A Red Dead Redemption 2 player has helped the game's main protagonist, Arthur Morgan, reach Peak Male Performance in the game's single-player mode. This player's Arthur is heavier when compared to the versions of the character that typically find their way on the internet. It is one of many possible looks the character can have thanks to Red Dead Redemption 2' s realistic gameplay mechanics.
In 2018, the game hit shelves and digital storefronts worldwide. Red Dead Redemption 2 received near-universal critical praise from critics at its release, but some criticized its emphasis on realistic gameplay mechanics. One mechanic, for example, requires the player to make Arthur Morgan eat in order to maintain his body weight. One player, however, managed to give Arthur a body that the internet would describe as Peak Male Performance.
Peak Male Performance is a meme that originated in 2016 and generally praises the looks of a man with a heavier set body that contradicts the ideal male physique the media tends to push. World record-holding powerlifter Darren McCormac described Thor's look in God of War: Ragnarok similarly. In a recent post, Reddit user TheKey32 shared a version of Arthur Morgan, who had achieved a Peak Male Performance physique. The character noticeably has a large mustache along with a noticeable stomach, and he is dressed in a suit and has his hair combed.
As mentioned above, the game had its fair share of criticisms. Much of the core gameplay for Red Dead Redemption 2 was revealed in a trailer but failed to prepare some for how in-depth some mechanics were. They required Arthur to shave, take baths, and change clothing based on the weather, which can all affect the way the game plays and how other NPCs interact with him. In this particular instance, TheKey32 opted to give Arthur a larger body and allow the character to achieve Peak Male Performance.
At the time of its release, Red Dead Redemption 2 had the second-biggest video game opening of all time. Currently, it is the 9th best-selling game of all time. Some, however, are concerned that as Rockstar pivots towards the development of Grand Theft Auto 6, the Red Dead Redemption franchise could go the way of Bully and Midnight Club. Regardless of what direction the developer takes, Red Dead Redemption 2 will still be available to the players allowing them to make their own player character in whatever image they deem fit, which includes giving them a nice dad bod.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available for PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.