Red Dead Redemption 2: 8 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid After Arthur Gets Sick

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Major spoilers ahead for Red Dead Redemption 2!

In the fifth chapter of Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur Morgan receives a diagnosis for tuberculosis, a fatal illness contracted from a fight with Thomas Downes in chapter 2. With no cure and his life hanging in the balance, he’s forced to reassess how he lives as he grapples with both his sickness and impending mortality.

After Arthur gets diagnosed with tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2, players should be mindful of certain actions to maintain Arthur’s health as much as possible. This is because TB isn’t a pleasant condition, and the player would want Arthur to be at his best for survival and helping the Van der Linde gang escape the Pinkertons amidst so much sorrow and suffering.

8. Smoking Cigarettes & Cigars

Arthur Will Cough Heavily After Inhaling All That Smoke

Arthur could occasionally partake in the smoking trend of 1899 by puffing on a few cigarettes from time to time, given his need for Dead Eye ammo refills. But following his diagnosis, smoking would trigger harsh bouts of coughing, with some instances leading him into uncontrollable fits of coughing, starkly illustrating his deteriorating health.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but express my concern about Arthur’s Dead Eye core. His recent struggle with tuberculosis has accelerated its drainage rate by 20%. However, I strongly advise against the misguided notion that smoking cigarettes could miraculously grant him a rare cigarette card as a cure or compensation for his illness. In fact, tobacco offers no healing properties and only serves to exacerbate his coughing fits, which is far from helpful in his current condition. Let’s show our support and concern for Arthur by being mindful of his health during this challenging time.

7. Excessive Sprinting

Arthur Tires Easily, and Sprinting Leads to Exhaustion

After a 20% increase in his sprint speed, Arthur will notice his runs happening in quicker, shorter spurts. Following each moderate run, he’ll likely be out of breath and feel the sting of exertion. Given that he’s significantly weaker post-diagnosis, running excessively will worsen his condition, so it’s best to stick by your reliable horse.

Opting for a horseback ride instead of sprinting offers several advantages, primarily speed and safety. It’s wiser for Arthur to travel on a horse rather than exert himself by running at maximum speed with his own legs. Prolonged sprinting can deplete his energy reserves quickly, leaving him fatigued and requiring frequent rest breaks.

6. Consuming Too Much Food

Gluttony Won’t Provide Additional Benefits

Due to Arthur being unwell, he’ll experience fewer nutritional advantages from his meals and beverages. Consequently, his energy reserves won’t be fully restored, leading to a persistent weight loss. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that Arthur can maintain a muscular or even overweight physique in this state, as he may rapidly shed pounds, with his body gradually consuming him, making him weaker and thinner.

Instead of forcing Arthur to swallow large amounts of food, remember that it won’t help him gain weight and could trigger more coughing fits. Players should aim to eat enough to replenish their energy, but avoid excessive consumption since further intake provides no additional benefits.

5. Refusing to Bathe

Staying Clean Grants Increased Stamina and a Moment of Calm

Even though Arthur’s unwell, it’s still important for him to look after himself. A bath in 1899 costs just a quarter, and if Arthur skips bathing, other characters might find his scent unusual, with Susan Grimshaw even resorting to a gentle slap and insisting he cleans up. Arthur can take a bath at any of these locations:

  • Saints Hotel, Valentine
  • Welcome Center, Strawberry
  • Rhodes Parlour House, Rhodes
  • Bastille Saloon, Saint Denis
  • Van Horn Depot, Van Horn Trading Post
  • Gunsmith, Annesburg

I absolutely adore the refreshing feeling of washing off after a long day, especially for Arthur who not only gets rid of grime and gore but also experiences an invigorating surge of energy afterwards. It’s more than just hygiene; it offers him a well-deserved respite where he can savor the relief for his sinuses and immerse himself in the calming warmth, finding a brief moment of peace.

4. Failing to Let Arthur Rest

While Sick, Arthur Needs Plenty of Rest to Keep His Health

Given that Arthur’s illness makes his cores deplete quicker, and he’s noticeably more drained from his daily activities as an outlaw, it seems wise to avoid Bluewater Marsh and delay night rides until the wee hours. Instead, perhaps it would be best for him to get some much-needed rest.

Arthur is capable of dozing off in various spots when his camp is properly arranged, and slumber helps him rejuvenate, ensuring he feels refreshed. Beyond the gameplay elements, it’s beneficial to allow Arthur to rest instead of keeping him awake continuously, as prolonged wakefulness isn’t favorable for his well-being.

3. Searching For A Cure

In 1899, There Was No Cure for Tuberculosis

In Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur Morgan’s tuberculosis remains untreatable, and so we must heed his wisdom: “We can’t change what’s passed, we can only move forward.” It is tragic to acknowledge that Arthur is dying, a fact that not only he but also the gang are aware of. Unfortunately, there’s no use in seeking a cure that doesn’t exist, and Arthur doesn’t have decades to wait for one.

Although players might find temporary relief for their characters by consuming health-boosting potions, it’s important to remember that these won’t provide a full recovery. Given Arthur’s situation, let’s focus on making the most of his remaining time rather than seeking a remedy that wouldn’t be available until the 1940s.

2. Acting Bitter & Refusing to Accept What’s Happened

Picking Random Fights and Refusing the Road to Redemption Isn’t Arthur Morgan

Arthur Morgan, often seen as a wicked man due to his criminal acts like robbery, murder, and living as an outlaw, understands that his actions have led him down a path away from redemption and heavenly salvation. Although his life may end not by a bullet but by illness, it doesn’t grant him the right to vent his anger on the blameless.

Despite Arthur potentially being a selfish and avaricious individual fixated on wealth, one might question the need for the turmoil and chaos associated with gunfights and violence against innocents. Instead, players could guide Arthur towards acts of kindness and aid during his remaining time. This journey may eventually reveal that he is capable of goodness in the end.

1. Battling Against Harsh Climates

Harsh Cold and Sweltering Heat is Bad for the Health

In some climates, wearing inappropriate attire could prove fatal, even without tuberculosis. For instance, in the frosty Ambarino, where temperatures drop below zero and snow-capped mountains loom, Arthur would need a heavy coat just to survive a day outdoors. Conversely, in Lemoyne’s sweltering south, even a simple shirt and pants might leave Arthur drenched in sweat.

In extreme heat or cold, Arthur’s condition worsens due to the unstable temperatures, making it inadvisable for players to send him to such areas if they wish to roleplay realistically. Instead, they might choose to keep Arthur indoors or ensure he is dressed appropriately for the weather.

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2025-02-18 20:57