Which Red Dead game should I play first?

Which Red Dead game should I play first?

The Red Dead series is a highly acclaimed and beloved franchise in the world of gaming, with two main games, Red Dead Redemption (RDR) and Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2), as well as a prequel, Red Dead Revolver. If you’re new to the series, you may be wondering which game to play first. In this article, we’ll break down the chronology and storylines of the games to help you decide.

The Chronology of the Red Dead Series

Here’s a brief overview of the games in chronological order:

• Red Dead Revolver (2004): Set in 1880, this game follows the story of Red Harlow, a bounty hunter seeking revenge against those who killed his parents.
• Red Dead Redemption (2010): Set in 1911, this game takes place 20 years after the events of Red Dead Revolver and follows the story of John Marston, a former outlaw forced by the government to hunt down his old gang members.
• Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018): Set in 1899, 12 years before the events of Red Dead Redemption, this game follows the story of Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, as they try to survive in a rapidly changing American West.

Which Game to Play First?

Now that we’ve covered the chronology of the series, let’s discuss which game to play first. Here are some points to consider:

• Red Dead Revolver: While this game is the earliest in the series, it’s not necessary to play it first. The story is relatively standalone, and you can jump into the other games without feeling like you’re missing out.
• Red Dead Redemption: This game is the most accessible to new players, as it has a more straightforward storyline and characters. However, keep in mind that it’s the second game in the series, and some of the events and characters may make more sense if you play Red Dead Revolver first.
• Red Dead Redemption 2: This game is the most ambitious and complex in the series, with a massive open world and a rich storyline. However, it’s not necessary to play the previous games first, as it has a standalone story with new characters and a unique setting.

What’s the Best Order to Play the Games?

If you want to play the games in the "proper" order, here’s a suggested order:

1. Red Dead Redemption 2: This game sets the stage for the entire series, and understanding the world and characters will make the other games more enjoyable.
2. Red Dead Redemption: This game takes place 12 years after the events of RDR2, and the story is more focused and linear.
3. Red Dead Revolver: This game is a standalone story that takes place 20 years before the events of RDR, but it’s not necessary to play it first.

What to Expect from Each Game

Here’s a brief summary of what to expect from each game:

• Red Dead Redemption 2: A massive open-world game with a rich storyline, complex characters, and a wide variety of activities and side quests.
• Red Dead Redemption: A more focused and linear game with a strong narrative and a more limited open world.
• Red Dead Revolver: A western-style game with a more straightforward storyline and simpler gameplay mechanics.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best order to play the Red Dead games is up to personal preference. If you want to experience the series in the "proper" order, start with Red Dead Redemption 2. If you prefer a more linear story, start with Red Dead Redemption. And if you’re looking for a standalone western game, start with Red Dead Revolver.

Here’s a summary of the games and their storylines:

In conclusion, the Red Dead series is a rich and complex franchise with a wide range of games and storylines. Whether you play the games in the "proper" order or in a different order, each game offers a unique and immersive gaming experience.