How to “Cure” Sickness in Red Dead Redemption 2: A Realistic Perspective
In the unforgiving world of Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2), sickness is a harsh reality, and arguably no illness is more impactful than Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis (TB). While a true “cure” in the traditional sense doesn’t exist within the game’s mechanics, players can take actions to mitigate the effects of the disease and provide Arthur with a more comfortable, albeit tragically shortened, life. Think of it as damage control. You can’t reverse the diagnosis, but you can manage it. The key is to maximize Arthur’s stats and make the most of his remaining time.
Understanding Arthur’s Tuberculosis in RDR2
Arthur contracts TB during the “A Fork in the Road” mission in Chapter 5 after coming into contact with the infected Thomas Downes. From this point on, Arthur’s health core drain speed is increased. This disease is not curable, but its effects can be slightly mitigated in the game.
Mitigating the Effects of TB
While a full cure is unattainable, here’s how you can manage Arthur’s illness to improve his quality of life (and gameplay experience):
- The Talisman and Amulet Strategy: Focus on acquiring items that permanently reduce core drain speed. The Legend of the East Satchel, for instance, significantly increases carrying capacity, reducing the frequency of trips and minimizing exertion. More importantly, aim for the Boar Tusk Talisman. This talisman permanently reduces stamina core drain by 10%, partially offsetting the TB’s impact. The Alligator Tooth Talisman reduces Dead Eye core drain by 10% and can be beneficial for combat situations.
- Rest and Recovery: Ensure Arthur gets adequate rest. Frequent stops at camps or hotels to sleep can help replenish his cores and lessen the immediate effects of the sickness. Prioritize well-rested periods to recover.
- Strategic Eating and Drinking: Provide Arthur with regular, nutritious meals. While he gains fewer benefits from food and drinks due to the TB, consistent sustenance will still help sustain his cores. Focus on high-quality meats and tonics, but avoid overeating, which can lead to a temporary penalty.
- Outfit Optimization: Pay attention to Arthur’s clothing. Dressing appropriately for the weather can help regulate his core temperature, reducing the strain on his body. Cold weather requires warm layers, while hot weather necessitates lighter clothing. This directly affects stamina and health core drain.
- Utilize Tonics: Invest in tonics that replenish or fortify Arthur’s cores. Special Snake Oil can quickly restore Dead Eye, while potent health and stamina tonics can provide a temporary boost during difficult situations.
- Gameplay Adjustments: Adapt your playstyle to accommodate Arthur’s condition. Avoid excessive sprinting or strenuous activities that quickly deplete his stamina. Utilize your horse for long-distance travel and plan activities that minimize physical exertion.
- Focus on Story and Character: Ultimately, the experience of Arthur’s TB is a vital part of Red Dead Redemption 2’s narrative. Embrace the story and allow Arthur to reflect and reconcile with his past. This not only enhances the gameplay experience but also emphasizes the themes of redemption and mortality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sickness in RDR2
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the impact and management of Arthur’s sickness in RDR2:
1. Can I completely prevent Arthur from getting tuberculosis?
No. Arthur’s contraction of TB is a fixed plot point and cannot be avoided. The story necessitates this event for Arthur’s character development.
2. How long does Arthur suffer from TB in the game?
Arthur lives with TB for approximately 3-6 months within the game’s timeline. This period covers the events from his diagnosis until his eventual death.
3. Does Arthur’s honor level affect his TB?
No, Arthur’s honor level does not change the fact that he gets TB and dies from it. The illness is a fixed event in the story.
4. Does Arthur coughing affect gameplay?
Arthur’s coughing is a constant reminder of his condition and occurs randomly. Though there are many factors that impact Arthur’s gameplay, coughing is primarily narrative and does not have a mechanical effect.
5. Can Arthur spread TB to other gang members?
In the game’s narrative, no other members of the Van der Linde gang contract TB from Arthur, despite their close proximity.
6. Does Arthur’s weight affect his TB symptoms?
Maintaining a healthy weight can slightly mitigate the effects of TB, but it does not cure or significantly alter the progression of the disease. Eating regularly and balancing activity will help manage his cores.
7. Does TB affect Arthur’s stamina and health?
Yes, TB increases the core drain speed, reducing Arthur’s overall stamina and health. This requires more frequent attention to his needs.
8. How can I improve Arthur’s health and stamina while he has TB?
Focus on eating nutritious meals, resting frequently, and using tonics to replenish his cores. Outfit selection is also important.
9. Does Arthur’s shooting accuracy decrease with TB?
In terms of gun accuracy, the illness may cause increased swaying of the crosshair, particularly during the final missions. However, this is somewhat subjective and could be perceived differently by players.
10. What items can help Arthur cope with TB?
The Boar Tusk Talisman (stamina core drain reduction) and the Alligator Tooth Talisman (Dead Eye core drain reduction) are helpful. Tonics and food are crucial for maintaining his cores.
11. Can I use cheats to cure Arthur?
There are no cheats or mods within the standard game that can cure Arthur’s TB. The illness is a fixed element of the story.
12. Does Dutch know about Arthur’s illness?
Whether Dutch is consciously aware of Arthur’s sickness is debatable. While he may notice Arthur’s deteriorating condition, Dutch is too preoccupied with his own plans to fully acknowledge or address it.
13. How old is Arthur when he dies from TB?
Arthur dies at the age of 35 or 36 from tuberculosis, depending on the specific year in which he was born in the game’s lore.
14. Can I still complete all the side missions with Arthur after he gets sick?
Yes, you can still complete side missions, but you may need to adjust your approach due to Arthur’s reduced stamina and health.
15. How does Arthur contract TB in the game?
Arthur contracts TB after being coughed on by Thomas Downes during a debt collection mission.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a story about choices and consequences. It is worth exploring how video games can promote learning. You can explore this on the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Conclusion
While you can’t cure Arthur’s TB, you can significantly improve his remaining time by actively managing his health, stamina, and overall well-being. Embrace the story and use Arthur’s condition as an opportunity to reflect and consider his redemption arc. Focus on making the most of his final days through strategic gameplay and character development. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination in this open-world western.