Does Arthur Morgan Find Happiness in Red Dead Redemption 2? A Deep Dive
The question of whether Arthur Morgan achieves a happy ending in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a complex one, and the short answer is no, not in the traditional sense. Arthur is ultimately doomed by tuberculosis, contracted early in the game, and perishes regardless of player choices. However, the nature of his death, and the legacy he leaves behind, hinges heavily on the player’s actions and honor level. A “happy ending”, then, is a matter of perspective, measured not by survival, but by redemption, acceptance, and the positive impact he has on others, especially John Marston and his family. While Arthur doesn’t live happily ever after, he can find peace and purpose in his final days.
The Tragedy and Triumph of Arthur Morgan
Arthur Morgan’s story is steeped in the grit and grim reality of the Wild West. He’s a product of his environment, raised in a life of crime and violence under the tutelage of Dutch van der Linde. The game masterfully unveils Arthur’s layers, presenting him as a complex individual capable of brutality, loyalty, and surprisingly, compassion.
His arc is marked by a slow, agonizing realization: Dutch’s idealistic vision is crumbling, the gang is fracturing, and the world is changing around them. This realization is amplified by his diagnosis with tuberculosis. Knowing his time is limited, Arthur begins to question his past actions and contemplate his legacy.
The player’s choices directly impact Arthur’s honor rating. High honor actions, such as helping strangers, contributing to the camp, and making merciful decisions, result in a more “honorable” Arthur. Low honor, achieved through rampant violence and selfishness, paints him as a more ruthless and unsympathetic figure.
Two Paths to the End
The game offers two primary ending sequences determined by a choice at the climax of the story: helping John Marston escape or going back for the gang’s money.
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Helping John: This path, generally considered the “best ending” or the “high honor ending,” sees Arthur assist John in escaping with his family. He then confronts Micah Bell, the true antagonist, in a final showdown. Even though Arthur succumbs to his illness and wounds, he does so having secured a future for John and his family, watching a final sunrise. This ending is poignant and tragic, but it offers a sense of closure and purpose.
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Returning for the Money: This ending, associated with low honor, results in a brutal and selfish death. Arthur, driven by greed, fights Micah for the gang’s stash and is ultimately killed by him. This ending is bleak and emphasizes the destructive nature of Arthur’s life of violence.
Regardless of the chosen path, Arthur dies. There is no way to cure him or alter this fundamental aspect of the story. His death is the catalyst for the epilogue, where players control John Marston as he avenges Arthur and builds a new life.
Happiness in Legacy
Even without a traditional happy ending, Arthur’s story is filled with moments of genuine happiness. His interactions with Mary Linton, a former lover, reveal a vulnerability and desire for a different life. His growing affection for John and his family demonstrates his capacity for love and loyalty. The camaraderie within the gang, before its descent into chaos, provides moments of joy and connection.
Ultimately, Arthur’s potential for happiness lies in his ability to find redemption and leave behind a positive legacy. By helping John escape and ensuring his family’s safety, Arthur secures a future free from the violence and chaos that defined his own life. This act of selflessness, coupled with his newfound understanding of the importance of family and love, represents a form of happiness, albeit one tinged with immense sadness.
The narratives and impact of video games are important areas of research for organizations like the Games Learning Society, as game narratives can inform players of social history and dynamics of violence and morality. See more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Is there any way to save Arthur in RDR2?
No. Despite fan theories and rumors, there is no way to prevent Arthur from contracting tuberculosis or dying at the end of the main story. His death is a fixed plot point.
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What is considered the “best” ending for Arthur?
The “best” ending is subjective, but most players consider the high honor ending, where Arthur helps John escape, to be the most satisfying. It allows Arthur to die with dignity and a sense of purpose, knowing he secured a future for John and his family.
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Does Arthur ever get cured of TB?
No. Arthur’s tuberculosis is incurable within the game’s narrative. There are no remedies, treatments, or hidden quests that can alter this fact.
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What triggers Arthur’s TB?
Arthur contracts tuberculosis during a mission where he confronts Thomas Downes, a sick farmer, to collect a debt. Downes coughs directly into Arthur’s face, transmitting the disease.
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Can I avoid Arthur getting TB?
No. This mission is mandatory for advancing the story, and Arthur’s contraction of TB is a scripted event.
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What happens if Arthur has low honor at the end?
If Arthur has low honor, his final moments are more brutal. Instead of watching the sunrise, he is shot in the back of the head by Micah. The overall theme is one of the game demonstrating that what goes around comes around.
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Does Arthur’s death affect gameplay?
Yes. After Arthur’s death, players take control of John Marston in the epilogue, continuing the story and seeking revenge for Arthur’s death.
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What happens to Arthur’s belongings after he dies?
John Marston inherits some of Arthur’s belongings, including his journal, weapons, and clothes. However, certain items, such as gold and non-unique valuables, are lost.
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Why is Arthur’s death so impactful?
Arthur’s death is impactful because players spend a significant amount of time with him, developing a strong connection to his character. His transformation, struggles, and eventual acceptance of his fate resonate deeply with many players.
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Does Dutch know Arthur is sick?
Dutch is seemingly aware that Arthur is sick, but his descent into paranoia and self-absorption prevents him from acknowledging the severity of Arthur’s condition or offering genuine support.
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Is Micah a good guy?
No. Micah is portrayed as a ruthless, treacherous, and irredeemable character. He is a primary antagonist and directly contributes to the downfall of the gang.
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Did Arthur have any family?
Arthur had a son, Isaac, with a waitress named Eliza. However, both Isaac and Eliza were killed in a robbery, deeply affecting Arthur and contributing to his hardened exterior.
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Does Arthur ever get romantic companionship?
Arthur has a past relationship with Mary Linton, and their interactions reveal a longing for connection and a simpler life. There are also opportunities for brief encounters with other women throughout the game.
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Why does Arthur hate Micah?
Arthur hates Micah for his treachery, violence, and manipulative nature. Micah’s actions directly lead to the gang’s downfall, the deaths of several members, and ultimately, Arthur’s demise.
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What is the secret ending in RDR2?
The “secret ending” is a brief scene that occurs after achieving 100% completion of the game. It shows John visiting Arthur’s grave, offering a final moment of reflection and closure.