Arthur Morgan’s Struggle: How Long Did He Survive With Tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Arthur Morgan’s battle with tuberculosis (TB) is a central and emotionally devastating element of Red Dead Redemption 2. While the game doesn’t explicitly state the exact duration of his illness, a close examination of the game’s timeline and the progression of Arthur’s symptoms suggests he survived with TB for approximately 3 to 6 months. The game takes place in 1899 and Arthur contracts TB early that year, and dies at the end of the story.
Arthur’s TB Timeline: A Detailed Breakdown
The Initial Infection
Arthur contracts TB after being ambushed by Thomas Downes at Downes Ranch. During the encounter, Downes, who is visibly suffering from the disease, coughs blood directly into Arthur’s face. This event marks the moment of infection. While the exact time this occurs in the game depends on the player’s progression, it is typically early in Chapter 2.
Progression of the Disease
In the initial stages, Arthur shows minimal symptoms. However, as the game progresses, his health gradually declines. This decline is characterized by coughing fits, shortness of breath, fatigue, and a noticeable physical deterioration. The progression of TB in Arthur serves as a crucial plot device, heightening the emotional weight of the game and impacting his interactions with other characters.
Final Stages and Death
Arthur’s condition worsens dramatically towards the end of the game, particularly in Chapter 6. His coughing becomes more frequent and violent, his stamina decreases significantly, and his overall appearance becomes gaunt and frail. His health rapidly declines until his eventual death after the confrontation with Micah Bell. The amount of time it takes players to complete chapter six varies. It depends on how frequently you play the game and how much free-roaming you do, or how many side quests you complete.
Realism vs. Gameplay
It’s important to note that the timeframe within the game is condensed for narrative purposes. In reality, TB could take much longer to develop and manifest. The game prioritizes the emotional impact of Arthur’s illness and his race against time to find redemption. The game is set in 1899, when there was no treatment for TB. So a death sentence would have been common.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthur Morgan’s Tuberculosis
Could Arthur have survived tuberculosis?
The short answer is no. In Red Dead Redemption 2, there is no cure for tuberculosis. Both in the game and in the non-fictional 1890s, Arthur’s chances of surviving such a severe case would be slim to none.
Was tuberculosis a death sentence in 1899?
Yes. The game takes place in 1899, when TB (or “consumption,” as it was then called) was a leading cause of death worldwide.
Why didn’t any of Arthur’s friends catch tuberculosis during Red Dead Redemption 2?
Tuberculosis is contracted by direct contact with infected bodily fluids. For Arthur’s friends to contract it, he would have had to spit or sneeze on them.
Did Dutch know Arthur was sick?
Dutch doesn’t make any serious inquiries into what is wrong with Arthur. However, at that point in the game, Dutch has pretty much unraveled entirely. He’s too busy obsessing over ‘one more score’ that he’s blind to everything else, including the wellbeing of his gang.
Can I cure Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2?
No, there is no way to cure Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis. His illness is a fixed part of the storyline, and his death is inevitable.
Did Micah get TB from Arthur?
No. This is how Arthur is infected, but Micah is fine after having a blade pierce his skin and mix infected blood directly into his body.
Did Dutch ever regret killing Arthur?
It’s never fully stated whether Dutch ended up regretting how things ended with his gang, and specifically with Arthur. Despite whether or not he lost his mind or was consumed by greed, it’s hard to assume he never felt any regret or remorse over how things played out.
Would Arthur have died from tuberculosis regardless?
Yes. Regardless of how Red Dead Redemption 2 is played, Arthur Morgan always contracts tuberculosis and passes away by the end of the game. His death is a crucial part of the storyline and serves as a catalyst for the events in the epilogue.
Did Dutch know Micah was a rat?
As Arthur lays dying, pleading with Dutch to see that Micah is a rat, his former mentor begins to piece it all together. Dutch realizes what Arthur is saying is true and backs away, leaving Micah on the hillside.
Why is Hosea coughing in RDR2?
Throughout the game, players can hear Dutch and other members of the gang discuss the fact that Hosea is suffering from what seems to be a certain type of lung disease.
Can you prevent Arthur Morgan from getting TB?
There is a way to come close to saving Arthur from TB in RDR2, but it involves not progressing in the game at all.
Will there be a rdr3?
If we base our judgment on that, we won’t see a Red Dead Redemption 3 until 2026 at the earliest. However, there have been a few hints and teases from Rockstar Games that mean we’ll certainly be back hunting bounties on horseback at some point.
Is it possible to stop Arthur from dying?
Again, this is impossible. There’s nothing in RDR2 that even hints at the idea that Arthur can muscle through his condition, or that some hermit is hanging out in the trees, ready to cure Arthur’s tuberculosis with a mystical mixture of natural herbs.
Could Arthur have killed Micah without TB?
If Arthur Morgan had not contracted tuberculosis, it is possible that he would have been able to kill Micah Bell at the ending of Red Dead Redemption 2. This is because tuberculosis weakened Morgan’s immune system and made him more susceptible to other illnesses and infections.
What mental illness does Dutch have in RDR2?
All in all, it’s clear that Dutch is suffering from a personality disorder, and he’s a textbook narcissist. Narcissism is defined by dramatic and exaggerated traits, emotional intensity, as well as acting erratically and unpredictably. Dutch’s whole schtick is dramatic.
The Broader Context: TB in the Late 19th Century
Tuberculosis was a widespread and deadly disease in the late 19th century. Often referred to as “consumption,” it was a leading cause of death globally. The disease primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. Symptoms included chronic cough, bloody sputum, fever, fatigue, and weight loss.
Lack of Effective Treatment
In 1899, there was no effective cure for TB. Treatment options were limited to rest, fresh air, and a nutritious diet. Sanatoriums, which provided these conditions, were often the only recourse for patients. However, they offered little more than palliative care.
Transmission and Social Impact
The disease was highly contagious, spreading through the air when infected individuals coughed, sneezed, or spoke. Overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions contributed to its rapid spread, particularly in urban areas. TB’s prevalence had significant social and economic impacts, affecting families and communities.
The Narrative Power of Arthur’s Illness
Arthur Morgan’s TB diagnosis serves multiple narrative purposes. It humanizes him, highlighting his vulnerability and mortality. His illness forces him to confront his past actions and seek redemption. The physical decline caused by TB symbolizes the decay of the Van der Linde gang and the end of the Wild West era.
A Catalyst for Change
Arthur’s illness acts as a catalyst for character development. As his health deteriorates, he becomes more introspective and begins to question Dutch’s leadership and the gang’s increasingly violent actions. His desire to protect John Marston and his family becomes a driving force, leading to the game’s climactic events.
Emotional Resonance
The emotional weight of Arthur’s TB is undeniable. Players witness his gradual decline and his struggle to maintain his strength and dignity. The inevitability of his death creates a sense of urgency and sadness, making his final moments all the more poignant. For more insights on game-based learning and the impact of narratives, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
While the exact duration of Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis is not explicitly stated, the game’s narrative and the progression of his symptoms suggest a period of 3 to 6 months. His struggle with the disease serves as a powerful and emotionally resonant element of Red Dead Redemption 2, highlighting themes of mortality, redemption, and the end of an era. His story is tragic but unforgettable.