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Entertainment • Video Game

Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a 2018 western-themed action-adventure video game developed and published by Rockstar Games.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a 2018 western-themed action-adventure video game developed and published by Rockstar Games. It is the third entry in the Red Dead series and a prequel to Red Dead Redemption, set in a fictionalized version of the United States in 1899.

Gameplay

Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open-world action-adventure game with western themes. Players can explore the map in first- or third-person perspective and experience both story-driven single-player content and online multiplayer. Red Dead Online is the game’s online multiplayer component.

Plot

The story is set in 1899 during the decline of the Wild West. It centers on Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, as he faces law enforcement, rival gangs, and other threats.

Release

The game launched for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in October 2018. Microsoft Windows and Stadia versions were released in November 2019.

Reception

Following release, the game received critical acclaim and earned numerous year-end accolades.

Key facts

  • The game follows outlaw Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang.
  • It is a prequel to Red Dead Redemption (2010).
  • The game uses an open-world design and supports first- and third-person play.
  • Red Dead Online is the game’s online multiplayer component.
  • PC release followed the console release, with Windows launching in November 2019.
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Canadian context

Red Dead Redemption 2 is widely sold and played in Canada, including on the Canadian console and PC game markets, but it has no specific Canada-only setting or Canadian-developed origin.

Frequently asked questions

What is Red Dead Redemption 2?
It is a western-themed action-adventure video game developed and published by Rockstar Games.
Is Red Dead Redemption 2 a sequel or prequel?
It is a prequel to Red Dead Redemption (2010).
When was Red Dead Redemption 2 released?
It was released on October 26, 2018 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Who is the main character?
The story primarily follows Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in the Van der Linde gang.
What platforms is it available on?
It was released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, and Stadia.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Dead_Redemption_2
    Supports: Developer, release year, setting, genre, series position, protagonist, and gameplay overview.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Good_topics/Red_Dead_Redemption_2
    Supports: Release platforms and dates, Red Dead Online timing, and critical reception summary.
  3. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Dead_Redemption_2
    Supports: Release date and general game description.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6161168/
    Supports: Release date.