Who Did Arthur Beat to Get TB in Red Dead Redemption 2? Unraveling a Tragic Tale
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Arthur Morgan, the protagonist of Red Dead Redemption 2, contracts tuberculosis (TB) from Thomas Downes during the “Money Lending and Other Sins III” mission. He doesn’t exactly beat Downes in a physical sense before the contraction, but rather shakes him down for money as part of his duties for the Van der Linde gang. The act of shaking him down exposes Arthur to Downes, who is suffering from tuberculosis, leading to the infection.
The Tragic Encounter: Downes and the Loan
The fateful encounter unfolds as follows: Leopold Strauss, the gang’s resident loan shark, assigns Arthur the task of collecting debts from various individuals. Thomas Downes, a farmer struggling to make ends meet, is one of these debtors. Arthur, hardened by his life as an outlaw, confronts Downes and demands the owed money.
During this encounter, Downes coughs violently, and blood is transferred to Arthur’s face. This event, the direct exposure to Downes’ infected bodily fluids, is how Arthur contracts tuberculosis. It’s not a deliberate act of violence or beating that leads to the infection, but an unfortunate consequence of Arthur’s line of work and the close proximity to an infected individual. The game poignantly illustrates the unintended and devastating repercussions of Arthur’s actions, showing how the choices he makes, even when seemingly minor, can have far-reaching and tragic consequences.
The Unavoidable Fate
Despite his gruff exterior, Arthur isn’t inherently malicious. The scene highlights the moral complexities inherent in the game. Arthur is, in effect, a cog in a machine, carrying out the orders of Strauss and contributing to the larger goals of the Van der Linde gang. His interaction with Downes, though seemingly routine, sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately leads to his demise.
Arthur’s tuberculosis diagnosis serves as a catalyst for his personal growth. As his health deteriorates, he begins to question his past actions, reassess his values, and strive to leave a positive impact on the world before his time runs out. This transformation is a central theme of Red Dead Redemption 2, showcasing the potential for redemption even in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis and its impact on the game:
How does tuberculosis spread in Red Dead Redemption 2?
In the context of the game, tuberculosis is spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, primarily via coughing and sneezing. The article states, “Tuberculosis is contracted by direct contact with infected bodily fluids. He would have had to spit on them or sneezed on them in order for them to catch it.” Arthur contracts it when Downes coughs blood on him.
Could Arthur have avoided getting tuberculosis?
Unfortunately, no. The event where Arthur contracts tuberculosis is a pivotal moment in the storyline and cannot be avoided. The article confirms, “This is also why the game prevents you from killing Thomas Downes, and prevents you from progressing through the story before completing this mission.”
Why didn’t other members of the Van der Linde gang contract tuberculosis from Arthur?
This is a significant plot hole in the game. The article notes, “But there was no mention of anyone else succumbing to TB. As such, it remains a major plot hole in Red Dead Redemption 2 as to how Arthur didn’t manage to infect anyone else with tuberculosis.” While the game suggests transmission requires close contact, the lack of other infections is unrealistic. Arthur was self aware he was sick but since it wasn’t serious he probably tried to avoid coughing on any of his friends (or allies).
Is there a cure for tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2?
No, there is no cure for tuberculosis in the game. The article states, “The short answer is no, there isn’t a cure for tuberculosis in RDR2.” This reinforces the sense of inevitability surrounding Arthur’s fate.
Could Arthur have beaten Micah if he hadn’t been sick?
Yes, it is widely believed that a healthy Arthur would have defeated Micah. The article asserts, “Yes. Arthur was the physically strongest man in the Van der Linde gang alongside Charles. If Arthur wanted to, and had he not been sick, he would have rammed Micah into the ground with a few punches.”
Is it possible to keep Arthur alive in Red Dead Redemption 2?
No, Arthur’s death is a fixed event in the game’s storyline. As confirmed in the article, “Unfortunately, there is no chance for his survival.”
When does Arthur start showing symptoms of tuberculosis?
Arthur doesn’t immediately display symptoms after the encounter with Downes. The symptoms gradually emerge as the story progresses, impacting his stamina and overall health. The article estimates that he lived with it for about 3-6 months. “A reasonable estimate for the total amount of time that Arthur was sick in RDR2 is around 3-6 months.”
What impact does Arthur’s illness have on the gameplay?
Arthur’s illness gradually affects his gameplay experience. His stamina depletes more quickly, he coughs frequently, and his overall health deteriorates. These changes serve as a constant reminder of his declining condition.
Did Dutch know that Arthur was sick?
While Dutch likely noticed Arthur’s declining health, he was too consumed by his own ambition and paranoia to properly address it. The article highlights, “It’s just kind of odd that Dutch apparently sees that Arthur is sick but doesnt make any serious inquiries to what is wrong.”
When can we expect a Red Dead Redemption 3?
Based on Rockstar Games’ previous release patterns, a Red Dead Redemption 3 is unlikely to be released before 2026. The article states, “So, if we base our judgement on that, we won’t see a Red Dead Redemption 3 until 2026 at the earliest.”
What time period might Red Dead Redemption 3 be set in?
There is speculation that RDR3 could be set in the early 20th century, potentially featuring Jack Marston. The article mentions, “A 1914-set Red Dead 3 could follow Jack Marston with players already taking control of him in the epilogue of 2010’s RDR.”
Why did Dutch ultimately shoot Micah?
Dutch shot Micah because he realized Micah betrayed the gang and was responsible for its downfall. The article states, “Dutch shoots Micah because he owes that to Arthur, in a way Dutch gains his redemption by shooting the man responsible for the downfall of his gang and the death of his surrogate son.”
How is Arthur Morgan viewed in Red Dead Redemption?
Arthur Morgan is not mentioned in Red Dead Redemption 1, potentially because his story is too painful for the surviving characters to revisit. The article suggests, “Arthur did tell John not to look back. I would like to imagine that it’s too painful to recall memories of Arthur.”
What can be learned from the narrative of Red Dead Redemption 2?
Red Dead Redemption 2 is not just a game; it’s a complex narrative that explores themes of redemption, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions. The game offers valuable insights into human nature and the struggles faced by individuals living on the fringes of society. Studying these narratives and how they impact players is an important part of understanding the power of games. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) work to understand the educational and social impact of games, examining how they can teach us about ourselves and the world around us.
What impact does the environment have on characters in Red Dead Redemption 2?
The rugged and unforgiving environment plays a huge role in the character’s stories. The constant struggle for survival, the lawlessness of the time, and the limited resources all contribute to a sense of desperation and hardship that shapes their actions and decisions. The game’s landscape is not just a backdrop, but an active participant in the unfolding drama.
Arthur Morgan’s story is a tragic one, filled with complex characters and thought-provoking themes. While the circumstances surrounding his contraction of tuberculosis may be unfortunate, they ultimately serve as a catalyst for his personal growth and redemption.