Let me tell you, as a professional gamer who's spent more hours in the Wild West than some actual cowboys, the story of Arthur Morgan hits different. We all know the deal: early in Red Dead Redemption 2, our beloved outlaw gets a one-way ticket to Tuberculosis Town after a not-so-friendly scuffle with a fella named Thomas Downes. It's the kind of plot twist that makes you want to throw your controller at the wall and scream at the screen, "Why, Rockstar, why?!" But here's the kicker—what if I told you that you could just... not do that mission? I mean, sure, the main story grinds to a halt faster than a wagon with a broken wheel, but the world doesn't end. In fact, it opens up in ways you wouldn't believe.

So, when does this fateful encounter happen? Well, it's during the mission "Money Lending & Other Sins III" in Chapter 2. Yep, that early. If you ignore it like it's a debt collector at your door, the Van der Linde gang gets stuck at Horseshoe Overlook. No more story missions, and say goodbye to New Austin—it's locked up tighter than a bank vault. But hey, look on the bright side! Everything north and east of Blackwater is still your playground. Lemoyne with its swamps and Ambarino with its snowy peaks? All yours to explore. It's like the game says, "Fine, you want to avoid the plot? Here's a sandbox. Go nuts."

Now, let's talk about the real meat and potatoes: side activities. Oh boy, if you're the type who'd rather hunt legendary animals than follow a linear story, you're in for a treat. Avoiding TB doesn't lock you out of much side content—it's almost like the game is winking at you, saying, "I see you, completionist." Here’s what you can still dive into:

• Hunting and Fishing: Unlocked early, and let me tell you, there's nothing quite like catching a massive fish while Arthur is still breathing easy. Most legendary animals are up for grabs in the accessible regions.

• Trapper and Pearson: The Trapper is always around to trade furs for those... let's say, unique outfits. And Pearson? He's your go-to for satchel upgrades. Crafting storage from pelts? Yes, please!

• Stranger Missions: A whole bunch of these are available. I mean, the list is longer than my grocery list:

• "All That Glitters"

• "Fisher of Fish"

• "Test of Faith"

• "A Better World, A New Friend"

• "A Fine Night For It"

• And many more—seriously, it's a smorgasbord of side quests.

Plus, random encounters, robberies, gang hideouts, and collectibles are all fair game. It's like the main story is taking a nap, and the open world is throwing a party. Who needs plot when you've got this much to do, right?

But here's the million-dollar question: can you actually save Arthur? In the vanilla game, no way—his fate is sealed tighter than a coffin. The narrative demands his end, whether by TB or a bullet. It's a tragedy, plain and simple. But, and this is a big but, the modding community has stepped in like a bunch of digital doctors. Rampage Trainer lets you swap character models, so you can play as a healthy Arthur even after the story ends. Or, there's Arthur in Epilogue - Minimum Completion, a save file that drops you into the epilogue as Arthur. Sure, you lose your progress and start from scratch, but hey, small price to pay for immortality, right? Though, let's be real—using these mods kinda cheapens the story. Arthur's death is heartbreaking, but it's what makes RDR2 a masterpiece. It's like removing the sad parts from a Shakespeare play; you lose the soul.

Now, about that point of no return. Arthur contracts TB early, but it's a slow burn—like a campfire that takes forever to get going. He doesn't even get diagnosed until "A Fork in the Road" at the end of Chapter 5. By then, you've unlocked almost the entire map and most side content. So, technically, you can do nearly everything before TB becomes a real issue. But once symptoms kick in, it's all downhill. The final point of no return is the mission "Our Best Selves," after which you're forced into the finale where Arthur meets his end. After that, it's John's show, and Arthur rides off into the digital sunset.

As of 2026, Red Dead Redemption 2 is still a beast of a game—immersive, expansive, and emotionally wrenching. For those who want to live in blissful ignorance with a healthy Arthur, there's plenty to keep you busy. From hunting in the heartlands to fishing by the rivers, the world is your oyster. And honestly, sometimes ignoring the main quest is the best way to appreciate the depth Rockstar built. So saddle up, partner, and enjoy the ride—while you still can. After all, in the Wild West, every moment counts, especially when you're trying to outrun fate itself.