Rockstar Games is well-known for two game franchises, namely Grand Theft Auto, also known as GTA, and Red Dead Redemption. Although there are some emerging details, we can anticipate an official announcement of the game by the end of the year. However, information regarding Red Dead Redemption 3 is currently scarce. It is surprising that despite the tremendous commercial success of Red Dead Redemption 2, which was released around five years ago, rumors about its sequel remain limited.

Rockstar would go against all logical reasoning to abandon one of its most valuable gaming series, making it highly probable that Red Dead Redemption will continue to captivate fans. The burning question that arises is when can we expect the release of Red Dead 3? Here is everything we currently know.

Red Dead Redemption 3 Could Have Entered Its Early Development Phase

With the release of GTA 6 on the horizon, it is highly likely that Rockstar will eventually start working on Red Dead Redemption 3, if they haven’t already begun preliminary planning. It is worth noting that Red Dead Redemption 2 took 8 years to develop, and we only became aware of the game when it was well into production.

Despite recent rumors, Rockstar has not made any official announcement regarding the possibility of Red Dead Redemption 3. It is likely that the development teams are currently prioritizing GTA 6 before embarking on another major project. However, this does not mean that Rockstar has not been considering the strategic aspects of a potential RDR3 behind the scenes.

According to a recent claim by Twitter/X user MyTimeToShineHello, there is a possibility that Red Dead Redemption is officially being developed. However, since the account is primarily known for leaking movies rather than games, it is advisable to approach the tweet with caution. Considering the upcoming release of GTA 6, it would be logical for Rockstar to plan for their future projects.

The development of Red Dead Redemption 3 has been confirmed and is currently underway! Check out the official announcement: pic.twitter.com/jfHPXS5i2f

On September 3, 2023, MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) made this tweet.

Red Dead Redemption 3 Release Date: Not For A Few More Years

Since there hasn’t been any official confirmation or announcement, our only option is to speculate on the release date of the game. If we make the assumption that Red Dead Redemption 3 will be released, it might possibly come out in the year 2030.

It is worth noting that there was an eight-year interval between the release of Red Dead Redemption 1 and 2 in 2010 and 2018, respectively. However, Rockstar has recently adopted a slower game production approach to provide extended support for its existing games and reduce work-related stress. Therefore, it seems highly improbable that we will witness another eight-year gap before the release of RDR3, possibly in 2026. It’s a pity.

RDR3: Possible Setting

Red Dead Redemption 3 offers numerous possibilities for its gameplay direction. It is highly likely that the game will take place in America once more, ensuring a familiar setting. However, this may also indicate that significant changes might not be expected.

Rockstar’s decision to set its inaugural GTA game in London and the popularity of Peaky Blinders, which brought attention to the appearance of Birmingham in 1919, raises the possibility of Rockstar choosing the UK as the setting for their next game. Although it would be an unexpected and audacious revelation, it is not entirely implausible.

Given that Red Dead Redemption 2 was set in 1899 and Red Dead Redemption 1 was set in 1911, a 1919 setting in Birmingham would align perfectly with the timeline. It would also be feasible to connect this setting with the existing storylines, as there are numerous characters that Rockstar could have leaving the Wild West and seeking refuge in England. Additionally, there is a strong desire among fans for a Native American-themed setting, as well as a potential exploration of South America.

Red Dead 3: Story

As previously stated, the leading contender for a captivating storyline is Landon Ricketts. Similar to John Marston and Arthur Morgan, Ricketts is a renowned gunslinger whose tales have yet to be unveiled in the game. Although we encounter an aged Landon Ricketts in Red Dead Redemption 1, the details surrounding his legendary background remain largely unknown. This untold narrative is greatly anticipated and eagerly awaited by Red Dead fans, who are eager to delve into its depths.

One of the frequently requested story ideas revolves around delving into the origins of Charles Smith. Charles, a highly favored persona in Red Dead Redemption 2, possesses a captivating narrative that practically unfolds effortlessly. Born to a Native American mother and an African American father, Charles ultimately finds his path intertwined with Dutch’s gang.

However, there are still many untold stories to explore: Charles’ connections with Native American tribes and his experiences as an underground fighter offer great potential for crafting a compelling narrative. Furthermore, featuring Charles Smith as the central protagonist would be a refreshing departure from the typical gunslinger archetype, attracting a broader range of audiences to Red Dead Redemption 3.

Red Dead Redemption 3: Probably Next-Gen Exclusive

Once RDR 3 hits the market, it is highly likely that Rockstar Games will craft the game specifically for the upcoming PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles, ensuring a next-gen gaming experience.

Furthermore, considering the PC release of Red Dead Redemption 2, it is highly probable that Red Dead Redemption 3 will also be available on PC. However, it is uncertain as to whether we might have transitioned to cloud gaming or virtual reality by the time Red Dead Redemption 3 is eventually launched.

It is highly improbable that RDR3 will be available on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, as it appears that even GTA 6, which will be released before Red Dead Redemption 3, won’t be compatible with these consoles.

• Faris Delalic