Red Dead Redemption Timeline: Unraveling the Order of RDR and RDR2
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Yes, Red Dead Redemption (RDR) does take place after Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2). RDR2 serves as a prequel, enriching the backstory and context for the events and characters encountered in the original Red Dead Redemption. Understanding this order unlocks a deeper appreciation for the narrative nuances and emotional weight woven throughout both games.
Understanding the Red Dead Saga’s Chronology
The Red Dead saga isn’t presented in chronological order. This deliberate choice by Rockstar Games adds layers of intrigue and allows players to experience the Van der Linde gang’s story before witnessing the consequences of their actions in the first game. RDR2 sets the stage, revealing the bonds, betrayals, and ultimately, the downfall that shapes John Marston’s journey in RDR.
RDR2’s main story unfolds in 1899, with the epilogue extending to 1907. Players experience the Wild West through Arthur Morgan’s eyes, and then through John Marston’s, witnessing a gang at its peak and then its fracturing. Red Dead Redemption, on the other hand, is primarily set in 1911, with post-credits content taking place in 1914. This places RDR twelve years after the main events of RDR2 and four years after RDR2’s epilogue.
The shift in setting from the untamed territories of RDR2 to the increasingly civilized landscape of RDR reflects the transitioning era that defines the Wild West’s twilight years. This temporal gap is crucial for comprehending the characters’ motivations and the changing world around them.
The Significance of Playing RDR2 Before RDR
While not essential to enjoy either game independently, playing RDR2 before RDR significantly enhances the overall experience. It provides crucial context to John Marston’s character, his past relationships, and the forces that drive him in the original game. Seeing the Van der Linde gang at its height, only to witness its dissolution and the repercussions it has on the characters in RDR, adds layers of emotional depth and understanding. The impact of the characters actions of RDR2 have consequences in the first game.
Thematic Resonance and Character Development
Playing RDR2 first allows players to witness Arthur Morgan’s journey of self-discovery and moral reckoning. This contrasts sharply with John Marston’s more straightforward quest for redemption in RDR. This is a very emotional story that deserves your money and attention. Understanding the relationships John forged in the gang, especially his bond with Arthur and his complex dynamic with Dutch, adds immense weight to his actions and motivations in RDR.
Conversely, playing RDR first can spoil some plot points of RDR2. Knowing the fates of certain characters beforehand can diminish the impact of crucial moments in the prequel. The optimal experience, therefore, lies in experiencing RDR2’s narrative first, followed by RDR.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Arthur Morgan in RDR1?
No, Arthur Morgan is not in Red Dead Redemption 1. He dies of tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2 in 1899, well before the events of RDR. Arthur’s grave site is not in the first game because the new locations were not accessible to players of the first game.
2. How old is Arthur Morgan in RDR2?
Arthur Morgan is 36 years old during the events of Red Dead Redemption 2. He was born in 1863.
3. Does the order in which you play the games affect the story?
While the main narratives are self-contained, playing RDR2 first enhances the emotional impact and provides crucial backstory for John Marston’s character in RDR. However, playing RDR first may spoil certain plot points of RDR2.
4. Is Dutch van der Linde mentioned in RDR1?
Yes, Dutch is frequently mentioned in Red Dead Redemption 1. He serves as a key antagonist, and John Marston is tasked with hunting him down by the federal government. Dutch is only mentioned by major characters such as Marston, Williamson, and Edgar Ross. He is briefly mentioned by Williamson during his and John’s first meeting in years.
5. Do you play as Arthur Morgan in RDR?
No, you do not play as Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption. The protagonist of RDR is John Marston. The only way to continue to play as Arthur after the story is over is to reload a save from before the ending of chapter 6. Of course this does mean anything you unlocked in chapters 6–8 are now gone unless you want to reload a save as John.
6. How old is Jack Marston in both games?
Jack Marston is 4 years old in Red Dead Redemption 2. By the end of RDR2’s epilogue, he is approximately 12 years old. In Red Dead Redemption, he is around 16-19 years old. Jack Marston was born in 1895, making him 4 years old. during the story of Red Dead 2, we see him age from 4. to 12 to 16, and then finally 19 in the year 1914.
7. What happens to John Marston at the end of RDR1?
John Marston is betrayed and killed by the federal government at the end of Red Dead Redemption. He defends his family, but is shot and killed by a gang of soldiers and Ross. His body is buried on a hillside at the ranch.
8. How long after Arthur’s death does the epilogue of RDR2 take place?
The epilogue of Red Dead Redemption 2 takes place seven years after Arthur Morgan’s death. This allows players to control John Marston in the year 1907. It has been eight years since the events in Beaver Hollow and Arthur’s death. Meanwhile, the beginning of the first Red Dead Redemption is only four years away.
9. How many years does the main story of RDR2 span?
The main story of Red Dead Redemption 2 spans approximately six months, from May 1899 to November 1899.
10. Why is Dutch considered a villain in RDR1?
Dutch’s character undergoes a significant decline throughout RDR2, leading to his villainous role in RDR1. He becomes increasingly paranoid and unhinged, making erratic decisions that harm his gang and ultimately lead to his downfall. Dutch was the bad guy who manipulated power to make himself look good and promise a good life he was incapable of.
11. Why does John never mention Arthur in RDR1?
There are several possible reasons. First, it could be too painful for John to talk about Arthur. Arthur’s last dying efforts (in my playthrough) were to save the Marstons, and among his last words were to “not look back. Second, he may feel guilt or shame about Arthur’s sacrifice.
12. Why can’t John Marston swim?
Canonically, John Marston just never learned how to swim. This explains why something as simple as jumping in a lake can be deadly for John in Red Dead Redemption 2.
13. Who is considered the stronger fighter, Arthur or John?
Generally, Arthur is considered a stronger fighter than John. Arthur’s size, experience as a debt collector, and penchant for brawling give him an advantage in hand-to-hand combat.
14. Who is more loved by the fanbase, Arthur or John?
This is subjective and varies among players. Both characters have strong followings. Some players might appreciate the John Marston’s story a bit more, others liked Arthur Morgan as a whole better.
15. Was Dutch a father figure to Arthur?
Yes, Dutch served as a surrogate father figure to Arthur. Around 1877, Arthur and his siblings were picked up by Dutch Van Der Linde and Hosea Matthews. Viewing him as a surrogate father figure, Arthur came to share Dutch’s vision of a life lived free from the constraints of civilization and the rule of law, becoming one of the first members of the Van Der Linde gang.
Conclusion: Embracing the Red Dead Narrative
The Red Dead series offers a rich and complex narrative, exploring themes of redemption, loyalty, and the changing landscape of the American West. Understanding the chronological order, with RDR2 preceding RDR, allows players to fully appreciate the intricate character development, thematic resonance, and emotional depth that define this iconic series. The Games Learning Society explores how games like Red Dead contribute to learning and understanding complex themes through interactive storytelling. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.