Red Dead Redemption 2 praised as an untouchable masterpiece as it turns 5

It’s 26 October which is a major day in the Rockstar Games calendar. No, I’m not talking about the fact that so-called insiders are convinced that a Grand Theft Auto VI trailer might be dropped today. Red Dead Redemption 2 is now officially five years old.

Cast your mind back to 26 October, 2018. You turn on your PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, after spending a couple hours instaling what you’d soon discover to be one of Rockstar’s greatest releases. The intro’s handwritten scrawl appears on your screen, followed by ‘Rockstar Games presents’. The wind starts whistling as you’re whisked away to a snow-ridden mountainside. Is this bringing back fond memories? If you’re a fan of Red Dead Redemption 2, I’m sure you’d agree that it’s easily up there as one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in gaming. To celebrate its anniversary, fans are sharing their own memories.

Take a look at our favourite Red Dead Redemption 2 wins and fails below.

“Was peak back then, still is peak today. This masterpiece hasn’t aged one bit,” wrote Twitter user Ablirr_, while kieropal added, “Wishing the happiest of birthdays to one of the greatest playable masterpieces I have ever had the privilege of playing!!! This game has changed my life and the gang feels like a part of me, they're like family! Outlaws for life.” One user simply stated, “My best experience in video games.”

Fans regularly celebrate the fact that Red Dead Redemption 2 boasts one of the best open worlds out there, and just so happens to also be one of the best-looking releases to this day. That hasn’t stopped players from wishing for a new-gen update though. You’d expect one to land at some point. We also don’t know if Rockstar has plans for a Red Dead Redemption 3. It would be odd not to continue this incredible franchise in one form or another.

There are so many interesting and underutilised characters Rockstar could revisit if they didn’t want to opt for a straight forward sequel, but I digress. Today, let’s just fondly think back on an incredible game. Happy fifth birthday Red Dead Redemption 2.