Can you not get TB in Red Dead Redemption 2?
In the vast world of Red Dead Redemption 2, TB (or tuberculosis) plays a pivotal role in Arthur Morgan’s story. For those curious, Arthur Morgan falls ill with tuberculosis – a disease that was (and still is) feared for its infectious and oftentimes deadly consequences. For many, TB is an airborne disease that affects anyone who breathes, making it seem like fate is sealed when Arthur contacts it. But in Red Dead Redemption 2, is there a possibility to avoid catching TB, or is Arthur’s fate sealed from the start?
From the onset of the mission "Paradise Mercifully Departed", TB becomes evident in Arthur Morgan’s development. Without any preventative measures, the disease ultimately takes its toll on Arthur, reducing his in-game health regeneration and dramatically affecting his story progression – an undeniable nod to the devastating impact TB had on Western society during that era. So, without further delays, let us dive further into the consequences of ARthur’s tuberculous condition.
The Spreading of TB
Once Arthur contracts the disease in Red Dead Redemption 2, coughs and sneezes continue to spread the microscopic bacteria, endangering John Marston’s life back in RDR1 if Arthur were to visit Rockstar’s flagship title as John. So, was there a plot hole – a missed opportunity to contain the spread – or no?
Tuberculous Consequences
• Reduced Health Points: Arthur Morgan’s immunity weakens; his blood regeneration slows to a negligible rate, reducing his defenses and making gameplay more aggressive.
• Limited Help: Rains Fall loses his trust as Arthur appears increasingly ill.
• Stunted Story Arc: Denying Arthur an opportunity to confront his mortality at the Caliban’s Blight outpost.
• A missed chance for moral growth at the end
• Less impactful story: The once-promising path of loyalty, redemption and the choices made by ARthur became overshadowed
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• Prevent or Contain
• Unaware of spread
Can’t spread
Possible Loophole
Not explicitly mentioned by Rockstar Games, however, were there any precautions taken while Arthur shared a body with Micah within the gang that could hypothetically prevent his infection during the events following the tragic demise of Arthur’s past friend? Unanswered doubts arise: *Could such an encounter expose the two to TB**, potentially ending Arthur’s arc before redemption?
Lessons learnt from Red Dead Redemption’s story
When considering such plot holes in Red Dead Redemption 2, game developers must maintain a fragile balance between plot progression realism and player comprehension. Even though the lack of knowledge on TB prevents a total eradication strategy, leaving it to happenstance further deepens this narrative – as if real-life implications are reflected directly in games.