Should I Accept Mary in Red Dead Redemption 2? A Definitive Guide
The simple answer is: yes, you should accept Mary’s requests for help in Red Dead Redemption 2. While declining her advances might seem like a quick way to avoid emotional entanglement, it locks you out of significant story content, character development for Arthur Morgan, and a deeper understanding of his past. Engaging with Mary’s storyline provides some of the most poignant and memorable moments in the game. You’ll want to experience these to have a well rounded gaming experience.
Why You Should Always Help Mary Linton
The decision to accept or decline Mary’s requests isn’t merely a gameplay choice; it’s a moral one that impacts Arthur’s narrative arc. Here’s a breakdown of why agreeing to help Mary is the preferred option:
- Unlocks Important Missions: Declining Mary’s calls for assistance abruptly cuts off her questline. This means you’ll miss out on unique missions that offer gameplay variety and emotional depth. These missions involve helping her troubled family, each with its own set of challenges and rewards.
- Character Development for Arthur: Interacting with Mary forces Arthur to confront his past and present. He grapples with his outlaw lifestyle, his feelings for Mary, and the impossible choice between love and loyalty to the Van der Linde gang. These encounters enrich Arthur’s character and add layers of complexity to his personality.
- Emotional Impact: Mary’s storyline is arguably one of the most emotionally resonant in the game. Her presence highlights Arthur’s inner conflict and provides moments of genuine tenderness amid the violence and chaos of his life. Denying her help robs you of these powerful emotional experiences.
- Deeper Understanding of Arthur’s Past: Mary represents a life Arthur could have had, a life of normalcy and stability. By helping her, you gain insight into his regrets, his hopes, and the sacrifices he’s made.
- Avoid Missing Out: Simply put, you don’t want to miss out on the content. Even if the storyline is tragic, you’ll have more gameplay and interactions in Red Dead Redemption 2. If you aren’t that into the storyline of the game, then it may be worth it to decline.
The Consequences of Declining Mary’s Help
While the game allows you to refuse Mary’s requests, understanding the consequences is crucial.
- Premature End to the Questline: As stated previously, saying no ends the questline immediately. You won’t receive further calls or opportunities to assist her.
- Missed Dialogue and Cutscenes: The dialogue between Arthur and Mary is some of the most well-written and emotionally charged in the game. Refusing her help means missing out on these interactions.
- Limited Understanding of Arthur’s Character: By declining her assistance, you prevent yourself from fully understanding the depth and complexity of Arthur’s character and his internal struggles.
- Lost Opportunity for Redemption: Helping Mary, in a way, is a form of redemption for Arthur. It allows him to do good, to protect someone he cares about, and to momentarily escape the moral decay of his gang life.
Exploring Mary’s Storyline: A Guide to Her Missions
Mary’s questline unfolds across several key missions. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll experience when you choose to help her:
- Eastward Bound: This initial encounter sets the stage for their renewed connection. You’ll receive a letter from Mary and be given the option to respond.
- The Course of True Love: Mary asks for Arthur’s help in rescuing her brother, Jamie, from a dangerous cult.
- Second Interview: This mission involves tracking down Jamie and confronting the cult leader.
- The Fine Art of Conversation: After rescuing Jamie, you’ll spend time with Mary, attending a play and engaging in intimate conversations.
- Goodbye, Dear Friend: This final mission of Mary’s can be triggered if you are honorable and help her. This storyline will give an incredibly sad, but very emotional experience.
Each mission offers unique gameplay challenges, compelling characters, and poignant moments that contribute to the overall narrative. It’s a storyline worth pursuing for its emotional depth and character development opportunities.
FAQs About Arthur and Mary in Red Dead Redemption 2
1. Is it possible for Arthur to end up with Mary in RDR2?
No, it is not. Despite their strong feelings for each other, various factors prevent a lasting relationship. These include Arthur’s loyalty to the gang, Mary’s family’s disapproval of his lifestyle, and the overall tragic trajectory of Arthur’s life. Their relationship is characterized by missed opportunities and a bittersweet longing.
