Arthur’s Fate: Can You Dodge TB in Red Dead Redemption 2?

No, it is not possible for Arthur Morgan to avoid contracting tuberculosis (TB) in Red Dead Redemption 2. His diagnosis and subsequent decline are integral to the game’s narrative and character arc. The encounter with Thomas Downes during the debt collection mission is unavoidable, and Arthur’s cough, a telltale sign of the disease, will manifest regardless of when you complete the mission or how you play the game. Arthur’s journey is one of redemption in the face of inevitable death, making his TB diagnosis a critical plot point.

The Inevitable Diagnosis

Arthur’s tuberculosis diagnosis is a fixed event in Red Dead Redemption 2. The mission, while initially appearing as a standard debt collection task, serves as the catalyst for Arthur’s character development. Avoiding the mission or attempting to alter the game’s sequence won’t prevent the infection. Arthur’s cough starts appearing early on. It appears even if you finish this mission after the one that initially diagnoses Arthur with the illness, meaning that contracting TB is guaranteed to happen.

Story Significance

The decision to make Arthur’s TB infection unavoidable was a deliberate narrative choice by Rockstar Games. It serves to:

• Heighten the emotional impact of the story.
• Force the player to confront mortality and the consequences of their actions.
• Provide a framework for Arthur’s personal growth and redemption.
• Add depth and nuance to the game’s exploration of morality and the decline of the Wild West.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Arthur and TB

Here are 15 frequently asked questions addressing key aspects of Arthur’s tuberculosis infection in Red Dead Redemption 2:

How does Arthur contract TB?

Arthur contracts TB during a debt collection mission for Leopold Strauss. He confronts Thomas Downes, a sickly farmer struggling to pay back his debt. During the encounter, Downes coughs blood on Arthur, transmitting the disease.

Is there a way to skip the Thomas Downes mission?

No, the Thomas Downes mission is a mandatory part of the storyline and cannot be skipped. The game forces players to complete this mission, ensuring Arthur’s infection.

Does Arthur always get TB, no matter what choices I make?

Yes, regardless of the choices you make in the game, Arthur will always contract tuberculosis. His TB diagnosis is a fixed plot point.

What happens if you don’t get TB in RDR2?

It is impossible to not get TB in RDR2. Hunting and fishing are unlocked early on, making both viable options for a TB-free Arthur to enjoy, however this is unrelated to not contracting TB.

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. Arthur would have had to spit on them or sneezed on them in order for them to catch it.

Could Arthur have survived TB in 1899?

In 1899, there was no reliable treatment for tuberculosis. Doctors often advised patients to rest, eat well, and exercise outdoors. However, very few recovered from the disease during that time period.

Can you cure Arthur’s TB in RDR2?

No, there is no cure for Arthur’s TB within the game. The only way to prolong Arthur’s life is to avoid progressing the main story, which will eventually lead to his death.

Was TB 100% fatal in the late 19th century?

By the late 19th century, a large percentage of the urban populations were infected with TB, and a significant number of those individuals died of it. However, mortality rates began declining in the late 19th century throughout Europe and the United States. It wasn’t a 100% fatal diagnosis, but it was highly likely to be fatal.

Does Micah get TB?

Micah Bell is not depicted as contracting TB in Red Dead Redemption 2. He survives until the epilogue, making him safe from contracting the disease from Arthur.

Did Dutch know Arthur was sick?

It is ambiguous whether Dutch truly understood the severity of Arthur’s illness. He notices Arthur is sick but does not inquire about it seriously, focusing instead on his own plans and paranoia.

Could Arthur have killed Micah without TB?

The fact that Arthur was suffering from tuberculosis weakened Morgan’s immune system and made him more susceptible to other illnesses and infections. Without the debilitating effects of TB, it’s plausible that Arthur could have defeated Micah.

Why did Dutch betray Arthur?

Dutch’s betrayal stems from a combination of factors, including his growing paranoia, his reliance on Micah’s manipulative influence, and his misjudgment of Arthur’s loyalty. He believed Arthur would betray him, which further fueled his distrust.

Is there a symbolic meaning behind Arthur contracting TB?

Yes, some argue that Arthur’s TB represents the decline of the Wild West, a once-free and untamed world succumbing to the spread of civilization and its associated ailments. It mirrors the fading lifestyle of the Van der Linde gang.

What is the historical accuracy of TB in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Red Dead Redemption 2 accurately portrays the severity and prevalence of tuberculosis in the late 19th century. It was a widespread and often fatal disease, particularly in crowded and unsanitary environments.

Does the game use Arthur’s illness to teach players something?

Yes, Arthur’s illness serves as a powerful narrative tool. It underscores themes of mortality, redemption, and the importance of empathy. It can also foster reflection on the societal impact of diseases and the importance of public health. The Games Learning Society explores how games can serve as educational platforms, and Red Dead Redemption 2 is a strong example of narrative-driven learning. More information can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion: Accepting the Inevitable

While the desire to save Arthur from his fate is understandable, his struggle with TB is a crucial part of the Red Dead Redemption 2 experience. His illness drives his character arc, forcing him to confront his past actions and seek redemption before his time runs out. It is this journey, not the possibility of a cure, that ultimately defines Arthur Morgan and the enduring impact of the game. The fixed nature of his illness serves the game’s broader themes and ensures a powerful, emotional narrative. Arthur’s journey ends, but his legacy lives on in the memories of those he helped and the lessons he learned.