Can You Go Out West as Arthur in Red Dead Redemption 2? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can technically go out west as Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2, but with very significant limitations. While Arthur and the Dutch van der Linde gang can roam parts of West Elizabeth, venturing into New Austin is heavily restricted due to the events of the Blackwater Massacre. This area remains largely off-limits to Arthur due to being a wanted man, with invisible snipers often preventing free exploration.
West Elizabeth: Partially Accessible
Exploring West Elizabeth as Arthur
Arthur is able to access portions of West Elizabeth relatively early in the game. Several story missions take place in this region, including those in the town of Strawberry. You can also explore areas around the Great Plains. However, the heart of West Elizabeth, particularly the area near Blackwater, is where the restrictions begin.
Limitations in West Elizabeth
While West Elizabeth is somewhat accessible, attempting to approach Blackwater or cross the Lower Montana River into New Austin will trigger immediate pursuit. The law is extremely vigilant, and even attempting to cross via horseback or canoe will be met with lethal force from unseen snipers.
New Austin: A Restricted Territory
Why Can’t Arthur Freely Roam New Austin?
The primary reason Arthur cannot freely roam New Austin is his status as a wanted man following the disastrous Blackwater ferry heist. The region is heavily patrolled, and Arthur is immediately recognized and targeted. This creates an insurmountable barrier for exploration without resorting to exploits or glitches.
Exploiting Glitches for Early Access
Despite the intended restrictions, some players have discovered glitches that allow Arthur to briefly enter New Austin before the epilogue. These methods typically involve exploiting game mechanics to bypass the invisible sniper and law enforcement presence. However, these glitches are often patched, and even when successful, the experience is often limited by the constant threat of being killed.
No Quests Available
Even if you manage to glitch into New Austin as Arthur, quest progression is impossible because the main storyline expects John Marston to be there during the epilogue. Certain actions, such as completing quests in the region, can only be done legitimately after completing the main story with John.
The Epilogue: Full Access to the West as John Marston
Unlocking New Austin
The only legitimate way to fully explore New Austin is to complete the main story of Red Dead Redemption 2 and enter the epilogue, where you take control of John Marston. As John, you are no longer wanted for the crimes committed during the Blackwater Massacre, allowing you to freely explore New Austin and complete any remaining activities.
Completing Unfinished Business
The epilogue allows you to access all of the areas within New Austin. You can finally hunt legendary animals, complete stranger missions, and uncover secrets that were previously inaccessible as Arthur. This provides a satisfying sense of closure and expands the gameplay experience considerably.
FAQs: Red Dead Redemption 2 Western Exploration
1. Can Arthur Morgan ever enter Blackwater?
Arthur Morgan can cautiously enter Blackwater, but any significant presence in the town will draw immediate and lethal attention. The law is extremely vigilant, and survival is unlikely.
2. Is there a way to prevent Arthur from dying?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent Arthur from dying. His illness is an integral part of the story and cannot be avoided.
3. Can you go to where Arthur died as John Marston?
Yes, John Marston can visit Arthur’s grave. It is located northeast of Bacchus Bridge, atop a mountain.
4. What are the three states in Red Dead Redemption 2?
The five states in Red Dead Redemption 2 are: West Elizabeth, New Austin, Ambarino, New Hanover, and Lemoyne.
5. Why is Arthur Morgan not allowed in New Austin?
Arthur is not allowed in New Austin because he is a wanted man due to the Blackwater Massacre.
6. How many legendary animals can Arthur get?
Arthur can hunt 10 of the 16 legendary animals before the epilogue. The remaining six are exclusively available to John Marston in New Austin.
7. Can you still get Legend of the East as Arthur?
Technically no, but GamesLearningSociety.org players have found glitches that allow Arthur to obtain the Legend of the East outfit before the epilogue, but doing so can disrupt the intended gameplay progression.
8. How many legendary fish can Arthur catch?
Arthur can catch the majority of the 13 legendary fish. A few are located in New Austin and only accessible in the epilogue.
9. Why is Arthur wanted in Blackwater?
Arthur is wanted in Blackwater due to his involvement in the failed ferry heist, where several lawmen were killed.
10. Can John recover Arthur’s money?
Yes, if Arthur leaves his money at the Aberdeen Pig Farm, John can retrieve it later.
11. Why wasn’t Arthur in Blackwater during the heist?
Arthur was occupied with a con alongside Hosea and did not participate in the main heist in Blackwater.
12. Can you shoot Thomas Downes in RDR2?
You cannot kill Thomas Downes. The game prevents it to ensure the storyline progresses as intended.
13. What happens if Arthur is underweight in RDR2?
If Arthur is underweight, his stamina will increase, but his ability to withstand damage will decrease.
14. Will there be a Red Dead Redemption 3?
While there are no official announcements, hints from Rockstar Games suggest a Red Dead Redemption 3 is likely in the future.
15. Who kills Arthur Morgan?
Ultimately, Arthur succumbs to tuberculosis. In the high-honor ending, he dies peacefully watching the sunrise. In the low-honor ending, Micah executes him.
In conclusion, while Arthur Morgan can explore some of West Elizabeth, New Austin remains largely off-limits until the epilogue. Experiencing the full scope of the western territories is best saved for John Marston, who can freely roam and complete the remaining challenges and quests.