Can You Prevent Arthur Morgan’s Death in Red Dead Redemption 2?

The short, brutal answer is no. Despite the vast open world and the illusion of player agency in Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur Morgan’s fate is sealed. His contraction of tuberculosis (TB) and subsequent death are integral to the game’s narrative and thematic exploration of mortality, loyalty, and redemption.

While you can influence his honor, appearance, and relationships within the game, the core storyline dictates that Arthur will succumb to his illness. Any attempts to circumvent the Thomas Downes mission (where he contracts TB), hoard miracle cures, or brute-force your way through the end game will ultimately prove futile. Arthur’s death is a narrative necessity, a cornerstone upon which the emotional weight of the game rests.

This might seem frustrating, especially for players who grow attached to Arthur and his journey. But understanding why this narrative choice was made can help appreciate the game’s artistic merit and the profound impact of Arthur’s sacrifice. Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t just about being a cowboy; it’s about facing the inevitable, making choices that matter in the face of death, and leaving a legacy behind. While you can’t change his ending, you can undoubtedly shape his story leading up to it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Arthur Morgan’s Fate

These FAQs delve deeper into the specifics of Arthur’s illness and the attempts players have made to alter his predetermined destiny.

Can I Avoid Catching TB from Thomas Downes?

Unfortunately, no. The encounter with Thomas Downes during the debt collection mission in Chapter II is a scripted event. While you can postpone the mission, completing it is essential for progressing the story. The cutscene where Downes coughs blood on Arthur is unavoidable, making infection inevitable.

Is There Any Cure for Arthur’s Tuberculosis?

No. Red Dead Redemption 2 is set in 1899, a time when effective treatments for tuberculosis were unavailable. The game reflects this historical reality; there are no miracle cures or hidden remedies that can save Arthur. The doctor’s diagnosis is a death sentence, and players must accept this harsh truth.

Does Arthur Always Get TB, Regardless of My Playstyle?

Yes. Regardless of your choices, your honor level, or your completion of side missions, Arthur Morgan will always contract tuberculosis. It’s a fixed plot point, not a variable dependent on player actions. This ensures that all players experience the emotional weight of his decline and ultimate demise.

Can I Kill Thomas Downes to Prevent Infection?

Despite many players’ attempts, Thomas Downes cannot be killed. The game prevents you from permanently harming him before the scripted infection event. Trying to circumvent the storyline in this way will only result in failure.

What Triggers Arthur’s Tuberculosis, Exactly?

Arthur’s TB is triggered during the debt collection mission for Leopold Strauss, where he confronts Thomas Downes. The physical confrontation and the exposure to Downes’ infected blood in the face during the scene mark the point where Arthur is infected.

Does Arthur’s Health Affect the Progression of TB?

While maintaining Arthur’s weight and overall health can make him feel stronger and healthier, it doesn’t affect the progression of the disease. Arthur’s health status is tied to the gameplay mechanics, not the disease itself.

Will There Be a Red Dead Redemption 3?

Rockstar Games has not officially announced Red Dead Redemption 3. Given the time gaps between previous installments, a new game is unlikely before 2026. However, the immense popularity of the series makes a sequel inevitable, though its setting and characters remain unknown. A 1914 set Red Dead 3 could follow Jack Marston with players already taking control of him in the epilogue of 2010’s RDR. The start of this setting could still focus on the final days of the Wild West, with Jack eventually fighting in World War 1 around 1917.

How Does Arthur’s Honor Affect His Death Scene?

Arthur’s honor level influences the final cutscenes and his grave’s appearance. High honor leads to a more peaceful death, focusing on redemption and acceptance, while low honor results in a more violent and desperate end. His grave will be adorned with flowers and in pristine shape if he has high honor when he died. There will also be an eagle sitting on top of the grave.

What Happens if You Visit Where Arthur Died?

Visiting Arthur’s grave as John Marston in the epilogue provides closure. The grave’s condition reflects Arthur’s honor. A high-honor Arthur receives a well-maintained grave with flowers and a positive epitaph, while a low-honor Arthur’s grave is neglected and carries a harsher message.

Does John Get Arthur’s Money After He Dies?

No, John does not inherit Arthur’s money. When you get to the epilogue, you automatically retrieve Arthur’s guns, clothing, etc. while his money, food and whatnot are gone. This serves a narrative purpose, highlighting the financial struggles John faces despite Arthur’s past criminal activities. This helps explain John’s later actions in the original Red Dead Redemption.

What Was the Injection the Doctor Gave Arthur?

The doctor injects Arthur with morphine after diagnosing him with tuberculosis. This was a common palliative treatment in that era, meant to alleviate pain and coughing symptoms, but it did nothing to cure the disease.

Why Did Dutch Betray Arthur?

It’s a complex situation, but Dutch did not betray Arthur out of malice, but because Dutch misjudged Arthur’s intentions all throughout the game. The betrayal stems from Dutch’s increasing paranoia, influenced by Micah’s manipulation. Dutch’s belief that Arthur was questioning his leadership, combined with Micah’s lies, ultimately led to their falling out.

Could a Healthy Arthur Beat Micah?

Most likely, yes. Arthur was physically stronger than Micah. Had Arthur not been weakened by TB, his fighting skills and raw power would have likely given him a significant advantage in their final confrontation.

What Year Is Red Dead Redemption 2 Set In?

Red Dead Redemption 2 is set in 1899, a period marking the decline of the Wild West. This historical context is crucial to the game’s themes of change, modernization, and the inevitable fading of the outlaw lifestyle.

What Time Period Will Red Dead Redemption 3 Take Place?

Predicting the setting of Red Dead Redemption 3 is speculative. However, several possibilities exist. As mentioned before, a 1914-set Red Dead 3 could follow Jack Marston with players already taking control of him in the epilogue of 2010’s RDR. The start of this setting could still focus on the final days of the Wild West, with Jack eventually fighting in World War 1 around 1917.

The inability to save Arthur Morgan is a difficult pill to swallow, yet it’s precisely this narrative decision that elevates Red Dead Redemption 2 from a mere game to a poignant exploration of life, death, and the choices that define us. For more on the impact of narrative choices in gaming, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, which delves into the educational and social aspects of games. The choices we make in games, even when the ending is predetermined, can still teach us something profound.