Featured Image Credit: Rockstar Games
Topics: Red Dead Redemption, Rockstar Games, Red Dead Redemption 2
Topics: Red Dead Redemption, Rockstar Games, Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption fans are united over who should be the new protagonist in a potential Red Dead Redemption 3.
It pretty much goes without saying that the next entry in Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto series is the most highly anticipated game of 2026. However, what comes after GTA VI? No doubt, many gamers will be hoping that the next Red Dead Redemption is waiting in the wings.
It’s said that the development of Red Dead Redemption 2 began when GTA V first launched in 2013, and five years later, it arrived in 2018. So, if we were being very optimistic, it’s perhaps not outside the realm of possibility that RDR3 could arrive in 2031. Now that I type that, it feels like a million miles away.
At the time of writing, Rockstar Games hasn't announced anything related to Red Dead Redemption 3, with its focus on getting GTA VI ready for launch and whatever may come after such as an online mode or PC port. However, that hasn't stopped gamers from speculating what they’d love to see in RDR3.
“RDR3 with Charles as the protagonist would kick ass,” declared Redditor KronusTempus, who listed off the reasons why he’d be a worthy lead in the third-numbered entry.
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“A relatively recent recruit to the gang, Charles is quiet and reserved but extremely competent in everything he does and virtually unbeatable in a fight. A decent, honest man who also happens to be deadly,” reads Rockstar Games’ official description of the character.
“My take.. Give me Charles before RDR2. Ending with him joining the gang and giving me a few more missions with the group's characters, or better, don't even do a RDR3,” suggested Fluffy Cheese. “Give me new missions with RDR2, maybe alternate endings, and more things to discover in their story.”
“I've been saying this since I played RDR2, it would make the most sense as a prequel game and would be so cool to play as him, he is a total badass,” agreed Ice-Berg-Slim.
“I’d be down for that for sure,” said XxOutlawInGreenxX. “Charles, as the main character, would be an awesome outlaw story.”
Whenever discussion of Red Dead Redemption 3 takes place, the common consensus is that there’s no need for an RDR3.
Other than a prequel telling the tales of Black Water, there doesn't seem to be much of a desire for anything else. And, if the story were to take place after John Martston's outing, the time period would lose that wild west shine.
“Not a hot take, but I think there should not be RDR3. Red Dead Redemption is already a completely rounded story. Making another prequel to RDR1 will just ruin it. Maybe a new Red Dead game in the same world with different characters would be much better,” replied Abvgd3.
It’s pretty much a given that we’ll get a new Red Dead at some point, but we can only speculate about what story it might tell at this time. As always, we’ll keep you posted if Rockstar Games makes a big announcement on the next Red Dead game.
As for Grand Theft Auto VI, that’s currently scheduled to be released on 19 November 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
READ MORE: Red Dead Redemption 2 Mod Fixes Major Flaw with Ending!