Does Arthur Lose His Horse in Red Dead Redemption 2? A Deep Dive into Loss and Loyalty
Yes, Arthur Morgan does indeed lose his horse in Red Dead Redemption 2. This is not a simple case of trading it in or losing it in a poker game. The loss is deeply intertwined with the story’s core themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the inevitability of change. The bond between Arthur and his horse is a vital part of the game’s emotional core, making the horse’s fate one of the most impactful and memorable moments for players. The manner in which it occurs, and the circumstances surrounding it, are essential to understanding the narrative’s impact.
The Significance of the Bond
Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand why this loss resonates so deeply. Horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 are more than just modes of transportation. They are companions, confidantes, and even reflections of Arthur’s own character. Players spend countless hours bonding with their steeds, carefully selecting breeds, names, and customising their gear. This fosters a powerful emotional connection, making the horse’s fate all the more poignant. Throughout the game, it is obvious that Arthur is a horseman who loves horses.
The Inevitable Loss
The actual loss of Arthur’s main horse occurs during the final mission of Chapter 6, “Red Dead Redemption”. As Arthur faces his own mortality due to tuberculosis, he’s also confronted with the collapse of the Van der Linde gang. In a climactic escape and confrontation, Arthur’s horse sustains mortal wounds. The scene is powerfully emotive, with Arthur offering words of gratitude and comfort to his dying companion.
This loss is multifaceted. On a literal level, it’s the death of a trusted animal. However, on a symbolic level, it represents the loss of innocence, the end of an era, and the fading of the old West. It underscores the themes of mortality and the transient nature of life that permeate the entire game.
The Emotional Impact
The death of Arthur’s horse is widely considered one of the saddest moments in video game history, rivaling other iconic tragedies in gaming. The outpouring of grief and remembrance from players online is a testament to the game’s success in forging a genuine connection between player and virtual companion.
The impact is amplified by Arthur’s own declining health and the disintegration of his adopted family. The horse’s death becomes a focal point for all the loss and hardship Arthur experiences throughout the story. It is a powerful reminder of the stakes at play and the high cost of the choices the characters make.
Temporary Replacements and Named Horses
The game does reference Arthur losing a prior horse named Boadicea, and having to ride Taima as a temporary replacement. This is a reference to the player selecting a horse when beginning the game, which is considered Arthur’s ‘main’ horse for the majority of the game. He later finds a replacement, who he remarks “This one’s okay, but ain’t no Boadicea” to Hosea. This shows that Arthur treasures the horse he begins the game with, and no other replacement is really good enough.
Different Deaths Depending on Honor
The game features a range of different horses, including Buell. If the player has high honor, Arthur succumbs to his injuries and disease, dying peacefully while watching the sunrise. On the other hand, with low honor, Micah executes him. This demonstrates the morality of Arthur depending on your playing style.
The Role of Buell
Buell represents a link to one of the last positive relationships Arthur Morgan forged in his life, with the horse’s death foreshadowing Arthur’s inevitable death. Without a horse to escape on or support from the gang, Arthur Morgan is left to die on the mountaintop. If the player wishes to keep Buell after the story, they must complete the last part of Hamish’s mission after Chapter 6, as John. If the player completes the mission as Arthur, Buell will be lost along with all the other horses owned by Arthur after the mission “Red Dead Redemption”.
The Legacy of Loss
Even after Arthur is gone, the memory of his horse lives on. Many players choose to acquire a similar breed and name it after their lost companion, a small tribute to the bond they shared. This act of remembrance highlights the enduring power of the game’s narrative and the emotional resonance of Arthur’s journey.
Exploring Game Narrative and Player Experience
The death of Arthur’s horse is a prime example of how video games can evoke powerful emotions and create lasting memories. The immersive world of Red Dead Redemption 2 allows players to form genuine attachments to their virtual companions, making their loss all the more impactful. This phenomenon is of great interest to scholars who study the intersection of games, learning, and society. Organizations like the Games Learning Society offer valuable insights into how games can be used for educational and emotional growth. You can learn more about their work at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Exploring the emotional connection forged between players and their horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a profound insight into the power of interactive storytelling. The loss of Arthur’s horse is more than just a narrative event; it is an experience that resonates deeply with players, prompting reflection on themes of mortality, loyalty, and the human-animal bond. The event underscores the depth of character development and the impact of choices, making Red Dead Redemption 2 a memorable and emotionally engaging game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Arthur and his horses in Red Dead Redemption 2, and the horse’s death in particular:
1. Does Arthur cry when his horse dies?
Yes, there are strong indications that Arthur is deeply affected and saddened by his horse’s death, even if not explicitly depicted with tears. His words to the horse in its final moments are filled with gratitude and affection, implying significant emotional distress.
2. What happens to Arthur Morgan’s horse?
During the final mission, Arthur’s horse sustains fatal injuries while helping him escape. It dies a heroic death, sacrificing itself for Arthur.
3. Will Arthur’s horse come back?
No, Arthur’s horse does not come back after it dies in Chapter 6. Once lost, it’s permanently gone.
4. What mission does Arthur lose his horse?
Arthur loses his main horse during the final mission of Chapter 6, titled “Red Dead Redemption”.
5. What happens if Buell dies?
If Buell dies while in Arthur’s possession, it’s a permanent loss. You cannot retrieve or repurchase Buell.
6. What is the saddest death in RDR2?
While subjective, many players consider either Arthur Morgan’s death or his horse’s death to be the saddest. Both are emotionally charged and integral to the story’s themes.
7. Can you keep Buell after Arthur dies?
You can keep Buell after Arthur dies if you complete Hamish Sinclair’s final mission as John Marston in the epilogue. If you complete the mission as Arthur, Buell will be lost along with all the other horses.
8. What mission does Arthur get a new horse?
Arthur gets a new horse at the beginning of the game. After you reach Chapter 2, you can undertake a quest with Hosea – Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego – and he’ll teach you about selling and buying new horses.
9. All Arthur horses are Lost?
Yes, when Arthur dies, he will lose all horses that he owned.
10. Can you cure Arthur’s TB in RDR2?
No, there is no way to cure Arthur’s tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2. His illness is a central plot point and cannot be avoided.
11. What is the best ending for Arthur rdr2?
The “best” ending is subjective, but many players consider the high-honor ending, where Arthur helps John Marston escape, to be the most satisfying. In this ending, Arthur dies peacefully watching the sunrise, having redeemed himself.
12. Does John get Arthur’s money?
No, John does not inherit Arthur’s money. This is done to maintain story consistency, as John and his family are depicted as struggling financially in the epilogue.
13. Was Arthur afraid of dying?
Yes, Arthur admits that he is afraid to die, showing his vulnerability and humanity.
14. Which Red Dead does Arthur die?
Arthur dies in Red Dead Redemption 2.
15. What is the rarest horse in rdr2?
Rare breeds, like the Tiger Striped Bay Wild Mustang and the White Wild Arabian, are among the rarest horses in Red Dead Redemption 2.