RDR2: Can Arthur Morgan Be Cured?

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[Warning: This article contains major spoilers for RDR2.]

Arthur's death in shouldn't come as much of a surprise, even before players learn he contracted active tuberculosis. The character isn't mentioned at all in the first so it makes sense the prequel-sequel would follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, and finish the story with the protagonist's tragic, untimely death. And indeed, death comes for Arthur Morgan before is through.

There are actually two ways Arthur can die, depending on a variety of player choices. In a good Honor playthrough of , he dies of tuberculosis, a rapidly worsening illness that plagues him throughout the game. In a bad Honor playthrough, however, Arthur is shot by former van der Linde gang member Micah Bell. There's no cure for a bullet, but the nature of the game'sbranching endings and binary Honor system begs the question: Can Arthur be cured of tuberculosis in ?

The short answer is no, there's no cure for tuberculosis in . Both in and in the nonfictional 1890s, the chances of Arthur Morgan overcoming such a severe case of TB would be slim to none. There's a reason why the scene in which Arthur receives his diagnosis (along with a healthy dose of stimulants) is awkward and somber. The doctor can't even bear to say the word "," but even Arthur probably knew before he walked in that whatever he had would kill him — and for good reason.

Even in the real world, tuberculosis has long remained one of the most common deadly diseases. In 2018, the year was released, it's estimated that over a million people died from TB, according to a World Health Organization report. Even with the benefits of modern medicine like antibiotics and vaccines, if someone's inactive, "" TB develops into the active kind, it's still a serious issue.

Both in and in the nonfictional 1890s, the chances of Arthur Morgan overcoming such a severe case of TB would be slim to none.

takes place in 1899, well before treatments like those available today were commonplace.