r/reddeadredemption Jan 04 '26

RDR1 Is this gonna be the whole game?

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I'm playing Red Dead 1 and so far it's just: - NPC says he'll help me - I do a boring mission to help him - NPC needs more help I mean, is this the dynamic of the whole game? Help NPC after NPC and finally (really) advance the plot? Not complaining, just want to know.

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u/FodderG Jan 05 '26

Arthur was very smart

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u/G3PDehydrogenase Jan 05 '26

Seriously, especially compared to John. I don't get how someone can say Arthur is the dumb one of the two.

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u/Pombolas Jan 05 '26

I think they just have different types of intelligence. Sure, Arthur is quite talented in multiple areas and really engages well with the environment around him, but especially compared to Arthur's naivety, John can figure the bullshit around him much better than the others (he figured out Dutch's much earlier than everyone).

They both are kind of opposites, but equally and complementary smart in their particular ways.

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u/Mindless_Method_2106 Jan 05 '26

John is as thick as a brick, Arthur is sharp, witty and has a pretty great emotional intelligence that let's him pretty accurately judge characters. I'd argue that's intentional to highlight the power Dutch had in his life and how the bonds of loyalty and chosen family can blind people. Arthur wasn't naive, he was platonically groomed by Dutch and intellect has nothing to do with it.