Which Comes First: RDR or RDR2?
The Red Dead Redemption series has captivated gamers worldwide with its engaging storylines, stunning visuals, and immersive gameplay. With the release of Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) in 2018, many fans are left wondering: which game comes first, Red Dead Redemption (RDR) or RDR2? In this article, we’ll delve into the chronology of the series and provide a detailed answer to this question.
The Answer: RDR2 is a Prequel
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel to the original Red Dead Redemption. The game takes place in 1899, 12 years before the events of RDR. This means that RDR2’s story occurs before the events of RDR. This is evident from the game’s opening scenes, which show John Marston’s family, including his wife Abigail and son Jack, living on a ranch in 1899.
The Story Connection
The story of RDR2 is deeply connected to the events of RDR. The game’s narrative explores the early years of the Van der Linde gang, led by Dutch Van der Linde, and the events that led to the gang’s downfall. The game’s ending also sets the stage for the events of RDR, which follows John Marston’s journey as a former outlaw trying to redeem himself.
Key Characters and Events
Here are some key characters and events that connect the two games:
- Dutch Van der Linde: Dutch is a central character in both games. In RDR2, he’s the leader of the Van der Linde gang, while in RDR, he’s a major antagonist.
- John Marston: John is a main character in RDR and a supporting character in RDR2. In RDR2, he’s a young man trying to make a living and escape his past, while in RDR, he’s a former outlaw forced back into the gang.
- Abigail and Jack: Abigail is John’s wife, and Jack is their son. They appear in both games, with Abigail being a supporting character in RDR2 and Jack being a young boy in RDR.
- The Van der Linde Gang: The gang is central to both games, with RDR2 exploring their early years and RDR following their downfall.
The Timeline
Here’s a brief timeline of the events in both games:
| Year | Event | Game |
|---|---|---|
| 1899 | The Van der Linde gang begins to form | RDR2 |
| 1899 | The gang’s early years, including the events of RDR2 | RDR2 |
| 1907 | The gang’s downfall, including the events of RDR | RDR |
| 1911 | The epilogue of RDR2, which sets the stage for RDR | RDR2 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel to Red Dead Redemption. The game’s story takes place 12 years before the events of RDR and explores the early years of the Van der Linde gang. The game’s characters and events are deeply connected to the events of RDR, making it essential to play RDR2 before RDR to understand the full story.
Key Takeaways
- RDR2 is a prequel to RDR, taking place 12 years before the events of RDR.
- The game’s story explores the early years of the Van der Linde gang and sets the stage for the events of RDR.
- Key characters and events, including Dutch, John Marston, Abigail, and Jack, connect the two games.
- The timeline of the games is as follows: 1899 (RDR2), 1907 (RDR), and 1911 (RDR2 epilogue).
By playing RDR2 first, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the characters and events that shape the world of Red Dead Redemption. So, saddle up and ride into the world of RDR2 to experience the epic story of the Van der Linde gang.