Maintaining Arthur’s Ideal Weight: A Red Dead Redemption 2 Guide
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Keeping Arthur Morgan from becoming underweight in Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) requires a consistent and dedicated approach to his diet. The key is establishing a regular eating schedule and focusing on calorie-rich foods. This involves consuming multiple meals throughout the day and prioritizing ingredients known for their higher caloric value, such as big game meat and Pearson’s stew. The overall aim is to create a calorie surplus, allowing Arthur to maintain a healthy weight and avoid the detrimental effects of being underweight, such as reduced stamina and health.
Understanding the Weight System in RDR2
The weight system in RDR2 impacts Arthur’s stats and appearance. Being underweight leads to decreased maximum health and stamina, reflected in his gaunt appearance. Overweight, while initially beneficial by increasing health, can negatively affect stamina. Therefore, aiming for an average or perfect weight is optimal for performance. The game measures weight on a hidden scale, with changes occurring incrementally. A screen fade, such as sleeping, fast traveling, or entering a cutscene, allows the weight change to visually manifest.
Establishing a Regular Eating Routine
A crucial element of maintaining Arthur’s weight is establishing and adhering to a consistent eating schedule. Consider incorporating the following into Arthur’s daily routine:
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Breakfast (6-8 AM): A hearty breakfast can kickstart Arthur’s day. Opt for cooked meats, such as venison or beef, or even a can of peaches if you’re in a pinch.
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Lunch (12-2 PM): Midday meals help sustain Arthur throughout his activities. Canned goods, like canned salmon or corn, are readily available and provide decent calorie intake.
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Dinner (6-8 PM): This is the most important meal of the day. Focus on high-calorie options like big game meat, Pearson’s stew (when available at camp), or a dish from a saloon. Saloon dishes often provide a significant calorie boost.
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Snacks (Throughout the Day): Don’t hesitate to give Arthur snacks between meals. Chocolate bars, candies, and crackers offer quick calorie boosts, preventing him from slipping into an underweight state.
Choosing the Right Foods
Not all foods are created equal when it comes to gaining weight in RDR2. Prioritize foods with high caloric content:
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Big Game Meat: This is the gold standard for weight gain. Hunting animals like bears, alligators, and cougars provide this valuable resource. Cook it for maximum benefit.
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Pearson’s Stew: When available at camp, Pearson’s stew is an excellent way to replenish cores and gain weight. Donate ingredients to improve its quality and effectiveness.
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Saloon Meals: Saloons offer a variety of dishes, many of which are calorie-dense. Experiment with different options to find the most effective choices.
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Canned Goods: While not as effective as cooked meat, canned goods are convenient and can help maintain Arthur’s weight, especially when hunting is not an option.
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Sweets and Snacks: Items like chocolate bars, candies, and crackers offer small but frequent boosts to calorie intake. Keep a supply of these on hand for quick consumption.
Exploiting Game Mechanics for Faster Weight Gain
While the primary method is consistent eating, certain game mechanics can accelerate weight gain:
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Eat and Sleep: One of the most effective techniques is to consume a meal or two, then immediately sleep. This forces a “screen fade,” allowing the weight gain to register more quickly. Repeat this process several times.
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Campfire Kneeling: Some players find that repeatedly kneeling at a campfire (by holding Triangle/Y) after eating can encourage weight gain. This tactic may not be as reliable as sleeping but can complement the eat-sleep method.
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Fast Travel: Similar to sleeping, fast traveling triggers a screen fade and can help register weight changes. Eat a meal before and after fast traveling to maximize the effect.
Considering Arthur’s Health
It’s important to acknowledge that during Chapter 6, Arthur’s illness (tuberculosis) significantly impacts his ability to gain weight. Even with consistent eating, he may struggle to maintain a healthy weight due to the disease’s progression. While you can still aim to keep him from becoming severely underweight, don’t be surprised if he remains on the thinner side.
Red Dead Online Considerations
The weight system in Red Dead Online functions similarly to the single-player campaign, but with some differences. In Red Dead Online, focus on the same principles: consistent eating of high-calorie foods. However, you may need to eat more frequently in the online environment to counteract the effects of player activities and potential calorie loss.
Monitoring Arthur’s Weight
Pay attention to Arthur’s appearance and stat changes to gauge his weight. A healthy Arthur will have a filled-out physique and maintain optimal health and stamina. Regular monitoring will allow you to adjust his diet as needed to maintain the desired weight.
FAQs: Maintaining Arthur’s Weight
1. What are the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight for Arthur?
Maintaining a healthy weight maximizes Arthur’s health and stamina, allowing him to perform better in combat, hunting, and other activities.
2. How can I tell if Arthur is underweight?
Arthur will appear noticeably thinner, and his maximum health and stamina will decrease. He will also move slower and be less effective in combat.
3. What are the best foods for gaining weight quickly in RDR2?
Cooked big game meat is the most effective food for gaining weight quickly. Pearson’s stew and saloon dishes are also excellent options.
4. How often should I feed Arthur to prevent him from becoming underweight?
Aim to feed Arthur at least three substantial meals a day, supplemented with snacks in between.
5. Does Arthur’s weight affect his appearance?
Yes, Arthur’s appearance changes based on his weight. He will look thinner when underweight and more filled out when at an average or overweight.
6. Does Arthur’s weight affect his performance in missions?
Yes, being underweight can significantly reduce Arthur’s stamina and health, making missions more challenging.
7. Can I become overweight in RDR2?
Yes, it is possible to become overweight by eating too much. However, it’s best to aim for an average weight for optimal performance.
8. How can I lose weight if Arthur is overweight?
To lose weight, reduce Arthur’s calorie intake and increase his activity level. Focus on consuming less food and engaging in activities like running and swimming.
9. Is it harder to maintain Arthur’s weight in Chapter 6?
Yes, due to Arthur’s illness, it can be more challenging to maintain a healthy weight in Chapter 6.
10. Does sleeping affect Arthur’s weight?
Yes, sleeping triggers a screen fade that helps register weight changes. Eating before and after sleeping can accelerate weight gain or loss.
11. Can Arthur gain weight in Red Dead Online?
Yes, the weight system in Red Dead Online functions similarly to the single-player campaign, allowing players to gain or lose weight.
12. What is the maximum underweight limit in RDR2?
The maximum underweight limit is -7.5%, represented as -10 points on the hidden weight scale. Every game day (24 minutes) you will lose 0.75% weight.
13. What snacks are good for maintaining Arthur’s weight?
Chocolate bars, candies, and crackers are good options for quick calorie boosts.
14. Where can I find big game meat easily?
Hunting areas with bears, alligators, and cougars are good sources of big game meat.
15. Are there any cheats or mods that affect Arthur’s weight?
Some mods may alter the weight system, but using cheats can disable achievements and may not provide a consistent experience.
Maintaining Arthur’s weight in RDR2 requires a mindful approach to his diet and activity level. By establishing a routine and understanding the game’s mechanics, you can ensure that Arthur is always in optimal condition to face the challenges of the Wild West.
Red Dead Redemption 2 offers many opportunities to explore the intersection of gaming and learning. For more information on the educational aspects of video games, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.