Can You Save Arthur’s Horse for John in Red Dead Redemption 2? The Definitive Guide
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Unfortunately, the short answer is no. You cannot directly transfer Arthur Morgan’s beloved horse, including the special horse Buell, to John Marston upon the conclusion of Red Dead Redemption 2’s main storyline. When Arthur’s journey reaches its end, his horses are lost, regardless of their bond level, breed, or special qualities. This loss is a deliberate narrative choice by Rockstar Games, emphasizing the finality of Arthur’s fate and the shift in perspective to John.
While this may be disheartening for players who’ve poured hours into bonding with their steeds, understanding the nuances of this mechanic, and what does carry over, can help you make informed decisions during your playthrough and manage your expectations for the epilogue.
Understanding Horse Ownership and the Epilogue
The epilogue of Red Dead Redemption 2 provides closure to the Van der Linde gang’s story while establishing the foundation for John Marston’s journey in the original Red Dead Redemption. This transition involves significant changes to the game world and mechanics, including the handling of horse ownership.
What Happens to Arthur’s Possessions?
While Arthur’s horses are lost, some of his possessions are transferred to John. After completing a series of missions in the epilogue, you will inherit Arthur’s outfits, clothing, and weapons. You also retain trinkets, talismans, trapper clothing, and saddles. However, consumables like tonics, food, and most of your money are gone (though you do recoup a substantial sum later in the epilogue).
The Narrative Impact of Losing Arthur’s Horse
Losing Arthur’s horse is a powerful symbolic act. It reinforces the sense of loss and change inherent in the transition from Arthur to John. The bond between Arthur and his horse is often depicted as one of the deepest relationships in his life, so its absence underscores the profound impact of his death.
Planning for the Epilogue: What You Can Control
While you can’t save Arthur’s horse for John, you can plan for the epilogue by:
- Crafting and Purchasing Saddles: Saddles crafted from the Trapper will carry over, so create the ones you like the most.
- Focusing on Unlockables: Prioritize unlocking satchel upgrades, recipes, and other perks that will transfer to John.
- Exploring the Map: Complete as many points of interest, side missions, and challenges as possible with Arthur.
- Treasure Hunts: It’s been suggested that you do the treasure hunts as John so the money wont be lost when arthur dies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Horses and the Epilogue
1. Can I keep Buell as John Marston?
Only if you complete the final Hamish Sinclair mission, which awards Buell, after the main story concludes and you are playing as John Marston. If you complete the mission as Arthur, Buell is lost upon Arthur’s death.
2. Do stabled horses carry over to the epilogue?
No, any horses you have stabled will be lost when you transition to John Marston in the epilogue.
3. Can John Marston find the White Arabian horse if Arthur had it?
Yes, the White Arabian horse will respawn at Lake Isabella in the epilogue, even if Arthur had tamed it previously. You can tame it again as John.
4. What horses are only available in the epilogue?
The Rose Grey Bay-Maned Arabian horse can only be purchased at the Blackwater Stable during the epilogue.
5. What happens to Arthur’s saddle?
You get to keep Arthur’s saddle as John. All the saddles that Arthur crafted through the Trapper will be available at the stables for John to use.
6. Does John Marston inherit Arthur’s weapons and outfits?
Yes, after completing a few missions in the epilogue, John will receive all of Arthur’s outfits, clothing, and weapons.
7. Does John Marston inherit Arthur’s money?
Not directly. Arthur gives John his satchel, but it doesn’t contain all of Arthur’s money. However, John recovers a significant sum of money from Micah and Dutch at the end of the epilogue.
8. Can John get Dutch’s money?
Yes, during the mission “American Venom”, John finds a chest that Dutch leaves behind, presumably containing the Blackwater money. John receives approximately $20,000, which he splits with Charles and Sadie.
9. What do I lose after Arthur dies?
You lose all your horses, any gold you possess, consumables (tonics, food, etc.), and non-unique items.
10. Is it worth playing RDR2 after the epilogue?
Absolutely. The epilogue provides a vast open world to explore, new missions, and the opportunity to complete any unfinished tasks from Arthur’s storyline.
11. Can you play as Arthur after he dies?
The only way to play as Arthur after his death is to reload a save from before the ending of Chapter 6.
12. Will the White Arabian respawn if it dies?
Yes, the White Arabian horse will respawn at Lake Isabella after a few in-game days if it dies.
13. Can John get Arthur’s horse Boadicea?
Unfortunately, no. Arthur lost Boadicea prior to the events of the main game, and she is not recoverable by either Arthur or John.
14. Is there a way to glitch or exploit the game to keep Arthur’s horse?
While there may be unofficial methods or glitches circulating online, it is important to note that these are not officially supported by Rockstar Games and may have unintended consequences for your game. These solutions are often patched out in subsequent game updates.
15. Why does Rockstar Games make you lose Arthur’s horse?
The decision to make players lose Arthur’s horse is a narrative one. It serves to emphasize the theme of loss and transition that is central to the story. It also forces players to form a new bond with a different horse as John Marston, creating a unique experience for the epilogue.
Beyond Horses: Connecting with Games and Learning
The intricate mechanics and emotional depth of Red Dead Redemption 2 demonstrate the power of video games as narrative and experiential mediums. Games can provide profound learning experiences, fostering empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to exploring and promoting the educational potential of games. You can find more information about their work at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: Embracing the New Chapter
While the loss of Arthur’s horse is undoubtedly a poignant moment in Red Dead Redemption 2, it is also an opportunity to embrace the next chapter of the story. The epilogue offers a chance to explore the world as John Marston, forge new bonds, and experience a different perspective on the events of the game. By understanding what carries over and what doesn’t, you can make informed choices and prepare for a satisfying transition into the epilogue.