Table of Contents

Which Order Should I Play Red Dead Redemption? A Definitive Guide

The question of what order to play the Red Dead Redemption games is a common one, fraught with opinions and potential spoilers. The definitive answer is: play Red Dead Redemption 2 first, followed by Red Dead Redemption. While Red Dead Revolver exists, it’s a very different beast and not essential for understanding the core storyline. Playing RDR2 first provides the crucial backstory and emotional context for the events of RDR1, enhancing the experience of both games. This allows you to appreciate the character arcs, the world-building, and the overarching themes of redemption, loyalty, and the dying Wild West in a more profound way.

Why RDR2 First?

A Prequel’s Perspective

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a meticulously crafted prequel that enriches the narrative of Red Dead Redemption. By experiencing Arthur Morgan’s story and the Van der Linde gang’s descent into chaos first, you gain a deep understanding of John Marston’s motivations, the relationships that shaped him, and the events that haunt him in the original game.

Gameplay Evolution

RDR2 boasts significantly more refined gameplay mechanics, a richer open world, and a deeper level of immersion than its predecessor. Starting with the superior gameplay experience can prevent the reverse from feeling clunky or dated. Going back to RDR1 after playing RDR2 may require some adjustment, but the narrative rewards are well worth it.

Emotional Impact

Knowing the fate of characters like Dutch van der Linde, Abigail Marston, and Uncle before playing RDR1 adds layers of emotional resonance to their interactions. You’ll understand the weight of their past actions and the implications of their future trajectories. The emotional gut-punch lands much harder when you know the context behind it.

Chronological Order vs. Release Order

While the Red Dead games aren’t quite on par with Star Wars in terms of debate, the debate is worth discussing. Yes, Rockstar released the games out of chronological order. However, the design of Red Dead Redemption 2 heavily relies on the player’s knowledge of Red Dead Redemption. Playing in release order deprives you of the emotional and narrative depth gained from understanding the full story arc. Rockstar themselves created the sequel and prequel, so take advantage of the story as it was meant to unfold.

What About Red Dead Revolver?

Red Dead Revolver is a spiritual successor to the series, but its connection to the Red Dead Redemption games is minimal. It’s a fun, arcade-style Western shooter, but it isn’t essential for understanding the narrative of John Marston or Arthur Morgan’s stories.

The Value of the Epilogue

The extended epilogue of Red Dead Redemption 2, where you play as John Marston, seamlessly bridges the gap between the two games. It sets the stage perfectly for the events of Red Dead Redemption, making the transition feel natural and rewarding. This also serves as a great way to see the story from John’s perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 FAQs to provide further clarity on the optimal Red Dead Redemption playing order:

Do I need to play Red Dead Redemption 2 before Red Dead Redemption? No, you don’t need to. However, playing RDR2 first significantly enriches the narrative and emotional impact of RDR1. It’s highly recommended.
Will Red Dead Redemption 2 spoil Red Dead Redemption if I play it first? Yes, it will spoil certain plot points, particularly regarding the fates of some characters. However, the emotional and narrative depth gained from playing RDR2 first outweighs the impact of these spoilers.
Is Red Dead Revolver worth playing? If you enjoy arcade-style Western shooters, Red Dead Revolver can be a fun experience. However, it’s not essential for understanding the core Red Dead Redemption storyline.
Does Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare fit into the playing order? Undead Nightmare is a non-canon, standalone expansion for Red Dead Redemption. It doesn’t impact the overall storyline and can be played at any time after completing the main game.
What if I already played Red Dead Redemption? Should I still play Red Dead Redemption 2? Absolutely! Even if you already know the broad strokes of the story, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a vastly expanded world, compelling characters, and a deeper understanding of the events leading up to the original game. You will be very pleased with all the world building and character backstories.
Is Arthur Morgan mentioned in Red Dead Redemption? No, Arthur Morgan is not mentioned in Red Dead Redemption. This is because he didn’t exist as a character during the development of the first game.
Will there be a Red Dead Redemption 3? Speculation abounds, but Rockstar Games has yet to officially announce a Red Dead Redemption 3. However, given the series’ immense popularity, it’s highly likely that another installment will be released in the future. And when it does, you can learn about the latest trends on Games Learning Society, dedicated to innovative studies about games.
When would Red Dead Redemption 3 take place? Possible timeframes include following Jack Marston into World War I or exploring the early days of Dutch’s gang before the events of Red Dead Redemption 2. Or maybe even after the events of Red Dead Redemption with Jack Marston as the main protagonist.
Is Red Dead Redemption 2 better as John or Arthur? Arthur offers a more nuanced and versatile character, while John excels at embodying the classic Western archetype. It’s a matter of personal preference.
How long after Red Dead Redemption 2 is Red Dead Redemption? The epilogue of Red Dead Redemption 2 takes place in 1907, while the events of Red Dead Redemption begin in 1911, approximately four years later.
Does Dutch appear in Red Dead Redemption? Yes, Dutch van der Linde appears as a secondary antagonist in Red Dead Redemption.
Is it possible to save Arthur in RDR2? No, Arthur’s death from tuberculosis is a fixed part of the Red Dead Redemption 2 storyline. There’s no way to cure him.
How did Arthur get TB? Arthur contracted tuberculosis from Thomas Downes, a man he was forced to shake down for money on behalf of the Van der Linde gang.
Why did Dutch shoot Micah? Dutch shot Micah because he finally realized Micah betrayed the gang. This allowed Dutch to redeem himself to Arthur.
What’s the connection between all the Red Dead games? Red Dead Revolver is only a spiritual successor, with no direct relation to the other games. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel to Red Dead Redemption, telling the story of John Marston and the Van Der Linde gang before the events of the original game.

Embrace the Wild West

Ultimately, the order you choose to play the Red Dead Redemption games is a personal decision. However, playing Red Dead Redemption 2 first, followed by Red Dead Redemption, offers the most complete and rewarding narrative experience. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the characters, the world, and the themes that make this series so captivating.

Which order should I play RDR?