Gone With the Wind: What Happens to Arthur’s Horses After His Death in RDR2?
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The death of Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a heart-wrenching moment for players, and one of the most poignant aspects is the fate of his loyal steeds. To put it simply, all of Arthur Morgan’s horses are lost upon his death. This includes any horses stabled, actively ridden, or even unique horses like Buell. This loss is permanent and there is no way to reclaim these companions as John Marston. This is a significant loss for players, as strong bonds are formed with these in-game companions throughout the long game. Understanding the nuances of this mechanic can help players prepare for the endgame and make informed decisions about their horses.
The End of the Trail for Arthur’s Horses
The game is explicit: when Arthur dies, his horses do not transfer to John. This is unlike other items such as weapons and clothing. The bond and relationship you spent time building with your horses, the hours you spent caring for them – all of that comes to an abrupt end. This mechanic is a deliberate narrative choice by Rockstar Games, designed to emphasize the finality of Arthur’s demise and the impact it has on all aspects of his life. It serves to underscore the profound personal loss players feel when Arthur dies.
Why This Happens?
The reason behind this mechanic is tied to the game’s narrative and storytelling. Arthur’s horses are, in many ways, extensions of his own journey. They are symbols of his life on the run, his connection to the wilderness, and his most trusted companions. Losing them represents the severing of those connections. It’s a harsh but deliberate way to emphasize the transition to John Marston’s story, forcing players to begin anew with their relationships. This reinforces the sense of starting a new chapter in the game.
FAQ: Shedding Light on Arthur’s Horses Post-Mortem
The topic of what happens to Arthur’s horses is a frequent point of discussion among players, understandably so. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions related to this issue:
1. Do I lose all my horses when Arthur dies?
Yes, all horses owned by Arthur are lost when he dies. This includes those stabled or actively in use.
2. What about unique horses like Buell?
Yes, unfortunately, even unique horses like Buell are lost if Arthur owns them at the time of his death. If you want to keep Buell after Arthur’s death, you MUST complete Hamish’s final mission as John in the epilogue.
3. Can I get my stabled horses back after Arthur dies?
No, you cannot reclaim any stabled horses owned by Arthur after he passes away. All of them are considered “lost” forever.
4. What happens to dead horses in RDR2?
Once a horse dies in Red Dead Redemption 2, it is permanently dead. There’s no way to resurrect them unless you reload a prior save file. This adds a level of consequence to horse care. As the game’s technology director confirmed, they remain dead forever.
5. Do I lose all of Arthur’s stuff when he dies?
Not all of it. You automatically get all the clothes you had as Arthur, and you will get his weapons early in the epilogue as John. However, all of his gold and non-unique items are gone.
6. How can I keep a legendary horse before Arthur dies so I can reclaim it?
This is a commonly asked question with an unfortunate answer. You cannot keep the legendary horse. Every horse owned by Arthur is lost. There’s no work-around.
7. Can John get Dutch’s money?
Yes, while the money that Arthur gives to John does not contain the full amount, John recovers the stash from Micah and Dutch at the end of the epilogues, which in effect replaces the money lost.
8. Can you revive a fully dead horse RDR2?
The quickest way to revive your horse is by using a Horse Revive Tonic, which can be purchased at stables and other vendors. However, this only works if the horse is incapacitated, not fully dead. Once a horse is dead, it is dead for good.
9. Can you get your horse back if it dies in RDR2 story mode?
No, if your horse dies, you will have to buy a new one. DLC horses are an exception, these can be obtained for free.
10. Will the white Arabian respawn if it dies?
Yes, the White Arabian horse does respawn after it dies. You can find it again at its location at the north west side of Lake Isabella after leaving the area for some time.
11. Does John Marston keep Arthur’s horses?
No, John does not keep any of Arthur’s horses. All horses are lost.
12. Do you keep your saddle after Arthur dies?
Yes, you do keep your trinkets, talismans, trapper clothing, and saddles after Arthur dies. Additionally, all other unlocked perks are also retained.
13. What is the fastest horse in RDR2?
The Rose Gray Bay Arabian is considered the fastest horse in RDR2. It combines both top speed and acceleration when properly bonded.
14. What is the best horse in RDR2?
The Arabian breed is generally considered the best horse in RDR2. It is known for its exceptional stats in health, stamina, speed, and acceleration. However, they can be quite temperamental.
15. Does the White Arabian horse respawn after Arthur dies?
Yes, the White Arabian horse will respawn in the wild. After Arthur’s death, the White Arabian will still appear at its usual location near Lake Isabella. The spawn mechanic isn’t linked to Arthur’s character.
The Importance of Horse Care and Bonding
The loss of Arthur’s horses emphasizes the importance of horse care and bonding in RDR2. While ultimately these relationships end when Arthur’s story ends, it highlights how central they are to the overall game. Each loss emphasizes the game’s narrative of loss and transition. These relationships are a major part of Arthur’s in-game experience and help enhance the sense of companionship and realism. Though they don’t transfer to John, the memories of these horses are part of Arthur’s legacy.
Final Thoughts
While the loss of all of Arthur’s horses can be disappointing, it is ultimately an integral part of the game’s narrative. It underscores the theme of loss and transition, forcing the player to start anew with John. Understanding this mechanic allows players to be prepared for the endgame. The experience serves to reinforce the powerful narrative of Red Dead Redemption 2, where even your most loyal companions can be swept away by fate. The experience also encourages players to spend time and care when developing a bond with a horse in Red Dead Redemption 2. While it is disappointing to lose, it adds to the overall story.