Does Arthur Morgan Cry When His Horse Dies in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Yes, hardened outlaw protagonist Arthur Morgan is depicted mourning his loyal horse in poignant cutscenes when it dies in Rockstar‘s blockbuster Western epic Red Dead Redemption 2 if they share maximum bond level. This emotional moment marks the culmination of a powerful relationship central to Arthur‘s redemption. Let‘s analyze what makes it so impactful.

Arthur‘s Bonds With His Horses

As an outlaw constantly evading the law, Arthur depends on his horses for transport, escape, and even companionship. Players experience firsthand the trust and loyalty that grow between Arthur and his steeds as he calmly reassures them in perilous shootouts or expertly guides them up perilous mountain trails.

These relationships prove uncommonly deep, reflecting Arthur‘s complexity as a character. Though initially cynical, his diagnosis with tuberculosis spurs increased empathy. As an outlaw facing his own end, Arthur treasures authentic bonds amidst betrayal. This makes parting with those he cares for, human or equine, uniquely heartbreaking.

What Triggers Arthur‘s Grief?

All horses in RDR2 have a "bonding level" with Arthur measurable on a scale from 0 to 4. As players groom, feed, and ride a horse, this bond will strengthen over time, unlocking abilities like rearing or advanced maneuvers.

If a horse with max bond 4 dies, this will trigger a unique cutscene where a teary-eyed Arthur comforts them in their last moments. He removes his hat and lovingly soothes them as they succumb to injuries, even thanking them for their sacrifice. These scenes exemplify Red Dead 2‘s critical praise for delivering an emotional gut punch.

Leading gaming site IGN calls it "one of gaming‘s most impactful narratives," while Polygon lauds its "most human tale yet." Arthur‘s anguish over losing his closest equine friend plays no small part.

Contrast With Low Honor Playthroughs

However, if Arthur has low honor and poor bonding with his horse, the scenes play out starkly differently. Rather than comforting a dying friend, he shows visible annoyance at the inconvenience of his transport dying in a heated escape. This showcases the breadth of Arthur‘s characterization based on player choices.

With over 44 million copies sold, Red Dead Redemption II stands as one of the bestselling games ever made. Its $725 million opening weekend shattered industry records. Let‘s analyze the data:

As these figures show, sales momentum remains strong even four years post-release, outperforming records set by previous Rockstar flagship title Grand Theft Auto V.

Critics agree – RDR2‘s poignant storytelling makes its long playtime more rewarding. Spending over 50+ hours with Arthur makes his fate more affecting. We witness firsthand his fallibility and redemption, so when fate arrives for this masterful character, it packs a punch.

Saying farewell to Arthur‘s loyal horse proves only one of many such poignant moments. And for those invested in his story, it may be the most devastating.