Staying Clean in the Wild West: Your Guide to Bathing in Red Dead Redemption 2

Yes, you can shower (or rather, bathe) in Red Dead Redemption 2. Maintaining your hygiene is a surprisingly important aspect of the game, influencing how NPCs react to Arthur Morgan. A clean Arthur is a respected Arthur, and keeping him that way is relatively straightforward. Let’s dive into the specifics of bathing and hygiene in the game.

The Importance of Hygiene in Red Dead Redemption 2

Unlike many open-world games where you can ignore personal cleanliness, Red Dead Redemption 2 factors in Arthur’s hygiene as a key element. Arthur’s bodily health and odor will steadily get worse over time, and this impacts the way the world reacts to him.

• NPC Reactions: Townsfolk will comment on Arthur’s smell if he’s been wallowing in the mud for too long. Some might even refuse to interact with him.
• Honor: While not directly tied to hygiene, maintaining a respectable appearance can indirectly influence Arthur’s honor.
• Immersion: The hygiene system adds another layer of realism and immersion to the game, making the world feel more alive and responsive to Arthur’s actions.

How to Bathe in Red Dead Redemption 2

There are a few ways to get Arthur Morgan squeaky clean:

• Rivers and Streams: The most basic method is to simply take a dip in a river or stream. While this will remove some of the grime, it’s not as thorough as a proper bath.
• Hotel Baths: The most reliable option is to visit a hotel in any of the major towns. Speak to the hotel owner and select the “Bath” option. This costs $0.25 (game currency, of course).
• Premium Baths: For a more luxurious experience, you can opt for a premium or deluxe bath. This costs $0.75 and involves a maid coming in to scrub Arthur clean. This offers a more thorough cleaning and a brief, humorous cutscene.
• Campsite: Though rare, some campsites may allow you to clean yourself depending on upgrades purchased.

Hotel Baths: A Step-by-Step Guide

Taking a bath at a hotel is the most common and effective way to freshen up. Here’s how:

1. Find a Hotel: Head to any major town like Valentine, Saint Denis, or Blackwater.
2. Speak to the Hotel Owner: Locate the hotel clerk and initiate a conversation.
3. Rent a Room (Optional): While not strictly necessary for a bath, renting a room for $1 allows you to save your progress and provides a private space.
4. Select “Bath”: Choose the “Bath” option from the services offered. You can choose the regular bath or the deluxe bath.
5. Enjoy: Watch the cutscene as Arthur gets cleaned up. His cores will be replenished.

FAQs: All About Bathing and Hygiene in Red Dead Redemption 2

Here are some frequently asked questions about the hygiene system and bathing in Red Dead Redemption 2:

1. How often should I bathe Arthur?

There’s no set schedule, but keep an eye on Arthur’s appearance and listen to NPC reactions. If he’s visibly dirty and people are commenting on his smell, it’s time for a bath. Typically, bathing every few in-game days is sufficient.

2. Does bathing affect Arthur’s stats?

Bathing primarily affects how NPCs perceive Arthur. It doesn’t directly impact his core stats like health, stamina, or dead eye, but it can influence interactions and dialogue options.

3. What’s the difference between a regular bath and a deluxe bath?

A regular bath simply cleans Arthur. A deluxe bath includes the services of a maid, providing a more thorough cleaning and a humorous cutscene. The deluxe bath also slightly boosts Arthur’s cores.

4. Can I bathe during a mission?

No, bathing is not possible during missions. You can only bathe when you’re free-roaming and have access to a hotel or a suitable body of water.

5. Where can I find the cheapest bath?

All hotel baths cost the same: $0.25 for a regular bath and $0.75 for a deluxe bath. So the location doesn’t matter in terms of cost.

6. Does Arthur get sick if he stays dirty?

While Arthur doesn’t get sick from being dirty, it does impact the game through NPC reactions. Hygiene is one thing that impacts the experience.

7. Can I bathe my horse?

No, you cannot bathe your horse in Red Dead Redemption 2. However, you can brush your horse to improve its bonding level and cleanliness.

8. What happens if I ignore Arthur’s hygiene completely?

Ignoring Arthur’s hygiene will lead to increasingly negative NPC reactions. He’ll be treated with disdain, and some interactions might be unavailable.

9. Are there any unique dialogues related to bathing?

Yes, there are several unique dialogues that trigger when Arthur is clean or dirty. Listen carefully to what NPCs say, as it adds to the game’s immersion.

10. Can I take a bath in Red Dead Online?

Yes, the bathing mechanic is also present in Red Dead Online. The process is the same as in the single-player campaign.

11. Does bathing affect Arthur’s weight?

No, bathing does not directly affect Arthur’s weight. His weight is determined by his food intake and activity levels.

12. Can I find a bath in every town?

Not every small settlement has a hotel with bath facilities. Larger towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, Blackwater, and Strawberry are your best bets for finding a hotel bath.

13. Is there an achievement or trophy related to bathing?

There isn’t a specific achievement or trophy solely dedicated to bathing, but maintaining Arthur’s well-being, including his hygiene, contributes to overall game completion and satisfaction.

14. Do certain outfits get dirtier faster?

No, the rate at which Arthur gets dirty is not affected by his clothing. It depends on his activities, such as riding through mud or engaging in combat.

15. Can you get diseases in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Yes, Arthur can contract diseases in Red Dead Redemption 2. One example is the Tuberculosis he ends up getting.

Maintaining Arthur’s hygiene is a small but important aspect of Red Dead Redemption 2 that adds to the game’s depth and immersion. Whether you prefer a quick dip in the river or a luxurious bath at a hotel, keeping Arthur Morgan clean is essential for a smoother and more enjoyable experience. For those interested in learning more about gaming and education, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.