Is There a Cure for Arthur Morgan’s Illness?
The short, and ultimately heartbreaking, answer is no, there is no cure for Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2. This devastating diagnosis is a core element of the game’s narrative, driving much of Arthur’s character development and the overall poignant tone of the story. While certain in-game items might offer temporary relief, they are mere bandaids on a fatal wound. Arthur’s journey is inexorably tied to his battle with this disease, making it a central theme of the entire gaming experience. The game ensures that players, along with Arthur, face the reality of his limited time. This forces a poignant reflection on his life, choices, and relationships, making the ending so impactful and memorable.
Understanding Arthur’s Tuberculosis
Arthur contracts tuberculosis (TB) after a brutal encounter with Thomas Downes while collecting a debt. The game makes it clear that this is a terminal illness with no cure available in the late 19th century setting. The disease progresses steadily, causing Arthur to suffer from coughing fits, exhaustion, and general weakness. This physical decline is paralleled by a moral awakening and a desire for redemption, highlighting the themes of mortality and consequence that permeate the game.
While some players have clung to the hope of a hidden cure or a different outcome, the developers at Rockstar Games have intentionally made Arthur’s fate unchangeable. This design choice serves to emphasize the game’s narrative themes, and drives home the message of a character grappling with his own mortality.
The Owl Feather Trinket
There is an item, the Owl Feather Trinket, that offers a limited benefit. This trinket slightly powers-up Arthur and partially alleviates the symptoms of his tuberculosis. However, it does not cure the disease. It is more of a temporary boost, allowing Arthur to continue his journey, although still within the confines of his terminal condition. The trinket allows him to participate in the remaining storyline but cannot change the ultimate outcome. The trinket serves to highlight the inevitability of Arthur’s condition, underscoring the narrative’s themes.
The Inevitability of Arthur’s Fate
Many players have expressed the desire for a way to save Arthur, but this is not the type of story Rockstar Games wanted to tell. The focus is on the character’s internal journey rather than a simple ‘good’ outcome. Arthur’s decline and ultimate demise serve as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility. This forces players to grapple with the same emotions as Arthur, emphasizing the importance of the choices we make and the legacy we leave behind.
Attempting to avoid the illness by not progressing the game story is, technically, the only way to keep Arthur “alive”. However, this is far from a cure and prevents the player from experiencing the full game. It’s less a victory and more of a self-imposed stasis. It’s a valid approach for players who simply wish to keep playing as Arthur but is not a way to cure or change his condition within the game’s narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is Arthur Morgan’s sickness?
Arthur Morgan is diagnosed with tuberculosis, a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. It was a deadly disease in the late 1800s and is incurable within the game’s timeline.
2. Did Arthur give anyone else TB?
While the game shows Arthur contracting TB from Thomas Downes, it’s highly unlikely that he didn’t spread it to others within his close circle. However, for narrative reasons, the game does not focus on this aspect. It is only mentioned that Thomas Downes contracts it, and the focus is on Arthur’s struggle with the illness.
3. Can Arthur avoid contracting tuberculosis?
No, Arthur’s tuberculosis is an unavoidable part of the main storyline. The game ensures he will become sick no matter what actions the player takes. Unless the player stops story progression entirely before he gets sick, he will contract the disease.
4. Can I cure Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2?
No, it is impossible to cure Arthur’s tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2. The game is designed for Arthur to succumb to the illness. It is a key part of the narrative and central to his redemptive arc.
5. Does Micah get TB?
No, Micah Bell does not contract tuberculosis from Arthur. Despite their many encounters, the game makes sure that this does not occur. Micah is safe from the disease.
6. Can you avoid Arthur getting sick?
As long as you are progressing the game in a standard play through, no you cannot avoid Arthur getting sick. The only way to avoid Arthur’s TB is to avoid the story missions that lead up to his diagnosis. It will eventually happen within the main game.
7. Can Arthur Morgan survive tuberculosis?
Unfortunately not. Despite any in-game items or actions, Arthur will always die from tuberculosis by the end of the game. The doctor’s diagnosis is final, and his death is part of the narrative arc.
8. Did Dutch know Arthur was sick?
While it’s evident that Dutch sees that Arthur is ill, he doesn’t make any serious inquiries or show concern. This is partly due to his increasingly unstable mental state and obsession with ‘one last score,’ blinding him to the needs and conditions of his gang.
9. Why did Dutch betray Arthur?
Dutch believes he needs to betray Arthur due to Micah’s manipulations and Arthur’s skepticism towards Dutch’s plans. Dutch’s desire for blind faith further worsens the situation. Dutch had slowly become consumed with himself, and Micah utilized that to his advantage.
10. Could Arthur have killed Micah without TB?
Yes, it’s very likely that Arthur would have defeated Micah without the debilitating effects of TB. The disease weakened him significantly, making him more vulnerable. Arthur was a physically strong and skilled individual, and had he not been sick, he would have been able to beat Micah.
11. Would Hosea side with Arthur?
Yes, Hosea likely would have sided with Arthur. Hosea was a pragmatic voice of reason, and he understood Arthur’s perspective well. Had he lived, the events of the story could have played out differently.
12. Can you play as Arthur after he dies?
No, you cannot continue to play as Arthur after the main story ends. The only way to continue as Arthur is by reloading a previous save. You must play as John Marston after the story, unless you are on a previous save file.
13. Can you finish RDR2 without Arthur dying?
No, you cannot complete the main storyline without Arthur dying. His death is an integral part of the story and his redemptive arc. His death is designed to showcase his development throughout the game.
14. Can you save Lenny RDR2?
No, Lenny’s death during the bank robbery is unavoidable within the base game. He is specifically designed to die as part of the narrative. It is an unfortunate yet necessary part of the storyline.
15. Why does Micah have a scar?
Micah’s scar appears on his face depending on the ending the player achieves. The scar is caused by Arthur slashing his face with a knife in a high honor scenario during their final confrontation.