Is Being Underweight Bad in Red Dead Redemption 2? A Comprehensive Guide

In short, being underweight in Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) has both advantages and disadvantages, making it a strategic choice rather than simply “bad.” While a malnourished Arthur Morgan experiences an increase in stamina, crucial for long rides and intense firefights, he simultaneously suffers a decrease in his ability to withstand damage. The optimal weight is often a matter of playstyle and the specific challenges you’re facing. Let’s delve into the intricacies of RDR2’s weight system and explore its implications.

Understanding the Weight System in RDR2

RDR2 incorporates a surprisingly detailed weight system that directly impacts Arthur Morgan’s (or John Marston’s in the epilogue) abilities. Your character’s weight falls into one of three categories: Underweight, Average, and Overweight. Each category confers distinct benefits and drawbacks, influencing combat effectiveness, stamina, and health.

• Underweight: As mentioned, this provides a stamina boost but reduces the amount of damage you can take. Think of it as a glass cannon build – fast and agile, but fragile.

• Average: This is the balanced state, offering no significant bonuses or penalties. It’s a good default for general gameplay.

• Overweight: This provides increased health, allowing you to absorb more damage, but at the cost of reduced stamina. It’s a tank build, perfect for soaking up bullets and dealing damage in close quarters.

The Pros and Cons of Being Underweight

Advantages

• Increased Stamina: This is the primary benefit. An underweight Arthur can run farther, ride longer, and engage in more melee attacks before tiring. This can be invaluable for exploration, hunting, and escaping dangerous situations. The game notes that the Max Stamina benefit for being Underweight is +7.5%.

• Agility: While not explicitly stated, an underweight character often feels more agile in movement and combat, allowing for quicker dodges and maneuvers.

Disadvantages

• Reduced Health: This is the most significant drawback. An underweight Arthur can withstand less damage from gunfire, animal attacks, and falls. This makes him vulnerable in intense combat scenarios. The game notes that your Health is altered by -7.5%.

• Slower Regeneration: Health regeneration might also be slightly slower when underweight, making recovery from injuries more challenging.

When is Being Underweight a Good Strategy?

• Early Game: When resources are scarce and you’re focused on exploration and hunting, the stamina boost can be incredibly helpful.

• Stealth-Focused Playthrough: If you prefer avoiding direct confrontations, the increased stamina can aid in stealthy maneuvers and quick escapes.

• Specific Missions or Challenges: Certain missions might require extended periods of running or horseback riding, making the extra stamina a significant advantage.

How to Become Underweight (and Why It’s Not Always Easy)

Becoming underweight in RDR2 requires consistent effort, as the game actively encourages you to eat. To achieve an underweight status, you need to:

• Limit Food Intake: Eat only when absolutely necessary to replenish your cores (health, stamina, and Dead Eye). Avoid eating meals just for the sake of it.

• Avoid Sleeping: Sleeping restores your cores and can contribute to weight gain. Try to minimize sleep when aiming to be underweight.

• Engage in Physical Activity: Running, swimming, and fighting all burn calories, helping you maintain a lower weight.

Maintaining Your Desired Weight

Once you reach your desired weight, it’s crucial to maintain it. This requires careful monitoring of your food intake and activity levels. Regularly check Arthur’s condition in the player menu to stay on track.

Factors Influencing Weight

• Food Consumption: This is the primary factor. Different foods have different caloric values. Cooked big game meat is one of the most fattening foods in RDR2, offering a whopping 10 calories!

• Sleep: Sleeping allows your body to process food and contributes to weight gain.

• Fast Travel: Fast traveling doesn’t burn calories like traveling on foot or horseback, so it can lead to weight gain.

• Time Since Last Meal: The longer it’s been since you last ate, the more likely you are to lose weight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Weight in RDR2

1. How do I check Arthur’s weight?

Open the player menu (by pressing the left directional button), then navigate to the “Player” tab. Arthur’s current weight status (Underweight, Average, or Overweight) will be displayed there.

2. What’s the best weight to be in RDR2?

There’s no definitive “best” weight. It depends on your playstyle. For tank builds, Overweight is ideal. For agile, stamina-focused builds, Underweight can be beneficial. Average is a good all-around choice.

3. Does weight affect Arthur’s appearance?

Yes, Arthur’s physical appearance changes based on his weight. He’ll appear thinner when underweight and more robust when overweight.

4. How quickly can Arthur gain or lose weight?

Weight changes gradually over time. It takes several in-game days of consistent eating or starvation to shift between weight categories.

5. Does the weight system apply to John Marston in the epilogue?

Yes, the weight system applies to John Marston in the same way it does to Arthur Morgan.

6. Can I become obese in RDR2?

No, there’s a maximum weight limit. Arthur won’t become excessively overweight.

7. Are there any weight-related achievements or trophies?

No, there are no specific achievements or trophies directly tied to Arthur’s weight.

8. Does weight affect horse stamina or health?

No, your horse’s stamina and health are independent of Arthur’s weight.

9. Can I use tonics to influence my weight?

No, tonics primarily affect your cores (health, stamina, and Dead Eye) and don’t directly impact weight.

10. Does being underweight affect my honor?

No, your weight has no impact on your honor level. Honor level has effects on Arthur’s personality, behavior and depends on his temperament.

11. Does the time of day I eat affect weight gain or loss?

No, the time of day doesn’t matter. It’s the overall caloric intake and activity level that determines weight.

12. Does the quality of food affect weight gain or loss?

Yes, some food affects your weight gain more than others. For example, any kind of cooked big game meat is a whopping 10 calories!.

13. What happens if I don’t eat at all?

If you consistently avoid eating, Arthur will become severely underweight and his health will suffer significantly. He’ll be highly vulnerable in combat.

14. Does being underweight make me more susceptible to disease?

While not explicitly stated, it’s reasonable to assume that a malnourished Arthur might be more vulnerable to illness. There is no cure for Tuberculosis, and players only have one option to keep Arthur Morgan alive and it’s by ignoring late-game story missions.

15. Are there any mods that alter the weight system?

Yes, numerous mods are available that can adjust the weight system, allowing for faster weight gain or loss, or even disabling the system altogether.

The Broader Context: Depth and Realism in RDR2

The weight system in RDR2 is just one example of the game’s incredible attention to detail and its commitment to realism. This level of depth contributes significantly to the immersive experience, making the world feel more believable and engaging. Whether it’s managing Arthur’s weight, caring for your horse, or maintaining your weapons, RDR2 encourages players to consider the consequences of their actions and to make informed decisions based on their individual playstyles.

Games like RDR2, with their complex systems and emergent gameplay, offer valuable learning opportunities. By experimenting with different strategies and adapting to dynamic environments, players develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and a deeper understanding of cause and effect. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explore the educational potential of games and advocate for their use in formal and informal learning settings.

Conclusion

So, is it bad to be underweight in RDR2? Not necessarily. It’s a strategic choice with its own set of trade-offs. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your playstyle, and experiment to find the weight that best suits your needs. Whether you prefer to be a nimble and agile gunslinger or a sturdy and resilient tank, RDR2’s weight system offers a nuanced and engaging way to customize your character and enhance your gameplay experience. Now, go forth and find the perfect weight for your Arthur Morgan!