Can you change Arthur Morgan’s fate in Red Dead Redemption 2? Absolutely, but it comes at a cost. This guide from savewhere.net explores an alternate reality, examining the potential of saving Arthur Morgan from his tragic end and offering money-saving tips to get there. We’ll dive into the challenges, the choices, and ultimately, the question of whether saving him is truly worth it, providing valuable insights for budget-conscious gamers. Save time and money while exploring this possibility!
1. What Triggers Arthur Morgan’s Fate in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Arthur Morgan’s fate is sealed when he collects a debt from Thomas Downes. In this encounter, Arthur becomes infected with tuberculosis, leading to his eventual demise. This sets in motion a chain of events that leads to the downfall of the van der Linde gang.
Many players, knowing this, have wondered if it’s possible to avoid this encounter and save Arthur. Here’s a more in-depth look at the factors that contribute to Arthur’s grim destiny:
- The Letter From Mary Linton: The arrival of this letter in Chapter 2 prompts Arthur to take action.
- Dutch’s Influence: Dutch’s increasingly erratic behavior and poor decisions push Arthur down a dark path.
- The Downes Ranch Encounter: This specific mission is the point of no return for Arthur’s health.
2. Can You Avoid the Thomas Downes Encounter?
You absolutely can avoid the Thomas Downes encounter, at least temporarily. By delaying or skipping the “Money Lending and Other Sins” mission, you can postpone Arthur’s infection. However, this doesn’t change the underlying narrative; it only delays the inevitable.
Here are some strategies for avoiding the encounter and saving money while doing so:
- Focus on Side Missions and Exploration: Delay story missions and explore the open world.
- Hunting and Fishing: Earn money through hunting and fishing, which allows you to upgrade your camp without advancing the story.
- Camp Upgrades: Invest in camp upgrades to improve morale and resources, ensuring everyone’s well-being without furthering the main plot.
- Budgeting Resources: Practice careful resource management to minimize the need for income-generating missions.
- Delaying Progression: Intentionally delaying or skipping story missions to postpone Arthur’s TB diagnosis and extend his time in the game.
- Alternative Income: Prioritizing hunting, fishing, and collecting bounties to accumulate wealth without engaging in story-driven missions.
- Selective Quests: Choosing to complete only those missions that do not directly advance the main storyline, thus avoiding the Downes Ranch encounter.
3. What Are the Consequences of Avoiding Story Missions?
Avoiding story missions has several consequences. Some game features are locked behind story progression, such as specific weapons, Dead Eye upgrades, and certain areas of the map. Additionally, the camp’s narrative and character development will stagnate.
Here’s what happens:
- Limited Access to Features: Some weapons, items, and locations will remain inaccessible.
- Stagnant Story: The main storyline will not progress, leading to a repetitive gameplay loop.
- Missed Opportunities: You’ll miss out on key character interactions and story moments.
4. How Can You Create an Alternate Reality for Arthur?
Creating an alternate reality for Arthur involves making deliberate choices that deviate from the main storyline. This includes choosing a new home, establishing a new routine, and setting personal goals that don’t involve the gang’s criminal activities.
To do this effectively, consider these steps:
- Choose a New Home: Find a secluded location where Arthur can live in peace.
- Establish a Routine: Focus on activities like hunting, fishing, and trading to sustain Arthur.
- Set Personal Goals: Define new objectives for Arthur that revolve around self-sufficiency and avoiding conflict.
- Minimize Interaction: Reduce Arthur’s interactions with the main gang to prevent being drawn back into their conflicts.
- Embrace Solitude: Develop Arthur’s character as a solitary figure who finds solace in nature and personal pursuits.
5. What Makes a Good “Retirement” Home for Arthur?
A good retirement home for Arthur should be secluded, offer easy access to resources, and provide a sense of peace. The Stilt Shack in Big Valley is an excellent choice due to its remote location and proximity to hunting grounds.
Key features of an ideal home include:
- Seclusion: Away from main roads and settlements to minimize unwanted attention.
- Access to Resources: Proximity to hunting grounds, fishing spots, and trade routes.
- Basic Amenities: A bed for sleeping and storage for supplies.
- Defensibility: Easily defensible against potential threats.
6. How Can Arthur Make a Living Outside the Gang?
Arthur can make a living outside the gang by focusing on hunting, fishing, and trading. Selling pelts and meat to trappers and butchers can provide a steady income. He can also take on odd jobs and bounty hunting to supplement his earnings.
Here are some ways to generate income:
- Hunting: Sell animal pelts and meat to trappers and butchers.
