The Year of the Gun: When Does Red Dead Redemption Take Place?
The main story of Red Dead Redemption (RDR1) unfolds primarily in the year 1911. This crucial detail forms the backdrop for John Marston’s desperate quest to save his family and the broader narrative of the fading Wild West. Now, let’s delve deeper into the timeline and other related aspects of the Red Dead universe.
Unraveling the Red Dead Timeline
Understanding the timeline of the Red Dead games is essential for grasping the context of John Marston’s story and the overall themes of the series. The narrative arc, spanning both Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) and Red Dead Redemption, presents a clear picture of the transition from the lawless frontier to a more modern, regulated society. This makes the chronological setting so important.
RDR2: A Look Back
Red Dead Redemption 2 serves as a prequel to RDR1. The main story takes place in 1899, concluding with an epilogue set in 1907. During this epilogue, players control John Marston as he works to build a new life for his family, laying the foundation for the events that unfold in the first game.
RDR1: The Sun Sets on the West
As mentioned, Red Dead Redemption takes place in 1911. John Marston is forced by federal agents to hunt down his former gang members, a task that dominates the game’s main storyline. The game’s resolution extends to 1914 with the final events surrounding Jack Marston.
Why 1911 Matters
The setting of 1911 is not arbitrary. It marks a crucial turning point in American history. The Wild West is rapidly disappearing, replaced by the increasing influence of law enforcement and the encroachment of modern civilization. The game explores the themes of obsolescence, redemption, and the struggle to adapt in a changing world. The team felt that most Western fiction takes place between 1840 and 1880, and that Red Dead Redemption’s setting in 1911 allowed a more intriguing analysis of the transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the timeline and related elements, here are some frequently asked questions about the Red Dead universe:
1. How many years pass between RDR2 and RDR1?
Approximately four years separate the end of RDR2’s epilogue (1907) and the beginning of RDR1 (1911). This period is crucial in setting the stage for John Marston’s story and the events that lead to his forced return to his outlaw past.
2. When does Red Dead Redemption end?
The main storyline of Red Dead Redemption concludes in 1914, with the epilogue focusing on Jack Marston’s pursuit of Edgar Ross, the agent responsible for his father’s death.
3. Is Arthur Morgan mentioned in RDR1?
No, Arthur Morgan is not explicitly mentioned in Red Dead Redemption. Some speculate this is because his death was painful to remember, or that the writers of the first game did not have him in mind during the development of Red Dead Redemption.
4. How old is Jack Marston in RDR1?
During the main events of Red Dead Redemption in 1911, Jack Marston is approximately 16 years old. By the game’s epilogue in 1914, he is 19 years old.
5. Does Dutch van der Linde appear in RDR1?
Yes, Dutch van der Linde appears as a secondary antagonist in Red Dead Redemption. John Marston is tasked with hunting him down as part of his deal with the Bureau of Investigation.
6. What is the significance of 1911 in Red Dead Redemption?
The year 1911 signifies the decline of the Wild West and the rise of governmental authority. It underscores the themes of obsolescence and the struggle for characters like John Marston to find their place in a changing world.
7. Why did John Marston have to hunt down his former gang members?
John Marston was forced by Bureau of Investigation agents Edgar Ross and Archer Fordham to hunt down his former gang members as a condition for the safe return of his kidnapped family.
8. Where can I learn more about the intersection of games and learning?
You can explore fascinating research and insights at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org provides insights into how video games can be used for educational purposes.
9. Is Red Dead Redemption 2 a sequel or a prequel?
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel. It tells the story of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang before the events of Red Dead Redemption.
10. Is there a possibility of Red Dead Redemption 3?
While nothing is confirmed, Rockstar Games has hinted at the possibility of a Red Dead Redemption 3 in the future. Based on the release pattern of previous games, it could potentially be released around 2026 or later.
11. What would Red Dead Redemption 3 be about?
Many fans speculate that a potential RDR3 could focus on the early days of the Van der Linde gang, possibly with the player controlling a young Dutch van der Linde or Hosea Matthews, showcasing how the gang was formed.
12. How did Arthur Morgan contract tuberculosis?
Arthur Morgan contracted tuberculosis (TB) from Thomas Downes, a man he shook down for money as part of his duties for the Van der Linde gang.
13. What is Jack Marston’s real name?
Jack Marston’s full name is John Marston Jr., named after his father.
14. How old is Hosea Matthews in RDR2?
Hosea Matthews is 55 years old during the events of Red Dead Redemption 2.
15. Was Red Dead Redemption 2 always planned?
Preliminary work on Red Dead Redemption 2 began shortly after the release of the original game. Rockstar Games found the idea of exploring a gang narrative “too compelling to turn away” and started early development.
Conclusion
Understanding the timeline of the Red Dead games, particularly the setting of 1911 in Red Dead Redemption, provides essential context to the themes of change, morality, and the fading frontier that permeate the series. By exploring these settings and characters, the Red Dead universe offers a rich and immersive experience that continues to resonate with gamers around the world.