What Happens to Buell When Arthur Dies in Red Dead Redemption 2?

The fate of Buell, Hamish Sinclair’s beloved Dutch Warmblood, is a poignant element of Red Dead Redemption 2, deeply intertwined with the narrative arcs of both Arthur Morgan and John Marston. The simple answer to the question of what happens to Buell when Arthur dies is this: If Arthur owns Buell at the time of his death, Buell is lost along with all other horses in Arthur’s stable. This loss is often felt acutely by players, as Buell represents one of Arthur’s last and most meaningful connections during his journey.

The Significance of Buell

Buell, a unique Cremello Gold Dutch Warmblood, isn’t just another horse. He’s a symbol of camaraderie, loyalty, and a final, positive relationship in Arthur Morgan’s life. Acquired through a series of missions with the one-legged war veteran Hamish Sinclair, Buell becomes more than just a mount; he becomes a companion. The loss of Buell upon Arthur’s death is a stark reminder of the impermanence of things in the game’s unforgiving world and is often interpreted as a representation of Arthur’s mortality.

How to Keep Buell After Arthur’s Death

The good news is that there is a method by which the player can keep the horse after the death of Arthur Morgan.

To secure Buell for John Marston and avoid losing him permanently, the player must leave the final Hamish Sinclair mission until after Chapter 6. The player will need to encounter Hamish before the mission is started. It is important not to do the second Hamish quest. The horse will spook and run away if the player does so. Once the player takes control of John in the epilogue, they can then complete the final mission, ensuring Buell remains with them through the endgame. This allows players to continue to enjoy Buell’s unique qualities and symbolic value as they explore the world as John.

The Narrative Impact of Losing Buell

Losing Buell with Arthur reinforces the game’s themes of loss, redemption, and the cyclical nature of violence. Arthur’s relationships, possessions, and even his horse are stripped away as he confronts his impending death, highlighting the futility of clinging to material things. The developers at Rockstar Games masterfully use the player’s emotional attachment to Buell to amplify the impact of Arthur’s story.

Buell’s Death Scene and the Foreshadowing of Arthur’s Fate

Interestingly, even if Buell doesn’t die with Arthur, his fate can still be bleak. Many players find the horse to be killed while roaming the world. Some believe this death is a reflection of Arthur’s inevitable demise. This can be taken metaphorically, as without a horse to escape on or support from the gang, Arthur Morgan is left to die on the mountaintop.

FAQs About Buell and Horses in Red Dead Redemption 2

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Buell and horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 to provide further clarity:

1. Can I save Hamish in Red Dead Redemption 2?

   • Unfortunately, Hamish’s death is scripted and cannot be avoided. Regardless of player actions, such as attempting to shoot the boar beforehand, Hamish’s fate remains the same.

2. Should I get Buell as John or Arthur?

   • Many players recommend saving the last Hamish mission for John. This ensures Buell is available throughout the epilogue. However, if you wish to experience Buell’s companionship during Arthur’s story, there’s no reason not to acquire him earlier, understanding you’ll lose him upon Arthur’s death if you completed the quests.

3. What happens to stabled horses after Arthur dies?

   • All horses owned by Arthur, including those stabled, are lost after the mission “Red Dead Redemption” in Chapter 6.

4. What carries over after Arthur dies in Red Dead Redemption 2?

   • Weapons, Outfits, Kit items, Trinkets, Talismans, Valuables, and Documents all transfer over to John in the post-game. Character progress, such as known recipes and completed challenges, also carries over, although core stat progress is reduced.

5. Can I get my horse back after Arthur dies?

   • No, all of Arthur’s horses are permanently lost.

6. Can you get Buell after Arthur dies?

   • Yes, but only if you left the final Hamish Sinclair mission incomplete and complete it as John in the epilogue.

7. What is the best ending for Arthur in RDR2?

   • Most players consider choosing to help John Marston to be the “best” ending. It is considered more honorable and fitting for Arthur’s character development.

8. What happens after Hamish dies in Red Dead Redemption 2?

   • After Hamish dies, Arthur or John can claim Buell as their own by mounting him. Buell then becomes a bonded horse under the player’s ownership.

9. Can we save Lenny in RDR2?

   • No, Lenny’s death is a scripted event and unavoidable, integral to the game’s narrative.

10. Can you let Arthur live in Red Dead Redemption 2?

    • Unfortunately, no. Arthur’s illness and death are central to the story and cannot be prevented.

11. What is the saddest death in RDR2?

    • While subjective, many consider Arthur’s death to be the saddest, given his character arc and the player’s emotional investment. However, John’s death in Red Dead Redemption is also considered a tragic event in the series.

12. What is the fastest horse in RDR2?

    • The Rose Gray Bay Arabian is often considered the fastest horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 due to its excellent base stats and acceleration.

13. Why does Arthur hate Micah?

    • Arthur hates Micah primarily because Micah is a rat, betraying the gang to the Pinkertons, leading to its downfall and Arthur’s demise.

14. Did Micah get TB?

    • There is no evidence that Micah contracted tuberculosis during the game.

15. Does John get Arthur’s money?

    • No, Arthur’s money is not directly transferred to John. This is done to fit with the story, reflecting the Marston family’s financial struggles and need to build their life from scratch.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is more than just a game; it’s an experience rich with complex characters, compelling narratives, and memorable moments. Buell’s fate, tied to the player’s choices and the overarching story, exemplifies the game’s ability to evoke strong emotional responses. Exploring these elements can be just as rewarding as mastering gameplay mechanics.

Learning more about the design and educational opportunities of games can be found at places like the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org, where researchers and educators explore the intersection of learning and gaming.