Unraveling the Timeline: When Does Red Dead Redemption 2 Take Place?
Red Dead Redemption 2 masterfully immerses players in the final years of the Wild West era. The main story unfolds between 1899 and 1907, with the epilogue advancing the narrative timeline significantly.
The Detailed Timeline of Red Dead Redemption 2
The Core Story: 1899
The primary narrative of Red Dead Redemption 2 begins in 1899. The Van der Linde gang, led by the charismatic but flawed Dutch van der Linde, is reeling from a disastrous robbery attempt in Blackwater. Forced to flee into the snowy mountains, the gang struggles to survive the harsh winter while evading the relentless pursuit of the Pinkerton Detective Agency.
This starting point sets the stage for the game’s themes of decline, betrayal, and the fading frontier. Throughout 1899, the gang moves from one location to another, seeking refuge and attempting various schemes to secure their future. Players experience the gang’s internal conflicts, the changing landscape of America, and the growing pressure from law enforcement and rival gangs. Key events, such as heists in Valentine and Saint Denis, shape the storyline and propel the narrative forward. This year is crucial for character development and establishing the core relationships that drive the plot.
The Epilogue: 1907
Following the conclusion of the main storyline, the game transitions into an epilogue that takes place eight years later, in 1907. Players assume the role of John Marston, now attempting to build a peaceful life with his family. He is trying to leave behind his outlaw past and create a stable home for his wife, Abigail, and their son, Jack.
However, John’s past inevitably catches up with him. He is forced to confront old enemies and face new threats as he attempts to protect his family. The epilogue serves as a bridge between Red Dead Redemption 2 and its predecessor, Red Dead Redemption, showing how John’s life unfolds in the years leading up to the events of the first game. It features familiar locations, characters, and themes that connect the two narratives. The epilogue ultimately sets the stage for the tragic events that befall John Marston in Red Dead Redemption. The ending of RDR2’s epilogue makes players think about what’s going to happen to John Marston.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the RDR2 Timeline
1. Is there a specific date when RDR2 starts in 1899?
While the game doesn’t explicitly state the exact starting date, it’s implied to be in the early months of 1899, likely January or February. This is suggested by the heavy snowfall and the gang’s desperate need to find shelter from the winter weather after the Blackwater heist.
2. Does the story take place across the entire year of 1899?
Yes, the main story encompasses a significant portion of 1899, with the Van der Linde gang moving through various locations and encountering different challenges throughout the year. The timeline advances gradually as the gang’s situation deteriorates.
3. How long does the epilogue of RDR2 last?
The epilogue, which is set in 1907, spans a considerable amount of time, allowing players to experience John Marston’s attempts to build a ranch, raise a family, and navigate the challenges of the changing West. The events of the epilogue prepare players for the events of Red Dead Redemption.
4. What major historical events were happening around the time of RDR2?
The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a period of significant change in the United States, with the Industrial Revolution transforming society, the frontier rapidly closing, and the rise of modern law enforcement and technology. The game reflects these shifts, depicting the decline of the Wild West and the emergence of a more modern America.
5. How does the RDR2 timeline connect to the original Red Dead Redemption?
The epilogue of Red Dead Redemption 2 directly leads into the events of Red Dead Redemption. The game establishes John Marston’s backstory, his relationships, and the circumstances that ultimately lead him to become the protagonist of the first game.
6. Are there any time skips within the main story of RDR2 besides the epilogue?
While the game progresses through a considerable part of 1899, there aren’t significant time skips within the main story. The narrative unfolds chronologically, with events following each other in a relatively seamless manner.
7. Does the changing timeline affect gameplay?
The timeline significantly impacts the narrative and character development. As the story progresses, players witness the gang’s decline, the loss of hope, and the increasing desperation that drives their actions. This affects player choices and the overall atmosphere of the game.
8. Why is the time period important in RDR2?
The late 19th century setting is crucial to Red Dead Redemption 2‘s themes of decline, the end of an era, and the conflict between tradition and modernity. The game explores the impact of progress on the Wild West and the struggles of those who are left behind.
9. Does knowing the RDR timeline enhance the playing experience?
Understanding the timeline enhances the player’s appreciation of the narrative, the characters’ motivations, and the overall themes of the game. Knowing the eventual fate of some characters adds depth and emotional resonance to the story.
10. How does the game show the passage of time?
The game depicts the passage of time through changes in weather, the progression of seasons, and the evolution of character relationships. The characters react to the events that are happening to them, too, making them seem more human. As the characters experience successes and setbacks, the player can see them struggle.
11. Were there any outlaws like the Van der Linde gang in real life during the RDR2 time period?
Yes, the late 19th century was a time when there were a number of real-life outlaws. The game draws inspiration from historical figures such as Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and other notorious criminals of the Wild West era. It offers a fictionalized glimpse into their lifestyle and the challenges they faced.
12. What happens to John Marston after 1907?
Following the events of the RDR2 epilogue, John Marston attempts to live a peaceful life on his ranch. However, his past continues to haunt him, eventually leading to the events of Red Dead Redemption, where he is forced to hunt down his former gang members in exchange for his family’s safety.
13. Does RDR2 include events from the first Red Dead Redemption?
While Red Dead Redemption 2 doesn’t directly depict the events of the first game, the epilogue provides context and backstory for many of the characters and locations that appear in Red Dead Redemption. It sets the stage for the narrative that unfolds in the original game.
14. Is the RDR2 timeline historically accurate?
While Red Dead Redemption 2 is a fictional story, it is heavily influenced by historical events, social conditions, and cultural attitudes of the late 19th century American West. The game strives to create an authentic and immersive experience, even though it takes liberties with historical accuracy for the sake of storytelling.
15. How does the end of the Wild West era affect the characters in RDR2?
The decline of the Wild West is a central theme in Red Dead Redemption 2. The characters are struggling to adapt to a changing world, where their way of life is becoming obsolete. The game explores the consequences of progress and the challenges faced by those who resist it. The player can feel the changes throughout the game. The change in technology, like cars, happens throughout the game.