Red Dead Redemption is currently in a limbo state, as the last game was released back in 2018 with no clear indication if a third chapter will see the light of day. Rockstar's beloved western series has been hailed as one of gaming's most well-crafted stories, but right now, a third Red Dead Redemption is likely far off in the distance.
Only time will tell if RDR3 is on developer Rockstar's to-do list after GTA 6 finally launches, but until then, the fate of the series is fertile soil for speculation. One of the biggest questions regarding RDR3 is who the protagonist should be. There's the possibility that the next game's lead could be another member of the Van der Linde gang, like Sadie or Charles, but a fresh story also has the opportunity to branch out beyond the group of outlaws. If Rockstar is looking to shake things up with its lead, taking a note from RDR1 and further detailing the evolution of the Pinkertons could be a compelling choice.
Red Dead Redemption-Themed Bar Looks Like It's Straight Out of the Games
Fans stumble across a Red Dead Redemption Western-themed bar that looks just like the games, and it’s in an unexpected location.
The Pinkertons Could Prove to Be Red Dead Redemption's Secret Protagonist Weapon
Leaving Law and Order For a Life of Crime
Throughout the series, Red Dead Redemption has followed career criminals. Of course, this is a compelling avenue to venture down, but it could become too predictable if repeated in RDR3. Following a lifelong outlaw may have run its course, and if that's the case, then exploring how someone who leaves their socially respected standing in exchange for the outlaw life might hold a deep well of potential.
In RDR2, the Pinkerton National Detective Agency served as one of the central antagonists of the story, but RDR1 showcased the evolution of the group. In RDR1, former head Pinkerton, Edgar Ross, is placed in charge of the newly formed Bureau of Investigation. This change in organizations was an effective way to demonstrate how quickly the Wild West was changing, as the country was becoming far more serious and determined to put an end to outlaw lifestyles.
The real-life Pinkerton National Detective Agency was founded in 1850 by Allan Pinkerton. The organization still exists today, but has since been rebranded as a security and risk management firm. It is now known as Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations, Inc.
Exploring a Pinkerton or Bureau of Investigation agent who begins to disagree with the organization's methods over time may be the best way to approach a new protagonist. In order to keep the story somewhat connected to the Van der Linde gang and the overall franchise, RDR3 focusing on a Pinkerton or Bureau agent who works under the guidance of Edgar Ross and eventually becomes disgusted with his methods is a possible route. Considering how Ross back-stabbed John Marston at the end of RDR1, it would make sense for one of his men to grow disenchanted with law and order.
Only time will tell if RDR3 is on developer Rockstar's to-do list after GTA 6 finally launches.
There is Plenty More to Explore Within Red Dead Redemption's World
The Van der Linde gang has proven to be a fascinating cast of characters to follow, but it's likely that their time in the spotlight has come to an end. There's the possibility for RDR3 to be another prequel even further back, but once again, that risks being a little too predictable. Predictability doesn't have to be a bad thing, though, as many would be thrilled to revisit some of their favorite characters as younger versions of themselves.
A prequel that follows the early days of Dutch and Hosea is also a strong choice.
Right now, there's no way to know what Rockstar would choose for another Red Dead Redemption story. After GTA 6, there will hopefully be some news as to what lies in store for the series, but in the meantime, the only thing gamers can do is hope that RDR3 becomes a reality.