- Fishing: Catch and sell fish at local markets.
- Trading: Buy low and sell high at different towns.
- Bounty Hunting: Capture or eliminate outlaws for a reward.
- Treasure Hunting: Discover and sell valuable treasures found throughout the world.
7. What Are the Challenges of Living a Separate Life?
Living separate from the gang presents several challenges. The lack of companionship can lead to loneliness, and the limited access to story-driven content can make the game feel repetitive. Additionally, Arthur may struggle with his sense of purpose and identity outside the gang.
Some of the main challenges include:
- Loneliness: The lack of social interaction and companionship.
- Repetitive Gameplay: The limited variety of activities outside the main storyline.
- Loss of Purpose: Arthur’s struggle to find meaning and direction in his new life.
- Limited Resources: Difficulty accessing essential resources and upgrades without gang support.
- Maintaining Morale: Keeping Arthur motivated and engaged in the absence of compelling narrative events.
8. Is Saving Arthur Worth Sacrificing the Story?
Whether saving Arthur is worth sacrificing the story depends on your priorities as a player. If you value narrative and character development, then sticking to the main storyline is essential. However, if you prefer open-world exploration and creating your own experiences, then forging an alternate path for Arthur may be more rewarding.
Consider these points:
- Narrative vs. Exploration: Decide whether you prioritize the game’s story or open-world freedom.
- Character Development: Consider the impact of deviating from the intended character arc.
- Personal Enjoyment: Ultimately, the decision depends on what you find most enjoyable in the game.
9. How Did Upgrading the Camp Impact the Decision to Leave?
Upgrading the camp provides a sense of closure and ensures that the gang is well-equipped before Arthur departs. Donating resources and money to the camp can ease Arthur’s conscience and reinforce his belief that he’s acting in the gang’s best interest.
The benefits of upgrading the camp include:
- Improved Resources: Ensures the gang has ample supplies of food, medicine, and ammunition.
- Enhanced Morale: Boosts the gang’s overall mood and cohesion.
- Sense of Closure: Provides Arthur with a feeling that he’s done everything possible to support the gang.
10. What Did Leaving The Gang Mean For Arthur’s Character?
Leaving the gang meant Arthur had to redefine himself. Without the constant violence and chaos, he had the chance to explore a more peaceful existence. However, it also forced him to confront his inner demons and grapple with his identity outside the outlaw lifestyle.
This decision brings about several changes:
- Self-Reflection: Arthur is forced to confront his past actions and their consequences.
- Personal Growth: He has the opportunity to develop new skills and interests.
- Search for Identity: Arthur must redefine who he is outside the context of the gang.
11. How Does Money Management Play a Role in This Alternate Reality?
Money management is crucial in this alternate reality. Arthur must carefully budget his resources and find sustainable ways to generate income. This involves making smart investments, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and prioritizing essential needs.
Here are some tips for managing money effectively:
- Budgeting: Track Arthur’s income and expenses to ensure he stays within his means.
- Smart Investments: Invest in tools and resources that will increase his earning potential.
- Avoiding Debt: Steer clear of loans and other forms of debt that could burden him.
- Prioritizing Needs: Focus on essential needs like food, shelter, and supplies before indulging in luxuries.
12. Where Can You Find the Best Deals on Supplies?
Finding the best deals on supplies requires exploring different towns and comparing prices. General stores, trappers, and fences all offer different items at varying costs. Knowing where to find the best deals can save Arthur a significant amount of money.
Consider these locations:
- General Stores: Offer basic supplies like food, medicine, and ammunition.
- Trappers: Buy and sell animal pelts and offer unique crafting recipes.
- Fences: Purchase stolen goods and sell valuable items.
- Traveling Merchants: Roam the map and offer limited-time deals on various items.
13. What Are the Best Hunting Locations for Making Money?
Some of the best hunting locations for making money include Big Valley, Roanoke Ridge, and the Heartlands. These areas are teeming with wildlife and offer ample opportunities to harvest valuable pelts and meat.
Here are some top hunting spots:
- Big Valley: Abundant with deer, elk, and bighorn sheep.
- Roanoke Ridge: Home to bears, wolves, and foxes.
- Heartlands: Populated with bison, pronghorn, and coyotes.
- Tall Trees: Rich in moose, beavers, and cougars.
14. How Can You Maximize the Value of Your Pelts and Meat?
To maximize the value of your pelts and meat, focus on hunting animals with perfect pelts and transporting them carefully to avoid damage. Selling to trappers and butchers in good standing can also yield better prices.
