Is there a way Arthur doesn’t get tuberculosis?

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Unfortunately, there is no known way for Arthur to avoid contracting tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2, as it is a pivotal part of the game’s storyline and character development. The game is designed such that Arthur contracts TB from Thomas Downes in Chapter II, and this event significantly impacts the narrative and gameplay throughout the rest of the story.

Understanding Tuberculosis in RDR2

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis, commonly referred to as TB, is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, but can also spread to other parts of the body. In the context of Red Dead Redemption 2, TB is a critical element of Arthur Morgan’s character arc, influencing his interactions, decision-making, and ultimately, his fate.

FAQs

1. Can Arthur’s TB be cured in RDR2?: No, currently, there is no known cure for Arthur’s tuberculosis within the game, making it a permanent condition that affects him until the end of his storyline.
2. How does Arthur contract TB?: Arthur contracts TB from Thomas Downes, a character he encounters in Chapter II, through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
3. Does TB affect gameplay?: Yes, having TB increases Arthur’s core draining speed and limits the benefits he gains from food and drinks, making resource management more challenging.
4. Can you avoid Arthur getting TB?: No, avoiding the mission where Arthur meets Thomas Downes is the only way to prevent him from getting TB, but this means the player cannot complete the game.
5. Would Arthur have died from TB?: Yes, regardless of the player’s choices, Arthur Morgan is destined to die from tuberculosis by the end of the game, as his death is a narrative necessity.
6. Can you play as Arthur after he dies?: The only way to continue playing as Arthur after his death is to reload a save from before the end of Chapter 6, sacrificing any progress made in Chapters 6-8.
7. Did Dutch know Arthur was sick?: Dutch appears to be aware of Arthur’s illness but does not inquire about it seriously, indicating a complexity in their relationship.
8. Is TB curable in real life?: Yes, tuberculosis is both curable and preventable with modern medical treatments, though it remains a significant public health concern worldwide.
9. How long does Arthur have TB for?: Arthur likely has TB for around 3-6 months in-game, given the narrative timeline and the disease’s progression.
10. Can Micah get TB?: Despite being exposed to Arthur’s infected blood, Micah does not contract TB, which is a plot point that has been discussed among fans.
11. Why didn’t Arthur’s friends get TB?: The game does not explicitly address why none of Arthur’s friends or gang members contract TB, despite their close proximity to him, leaving it as a narrative mystery.
12. Did Arthur give anyone else TB?: There is no indication in the game that Arthur infected anyone else with TB, which is surprising given the close living conditions of the gang.
13. What happens if you don’t visit Thomas Downes?: The game’s narrative is designed such that visiting Thomas Downes and contracting TB is a critical event, and avoiding it would significantly alter the storyline, although the exact outcome is not detailed.
14. Can you shoot Thomas Downes?: In the game, Thomas Downes cannot be killed during the encounters, as the story dictates that he must survive to infect Arthur with TB.
15. Why is TB important in RDR2?: Tuberculosis serves as a narrative device to explore themes of mortality, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s actions, deeply intertwining with Arthur’s character development and the game’s emotional impact.