Do You End Up Killing Micah in RDR2? The Definitive Answer and FAQs
Yes, you do end up killing Micah Bell in Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2), but not necessarily as the character you might expect at first. While the majority of the game focuses on Arthur Morgan, the final confrontation with Micah, the game’s most hated villain, takes place in the epilogue, with you playing as John Marston. It’s a climactic and deeply satisfying end to a long and painful journey, concluding one of the most complex character arcs in modern gaming.
The Final Showdown: John, Dutch, and Micah
The showdown at the top of Mount Hagen is the culmination of everything that went wrong with the Van der Linde gang. After years of betrayal, paranoia, and loss, John tracks Micah to his mountain hideout. Sadie Adler accompanies John in this final confrontation. However, they don’t arrive at the cabin alone; Dutch Van der Linde is already there.
This isn’t simply a straightforward duel. Dutch’s presence adds a layer of complexity to the situation. In a tense moment of reckoning, Dutch doesn’t fight alongside Micah, he instead, shoots him, thus allowing John to finish off the wounded traitor with his revolver, finally putting an end to Micah’s reign of terror.
This action by Dutch is particularly significant. He doesn’t actively help John fight, but his intervention is the key to Micah’s demise. Dutch seemingly acknowledges his own mistakes and the monstrous path Micah led him down, this act can be seen as Dutch’s own form of twisted redemption.
What Happens if You Don’t Kill Micah?
The game doesn’t allow for Micah to escape this encounter. If you were to activate invincibility mode and try to avoid engaging Micah, the game will break down. Without intervention from the player, Micah will first shoot and kill Dutch, then kill John, then kill Sadie, creating a softlock that can only be resolved by reloading the checkpoint or using mods.
This illustrates how pivotal this final showdown is for the storyline. The narrative is designed to ensure that Micah gets his just end, not by luck or chance but by John’s efforts aided by Dutch.
Why Does Dutch Shoot Micah?
This is a pivotal question that many players ponder. Dutch’s decision is not about friendship or loyalty; it’s about guilt, a sliver of self-preservation, and perhaps a flicker of the man he used to be before things fell apart. Dutch is a narcissist who was so easily manipulated by Micah. Shooting Micah is a retribution for Arthur’s death. Dutch, in his own twisted way, tries to rectify his mistakes, though this does not mean forgiveness or absolution for his part in the downfall of the gang. He needed to shoot Micah, and even though he doesn’t really care about the $20,000, he leaves it behind as he walks away from the scene, allowing John to claim it.
Why Doesn’t Dutch Kill Micah Earlier?
The game portrays that Dutch was aware of Micah’s corrupting influence and possible betrayal, but he did not truly believe it to be true, and he was too arrogant to accept it. This arrogance, combined with a gradual descent into madness, kept Dutch tied to Micah longer than he should have been. He used Micah for his own gain. Even when Arthur and others tried to warn Dutch, he chose to believe Micah over his most loyal followers.
The Significance of Micah’s Death
Micah’s death marks a turning point for John. He finally has a closure from the years of fear and treachery he endured. He avenges Arthur’s death and is able to move forward. The final confrontation also showcases the cycle of violence that plagues the characters. The game highlights how the choices of these characters, and of the player, can result in loss and despair.
The Epilogue and Beyond
After finally putting Micah in the grave, John begins his life as a rancher with his family. However, the peace he finds is not permanent, as the game transitions into the events of the first Red Dead Redemption, where John eventually hunts down and kills Dutch, who by this point has completely lost his mind. This adds another layer of tragedy to the narrative, highlighting how the past always catches up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who Kills Arthur Morgan?
Arthur Morgan’s death depends on your in-game honor. If you have high honor, Arthur dies peacefully of tuberculosis while watching the sunrise. If you have low honor, Micah executes him after a brutal fight.
2. Is Micah supposed to kill Arthur?
Yes. In the low honor ending, Micah kills Arthur. In the high honor ending, Arthur dies of TB after a final confrontation with Micah where Dutch intervenes to allow Arthur to escape.
3. Can you cure Arthur’s tuberculosis?
No. There is no cure for Arthur’s tuberculosis in RDR2. It’s a central theme of the narrative and a significant factor in his character arc.
4. Did Dutch know Micah was a rat?
Dutch had his suspicions about Micah, but he chose to ignore the evidence, or even use it to test his other followers. His ego and paranoia led him to believe that the accusations were an attempt to undermine his authority.
5. Why did Dutch turn evil?
Dutch’s descent into villainy was a gradual process. The Pinkertons’ pursuit, the deaths of key gang members (especially Hosea), and the changing world all contributed to his mental and moral decline.
6. Did Micah kill Jack’s dog?
It’s heavily implied that Micah killed Jack’s dog, Cain. Although he claims that the dog ran away, the way he delivers the news suggests that the he was directly involved in the disappearance of the pet.
7. Where is Dutch after killing Micah?
Dutch simply walks away after shooting Micah. He doesn’t interact with John or Sadie, and disappears into the mountains.
8. How much money do you get after killing Micah?
You retrieve $20,000, which is what’s left of the Blackwater heist money, after the final mission at Mount Hagen.
9. Can you go back to Micah’s body?
Yes, you can revisit the cabin where you killed Micah. His body is frozen there, and you can even retrieve his custom revolver.
10. Is Micah good or bad?
Micah is widely considered the most evil and hated villain in Rockstar Games history. He’s brutal, cruel, and self-serving.
11. What did Micah do to Jenny?
Micah claims he had sex with Jenny, another member of the gang, but it’s unclear whether it was consensual or true. The game leaves this intentionally ambiguous, further adding to his morally questionable character.
12. What mental illness does Dutch have?
Dutch exhibits signs of narcissistic personality disorder compounded by stress and paranoia, which are worsened by a head injury. This combination leads to his erratic and destructive behavior.
13. Did Dutch really care about Arthur?
Dutch likely cared for Arthur on some level, but his pride and ego often clouded his judgment. He ultimately valued his own power and authority above all else.
14. Why does Arthur hate Micah?
Arthur hates Micah because he sees through his lies and realizes that he is corrupting the gang from within. He also resents Micah for his brutality and the way he treated the other members of the gang.
15. Does Micah ever sleep?
Micah is an odd character who, unlike other gang members, does not sleep much in the game, adding to his enigmatic nature.
In conclusion, you do kill Micah in RDR2, bringing closure to the central conflict of the story. While John is the one who delivers the final blow, the circumstances surrounding Micah’s death are complex and emotionally resonant, making it a truly unforgettable gaming experience. The game’s exploration of themes like loyalty, betrayal, redemption, and the futility of violence make RDR2 not just a great game, but a profound narrative that players continue to analyze and discuss.