2. What happens if you make a move on Mary in RDR2?
There is no raunchy scene to be triggered by timing. This is something that will be discussed throughout the Internet that is false.
3. What happens to Mary-Beth after RDR2?
During the Epilogue, while playing as John Marston, you can encounter Mary-Beth at the train station in Valentine. She has become a successful romance novelist under the pen name Leslie Dupont. They reminisce about the past and discuss their new lives.
4. Can Arthur get with Mary in RDR2?
Arthur and Mary were engaged at one point, but their relationship ultimately failed due to external pressures and Arthur’s outlaw lifestyle. While there’s a deep connection between them, they never achieve a stable and lasting relationship.
5. What is the saddest ending in RDR2?
Many consider Arthur’s death to be the saddest ending in RDR2. Depending on your honor level, the circumstances of his death can vary, but the inevitable loss of Arthur Morgan is a deeply emotional experience for most players.
6. Why does Arthur reject Mary?
It’s not so much that Arthur rejects Mary, but rather that their lives are incompatible. Arthur’s loyalty to the Van der Linde gang and the disapproval of Mary’s family create insurmountable obstacles.
7. Why does Arthur hate Micah?
Arthur despises Micah for his treachery and role in the downfall of the Van der Linde gang. Micah betrays the gang to the Pinkertons, leading to chaos, violence, and ultimately, Arthur’s demise. Micah is a character that is intended to be unlikeable.
8. Is it better to be honorable in RDR2?
Whether it’s “better” to be honorable depends on your playstyle. High honor leads to discounts in shops, unique outfits, and a more positive narrative arc for Arthur. Low honor, on the other hand, provides access to different types of loot and a darker, more morally ambiguous experience. Both honor paths offer distinct advantages and disadvantages.
9. What is the best ending for Arthur in RDR2?
Many players consider the “High Honor” ending, where Arthur helps John Marston escape, to be the best ending. This ending allows Arthur to die with a sense of purpose and sacrifice, ensuring the safety of John and his family.
10. What happens if Arthur dies with low honor?
If Arthur dies with low honor, his grave will be weathered and unkempt, guarded by a black coyote. The epitaph reads, “Blessed are those that mourn for they be comforted.”
11. Can you meet Mary-Beth as John in RDR2?
Yes, you can encounter Mary-Beth as John Marston in the epilogue at the train station in Valentine. She is a successful romance novelist at this point in the game.
12. Why is Arthur Morgan so sad?
Arthur’s sadness stems from a combination of factors, including his difficult upbringing, his life of violence and crime, and his diagnosis of tuberculosis. These experiences shape his outlook on life and contribute to his melancholic demeanor.
13. Did Arthur Morgan ever cry?
Yes, Arthur Morgan cries during the game, showing his vulnerability and emotional depth. One notable instance is when he mourns the loss of his horse, highlighting his capacity for empathy and grief.
14. Can you sleep with Abigail in RDR2?
In the house at Beecher’s Hope, John sleeps in the same bed as Abigail. This is only safehouse location this is possible.
15. What is the relationship like between Mary and Arthur?
Mary and Arthur have an on and off relationship. Arthur’s loyalty to the gang and the disapproval of Mary’s family, particularly her father, caused their relationship to fall through.
Conclusion: Embrace the Complexity of Arthur and Mary’s Story
Choosing to help Mary in Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a far richer and more rewarding experience than declining her requests. While their relationship may be fraught with challenges and ultimately destined for tragedy, it provides invaluable insights into Arthur Morgan’s character, his past, and his internal struggles. So, when Mary reaches out, embrace the complexity of their story and embark on a journey filled with emotion, redemption, and unforgettable moments.
Understanding the impact of gaming and narrative choices on player experience is crucial in today’s interactive entertainment landscape. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org are dedicated to exploring the intersection of games, learning, and culture, providing valuable insights for both developers and players. By understanding the depth of game storylines, we can ensure that everyone has an amazing experience.