Can You Stop Arthur From Getting Tuberculosis in RDR2?: A Definitive Guide
No, you cannot stop Arthur Morgan from getting tuberculosis in RDR2. The infection is a fixed plot point, integral to his character arc and the game’s narrative.
The Inevitability of Fate in Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) is a game celebrated for its immersive open world, compelling characters, and unflinching storytelling. At the heart of this narrative is Arthur Morgan, the protagonist whose journey takes a tragic turn when he contracts tuberculosis (TB). While players explore every corner of the map, meticulously hunt legendary animals, and engage in countless side missions, one fate remains inescapable: Arthur’s diagnosis and subsequent struggle with the disease. The narrative is designed in such a way that the player will always be in the area and present when Arthur contracts the disease.
Why Arthur’s TB is Crucial to the Narrative
Arthur’s TB isn’t just a random event; it’s a cornerstone of RDR2’s themes. The disease serves to:
- Highlight Mortality: It underscores the fragility of life and the consequences of a violent existence.
- Drive Character Development: It forces Arthur to confront his past actions, question his loyalty to Dutch, and seek redemption.
- Reflect the Changing West: TB was a prevalent disease in the era, reflecting the harsh realities of the time.
- Provide Emotional Depth: Arthur’s suffering allows players to connect with him on a deeper, more empathetic level.
Examining the Mechanics of the Infection
The progression of Arthur’s TB is scripted, but the game provides visual and auditory cues to reflect his declining health. These include:
- Changes in Appearance: Arthur’s face becomes gaunt, his eyes sunken, and his overall physique weakens.
- Coughing Fits: He experiences increasingly frequent and violent coughing fits, often triggered by exertion or environmental factors.
- Stamina Depletion: His maximum stamina is significantly reduced, impacting his ability to perform physical activities.
- Audio Cues: He sounds increasingly ill during conversations and general gameplay.
The game world reacts to Arthur’s illness. NPCs will comment on his appearance, and some may even offer unsolicited advice or concern.
Common Misconceptions About Preventing Arthur’s TB
Many players have searched tirelessly for ways to circumvent Arthur’s diagnosis. These attempts typically involve:
- Avoiding the Downes Family: Players try to avoid the mission where Arthur contracts TB, but the game forces you to confront them.
- Maintaining High Honor: While high honor does influence Arthur’s ending, it does not prevent the infection.
- Using Tonics and Medicines: Tonics can temporarily alleviate the symptoms, but they cannot cure the disease.
- Avoiding Close Contact with the Downes Family: Even if you avoid physically touching them, the encounter still triggers the infection in the game’s code.
These efforts, while understandable, are ultimately futile. Can You Stop Arthur From Getting Tuberculosis in RDR2? The answer, resoundingly, is no. The game’s narrative structure ensures that Arthur’s illness is an unavoidable part of his journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Stop Arthur From Getting Tuberculosis in RDR2?
No, Arthur’s tuberculosis is a pivotal plot point and cannot be prevented. The game’s narrative is designed to ensure that he contracts the disease during a specific mission.
What triggers Arthur Morgan getting TB?
Arthur contracts TB during the mission “Blessed Are the Meek?” when he gets into a physical altercation with Thomas Downes, a sickly man indebted to Leopold Strauss. Exposure to Downes’s blood is the catalyst.
Are there any mods that remove Arthur’s TB?
Yes, there are mods available for the PC version of RDR2 that can remove or alter Arthur’s TB. However, using mods can potentially impact your game’s stability and may prevent you from earning certain achievements.
Does Arthur’s honor level affect his TB?
While Arthur’s honor level influences the ending he receives, it does not prevent him from contracting TB, nor does it affect the severity or progression of the disease.
Is there a cure for TB in Red Dead Redemption 2?
No, there is no cure for TB in the game. Arthur can use tonics and medicines to temporarily alleviate the symptoms, but they cannot cure the disease.
How does Arthur’s TB affect gameplay?
Arthur’s TB significantly impacts gameplay by reducing his stamina, altering his appearance, and causing frequent coughing fits. These effects make combat and exploration more challenging.
Does Arthur’s TB get worse over time?
Yes, Arthur’s TB progressively worsens as the game progresses. His symptoms become more pronounced, and his overall health deteriorates.
Can I delay Arthur getting TB?
No, you cannot delay Arthur getting TB. The mission that triggers the infection is a required part of the main storyline.
Does the game give any hints about Arthur’s TB?
Yes, the game provides visual and auditory cues to indicate Arthur’s declining health. These include changes in his appearance, coughing fits, and dialogue from NPCs.
Does Arthur ever talk about his TB with other characters?
Yes, Arthur discusses his TB with several characters throughout the game, including Dr. Swanson, his fellow gang members, and even some strangers he encounters.
What happens if you ignore Arthur’s TB symptoms?
Ignoring Arthur’s TB symptoms will not change the outcome. His health will continue to decline regardless of your actions, and you will still progress through the narrative.
Is Arthur’s TB based on real-life historical occurrences?
Yes, Arthur’s TB is reflective of the historical prevalence of the disease in the late 19th century. Tuberculosis was a major public health concern during that era.