Red Dead Redemption and its sequel are serious games - for the most part. Both smartly written, fiercely satirical, and fantastically immersive takes on the classic Western, they contain some of the most biting critiques of American history, culture, and mentalities as have ever been programmed into a video game. They also happen to be brilliant dramas, featuring fascinating characters who stick with you even after the credits roll. 5o564h

The Red Dead Redemption franchise features some of the most impressive and memorable writing in gaming history. The story both games tell about change, revenge, and cycles of violence is powerful and provides the backbone upon which this fictional version of America is built. And the characters in both games, namely the protagonists Arthur Morgan and John Marston, are written and acted with such depth as to make them feel like complex and dynamic people.

With a potential sequel to Red Dead Redemption 2 in the works, there is one thing that could set it apart from the other games. With both previous games having such strong reviews and with many players so dedicated to them, it will be hard for any sequel to live up to the standard that they have set. Attempting to rehash the same story will lead to potential issues, as it will feel too much like a copycat of the first two games.

Your horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 is your primary way of getting around the massive open world, so you'll want to improve your steed whenever you can by using the best Saddles to improve its stats. Horses transport you across the environment and allow you to participate in intense chases against other mounted enemies. Having a better Saddle than someone else may help you win future gunfights on horseback.

Red Dead Redemption 2 takes place years before the first game, when John Marston and his family were still of the Van Der Linde gang. But even then, in 1899, the gang was far from its prime. The game opens as they flee into the icy mountains, several dead, dying, or captured, and while they achieve some success in heists during the first few chapters, the outlaws never regain their former strength. As much as players come to care for this gang, it is clear from the beginning that it's falling apart.

Hunting is hardly required in Red Dead Redemption 2, but it makes up a sizable portion of the game's content. Everything from the Master Hunter challenges to crafting better equipment to completing certain Stranger missions requires hunting perfect specimens of different animals found across the map.

While the vast landscapes of Red Dead Redemption 2 and its predecessor made a lasting impression on players, another element that made its mark was the selection of well-crafted characters. Even though the main story of both games is complete, many memorable side characters are still left with untold stories or potential for a future encounter. These characters weren't just extras; they had their own unique backgrounds and often boasted as much depth as some main characters.

The challenges in Red Dead Redemption 2 aren't required to beat the game's story, but they do provide Arthur and John with some additional goals on the side. There are nine kinds of challenges in the game to complete: bandit, explorer, gambler, herbalist, horseman, master hunter, sharpshooter, survivalist, and weapons expert. Each focuses on a different kind of skill the player uses throughout RDR2, and each has ten steps to complete.

Red Dead Redemption 3 has been on a lot of fans' minds, especially with GTA 6's inevitable release date nearing. It's understandable, as no one really knows what Rockstar has planned once it finally releases GTA 6 and rakes in its millions if not billions of dollars from sales. Naturally, people will turn to Red Dead Redemption, as it is Rockstar's most recent non-GTA game, and thus the most likely to get a sequel.

The main plot of Red Dead Redemption 2 is the game's lifeblood, but it's not the only storyline players can involve themselves in. Around the map are many "stranger" missions, where Arthur or John meet an eccentric individual and provide them with some assistance. They range from comical to deadly serious in tone, and while none are required to complete the game, players who ignore them are certainly missing out — for the most part.