Here are some tips for maximizing value:
- Use the Right Weapon: Use the appropriate weapon for each animal to ensure a clean kill and preserve the pelt’s quality.
- Transport Carefully: Store pelts on your horse and avoid taking damage to prevent them from degrading.
- Sell to the Right Vendor: Trappers typically offer better prices for pelts, while butchers pay more for meat.
- Maintain Honor: High honor can result in better prices from vendors.
15. What Are Some Side Hustles for Extra Income?
In addition to hunting and fishing, Arthur can earn extra income through side hustles like bounty hunting, treasure hunting, and completing challenges. These activities provide additional ways to make money and add variety to the gameplay.
Consider these side hustles:
- Bounty Hunting: Track down and capture or eliminate wanted criminals for a reward.
- Treasure Hunting: Search for hidden treasures using maps and clues.
- Challenges: Complete various challenges, such as hunting specific animals or traveling to certain locations.
- Collecting Bounties: Tracking down and capturing wanted criminals, offering a lucrative source of income and thrilling gameplay.
- Gambling: Participating in poker, blackjack, and other games of chance to earn money through strategic play.
- Performing Tasks: Engaging in activities like stagecoach robberies or train heists to amass wealth quickly.
16. How Can You Minimize Unnecessary Expenses?
Minimizing unnecessary expenses involves avoiding frivolous purchases, crafting your own supplies, and taking advantage of free resources. Simple choices, like sleeping in your own shack instead of a hotel, can add up to significant savings over time.
Here are some ways to cut costs:
- Avoid Frivolous Purchases: Resist the urge to buy unnecessary items.
- Craft Your Own Supplies: Craft your own medicine, ammunition, and other supplies.
- Take Advantage of Free Resources: Gather herbs, hunt animals, and scavenge for items instead of buying them.
- Choose free lodging: Prioritizing camping or staying in abandoned shacks over expensive hotels.
17. What Are the Best Ways to Travel Without Spending Money?
The best ways to travel without spending money include riding your horse, hitching a ride on a stagecoach, or walking. These options may be slower, but they’re free and allow you to save your hard-earned cash.
Consider these travel methods:
- Riding Your Horse: The most reliable and versatile mode of transportation.
- Hitching a Ride: Flag down a passing stagecoach for a free ride.
- Walking: A slow but free way to explore the world and discover hidden treasures.
- Leveraging Natural Resources: Utilizing horses for transportation to avoid stagecoach fares.
18. How Can You Protect Yourself Without Buying Expensive Weapons?
Protecting yourself without buying expensive weapons involves using your wits, crafting simple weapons, and relying on your environment. A bow and arrow, a knife, and your fists can be surprisingly effective in the right hands.
Consider these defensive strategies:
- Use Your Wits: Avoid dangerous situations and use stealth to your advantage.
- Craft Simple Weapons: Craft your own knives, arrows, and other basic weapons.
- Rely on Your Environment: Use cover, traps, and other environmental elements to defend yourself.
- Self-Defense Training: Honing combat skills through practice to minimize reliance on firearms.
19. How Does Arthur’s Honor Level Affect His Finances?
Arthur’s honor level can significantly impact his finances. High honor can result in discounts at stores and better prices from vendors, while low honor can lead to higher prices and encounters with bounty hunters.
The effects of honor include:
- Discounts at Stores: High honor can earn you discounts on purchases.
- Better Prices from Vendors: High honor can result in better prices when selling goods.
- Bounty Hunter Encounters: Low honor can attract bounty hunters, costing you money and time.
20. What Are the Long-Term Implications of This Alternate Reality?
The long-term implications of this alternate reality are uncertain. While Arthur may be alive and healthy, he’s also isolated and detached from the main storyline. Whether this existence is ultimately fulfilling depends on his ability to find purpose and meaning outside the gang.
Consider these potential outcomes:
- Continued Isolation: Arthur may remain isolated and struggle to find companionship.
- Search for Purpose: He may embark on a quest to find meaning and direction in his life.
- Possible Reunion: Arthur may eventually reunite with the gang or other characters from the main storyline.
21. What Does Arthur’s Story Tell Us About Redemption?
Arthur’s story tells us that redemption is possible, even for those who have made mistakes in the past. By leaving the gang and choosing a different path, Arthur demonstrates his capacity for change and his desire to make amends for his previous actions.
Key aspects of Arthur’s redemption include:
- Acknowledging Past Wrongs: Recognizing and taking responsibility for his past actions.
- Making Amends: Seeking to repair the damage he has caused to others.
- Embracing Change: Committing to a new way of life that is free from violence and crime.
