How to Achieve Arthur Morgan’s Peaceful Death in Red Dead Redemption 2

The question on many Red Dead Redemption 2 players’ minds is: “How do I get the good ending where Arthur Morgan dies peacefully?” The answer, while straightforward, involves making crucial choices throughout the game that culminate in a final, poignant moment. To ensure Arthur’s peaceful passing, you must consistently maintain high honor and make specific decisions during the game’s final chapters. The key lies in choosing to help John Marston escape during the events of Chapter 6. This path will lead to Arthur’s final moments being marked by reflection and a degree of solace, despite the tragic circumstances of his demise.

The Path to Redemption: Honor and Choices

The Importance of High Honor

The first and most critical element is maintaining high honor throughout your playthrough. This is accomplished by consistently making moral choices: helping those in need, completing side quests with integrity, and avoiding unnecessary violence. Your honor level is displayed in the in-game menu, with a gauge showing your progression between dishonorable and honorable. Aim for the highest end of that gauge to ensure you achieve the good ending.

• Moral Choices: Consistently choose the honorable options in story missions and side quests.
• Random Encounters: Be a good Samaritan. Assist people who are being robbed, help those in distress, and donate to the poor.
• Avoid Unnecessary Violence: Do not start random fights or shoot innocents. Keep your bounty low.
• Horse Care: Be kind to your horse. Groom, feed, and avoid overworking it.
• Law Enforcement: Surrender peacefully if caught committing a crime.

Decisive Moments: Helping John Marston

The most critical decision to ensure a peaceful death for Arthur comes towards the end of Chapter 6. When you reach the point where you must choose whether to help John escape or go back for the money with Dutch, you absolutely must choose to help John. This decision is the cornerstone of the “good” ending. Choosing to help John also results in Arthur choosing a path of redemption and acceptance.

• Climbing the Mountain: After helping John, you will assist him up a cliff face. This is an unavoidable event in the good ending scenario.
• Fighting the Pinkertons: You will engage in a final fight against the Pinkerton agents, which you must win.
• The Final Confrontation: After dealing with the Pinkertons, Micah will appear, and you’ll engage in a brutal, close-quarters brawl.

A Peaceful Passing

Following the fight with Micah, Dutch will appear and stop the fight. Arthur will then make a final speech, stating he tried to change and is not like Dutch or Micah. Dutch, finally, shows a brief sign of regret and stops Micah from finishing Arthur, leaving Arthur to die peacefully overlooking the beautiful mountain scenery. This is the most serene ending that Arthur can achieve, given the circumstances of his fate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is There Any Way to Save Arthur Morgan?

Unfortunately, no. Arthur Morgan’s death is unavoidable in Red Dead Redemption 2. The narrative is designed to be a tragic arc, where Arthur ultimately succumbs to tuberculosis regardless of the player’s choices.

2. Can Arthur Avoid Contracting Tuberculosis (TB)?

No, Arthur always contracts TB. The specific mission where he contracts it is a pivotal moment in the story, and there is no way to alter or prevent it.

3. What Happens if Arthur Dies with Low Honor?

If Arthur has low honor at the end of the game, his grave will be weathered and unkempt, guarded by a black coyote. His epitaph will read, “Blessed are those that mourn for they be comforted.” This contrasts significantly with the good ending grave.

4. What is the Best Ending in Red Dead Redemption 2?

The “best ending,” according to most players and critics, is achieved by helping John Marston, maintaining high honor, and allowing Arthur to die peacefully overlooking the mountain. This allows for a fitting end to his redemption arc.

5. Who Do You Play As After Arthur Dies?

After Arthur’s death, you continue playing as John Marston, allowing you to explore the game world, complete unfinished quests, and ultimately tie into the events of the original Red Dead Redemption.

6. Can You Play as Arthur After He Dies?

The only way to play as Arthur after the story concludes is to reload a save from before the end of Chapter 6. There is no cheat or workaround to continue as Arthur in the epilogue.

7. What Happens to Mary Linton After Arthur Dies?

Mary Linton eventually marries another man named Barry, who subsequently dies, leaving her a poor widow. Though she encounters Arthur again later in life, they never reignite their romantic relationship.

8. Do You Lose All Your Items When Arthur Dies?

No. While Arthur’s money and provisions are lost, you retain his weapons, clothes, and other items as John Marston in the epilogue. These are retrieved automatically as part of the transition.

9. What Items are Lost When Arthur Dies?

Any money and food provisions are removed from the inventory. Most other items carry over to John’s inventory. You should sell valuable pelts and crafted goods before the end of Chapter 6 as those disappear.

10. Can You Visit Arthur’s Grave as John?

Yes, John can visit Arthur’s grave. It is located on a mountaintop to the northeast of Bacchus bridge. The epitaph and the animal that spawns near the grave (either an eagle for high honor or a coyote for low honor) will change depending on your honor level during Arthur’s life.

11. Is There a Secret Ending in RDR2?

Yes, there is a bonus ending that is unlocked after achieving 100% completion of the game. It involves John visiting Arthur’s grave as a conclusion.

12. What Happens if Arthur Refuses to Help Mary?

If Arthur refuses to help Mary, that quest will simply end, and it will not affect the ending.

13. Who is the Main Betrayer of Arthur?

Micah Bell is the primary antagonist and the betrayer of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang. He manipulates Dutch, leading to their eventual downfall.

14. Why Does Dutch Shoot Micah?

In the end, Dutch shoots Micah to fulfill a form of redemption. He acknowledges that he was manipulated by Micah and thus acknowledges the injustice done to Arthur. This does not come out of loyalty to Arthur, but it is a response to the damage Micah caused to the gang, in which Arthur was a part of.

15. Why Did Dutch Betray Arthur?

Dutch betrays Arthur because he has been manipulated by Micah and has become paranoid. Dutch, who has a need to be in control, sees Arthur’s doubts as signs of disloyalty, further cementing his decision to side with Micah. He is no longer able to accept dissent of any kind.

By adhering to these guidelines, focusing on honor, and choosing to help John at the critical moment, you can ensure that Arthur Morgan’s final moments in Red Dead Redemption 2 are as peaceful and fitting as possible, honoring his attempts at redemption.