The world of Red Dead Redemption, with its stunning landscapes, complex characters, and realistic depiction of the American frontier, has been the basis of a beloved franchise. The games in the series have done very well, and many players analyze every detail, discussing theories and passionately defending their interpretations of the story. However, sometimes, our love of a game can make us overlook certain realities, especially when those realities challenge our beliefs or expectations.
This is a normal part of being a fan; it's a shared experience of learning to accept the complexities and uncertainties within the things we enjoy. It's important to step back and consider the less romantic aspects of this franchise to gain a better understanding and a more realistic view. This isn’t about removing the greatness of the games or discouraging enthusiasm, but encouraging a discussion that recognizes the limitations and sometimes uncomfortable truths that come with even the best storytelling. Just like the fate of Arthur's parents, some truths are painful.
10
The Strange Man Will Probably Never Be Revealed
We'll Never Truly Know Who He Is
Fans of the Strange Man from Red Dead Redemption should be careful not to expect a clear explanation about who he is. While it seems pretty certain that the Strange Man will reappear in RDR3, this character is meant to be mysterious and thought-provoking. His significance comes from the questions he raises about morality, fate, and existence rather than having a straightforward identity, like being an angel or a devil.
If Red Dead Redemption 3 hopes to be better than the previous two games, it desperately needs to leave New Austin to make a new storyline.
Trying to pin down exactly who or what he is could take away from the depth he represents. The ongoing theories and discussions among fans create more hype and attention to the game, which is a win for the developers. Rockstar likely will not give a definitive answer to the identity of the Strange Man.
9
John And Arthur Were Murderers and Robbers That Needed To Get Punished
They Were the Worst of the Worst
Recognizing that John Marston and Arthur Morgan are murderers and robbers who ultimately face the consequences is important for truly understanding the themes of Red Dead Redemption. While the games do a great job of showing their loyalty, cleverness, and even kindness at times, they are stilloutlaws who broke the law and acted immorally. They committed many violent acts, stole, and extorted, which caused suffering for others.
It's misleading to romanticize their lives as merely "fighting against the system" because it overlooks the harm they cause. Their endings - John’s sacrifice and Arthur’s tragic death - highlight the consequences of their violent choices. The stories in the games are not celebrations of their outlaw lives; instead, they serve as a serious reflection on the outcomes of violence, reminding us that those who choose this path will eventually face the consequences.
8
Jack's Lifetime Is Too Close To the Industrial Revolution To Be A Protagonist
The Old West Would Be Dead In RDR3
Jack Marston's life, which takes place in the late 1800s and early 1900s, is too close to the Industrial Revolution to be seen as a main character in Red Dead Redemption 3. His time lacks the wild and adventurous spirit central to the Red Dead series. The Industrial Revolution greatly changed society, leading to stronger government control, new technologies like cars and planes, and a decline in the traditional cowboy lifestyle.
As an adult in this quickly changing world, Jack faces different challenges—not battling nature or following old codes but dealing with bureaucracy, social pressures, and the evolving idea of justice. While his story can still be pretty interesting, it won’t offer the same freedom and escape that earlier games did.
7
Dutch Was Never Going To Get The Gang To Tahiti
There Would Never Be A Final Plan
Dutch's dream of escaping to Tahiti in Red Dead Redemption 2 was just that—a dream. It was a way for him to control his gang, which was falling apart. His idea of leaving was not a realistic plan but more wishful thinking fueled by his ego and refusal to see that things were changing around him.
Red Dead Redemption 2 received a first-person mode post-release, but is it any better or more immersive than the game’s traditional third-person mode?
Their ongoing criminal activities and rising body count made them too well-known and easy to track for any quiet escape. The Pinkertons, who were always after them, made any chance of a smooth getaway nearly impossible, especially since they had no solid plan and acted recklessly. Dutch’s increasing volatility and violent decisions created bigger problems and prevented them from getting the money and organization they needed for a proper escape.
6
Andrew Milton and Edgar Ross Were Just Doing Their Jobs
They're The Law, After All
Andrew Milton and Edgar Ross worked for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, and they were doing their jobs when Leviticus Cornwall, a wealthy businessman, hired them. Their task was to take down the Van der Linde gang, which was involved in various illegal activities like robbery, theft, murder, and racketeering. As private detectives, the Pinkertons had the legal right to investigate and go after people suspected of crimes in Red Dead Redemption.
