What takes place first: RDR1 or RDR2?
Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) takes place before Red Dead Redemption 1 (RDR1), serving as a prequel to the original game, with a storyline that explores the events leading up to the formation and eventual decline of the Van Der Linde Gang. The game’s narrative is set in 1899, 12 years before the events of RDR1, which occurs in 1911, allowing players to experience the Wild West in a different era and gain insight into the backstory of key characters.
Understanding the Red Dead Redemption Series
To fully appreciate the sequence of events, it’s essential to understand the Red Dead series and its timeline. The series consists of Red Dead Revolver, Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2, and several spin-offs, including Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare and Red Dead Online. Each game offers a unique perspective on the American West, with RDR2 focusing on the Van Der Linde Gang‘s struggles and RDR1 following John Marston‘s journey.
Key Characters and Their Roles
Characters like Arthur Morgan, John Marston, Dutch Van Der Linde, and Micah Bell play crucial roles in the Red Dead universe. Arthur Morgan is the protagonist of RDR2, while John Marston takes center stage in RDR1. Understanding their relationships and the events that shape their lives is vital to grasping the overall narrative of the series.
Exploring the Connection Between RDR1 and RDR2
The connection between RDR1 and RDR2 is deeply rooted in their characters and storylines. RDR2 explains the backstory of John Marston and the Van Der Linde Gang, providing context for the events of RDR1. This prequel nature of RDR2 to RDR1 allows for a richer understanding of the Red Dead universe, its characters, and their motivations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is RDR2 a prequel to RDR1? Yes, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel to Red Dead Redemption 1, exploring the events that led to the formation and decline of the Van Der Linde Gang.
- How long after RDR2 does RDR1 take place? RDR1 takes place 12 years after the events of RDR2, with RDR2 occurring in 1899 and RDR1 in 1911.
- Is Arthur Morgan mentioned in RDR1? No, Arthur Morgan is not mentioned in RDR1 because the game was developed before RDR2, and Arthur‘s character was introduced in the prequel.
- What order should I play the Red Dead games in? The recommended order is Red Dead Revolver, Red Dead Redemption 2, and then Red Dead Redemption, followed by any spin-offs for additional context and gameplay.
- Will we have RDR3? There have been hints and teasers from Rockstar Games, but no official announcement has been made regarding Red Dead Redemption 3.
- Does RDR2 take place before RDR1? Yes, RDR2 takes place before RDR1, serving as a prequel to the original game.
- Is Hosea Matthews in RDR1? No, Hosea Matthews is a major character in RDR2 but is not present in RDR1.
- Is John in RDR1 the same as RDR2? While John Marston appears in both games, his character evolves significantly between RDR2 and RDR1, reflecting the passage of time and his personal growth.
- Is John in RDR1? Yes, John Marston is the main playable protagonist of RDR1.
- How old was Jack in RDR1? At the end of RDR1, Jack Marston is 19 years old.
- Why did Dutch shoot Micah? Dutch Van Der Linde shoots Micah Bell as a form of redemption for the death of Arthur Morgan and the downfall of the gang.
- Is Micah in RDR1? No, Micah Bell is a major character in RDR2 but does not appear in RDR1.
- Was Red Dead 2 always planned? Preliminary work on RDR2 began shortly after the release of RDR1, with the concept of a gang narrative being too compelling to ignore.
- Why does Arthur not like John? Arthur Morgan‘s strained relationship with John Marston stems from John‘s decision to leave the gang for over a year, which Arthur saw as a betrayal.
- Who killed John Marston? John Marston was killed by a firing squad consisting of U.S. Army soldiers, lawmen, and Edgar Ross to save his family and achieve redemption.
Conclusion
Understanding the sequence and connection between Red Dead Redemption 1 and Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial for fully appreciating the Red Dead series. With RDR2 serving as a prequel to RDR1, players can explore the American West in a different era, gain insight into key characters’ backstories, and experience the events that shape the Van Der Linde Gang‘s decline. The series offers a rich narrative with complex characters, making it a compelling journey for gamers and fans of the Western genre.