- Pursuit of Inner Peace: Striving to find solace and fulfillment in a peaceful existence.
22. How Does This Alternate Reality Compare to the Main Story?
This alternate reality offers a stark contrast to the main story. In the main story, Arthur is driven by loyalty and duty to the gang, even as it descends into chaos. In this alternate reality, he prioritizes his own well-being and seeks a more peaceful existence.
Key differences include:
- Loyalty vs. Self-Preservation: Arthur chooses self-preservation over loyalty to the gang.
- Chaos vs. Peace: He seeks a life of peace and solitude instead of the chaos of the gang.
- Duty vs. Freedom: Arthur values his freedom and autonomy over his duty to the gang.
- Tragedy vs. Serenity: While the main story ends in tragedy, this alternate reality offers the potential for serenity.
23. What Resources Are Available to Help Manage Finances in Real Life?
Managing your finances in real life is crucial for achieving financial stability and reaching your goals. There are numerous resources available to help you budget, save, and invest wisely.
Here are some helpful resources:
- savewhere.net: Offers tips, tricks, and strategies for saving money in various aspects of life.
[Address: 100 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States. Phone: +1 (404) 656-2000. Website: savewhere.net.] - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Provides educational resources and tools for managing your finances.
- Financial Advisors: Offer personalized advice and guidance on financial planning and investing.
- Budgeting Apps: Help you track your income and expenses and create a budget.
24. How Can You Start Saving Money Today?
Starting to save money today involves making small, incremental changes to your spending habits. By identifying areas where you can cut back and setting clear financial goals, you can begin building a solid foundation for your future.
Here are some actionable steps:
- Create a Budget: Track your income and expenses to identify areas where you can save.
- Set Financial Goals: Define clear, achievable goals, such as saving for a down payment or paying off debt.
- Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account.
- Reduce Unnecessary Expenses: Cut back on non-essential purchases, such as eating out or entertainment.
- Seek Professional Advice: Consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance on your savings plan.
25. How Can Savewhere.net Help You Save Money?
Savewhere.net is dedicated to providing you with the latest tips, tricks, and resources to save money effectively. Whether you’re looking to cut costs on everyday expenses, make smart investments, or plan for your financial future, savewhere.net has you covered.
Here’s how Savewhere.net helps:
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FAQ: Saving Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2
1. Can you save Arthur Morgan from TB?
While you can delay it, you can’t ultimately save Arthur Morgan from contracting tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2. The story is designed for his character to follow a specific path.
2. Is there a way to avoid the Downes mission?
Yes, you can avoid the Downes mission for a while, but it’s a key story point. Skipping it impacts your progress and access to certain features.
3. What happens if Arthur never meets Thomas Downes?
If Arthur never meets Thomas Downes, he won’t contract TB, but the main storyline will not progress, locking you out of essential story missions and character development.
4. Can I keep playing as Arthur after the main story?
No, after Arthur’s story concludes, you play as John Marston. Arthur’s fate is a fixed part of the narrative.
5. What’s the best way to earn money quickly in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Hunting and selling high-quality pelts is a reliable way to earn money quickly in Red Dead Redemption 2. Focus on legendary animals for even greater rewards.
6. How can I upgrade my camp quickly?
Donate supplies and money to the camp ledger. Prioritize upgrades that improve morale and resource gathering to boost the gang’s overall well-being.
7. Are there any benefits to having high honor in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Yes, high honor earns you discounts at stores and better prices from vendors, making it easier to manage your finances in the game.
8. What are the best locations for hunting valuable animals?
Big Valley, Roanoke Ridge, and the Heartlands are excellent locations for hunting valuable animals in Red Dead Redemption 2, offering a variety of wildlife.
9. How can I protect myself without buying expensive weapons?
Use stealth and craft simple weapons like bows and arrows. Utilize your environment for cover and traps to defend yourself effectively without costly firearms.
10. Can Savewhere.net help me save money in real life, like in the game?
Absolutely! Savewhere.net provides resources, tips, and strategies to help you save money in your everyday life. From budgeting to finding deals, we’ve got you covered at [Address: 100 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States. Phone: +1 (404) 656-2000. Website: savewhere.net.]
Conclusion: The Value of Choice
Ultimately, the decision to save Arthur Morgan or follow the main story is a personal one. Both paths offer unique experiences and challenges. Whether you prioritize narrative or exploration, money-saving tips can enhance your enjoyment of Red Dead Redemption 2. Remember to explore resources like savewhere.net to maximize your savings in the game and in real life. Explore, save, and enjoy the journey!