Hello, fellow wanderer of the plains. Have you ever ridden through the sunsets of Red Dead Redemption and wondered, "What's next?" With RDR2 being a prequel and RDR1 detailing the finale of an era, it feels like the circle is almost complete. But is it really? As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, the question of a third installment isn't just about if, but where and when. The series' exploration of a changing world is so rich, it begs the question: what if we went back to the very beginning? Not the end of the Wild West, but its chaotic, lawless dawn. Let's saddle up and explore some trails a potential Red Dead Redemption 3 could blaze.
The Allure of a True Beginning: Post-Civil War Frontier
The period Rockstar's masterpieces are known for was shockingly brief. So, what came before the cowboys and the campfires we know? Imagine a world still reeling from the scars of the American Civil War (1861-1865). This wasn't just a shift in governance; it was a societal earthquake. The war's end didn't bring peace—it unleashed a flood of people, dreams, and conflicts westward. Isn't that the perfect fertile ground for a Red Dead story? A world being born from ashes, where the very concept of "law" is being written in blood and dust.
This setting is a treasure trove for narrative possibilities:
-
A Fresh Protagonist: We could follow an ex-soldier, perhaps from the Union, disillusioned by the industrialized warfare of the East, seeking a new start—or just escaping his past—in the untamed West. His journey from structured military life to absolute frontier anarchy would be a powerful character arc.
-
Uncharted Moral Ground: The themes would be raw and immediate. Is this expansion "manifest destiny" or brutal conquest? As settlers pushed west, they encroached on Native American lands, creating relentless conflict. A story from this era couldn't avoid these brutal, essential questions about belonging, ownership, and survival.
-
A Blank Slate World: This allows the game to build a world that feels both familiar and utterly new. Towns are not established but being founded. Legends aren't yet myths; they're being made by people like you. The sense of being part of history's forging would be unparalleled.
A Perspective Long Overdue: Through Native American Eyes
Speaking of that conflict, one of the boldest and most intriguing paths would be to shift the perspective entirely. What if we were the ones defending our homeland from the encroaching tide of settlers and outlaws? A story told from the viewpoint of a Native American character during these early frontier days would not only be fresh but profoundly impactful.
Think about it: the core Red Dead themes of a dying way of life, loyalty to your community (or gang), and fighting against an inevitable change would resonate powerfully from this side of history. It would reframe the entire "Wild West" narrative we're used to. The "frontier" wasn't empty; it was home. This route would demand incredible sensitivity and depth, but if anyone could pull it off, it's the storytellers behind Arthur Morgan's journey. Wouldn't that be a story worth telling?
The Prequel Path: Deepening the Van der Linde Legend
Okay, I can hear some of you saying, "But I need more of that gang!" It's a fair point. The most speculated—and perhaps likely—route is another dive into the past of the Van der Linde gang. If RDR2 was about the gang's downfall, RDR3 could be about its rise. And the perfect lens for that story? Hosea Matthews.
Here’s why Hosea is such a compelling candidate for a protagonist:
| Aspect | Why It's Fascinating |
|---|---|
| His Background | A man who dreamed of being an actor and comedian, using his silver tongue not on stage but in cons. How does a charismatic performer become a master manipulator and outlaw? |
| Meeting Dutch | The game could chronicle his early, perhaps solo, exploits, leading to that fateful meeting with a young, idealistic Dutch van der Linde. What drew these two brilliant, contrasting minds together? |
| The Gang's Formation | We could witness the gathering of the first members—a young Arthur, a even younger John—and see the original, perhaps purer, ideals Dutch preached before they curdled. |
| Full Circle | Playing as Hosea would make the tragedies of RDR2 even more poignant. We'd see the hopeful beginning, knowing the bitter end. That's classic Red Dead bittersweetness. |
Playing as Hosea would offer a different flavor of gameplay, too. Less brute force, more silver-tongued deception, intricate cons, and strategic planning. It would explore the Wild West not just through gunfights, but through the art of the lie.
What Makes a Red Dead Story, Anyway?
As we dream about these possibilities, it's worth asking: what's the non-negotiable heart of this series? For me, it's the poignant clash between personal freedom and a changing world. It's about flawed people trying to find meaning, family, and a place to belong as the ground shifts beneath their feet. Whether it's 1865 or 1885, that core theme can—and should—remain.
So, where do I hope the trail leads? Honestly, any path that respects that core would be welcome. The post-Civil War frontier offers a raw, new canvas. The Native American perspective offers a necessary and gripping reframing. And Hosea's story offers a deep, emotional connection to the saga we already love.
In the end, the greatest strength of Red Dead Redemption has always been its ability to make us feel the dust, the doubt, and the desperate hope of its characters. No matter which dawn they choose to explore next, I'll be ready to ride into it. After all, isn't the unknown horizon the most compelling part of any journey? What about you? Which beginning would you most want to see?