If you want an open-world game you can start now, choose Red Dead Redemption 2. If you are more interested in a modern crime story around Vice City and can wait, Grand Theft Auto VI is the one to watch: Rockstar currently lists it for November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. That recommendation is based on each game’s premise and availability—not a claim that one plays, looks, or tells its story better.
At a glance: GTA 6 or Red Dead Redemption 2?
| Decision point | Grand Theft Auto VI | Red Dead Redemption 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Can you play it now? | No. Rockstar lists it as coming November 19, 2026. | Yes. Rockstar lists Story Mode and Red Dead Online. |
| Where and when is it set? | Modern-day Vice City and the state of Leonida. | America in 1899, as the Wild West era draws to a close. |
| Who is the story about? | Jason and Lucia, drawn into a criminal conspiracy. | Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang, fleeing after a robbery in Blackwater goes wrong. |
| Officially documented platforms | PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC versions are documented by Rockstar. |
Sources: Rockstar’s GTA VI page, its GTA VI support information, the Rockstar Store listing for RDR2, and Rockstar’s RDR2 launch announcement and PC announcement.
Can you play GTA 6 yet?
No. As of October 4, 2026, Rockstar lists Grand Theft Auto VI as forthcoming on November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The official premise follows Jason and Lucia as they become entangled in a criminal conspiracy across Leonida. If your priority is to play now, GTA VI is not yet an option.
Rockstar’s page describes Jason and Lucia as people who “have always known the deck is stacked against them.” That is publisher copy, not a quotation from a named speaker. Check Rockstar’s current game page close to purchase, since release plans and product details can change.
#1 Best Overall
What kind of story does each game offer?
GTA VI: contemporary crime in Vice City and Leonida
Rockstar pitches GTA VI as a modern-day crime story centered on Jason and Lucia and a conspiracy spanning the state of Leonida. Pick it if that setting and premise are the draw, and you are comfortable waiting for the scheduled release.
Red Dead Redemption 2: an outlaw gang in 1899
Red Dead Redemption 2 follows Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang after a robbery in Blackwater goes wrong and they flee across the American heartland. Rockstar’s store describes its setting with the line, “America, 1899. The end of the Wild West era has begun.” This is a western outlaw story, not a modern crime setting.
Rank #2
- Will take full advantage of the power of new generation systems and PC to deliver across-the-board enhancements including increased resolution and graphical detail, denser traffic, greater draw distances, upgraded AI, new wildlife, and advanced weather and damage effects for the ultimate open world experience.
- The biggest, most dynamic and most diverse open world ever created and now packed with layers of new detail.
- Grand Theft Auto V blends storytelling and gameplay in new ways as players repeatedly jump in and out of the lives of the game’s three lead characters, playing all sides of the game’s interwoven story.
- Includes Grand Theft Auto Online, the ever-evolving Grand Theft Auto universe.
- All new content and gameplay created and released since the launch of Grand Theft Auto Online including new Jobs, an arsenal of new weapons, scores of new vehicles, new properties and player customizations
The premise gives you a useful way to choose between them: contemporary Vice City crime with Jason and Lucia, or an 1899 western centered on Arthur and a gang in decline. Official descriptions establish that contrast, but they cannot tell you which story you will enjoy more.
Is Red Dead Redemption 2 available on your platform?
Rockstar’s materials document versions for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Its store listing includes Story Mode and Red Dead Online. Confirm that the listing you are buying matches your system and check its current edition details; platform-specific availability and product listings can differ.
Rank #3
- This product contains a download code inside the box — no disc is included. Customer shipments will begin arriving November 12 for pre-load; game is playable starting November 19.
- Pre-order to receive the Vintage Vice City Pack.
- Grand Theft Auto VI is a single-player experience.
- PS4 or Xbox One: Rockstar documented the game’s launch on these consoles in 2018.
- PC: Rockstar announced a PC version in 2019. Its old PC announcement is historical information, not current hardware advice.
Sources: Rockstar Store, console launch announcement, and PC announcement.
What should you know before pre-ordering GTA VI?
Rockstar’s support information lists Standard and Ultimate Editions. It also says the physical box contains a download code and no disc. If you need a disc, do not assume the boxed product provides one. Before ordering, verify the platform, edition, account region, and current terms in the listing.
Rank #4
- Grand Theft Auto III: It all starts in Liberty City
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City: Welcome to the 1980s
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: Five years ago, Carl 'CJ' Johnson escaped the haze of Los Santos, San Andreas...a city tearing itself apart with gang trouble, drugs, and corruption.
Details are in Rockstar Customer Support’s GTA VI information, last updated August 18, 2026. Because the title is still upcoming as of October 4, 2026, recheck the official page and seller listing before purchase.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to make the choice
- Choose Red Dead Redemption 2 if you want to begin now and its 1899 outlaw premise appeals to you.
- Wait for GTA VI if Jason and Lucia’s modern-day Vice City and Leonida story is the one you want, and you are prepared for the currently announced November 19, 2026 release on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S.
This comparison is about setting, premise, and timing. Rockstar’s official descriptions do not establish a winner for gameplay, writing, graphics, map size, mission structure, or playtime.
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