Red Dead Redemption 2 is worth playing before Grand Theft Auto VI if you want a slow-burn, character-led Western and are ready to spend time with a substantial open-world story. It is not required preparation for GTA 6: Rockstar’s announced game follows Jason and Lucia in Leonida, and its official description does not identify RDR2 as a story prerequisite.
Is RDR2 worth your time before GTA 6?
It depends more on your taste than on the upcoming release. Rockstar sets Red Dead Redemption 2 in 1899, near the end of the Wild West era. The story follows Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang as they flee after a robbery goes wrong. As divisions grow inside the gang, Arthur’s loyalties and personal ideals come into conflict. Rockstar’s product description gives the premise and characters.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Red Dead Redemption 2 (XBox One) | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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X1 RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2 | $23.34 | Buy on Amazon |
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Red Dead Redemption 2 Xbox One | $15.43 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Red Dead Redemption 2 | 25 Gold Bars | XBOX Digital Code | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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That makes RDR2 a strong choice if you want a Western story centered on its characters and are comfortable with deliberate pacing. If you mainly want a preview of GTA 6’s setting or gameplay, RDR2 is a different experience: it is a historical Western, while Rockstar describes GTA 6 as a crime story set in Leonida.
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No story prerequisite is identified in Rockstar’s official GTA 6 material. Its synopsis focuses on Jason and Lucia, who become caught up in a criminal conspiracy across the fictional state of Leonida. Rockstar’s description says, “Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them.” Read in context, the official synopsis presents a different setup from Arthur Morgan’s story in RDR2; it does not say that playing RDR2 is necessary to follow GTA 6.
#1 Best Overall
- From the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption
- The deepest and most complex world Rockstar Games has ever created. 4K Ultra HD not available on Xbox One or Xbox One S consoles
- Covers a huge range of 19th century American landscapes
- Play as Arthur Morgan, lead enforcer in the notorious Van der Linde gang
- Interact with every character in the world with more than just your gun
As of October 7, 2026, Rockstar lists GTA 6 for November 19, 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Check Rockstar’s GTA 6 page for updates, since launch dates and platform information can change.
What to know before starting Red Dead Redemption 2
The story and setting
Rockstar lists RDR2’s release date as October 26, 2018. Its product description places the story in America in 1899, following the Blackwater robbery and the gang’s flight from pursuing authorities. The central tension is personal as well as criminal: Rockstar says, “As deepening internal divisions threaten to tear the gang apart, Arthur must make a choice between his own ideals and loyalty to the gang who raised him.”
Rank #2
- Get exclusive access to a bank robbery mission
- A collection of exclusive story mode boosts, bonuses and discounts
- Get three weapons Free at gunsmiths
Modes and editions
Rockstar’s PlayStation 4 store listing for the base edition includes Story Mode and Red Dead Online. The store also lists Red Dead Online separately and an Ultimate Edition with additional content, including bonus missions, outfits, ranks, and other items. Those contents are tied to the listed editions; check the store for your platform and region before buying, because the PlayStation 4 listing does not establish that every edition is available everywhere.
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Rank #3
- From the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic tale of life in America at the dawn of the modern age.
- America, 1899. The end of the wild west era has begun as lawmen hunt down the last remaining outlaw gangs
- Winner of over 175 Game of the Year Awards
Time commitment
A reliable playtime figure is not established here, so it would be misleading to promise a specific number of hours. The useful consideration is that this is a substantial open-world story: choose it because the Western setting and character-led pacing appeal to you, not because you feel you must complete it before GTA 6.
Quick Recap
Choose based on your taste, timing, and platform
| Question | What the official information establishes | What it means for your decision |
|---|---|---|
| Which setting appeals to you? | RDR2 is set in America in 1899; GTA 6 is set in Leonida. | Pick RDR2 for a Western, or wait if you are specifically after GTA 6’s crime setting. |
| Do you want a story-led game now? | RDR2 follows Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang; GTA 6’s synopsis follows Jason and Lucia. | RDR2 is a separate story choice, not a required lead-in to GTA 6. |
| Can you play on your current platform? | Rockstar lists GTA 6 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. RDR2 has console and PC releases, but edition availability varies by storefront and region. | Check compatibility and the specific edition before purchasing; the launch-platform lists are not the same. |
| Are you deciding on price or edition? | Current RDR2 prices and availability across regions are not established here. | Compare the live platform-store listings and edition contents where you intend to buy. |
How to get RDR2 if you decide to play
- Check your platform’s official store for Red Dead Redemption 2 and confirm that the listing matches your console or PC and region. Rockstar’s RDR2 store page lists editions; its referenced listing is configured for PlayStation 4.
- Compare the edition contents before checkout. The base listing includes Story Mode and Red Dead Online; the Ultimate Edition adds content such as bonus missions, outfits, and ranks.
- For PC, verify that the current storefront listing supports your system and shows the content you expect. Take-Two’s 2019 PC announcement describes that release but does not confirm present stock or regional terms.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
