Those interested in starting their journey in theRed Dead Redemptionseries may wonder what the best order to play the games is. The release order for the games is not in chronological order, withRed Dead Redemption 2(2018) being presented as a prequel toRed Dead Redemption(2010). Although there are positive reasons for different play orders, one stands out above the rest as the superior way to play through this open-world adventure series. Getting into the series is not so intimidating when played a certain way, and the games can easily capture the hearts of new players.
Contrary to what many may think,the overarchingRed Deadfranchise technically has three games. BeforeRed Dead RedemptionandRed Dead Redemption 2, there wasRed Dead Revolver, which was first released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2 and the original Xbox. It is the first game in release order, but it is not a canon story within theRed Dead Redemptionworld, further complicating the status of the essential play order for experiencing the series.
Players Should Start Playing As Arthur Morgan
Beginning everything with the prequel game,Red Dead Redemption 2, is the perfect way to start the story. The prequel follows Arthur Morgan and his involvement in the Van der Linde gang as things slowly begin to sour, presenting the very beginning of the time when the Wild West begins to face extinction, an effect that players can see progress throughout both the game and the originalRed Dead Redemption.Playing the storychronologicallycan create a greater attachment to the characters and the events, and influence players to continue playing into the firstRed Dead Redemptiongame.
Red Dead Redemption Will Always Be Better Than GTA For One Simple Reason
The Red Dead Redemption series will always be vastly stronger than Grand Theft Auto, and Rockstar Games makes the reason painfully obvious.
The second game is also a way to get new players hooked on the series. With the amount of content meticulously addedintoRed Red Redemption 2, it is bound to blow away and impress anyone who decides to pick it up for the first time. Its extensive open-world, precise mechanics, and riveting story make up a masterpiece of a game that everyone should experience at least once. There are many surprises in store for newer players, and even those who have played it before are still findinghidden details inRed Dead 2years after its release.
Playing the originalRed Dead Redemptionafter the prequel game can create an attachment that helps fuel the desire for revenge on those who wronged the series’s main characters. Players will continue on as John Marston, a character they will be very familiar with from the second game. There will also be familiar locations and story bits that will be recognizable from the prequel. With its recentport to PC 14 years after launchand its port for the Nintendo Switch back in August 2023,accessing the first mainRed DeadRedemptiongame is easier than ever.
There is also the matter of the DLC expansion that comes with the game,Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare. Although it is not a canon part of the story, involving John fighting against zombies, it is still a fun experience to test the player’s sharpshooting skills. Within the story,the DLC takes place sometime in an alternate version of the original events ofRed Dead Redemption, but it is recommended to be played after completing the main game.
Althoughnot considered canon in the mainRed Dead Redemptionuniverse,Red Dead Revolveris still a fun bonus to give a shot. The game was developer Rockstar’s first go at a Western and the predecessor to the success ofRed Dead Redemption. Although there are references toRevolver,like itscharacters being mentioned inRDRandRDR2, locations like the town of Brimstone are non-existent outsideRevolver. Even though it is not an essential part of experiencing theRed Deadstory, it is a fun way to dive back into the height of the Wild West in the 1880s.
10 Best Features In Red Dead Redemption That Are Missing From RDR2
With a PC port of Red Dead Redemption on the horizon, it’s a great time to think about some of the game’s best features over its prequel, RDR2.
Red Dead Revolveris a bit different from the other games and follows Red Harlow, a country hunter seeking vengeance for the murder of his parents. Rather than being a full open-world adventure, the game has a level system that players will advance through. By defeating boss enemies and gaining new weapons as levels progress, Red Harlow will get his revenge. There is also a multiplayer mode and new characters can be unlocked through completing missions.
Players who want to experienceRevolvercan do so withthe modern digital ports on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Playing theRed Dead Redemptiongames in the main story’s chronological order is the best way to become attached to the series. Starting with the prequel allows for the most content and richest experience to hook players into the universe, eventually persuading them to continue with the originalRDR. Additional installments like theUndead NightmareDLC and the very first gameRed Dead Revolvercan expand the adventure but are not completely necessary. Although playing in any order still creates an unforgettable experience, story order is highly encouraged for its emotional impact.
