What Did Arthur Give John in Red Dead Redemption 2?

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Arthur Morgan’s legacy in Red Dead Redemption 2 extends far beyond his rugged charm and undeniable loyalty. He doesn’t just give John Marston material possessions; he bequeaths him a chance at redemption and a future free from the outlaw life. Arthur’s gifts to John are multifaceted, encompassing practical items, crucial knowledge, and, most importantly, the conviction to live a better life. Directly, Arthur gives John his outfits, clothes, and weapons. He also gives John his satchel containing a significant amount of money. However, it’s crucial to note that Arthur also provides John with something far more valuable: the opportunity to escape, start a family, and live a life free from the cycle of violence that consumed the Van der Linde gang. This final act of selflessness is, without a doubt, Arthur’s most impactful gift to John.

Arthur’s Material Gifts

Outfits, Clothing, and Weapons

One of the first inheritances John receives is Arthur’s wardrobe. After progressing through a few missions in the epilogue, John gains access to all of Arthur’s outfits and clothing items. This not only provides John with practical attire but also connects him to Arthur’s memory and identity. Similarly, Arthur’s weapons are passed down to John early in the epilogue. These tools are essential for survival in the harsh landscape and serve as a constant reminder of the skills Arthur imparted.

The Satchel and Its Contents

Perhaps the most tangible gift is Arthur’s satchel. When John recovers it, he inherits not just a bag but also a considerable sum of money. While the exact amount can vary based on your gameplay, it’s enough to provide a significant financial foundation for John’s new life. This inheritance allows John to purchase necessities and establish a home for his family. It should be noted that this inheritance doesn’t include all the money Arthur might have possessed at one point.

The Gift of Opportunity

A Chance at Redemption

Beyond material possessions, Arthur provides John with the opportunity to break free from the outlaw life. He pushes John to escape with his family, urging him to prioritize their safety and well-being above all else. This push is critical, as it plants the seed of change in John, eventually leading him to seek a more honest existence. Arthur acts as a moral compass, guiding John toward a path of righteousness, even in his final moments. This is the most significant gift Arthur leaves John.

Freedom From the Gang

Arthur understands the corrosive influence of the Van der Linde gang and its leader, Dutch. He recognizes that John can never truly escape the cycle of violence if he remains entangled with them. Therefore, Arthur’s actions aim to sever John’s ties to the gang, giving him the space to build a new life, one not defined by loyalty to a flawed ideology.

FAQs: Deep Diving into Arthur’s Legacy

Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding Arthur’s legacy and what John inherits in Red Dead Redemption 2.

1. Does all of Arthur’s money go to John?

   Yes, John inherits all of Arthur’s money when he recovers Arthur’s satchel during the epilogue. However, keep in mind that any money spent before this point, such as on clothing and weapons, is still passed down to John.

2. Can John get Dutch’s money?

   Yes, after killing Micah at the end of the epilogue, John recovers a significant amount of money from the money stash belonging to Micah and Dutch. This replaces any money lost during Chapter 6.

3. Why does Dutch leave John the money?

   After realizing the extent of Micah’s betrayal and his own failings, Dutch has a change of heart. He allows John and Sadie to take the money after they kill Micah, a gesture of atonement for his past actions.

4. Do I lose all of Arthur’s money?

   Yes, the moment you advance beyond the mission ‘My Last Boy’, you will ultimately lose all of your money and horses. That being said, you get to keep all your valuable items and guns.

5. Can you get Dutch’s chest as John?

   Potentially. If you chose the honorable option (helping John), Dutch’s chest might still be under the wagon in Beaver Hollow as John. This is not always the case and might vary depending on specific choices made during the game.

6. Does John know Micah killed Arthur?

   While it’s not explicitly stated that John knows Micah directly killed Arthur, he is aware that Micah betrayed the gang and acted as an informant for the Pinkertons. The implication is that John understands Micah’s role in Arthur’s demise.

7. Does Arthur lose all his money after Guarma?

   Yes, unfortunately, any money Arthur has is permanently lost after the Guarma chapter.

8. Does John keep Arthur’s guns?

   Yes, John receives all of Arthur’s guns and valuables by the time he unlocks the mission to get a loan to purchase his home. Arthur’s custom satchels are also received.

9. Does Arthur survive if he goes with John?

   No, regardless of the player’s high honor choices during the story, Arthur still dies of tuberculosis. His final moments are spent ensuring John’s escape.

10. Can you get the Blackwater money as John?

    Yes, during the “American Venom” mission, John finds a chest containing the Blackwater money, acquiring a substantial sum.

11. Can you get an Arabian as John in RDR2?

    Yes, after the main story and epilogue, you can go back to Lake Isabella as John and tame the white Arabian horse again.

12. Where is Arthur’s grave if you go back for the money?

    Arthur Morgan’s grave is located east of Donner Falls and northeast of Bacchus Station in Ambarino, overlooking the valley and mountains.

13. Can John recover Arthur’s money if stolen by the pig farm owners?

    Yes, after being drugged and robbed by the owners of the Aberdeen Pig Farm, John can return and retrieve the stolen money from its hiding spot.

14. Can you avoid Arthur’s death in RDR2?

    Unfortunately, no. Arthur’s death due to tuberculosis is a fixed part of the storyline and cannot be avoided.

15. Why does Dutch betray Arthur?

    Dutch’s betrayal stems from his growing paranoia, ego, and the influence of Micah, who manipulates Dutch and undermines Arthur’s loyalty. Dutch also refuses to admit his own mistakes, which pushes him further away from Arthur and the rest of the gang.

The Lasting Impact

Arthur’s gifts to John are a testament to his growth as a character. He evolved from a loyal enforcer to a selfless individual willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of a friend and his family. These aren’t just items or money, but Arthur’s legacy and desire for John to do something better than he could. Arthur’s legacy lives on through John, who uses the opportunity to break the cycle of violence and build a better future for his loved ones. The Games Learning Society explores themes of morality, responsibility, and character development in gaming, illustrating how narratives like that of Arthur and John can have a powerful impact on players. You can learn more about the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.