Red Dead Redemptionis one of the strongest narrative-focused franchises in gaming. Rockstar’s Western adventure series has explored one of the most fascinating periods of American history in a way that not only immerses players but also connects them to the various characters in these stories. So far,Red Dead Redemptionhas kept its narrative intertwined. From the Van der Linde gang to its central themes, there are storytelling features that are to be expected from future games in the series.
One of the biggest ways bothRed Dead RedemptionandRed Dead Redemption 2are connected is through tragic endings. The deaths of protagonistsJohn Marston and Arthur Morganare heart-wrenching moments that bring strong characters to early graves. While these two leads meet an untimely end, they also receive the titular redemption that is so important throughout the franchise. However, if a thirdRed Dead Redemptionchapter sees the light of day, flipping this expected finale on its head could be a strong change.
The Causes of Arthur Morgan and John Marston’s Deaths
The tragic fates both ofRed Dead Redemption’s protagonistsface serve as deeply emotional finales for these games. When it comes to telling compelling, but gut-wrenching, stories,Red Dead Redemptionexcels. However, now that a tragic finale for its protagonist is to be expected, Rockstar has the chance to surprise players by finally giving the next main character a happier ending.
As of now, there is no tellingwho could serve asRed Dead Redemption 3’s lead character. Considering the first game and prequel were connected, it makes sense for the series to continue following names who have ties to the Van der Linde gang, which leaves several characters who would be strong choices.
As the above list shows, there are several fascinating directions to go withRed Dead Redemption 3and its story. At this point, any of these characters could star in the next chapter, as the fates of these three remain uncertain. InRed Dead Redemption 2, Sadie and Charles eventually go off on their own, the former south and the latter north, presumably to South America and Canada. This leaves the door open for fascinating new settings that potentially give Sadie and Charles happier closes to their stories. However,revisiting the Marston lineage with Jackis also a strong option, although he supposedly lives long past the days of the Wild West era.
In keeping with the franchise’s western focus, Sadie and Charles may be the more likely options, then. There is also the chance that the third game is another prequel, except this time even further in the past withDutch and Hosea’s early days as outlaws. Technically, such a prequel could have a happy ending, even if the ultimate fates of the two aren’t so lucky in the overarching story. Seeing the two in a prequel story that ends on an optimistic note could serve as the bittersweet gut punch that would be right at home in aRed Dead Redemptionstory.
Asthe launch ofGTA 6is imminent, Rockstar has its hands full at the moment, so there’s no telling when a freshRed Dead Redemptionchapter will arrive. That day will hopefully be sooner rather than later, but a third entry is still bound to be years down the road.
