Is RDR2 Getting Removed? A Deep Dive into Red Dead Redemption 2’s PS Plus Status and Beyond
The question of whether Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) is being removed from various platforms, especially PlayStation Plus (PS Plus), is a common one among gamers. The short answer is: Yes, Red Dead Redemption 2 has already been removed from the PS Plus catalog. It was available as part of the PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers, but it left the service on September 20, 2022. This means it’s no longer playable through your PS Plus subscription. This removal has sparked a lot of confusion and questions, so let’s dive deep into the details and explore the many angles surrounding RDR2 and its availability.
Why Was RDR2 Removed from PS Plus?
The primary reason for Red Dead Redemption 2’s departure from PS Plus is simple: licensing agreements expire. These agreements between game publishers (in this case, Rockstar Games) and platform holders (Sony in this case) are time-limited. When the agreed-upon period ends, the game is typically removed from the subscription service, unless a new agreement is reached. In the case of RDR2, it seems a renewal was not negotiated.
The Story Behind the Removal
While the expiration of the license is the primary reason, there were additional layers of speculation surrounding the removal. Rumors and reports indicated that Rockstar Games was potentially working on a PS5 upgrade for Red Dead Redemption 2. However, these plans were reportedly shelved in favor of focusing on Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), and, possibly also partly because of the poor reception of Grand Theft Auto Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. This might have influenced the decision to not renew the licensing agreement for PS Plus.
Furthermore, Rockstar Games updated the credits for Red Dead Redemption 2 and its online component, Red Dead Online, with what some fans perceived as a farewell message. This sparked speculation that the developer was shifting focus entirely towards other projects, further distancing the game from future PS Plus agreements.
Is RDR2 Still Playable on PS5?
Yes, absolutely! The removal from PS Plus only impacts access through the subscription service. You can still play Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS5 if you own the digital or physical copy of the game. Fortunately, the game is now playable at 60fps on PlayStation 5, greatly enhancing the experience. While an official PS5 upgrade or remaster remains absent, the 60fps patch on PS5 enhances the game’s visual fidelity and smoothness.
The Shelved PS5 Upgrade
It’s worth noting that there were reports of a potential PS5 and Xbox Series X/S version of RDR2, but these plans were allegedly shelved by Rockstar. This is disappointing for fans who were hoping for a significant visual overhaul, but the current backward compatibility version still performs exceptionally well.
What About Red Dead Redemption 1?
The first Red Dead Redemption has also seen some changes in its availability. While it remains available on the Xbox Marketplace and is backward compatible on Xbox Series X/S, the original game has been removed from PlayStation Plus after being on the service for six years.
Red Dead Redemption Remaster
There has been a recent release of Red Dead Redemption Remaster, which is not a complete remake, but rather a “conversion” of the original game. This means that while the core gameplay remains the same, players are getting to experience an improved version of the game on their modern consoles. This highlights the fact that Rockstar does intend to keep the franchise alive, but the direction of new game releases and remasters might vary.
Other Games Leaving PS Plus
It’s important to note that RDR2 isn’t the only game that has been removed from PS Plus. The service sees a revolving door of titles being added and removed on a regular basis. Here’s a breakdown of some of the games that have left recently or are scheduled to leave:
- October 2022: Far Cry 5, Limbo, Yakuza 5 Remastered, Astebreed, Clouds & Sheep 2, Far Cry 4, GalGunvolt: Burst*, *Goosebumps: The Game*, and *Inside*
- August 2023: 8-Bit Armies, Borderlands 3, Carmageddon: Max Damage, DCL – The Game, GRIP, Nidhogg, The Crew 2, and Yakuza 0.
- June 2023: 9 Monkeys of Shaolin, Agents of Mayhem, Ash of Gods: Redemption, Black Mirror, Defense Grid 2, Descenders, Gods Will Fall, and Joe Dever’s Lone Wolf.
- September 2023: Deathloop, Chicory: A Colorful Tale, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands, Watch Dogs, Watch Dogs 2, Death end re;Quest 2, Nidhogg 2, and Through the Darkest of Times.
- July 2023: Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell, Stray, Marvel’s Avengers, Fluster Cluck, Raiden 5: Director’s Cut, Rogue Stormers, Borderlands: The Handsome Collection, BioShock, BioShock 2, and BioShock Infinite.
- October 2023: Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker, The Crew, The Medium, The Quarry, Torquel.
- March 2023: Victor Vran Overkill Edition, A Velocibox Ultimate Bundle, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, and Override 2: Super Mech League.
This list illustrates the dynamic nature of the PS Plus catalog and the constant turnover of available games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Red Dead Redemption 2, its removal from PS Plus, and its status on various platforms:
1. Is Red Dead Redemption 2 leaving all platforms?
No, Red Dead Redemption 2 is not leaving all platforms. It has only been removed from the PS Plus subscription service. You can still play it if you own it on PlayStation and Xbox.
2. Can I still play RDR2 if I downloaded it through PS Plus before it left?
No, once a game leaves PS Plus, it is no longer accessible through the subscription, even if you previously downloaded it. You will need to purchase the game separately to play it after its removal from the service.
3. Why isn’t there an RDR2 PS5 upgrade?
Rockstar Games reportedly shelved plans for a dedicated PS5 upgrade to focus on Grand Theft Auto 6.
4. Will there be a Red Dead Redemption 3?
While nothing is official, there are hints that Red Dead Redemption 3 is possible, with some believing it might arrive around 2026 at the earliest.
5. Is Red Dead Online still supported?
Rockstar Games has seemingly reduced support for Red Dead Online to prioritize GTA Online. While the game is still playable, it isn’t receiving as much development support as it used to.
6. Is Red Dead Redemption 1 playable on PS5?
The Red Dead Redemption 1 is playable on PS5 via the PS4 version that was released on disc. It was also remastered and is available digitally for download.
7. How long did it take to develop RDR2?
Red Dead Redemption 2 took over eight years to develop, making it one of the most expensive video games ever made.
8. Is RDR2 worth playing in 2024?
Yes, RDR2 is absolutely worth playing in 2024. It remains one of the most immersive open-world games ever created with a compelling story.
9. What year does the RDR2 story end?
Red Dead Redemption 2’s epilogue takes place in 1907.
10. What happens if I downgrade my PS Plus membership?
If you downgrade your PS Plus membership, you lose access to games that are part of the higher tiers.
11. Are “free” PS Plus games mine forever?
PS Plus “free” games are yours as long as you have an active PS Plus subscription. If you fail to renew, they are locked until you resubscribe.
12. How often do games leave PS Plus?
Games typically leave PS Plus each month, but the number varies and the timing of individual titles is not always clear.
13. Is RDR2 playable at 60fps on PS5?
Yes, Red Dead Redemption 2 is playable at 60fps on PlayStation 5, but the game is still considered to be in backward-compatibility mode.
14. Why was Spider-Man removed from PS Plus?
Marvel’s Spider-Man was removed from PS Plus so that Sony could potentially gain more sales on it.
15. Is the Red Dead Redemption Remaster a remake?
No, the Red Dead Redemption Remaster is not a full remake, but a “conversion” of the original game. This is not the same as the term “remake” that many gamers were expecting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Red Dead Redemption 2 has indeed left the PS Plus service, it is still widely available for purchase and playable on both PlayStation and Xbox platforms, at 60fps on PS5. Despite the lack of a dedicated PS5 upgrade, the game remains a must-play title. Keeping an eye on PlayStation’s announcements is the best way to stay informed about any further changes in the PS Plus catalog.