Can You Truly Beat Red Dead Redemption 2 as Arthur Morgan?

The short answer is no, not in the traditional sense. While you experience the vast majority of Red Dead Redemption 2’s (RDR2) narrative as the iconic Arthur Morgan, the story is ultimately structured in a way that culminates in his death and a subsequent epilogue played as John Marston. There are no in-game mechanisms or cheats that allow you to permanently continue playing as Arthur after the main storyline concludes. You’ll always transition to John Marston to complete the game’s narrative arc. Let’s dive deeper into what this means and explore the nuances of Arthur’s journey.

Arthur’s Inevitable Fate

Arthur Morgan’s arc is deliberately tragic. His struggle with tuberculosis (TB) forms the bedrock of his personal redemption, forcing him to confront his past actions and question the morality of the Van Der Linde gang’s lifestyle. This illness is scripted and unavoidable. You cannot cure it or prevent Arthur from contracting it during the storyline. This is a deliberate design choice, serving to drive the narrative forward and explore themes of mortality, regret, and legacy.

The climax of Arthur’s story, specifically the missions “My Last Boy” and “Our Best Selves,” are the point of no return. Once you initiate “Our Best Selves,” the finale is set in motion, leading directly to Arthur’s confrontation with Micah and his ultimate demise. Therefore, the last chance you have to truly roam as Arthur is during the mission “My Last Boy.”

The Epilogue and John Marston

Following Arthur’s death, players assume control of John Marston. The epilogue serves as a bridge between the events of RDR2 and the original Red Dead Redemption. It allows players to witness John’s attempts to build a peaceful life for his family and sets the stage for the events that await him in the first game.

While you inherit many of Arthur’s possessions as John, including his weapons and outfits, the experience is fundamentally different. John has his own motivations and backstory, and the gameplay reflects this shift in perspective. Many view this as a necessary part of the whole Red Dead narrative.

Managing Expectations and Maximizing Your Arthur Playthrough

Despite the inescapable ending, you can significantly enhance your experience playing as Arthur Morgan. Here are some tips:

• Explore the Open World: Arthur is perfectly suited to experiencing the vast and detailed world of RDR2. Take your time to hunt, fish, discover hidden locations, and encounter random events.

• Complete Side Quests: Arthur can undertake a large number of Stranger Missions. Many of these side quests offer compelling stories and unique rewards. Make sure you pursue the ones that interest you and remember many disappear when Arthur is gone.

• Maximize Honor: Your honor level affects Arthur’s interactions with other characters and influences the game’s ending. You can raise your honor by performing good deeds, such as helping strangers, donating to the gang’s camp, and choosing merciful options in missions. High honor leads to a more poignant and arguably more satisfying ending for Arthur.

• Build Relationships: Arthur can develop relationships with members of the Van Der Linde gang. Interact with them at camp, complete chores, and engage in activities together. These interactions add depth to the story and provide valuable insights into the characters’ motivations.

• Embrace the Role-Playing: RDR2 is a highly immersive game that encourages role-playing. Make choices that align with your personal interpretation of Arthur’s character. Consider his values, his flaws, and his evolving worldview as you progress through the story.

The Power of Save Files

The only way to technically continue playing as Arthur Morgan is to revert to an earlier save file. This allows you to effectively “rewind” time and re-experience specific moments in the story. Some players create multiple save files at different points in the game so that they can easily revisit their favorite sections as Arthur. Remember to manually save often as the game is designed for progression.

Arthur’s Legacy and the Fan Community

The love for Arthur Morgan is undeniable. Many fans consider him to be one of the most complex and compelling characters in video game history. His tragic story has resonated deeply with players, and the community continues to celebrate his legacy through fan art, fan fiction, and online discussions.

The community continues to dissect the game’s narrative, discover new secrets, and create mods that enhance the player experience. Even though Arthur’s fate is sealed, his impact on the world of RDR2 remains profound.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Arthur have a happy ending in Red Dead Redemption 2?

While Arthur’s story is ultimately tragic, he can achieve a sense of peace and redemption. Choosing honorable actions throughout the game will lead to a more positive ending for Arthur, where he dies watching the sunrise, having helped John Marston escape. This can be considered the “best” possible ending for Arthur.

2. Is it possible to free roam as Arthur after completing the main storyline?

No, after the mission “My Last Boy,” you cannot free roam as Arthur following the main storyline’s conclusion. You transition to playing as John Marston during the epilogue.

3. Who would win in a fight between Arthur and John?

Physically, Arthur is likely stronger than John in their prime. Arthur’s size and experience as a brawler give him an edge in hand-to-hand combat. However, John’s resourcefulness and determination shouldn’t be underestimated.

4. Is Red Dead Redemption 2 a better experience as Arthur or John?

For the core outlaw experience, playing as Arthur is arguably better. His character arc is more central to the game’s themes, and he interacts more extensively with the Van Der Linde gang. However, John’s epilogue provides closure and sets the stage for the original Red Dead Redemption.

5. Can you avoid Arthur getting TB in Red Dead Redemption 2?

No, Arthur contracting tuberculosis is a scripted event and cannot be avoided during the main storyline.

6. Does John inherit Arthur’s possessions in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Yes, John inherits most of Arthur’s weapons, outfits, and valuables after the transition in the epilogue. However, he doesn’t get Arthur’s horses.

7. Does Arthur ever experience love in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Yes, Arthur had a past love with a waitress named Eliza, with whom he had a son, Isaac. While never explicitly stated within the game, there are hints that he may have had romantic feelings for Mary Linton, a character from his past who reappears throughout the storyline.

8. Who betrays Arthur in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Micah Bell is the primary betrayer of Arthur and the Van Der Linde gang. His actions lead to the gang’s downfall and Arthur’s ultimate confrontation with Dutch and Micah.

9. How old is Arthur Morgan when he dies in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Arthur dies at the age of 35 or 36, depending on how long the story takes.

10. Why does Arthur give John his hat in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Arthur gives John his hat as a symbolic gesture, entrusting him with the responsibility of protecting his family and carrying on his legacy. It’s a physical representation of Arthur’s support and a tool for survival.

11. How old is John Marston in Red Dead Redemption 2 after Arthur dies?

John is 26 years old during the events of Red Dead Redemption 2. Arthur’s death occurs in 1907, and John was born in 1873.

12. Did Arthur have any children in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Arthur had a son named Isaac with a waitress named Eliza. Sadly, both Isaac and Eliza were killed in a robbery.

13. Is there any way to let Micah die in Strawberry?

No, you are forced to save Micah in Strawberry. The story will not progress until you do so.

14. Why doesn’t John mention Arthur in Red Dead Redemption?

There are several potential reasons why John doesn’t mention Arthur in Red Dead Redemption. It could be out of respect for Arthur’s memory, a desire to move on from the past, or simply because Arthur’s story wasn’t relevant to John’s immediate goals in the first game.

15. How old was John Marston when he died in Red Dead Redemption?

John Marston was 38 years old when he died at the end of the first Red Dead Redemption, with his grave indicating he lived from 1873-1911.

Final Thoughts

While you cannot “beat” Red Dead Redemption 2 solely as Arthur Morgan in the sense of experiencing the entire narrative arc with him, his journey remains the emotional core of the game. Embrace his story, make meaningful choices, and cherish your time playing as this unforgettable character. Consider how games, storytelling, and learning intertwine, as highlighted by resources at Games Learning Society. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.