Although Milton and Ross often used harsh and questionable methods, their actions were driven by their commitment to their client and their view of upholding the law. They weren’t acting out of personal grudges but were following orders, believing the Van der Linde gang posed a significant threat to society and the economy. While their methods were often brutal, understanding their motivations helps explain their actions.
5
Undead Nightmare 2 Seems Highly Unlikely
Rockstar Seems To Have Changed Its Focus
The sad truth is that a real Red Dead RedemptionUndead Nightmare 2 is unlikely to happen for several reasons tied to how Rockstar Games has changed its focus. First, the gaming world has shifted a lot since the first game came out. Rockstar looks at what sells well, and right now, the studio seems more interested in online multiplayer games rather than story-driven single-player content.
Creating a quality DLC like Undead Nightmare takes a lot of work, including new game elements, story, and a world that feels alive with the undead. Due to a lack of financial motivation, Rockstar may be less willing to spend the time and money needed to create a big single-player add-on.
4
Red Dead Online Won't Make A Comeback Until The Next Game
Rockstar Is Too Focused On GTA Online & GTA 6
Red Dead Online is unlikely to make a strong comeback until Red Dead Redemption 3 is released, and there are a few main reasons for this. First, Rockstar Games has shifted its focus to Grand Theft Auto Online and is busy working on GTA 6, which means Red Dead Online isn’t likely going to keep getting enough updates and support.
While the game's world is detailed, the gameplay hasn’t kept up. The pacing is slow, and there isn’t enough new content, and the game encourages repetitive grinding instead of real exploration and role-playing. Fixing these issues would require a major overhaul, which seems unlikely given Rockstar's current priorities, which are directed toward Grand Theft Auto.
3
Dutch's Gang Were Outlaws, and Micah Bell Should Have Ratted Them Out
A Snitch Is A Hero In This Case
Dutch van der Linde's gang is often viewed as heroes fighting for freedom, but they were really just criminals involved in violent theft and murder. They acted out of a misguided belief rather than true kindness. They robbed banks, stagecoaches, and trains, causing fear in communities while pretending to stand against a corrupt system in Red Dead Redemption.
Red Dead Redemption 2 had some of the best storytelling in video games, and the third game can live up to this reputation if it redeems one character.
Dutch became so caught up in his own ideas that he led his followers into increasingly risky situations, putting their lives in danger because of his own twisted vision of a wild and free paradise. Micah Bell had a valid reason to betray the gang. He recognized the gang's flaws and saw that their downfall was coming. His choice to leave and protect himself, even if morally ambiguous, made sense in light of the chaos and harm the gang created.
2
Uncle Was Not Red Harlow
It Would've Been A Cool Idea Though
The idea that Uncle from Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2 is actually Red Harlow from Red Dead Revolver is an interesting theory, but it doesn't hold up when you look more closely. Although both characters are part of the same Red Dead universe, their timelines and appearances don’t match well enough to support the claim that they are the same person. Uncle is described as being born before 1849, while Red Harlow was probably born in the 1850s or 1860s.
Moreover, Uncle doesn’t have the noticeable facial scars or the scorpion tattoo that Red Harlow has. Also, Red Dead Revolver seems toexist in a different universe from the main Red Dead Redemption story, so mentions of Red Harlow in the games likely serve as fun nods to the character instead of proof of a connection. Although both have rich backstories, there isn't enough clear evidence to say they are the same person.
1
Sadie And Charles Will End Up Hanging If They Don't Change Their Ways
These Two Could Be In Danger In RDR3
Despite their good intentions and impressive skills, Sadie Adler and Charles Smith are heading toward a dangerous end if they don't change course in Red Dead Redemption 3. A strong desire for revenge drives Sadie, and she often puts herself in risky situations. This could lead to a deadly confrontation with either outlaws or law enforcement, likely resulting in her death or capture and execution.
Charles, while more careful, is still caught up in crime and violence. He frequently finds himself in gunfights and conflicts with the law, making him a target just like everyone else. His sense of justice and loyalty leads him to protect his friends and help those in need, which is admirable, but it also puts him in harm's way, possibly resulting in his capture or death. If they don't find a way to move away from violence and adopt a more peaceful way of living, their future looks grim and could end in tragedy in Red Dead Redemption 3.
Released
October 26, 2018
ESRB
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
Custom image by Kyle Gratton
English (US) ·