Does Arthur Morgan Get a Happy Ending in Red Dead Redemption 2?
The blunt truth? No, Arthur Morgan does not get a happy ending in the traditional sense. He dies, plain and simple. However, the nature of his death, the legacy he leaves behind, and the player’s choices throughout the game all contribute to a complex and nuanced conclusion that can, for some, feel bittersweetly satisfying. It’s not a fairy tale ending, but it can be a redemptive one, depending on how you play.
Arthur’s journey is one of gradual moral awakening. He starts as a loyal, if somewhat reluctant, enforcer for the Van der Linde gang, deeply entrenched in a life of crime. As the game progresses, particularly after his diagnosis with tuberculosis, Arthur begins to question the gang’s increasingly destructive path and Dutch van der Linde’s increasingly erratic leadership. He starts to prioritize the well-being of those he cares about, especially John Marston and his family, over blind loyalty to the gang.
This shift in character is crucial to understanding the potential “happiness” in his ending. While he ultimately succumbs to his illness (or, in a low honor playthrough, a more violent demise), the game allows you to shape his final actions. By choosing to help John escape, Arthur essentially sacrifices himself to ensure a future for John, Abigail, and Jack. This act of selflessness, especially when coupled with high honor, allows Arthur to die with a sense of peace, watching a sunrise, knowing he has done his best to secure a better life for those he loves.
So, while Arthur doesn’t survive, the “happy” aspect lies in his moral arc and the redemptive choices players can make for him. He finds a measure of peace and purpose in his final days, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and sacrifice that contrasts sharply with the violence and chaos of his previous life. This isn’t a “happily ever after,” but it is a powerful and meaningful conclusion to a compelling character study. Furthermore, this type of gaming narrative allows for a deeper exploration of complex themes; the Games Learning Society explores these deeper learning connections within gaming culture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthur Morgan’s Fate
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide even more clarity about Arthur Morgan’s ending and related aspects of Red Dead Redemption 2:
1. What happens to Arthur at the very end of Red Dead Redemption 2?
Arthur dies. Depending on your honor level and your choices during the final missions, he either succumbs to tuberculosis while watching the sunrise (high honor) or is killed by Micah Bell (low honor).
2. Can Arthur survive in any ending of Red Dead Redemption 2?
No. Regardless of your choices, Arthur Morgan’s death is inevitable. There are no secret endings or cheats that allow him to survive.
3. What is considered the “true” ending for Arthur Morgan?
The “true” ending is subjective, but many consider the high-honor ending, where Arthur helps John escape and dies peacefully while watching the sunrise, to be the most narratively satisfying and in line with his character arc. However, both endings are canon.
4. Is there a way to cure Arthur’s tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Absolutely not. Tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2 is incurable. The doctor even states this during a consultation with Arthur. It’s a plot device essential to Arthur’s story and his eventual fate.
5. Will Arthur Morgan be back in Red Dead Redemption 3?
It’s unlikely Arthur will return in a direct sequel, as he dies at the end of Red Dead Redemption 2. However, a prequel set before the events of Red Dead Redemption 2 could potentially feature Arthur as a younger character, perhaps even before he joins the Van der Linde gang.
6. What is the “best” ending for Arthur in Red Dead Redemption 2?
The “best” ending is subjective and depends on your preferences. For a lot of players, the honorable ending is perceived as the best ending, where Arthur helps John and his family escape the Pinkertons. He then dies of tuberculosis while watching the sunrise, which brings the story to a close in a poetic way.
7. Does Red Dead Redemption 2 have a secret ending?
Not in the sense of Arthur surviving. However, reaching 100% completion unlocks a bonus scene in the epilogue where John visits Arthur’s grave. This scene adds an emotional touch to the overall ending.
8. Why was Arthur Morgan’s death so impactful and sad?
Arthur’s death is sad due to a combination of factors: his character development, his terminal illness, and the player’s connection to him. He is well-written, and relatable, and his struggle with his morality and fate resonates with players. The terminal illness makes him less able to fight for his well-being, which reduces his chances of surival and increases sadness in the game.
9. Can you avoid getting tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2?
No, you cannot avoid Arthur contracting tuberculosis. The mission at the Downes Ranch is mandatory to progress the story, and Arthur will inevitably be exposed.
10. What is the “bad” ending in Red Dead Redemption 2?
The “bad” ending occurs when you choose to go back for the money during the final confrontation. Arthur is ambushed by Micah and dies in a brutal knife fight, reflecting a selfish and dishonorable final act.
11. What happens to Arthur after his death in the game?
After Arthur’s death, the game switches to John Marston, the protagonist of the first Red Dead Redemption, and begins an epilogue. Players control John as he builds a life for his family and eventually seeks revenge on Micah.
12. Who is the “secret killer” that’s often talked about in relation to Red Dead Redemption 2?
The “secret killer” refers to Edmund Lowry Jr., a serial killer whose victims can be found throughout the game world. While he doesn’t directly impact Arthur’s story or ending, his presence adds to the overall atmosphere of violence and depravity in the Old West.
13. Who betrayed Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2?
The primary betrayer is Micah Bell, who acts as an informant for the Pinkertons, leading to the downfall of the Van der Linde gang. Dutch’s growing distrust of Arthur also contributes to the betrayal.
14. Does John Marston inherit Arthur Morgan’s possessions, like his horses?
John does not directly inherit Arthur’s horses that were stabled at the end of the game. The game starts John with a single horse, and players must acquire new ones. However, John does find some of Arthur’s personal belongings later in the Epilogue.
15. Is Arthur a better gunslinger than Dutch or Micah?
While Dutch and Micah are formidable gunslingers, many argue that Arthur is the best. Several characters in the game comment on his skill with a gun, and his proficiency in combat is consistently demonstrated throughout the story. Whether he can beat them both fairly is a point of contention and depends on the ending path.
In conclusion, Arthur Morgan’s story is a tragedy, but a tragedy imbued with the potential for redemption and meaning. While a “happy” ending in the conventional sense is impossible, players can shape Arthur’s final moments to reflect a life lived with growing awareness and a commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of death. These profound narratives are what makes gaming such a captivating platform for storytelling and learning. The GamesLearningSociety.org is an excellent resource for exploring the educational aspects of video games.