Does John Wear Arthur’s Hat in RDR1? Unraveling the Headwear Mystery
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The question of whether John Marston dons Arthur Morgan’s iconic hat in the original Red Dead Redemption (RDR1) is a source of ongoing fascination for fans of the series. The short, direct answer is: no, John Marston does not wear Arthur Morgan’s hat in Red Dead Redemption 1. While this might seem like a simple conclusion, the reasons behind it, and the nuanced details surrounding the headwear of both characters, are more intricate and revealing than one might initially think. The absence of Arthur’s hat on John in RDR1 is not just an aesthetic choice, it’s a matter of timeline, character development, and game design.
Why the Discrepancy?
The Timeline Factor
The primary reason John doesn’t wear Arthur’s hat in RDR1 is that Arthur Morgan simply did not exist at the time of its development. Red Dead Redemption, released in 2010, initially introduced players to the world of John Marston and his struggles. Arthur Morgan and his narrative came to life with the release of Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) in 2018, which serves as a prequel to RDR1. Consequently, no connection existed between the two characters at that point in the series’ development, and Arthur’s hat was never designed to be part of John’s wardrobe in the original game.
Design Differences
Beyond the timeline, the hats themselves are distinct. Arthur Morgan’s hat is a custom design made of pure leather, reflecting his rugged and practical nature. In contrast, John Marston’s hat, as confirmed by Rockstar Games, is a Light Center Crease, Modified-Cattleman style. While both hats share a certain aesthetic that fits within the Western genre, they possess notable differences in construction, shape, and material. This difference was intentional and allowed each character to have a unique visual identity.
Symbolic Considerations
While a gesture of sentimental passing of the hat might have been a compelling story element, the developers opted to maintain the visual separation between the two protagonists. This separation ensures that John’s character remains distinct from Arthur’s, even though their stories are closely linked in the overarching narrative. The idea of having John inherit Arthur’s hat is a fan-driven concept, not something conceived by Rockstar during the development of RDR1, for the reasons mentioned previously.
The Significance of Hats
In the Red Dead Redemption universe, hats are more than just headwear; they are a part of a character’s identity. They are a symbol of their style, their profession, and their place in the world. The difference in hats between John and Arthur is a way for Rockstar to make each character stand out. This is a conscious choice made to strengthen the overall storytelling.
RDR2 and the “The Cowboy” Outfit
In the epilogue of Red Dead Redemption 2, John dons an outfit under the moniker “The Cowboy”. This outfit has striking similarities to Arthur’s usual attire. However, even in this instance, John does not wear Arthur’s signature hat. Instead, he wears a hat that’s stylistically similar to his own, underscoring that despite the similarities of the outfits, John’s character remains an individual separate from Arthur. The game allows the player to equip Arthur’s hat on John in RDR2 through game menus, however, this does not connect to his look in RDR1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What hat does John Marston wear?
John Marston’s signature hat is a Light Center Crease, Modified-Cattleman hat, as stated by Rockstar Games.
2. Is Arthur Morgan mentioned in RDR1?
No, Arthur Morgan is not mentioned in the original Red Dead Redemption. He didn’t exist in the narrative at the time, and his story was introduced much later in Red Dead Redemption 2.
3. What age is John in RDR1?
John Marston is 38 years old when he dies in Red Dead Redemption 1. The game takes place over one year in 1911.
4. How can you get Arthur’s hat in Red Dead Redemption 2?
In RDR2, you can access Arthur’s hat via the camp clothing menu under hats. You select Arthur’s hat and then move over to the accessory slot.
5. Why isn’t Arthur’s hat in RDR1?
Arthur’s hat is not in RDR1 because, at the time of its release, Arthur Morgan was not a character. His character was conceived and developed for Red Dead Redemption 2, the prequel.
6. Is John Marston’s hat Arthur’s?
No, John Marston’s hat is not Arthur’s. Although both characters wear hats with a similar aesthetic, John’s hat is a Light Center Crease, Modified-Cattleman while Arthur’s is a bespoke design.
7. Will there be a Red Dead Redemption 3 (RDR3)?
There have been hints and teases from Rockstar Games indicating a return to the Red Dead universe. However, RDR3 is likely several years away, potentially not arriving until 2026 or later.
8. What year is RDR1 set?
Red Dead Redemption 1 is primarily set in the year 1911.
9. Why was John Marston killed in RDR1?
John was killed to tie up loose ends related to his past as an outlaw. He was used to bring an end to the legend of the Van der Linde Gang, which prevented a potential retirement.
10. Is Sadie Adler mentioned in RDR1?
Sadie Adler is not mentioned in RDR1, as she was a character introduced in Red Dead Redemption 2.
11. What would RDR3 be about?
If a RDR3 is developed, it could potentially focus on the surviving members of the Van der Linde Gang, like Jack Marston, Sadie Adler, or Charles Smith. It could continue the narrative around their connection to the Van der Linde Legacy.
12. Why can’t John Marston swim?
John Marston’s inability to swim is a canonical limitation. He never learned to swim, which is why something as simple as jumping in a lake can be fatal for him.
13. Were Red Dead 1 and 2 planned together?
No, Red Dead Redemption 2 was developed as a prequel to Red Dead Redemption 1, not as a planned continuation or expansion upon the first game’s narrative during its initial development.
14. Is all of RDR1’s map in RDR2?
A large portion of the map from RDR1 is included in RDR2, but not all. The map in RDR2 is significantly larger, containing much more of the game’s setting. The majority of RDR2’s story takes place east of where the player explores in RDR1.
15. Do you lose all of Arthur’s stuff when he dies?
Upon Arthur’s death, you retain all of the clothes, however, you lose all the gold and non-unique items. That’s why it’s suggested you spend Arthur’s money before transitioning to the epilogue. John can retrieve Arthur’s satchel which will contain many useful items.
Conclusion
While the image of John Marston wearing Arthur Morgan’s hat carries a strong appeal for fans, the reality is that it never happened. The reasons are rooted in the development timeline of the games, the distinct design of their respective hats, and the need to establish unique identities for each character. The Red Dead Redemption series offers deep storytelling, and these details add to the complex narratives and character development. Though John doesn’t wear Arthur’s hat in RDR1, his own hat remains iconic in its own right.