities before the Downes Ranch encounter. However, this comes at the cost of experiencing the full depth and emotional weight of the story’s later chapters. This can be an appealing option to those who want to play Arthur for as long as possible, and can also allow them to experience a less cynical version of the character.
The Impact of TB on Gameplay
Once Arthur contracts TB, the game mechanics are subtly but significantly altered. The primary impact is a 20% reduction in core draining speed. This means Arthur’s health, stamina, and Dead Eye cores deplete faster, requiring more frequent consumption of food and tonics to maintain his well-being. Furthermore, Arthur’s ability to benefit from these consumables is diminished, making him more vulnerable in combat and during demanding activities. The constant coughing and weakened state serve as a constant reminder of Arthur’s deteriorating condition, adding a layer of realism and pathos to the gameplay experience.
Red Dead Redemption 2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Arthur’s Tuberculosis
Here are some frequently asked questions about Arthur’s Tuberculosis:
1. Can I cure Arthur’s tuberculosis?
No. The doctor explicitly states that tuberculosis is incurable during that time period. The Owl Feather Trinket offers minor symptom relief, but doesn’t cure it.
2. Does Arthur having TB affect gameplay?
Yes. It increases core draining speed by 20%. He also gets limited benefits from food and drinks and coughs often.
3. Why didn’t any of Arthur’s friends catch tuberculosis during Red Dead Redemption 2?
Tuberculosis is contracted by direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Arthur would’ve had to spit or sneeze on them.
4. Can you finish Red Dead Redemption 2 without getting tuberculosis?
No; getting sick is integrated into the story. Even if he does the Downes mission before other main story missions, he will still cough.
5. Can you finish RDR2 without Arthur dying?
The only way to “save” Arthur is by not progressing in the game at all. Stop participating in story missions before Arthur dies.
6. What Happens If You DON’T Go Visit Thomas Downes In Red Dead Redemption 2?
You can delay the inevitable, but you cannot progress in the main story without visiting Thomas Downes.
7. How long does Arthur last with tuberculosis?
A reasonable estimate for the total amount of time that Arthur was sick in RDR2 is around 3-6 months.
8. Did Micah get TB?
There’s no indication that Micah contracted TB. He was stabbed with Arthur’s TB infected knife but was perfectly fine by the end of the game.
9. Did Dutch know Arthur was sick?
It’s odd that Dutch apparently sees that Arthur is sick but doesn’t inquire to what is wrong. He’s too busy obsessing over ‘one more score’ that he’s blind to everything else, including the wellbeing of his gang.
10. Could you survive TB in 1899?
There was no reliable treatment for tuberculosis at this time. Very few recovered.
11. Can you still play RDR2 after you beat the game?
Yes! After the credits roll, players can collect horses or guns, hunt legendary animals, visit Red Dead Redemption 2’s version of New Austin, search for dinosaur bones, and much more. The game provides a robust epilogue that allows you to play as John Marston and continue exploring the world.
12. Why did Dutch betray Arthur?
Also, Dutch misjudged Arthur’s intentions all throughout the game because Dutch believed that Arthur would betray him as soon as they got the money. However, he was speechless upon hearing and dismissing Arthur’s confession about Micah on ratting out on the gang. Dutch felt his leadership questioned by Arthur.
13. Can you avoid Arthur getting sick?
After the heist you are REQUIRED to go to the Downes Ranch. If you really don’t want Arthur to get sick, just don’t progress past that point.
14. Does John inherit Arthur’s guns?
Spoilers ahead, obviously. After a few missions in the epilogue, you will receive all of Arthur’s outfits and clothes. Along with that, you’ll get his weapons too, pretty early in the epilogue.
15. Why did Dutch walk away RDR2?
Dutch knows Micah betrayed him, which is why Dutch turns his back on Micah during the good ending of Red Dead Redemption 2 after Arthur Morgan dies. Dutch walks away because he has realized the error of his ways, at least to some extent.
The Narrative Power of Inevitability
While the inability to cure Arthur’s TB might seem like a limitation, it’s arguably one of the game’s greatest strengths. It forces players to confront mortality, to appreciate the fleeting moments of joy and connection, and to witness Arthur’s growth and eventual redemption. The disease becomes a lens through which we see the world, highlighting the beauty of nature, the importance of loyalty, and the profound impact one person can have on others.
The tragic arc also elevates Red Dead Redemption 2 beyond a simple video game; it becomes a powerful and emotionally resonant experience that stays with players long after the credits roll. The narrative choices made, including the inescapable TB diagnosis, are deliberate and contribute to the game’s overall impact. It’s a masterclass in storytelling that leverages player investment to explore complex themes and characters.
Learning and the Narrative Experience
The narrative structure of Red Dead Redemption 2, including the unavoidable contraction of tuberculosis by Arthur, provides an interesting framework for understanding learning and narrative experiences in games. The constrained nature of Arthur’s fate creates an emotional response in the player, which can be analyzed using the principles explored by the Games Learning Society. This organization examines how games can be used to promote educational and learning outcomes. Understanding the narrative design of games like Red Dead Redemption 2 can provide insights for educators and designers looking to create engaging and impactful learning experiences. The Games Learning Society provides a platform for research and discussion on this topic. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: Embracing the Ride
Ultimately, while we might wish to rewrite Arthur’s story, the fact remains that his journey, TB and all, is what makes Red Dead Redemption 2 so unforgettable. It’s a reminder that even in the face of death, there is still meaning to be found, battles to be fought, and love to be shared. So, saddle up, embrace the ride, and cherish every moment with Arthur Morgan, knowing that his legacy will endure long after the final sunset.