At the time of writing, Red Dead Redemption 3 has not been officially confirmed by Rockstar Games. However, with it being on the homestretch when it comes to the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, maybe this time next year will see the beloved studio turn its attention back to its other flagship franchise. In the meantime, however, fans have been speculating as to what we can expect from the next Red Dead installment, including its potential protagonist and setting, with the latter causing division.

Red Dead Redemption 3 Has So Much Potential

Beginning back in 2004 with the launch of Red Dead Revolver, the Red Dead series has become one of the most successful and beloved in gaming, welcoming sequels Red Dead Redemption in 2010 and, more recently, Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018. Set across both the 19th and 20th centuries, we follow various outlaws as they navigate a lawless time during the turn of the century. However, with no news of another potential installment, fans are eager for more, but whilst they wait for Rockstar Games to either confirm or deny its existence, they have been using this opportunity to speculate on what they would like to see in the future of the franchise.

Following the news that Rockstar co-founder claimed that Red Dead Redemption 3 will “probably happen” despite its potentially ruining a “cohesive two-game arc”, fans took to r/reddeadredemption to discuss what this could mean for the franchise. “Red Dead Redemption 3 is not needed, but another Red Dead…why not,” the top comment reads, with over 3,000 upvotes. However, another user disagreed, adding, “But RDR1 was written without RDR2 in mind. The story is only cohesive because the story telling was so good in RDR2. With good writers they could definitely make a third game and make it fit with the overall story arc.” Another had bigger plans, saying, “We’ve had enough Red Dead Redemption. It’s time for some Red Dead Desecration.”

Most Red Dead Fans Want Another Prequel

What many fans seemingly agree on is that a prequel would make a lot more sense, especially as it could shed more light on the Van der Linde gang in its infancy. However, with others claiming that a brand-new protagonist would be even better, it seems as though Rockstar has a lot to prove when it comes to the potential next installment. “They don’t tie GTAs together, not sure why they insist on linking RDRs together,” one user shared. “Give us a whole new story instead, I’d say even earlier, maybe during the gold rush or something.” Another agreed, adding, “Keep going backwards in time. Red Dead should cover all horse-drawn eras. I don’t need a story tie in with the other two.”

For now, all we can do is wait (and hope) that another Red Dead installment is on the way, but for now, we will at least have to wait until the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI later this year, and see what is next for Rockstar.

Systems

Released

May 18, 2010

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs

Developer(s)

Rockstar San Diego

Engine

rockstar advanced game engine