How to (Realistically) Not Get Arthur Sick in Red Dead Redemption 2: A Definitive Guide
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The burning question on every Red Dead Redemption 2 player’s mind: Can you save Arthur Morgan? The short, heartbreaking answer is no. There is no way to prevent Arthur from contracting tuberculosis (TB) and ultimately succumbing to it. His illness is a critical plot point, inextricably woven into the game’s narrative fabric. His inevitable fate serves as a poignant reminder of mortality and the relentless march of time against the backdrop of the dying Wild West.
But let’s be realistic. While we can’t cure Arthur or rewrite the story, we can explore ways to extend his healthy days and make his final months as comfortable and fulfilling as possible. Think of it not as avoiding the sickness altogether, but as managing it and maximizing Arthur’s quality of life during his remaining time.
Embracing the Inevitable: A Different Perspective
Instead of fighting the storyline, consider embracing Arthur’s journey. His struggle with TB adds depth and complexity to his character, transforming him from a hardened outlaw into a more introspective and empathetic individual. Use this time to:
- Maximize your Honor: Engage in good deeds, help those in need, and make choices that align with a virtuous path. This influences the ending and provides a more satisfying conclusion to Arthur’s arc.
- Complete side missions: There are countless encounters and stories scattered throughout the world. Completing them while Arthur is still healthy allows you to fully appreciate the experience without the added weight of his deteriorating condition.
- Explore the world: Take advantage of Arthur’s mobility and energy to discover hidden locations, hunt legendary animals, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes.
- Deepen relationships: Spend time with your camp members, listen to their stories, and forge lasting bonds. These relationships become even more meaningful in light of Arthur’s impending death.
What You Can Control: Minimizing the Impact of the Sickness
While a cure is impossible, you can mitigate the sickness’ effects and improve Arthur’s overall well-being:
- Maintain Core Levels: Keep Arthur’s Health, Stamina, and Dead Eye cores filled. This provides a temporary boost that negates some of the negative effects of the illness and allows him to recover his cores more quickly.
- Use Tonics and Consumables: Tonics can temporarily increase your Health, Stamina, and Dead Eye. Consume regularly to counteract the drain from the sickness and maintain effectiveness in combat and other activities. Regular meals and sleep also help maintain core levels and improve Arthur’s overall well-being.
- Craft Upgrades: Invest time in crafting upgrades for your satchel and equipment. This allows you to carry more tonics, food, and other essential items, ensuring that you’re always prepared.
- Choose Outfits Wisely: Dress Arthur appropriately for the weather. Being too hot or too cold can further drain his cores and weaken him.
- Focus on Horse Bonding: A high bonding level with your horse will provide you with several perks, including increased health and stamina. This becomes increasingly important as Arthur’s health declines.
The “What Ifs”: Addressing Common Player Questions
Players often wonder about specific actions that might prevent Arthur from getting sick. Let’s debunk some common misconceptions:
- Avoiding Thomas Downes: It’s impossible to avoid the mission where Arthur contracts TB. It is integral to the game’s plot.
- Playing as a Low-Honor Character: Honor doesn’t affect Arthur contracting TB, his honor level changes the ending he receives.
- Rushing Through the Story: While delaying story missions can technically prolong Arthur’s life, it ultimately doesn’t change his fate.
- Specific Locations: No location or activity can prevent Arthur from getting sick.
- Healing Items: There is no item, cheat, or glitch that can cure Arthur.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Arthur’s Sickness
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide you with more detailed information regarding Arthur’s illness in Red Dead Redemption 2:
How long does Arthur stay sick in RDR2?
Arthur’s illness progresses gradually. He contracts TB in Chapter 2, and his health visibly declines throughout Chapters 5 and 6. The in-game timeframe is roughly 3-6 months from infection to his eventual death.
What mission makes Arthur sick?
Arthur contracts tuberculosis during the mission “A Fork in the Road” where he is collecting debt from the Downes family.
Can you play as Arthur after he dies?
No, unless you reload a save from before the end of Chapter 6. After Arthur’s death, you continue the story as John Marston.
Does Arthur get sick no matter what?
Yes. Arthur’s TB is a critical plot point and cannot be avoided under any circumstances.
What triggers Arthur’s tuberculosis?
Arthur contracts TB when Thomas Downes, a sick farmer, coughs blood into his face. This is shown during the mission “A Fork in the Road“.
Can Arthur avoid getting tuberculosis?
No. The mission where Arthur contracts TB is unavoidable and part of the main storyline. You cannot progress without it.
What is the last mission before Arthur dies?
The last time you can free roam as Arthur is after the mission “My Last Boy.” The following mission, “Our Best Selves,” leads directly to the final mission, “Red Dead Redemption,” without stopping.
Does John get Arthur’s money?
When you transition to John Marston, Arthur’s money, food and provisions are gone. This is done to align with John’s storyline and his family’s financial struggles. You do however get to keep all of Arthur’s guns and clothing.
Could Arthur have beaten Micah if he wasn’t sick?
Many players believe that a healthy Arthur could have defeated Micah more easily. While Micah is a formidable opponent, Arthur’s illness significantly weakened him, giving Micah the upper hand.
Could Arthur have killed Micah without TB?
Most likely, yes. Tuberculosis weakened Arthur’s immune system, making him more susceptible to other infections, in addition to the TB.
What happens if Arthur refuses to help Mary?
If Arthur refuses to help Mary, that particular questline ends. It doesn’t affect his TB diagnosis or overall storyline.
Who do you play as when Arthur dies?
After Arthur’s death, you play as John Marston, allowing you to explore the world, complete side missions, and experience the epilogue.
How many endings does RDR2 have?
There are multiple endings depending on Arthur’s honor level and choices made during the final missions.
Can you shoot Thomas Downes in RDR2?
While you can interact with Thomas Downes in various ways, you cannot permanently kill him.
What is the best Arthur Morgan ending?
The honorable ending, where Arthur helps John Marston escape, is widely considered the “best” ending. It provides a more satisfying conclusion to Arthur’s story and reflects his growth as a character.
Understanding Story Choices and the Role of Games in Learning
Even though Arthur’s fate is sealed, Red Dead Redemption 2 excels in providing choices and consequences throughout the game, enhancing immersion and engagement. This is just one of the reasons why games are being increasingly recognized as valuable tools for learning and skill development. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and education, demonstrating how games can foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. You can learn more about their mission and research on their website at GamesLearningSociety.org. Games are not just entertainment; they’re complex systems that can be used to teach us a lot about ourselves and the world around us.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t prevent Arthur from getting sick, you can focus on making his remaining time as fulfilling as possible. Embrace the story, explore the world, maximize your honor, and deepen your relationships. Remember, it’s not about avoiding the inevitable, but about how you choose to live in the face of it. Enjoy your time as Arthur Morgan, one of the most compelling characters in gaming history.