No—you don’t need to play Red Dead Redemption before Red Dead Redemption 2. Pick the order that suits you: play RDR1 first for release order, or RDR2 first for the story’s chronology. Either is a reasonable way to begin, and neither is established as a prerequisite for understanding the other.
Which order should you choose?
| Your preference | Suggested order | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You want to experience the series in release order | RDR1, then RDR2 | RDR1 came first; Rockstar describes it as the predecessor to the 2018 RDR2. |
| You want the story in chronological order | RDR2, then RDR1 | RDR2 is a prequel, and RDR1 follows its events. |
| You already own RDR2 and want to start playing | Start with RDR2 | There is no established requirement to play RDR1 first. |
The first choice is an editorial recommendation based on release sequence, not an official rule. Your preference for encountering the earlier game before a prequel adds context—or for following events in chronological order—is what matters.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Red Dead Redemption - Nintendo Switch | $23.74 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Red Dead Redemption 2 PS4 Brand New Factory Sealed | $23.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Red Dead Redemption (Renewed) | $17.26 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Red Dead Redemption | $34.10 | Buy on Amazon |
What changes between the two orders?
RDR1 first: release-order discovery
Playing Red Dead Redemption first lets you encounter the original game before its prequel adds earlier history to the series. Rockstar’s store calls RDR1 the “predecessor to the 2018 blockbuster, Red Dead Redemption 2.” Its story follows John Marston as he hunts former gang associates after federal agents threaten his family. This order suits players who prefer to experience a series as its games were released, without needing to know what later entries add.
RDR2 first: chronological continuity
RDR2 is set before RDR1. Rockstar describes RDR1 as Marston’s journey following the events of RDR2, making RDR2 followed by RDR1 the chronological route. Choose it if you would rather begin with the earlier events and continue into the later-set story. This is about story order, not a claim that it is the universally better experience.
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#1 Best Overall
- When federal agents threaten his family, former outlaw John Marston is forced to hunt down the gang of criminals he once called friends.
- Experience Marston’s journey across the sprawling expanses of the American West and Mexico as he fights to bury his blood-stained past in the critically acclaimed predecessor to the 2018 blockbuster, Red Dead Redemption 2.
- Also included is Undead Nightmare, the iconic horror story that transforms the world of Red Dead Redemption into an apocalyptic fight for survival against a zombie horde.
Can you skip RDR1 and start with RDR2?
Yes. The games are connected, but the available official product descriptions establish their sequence and relationship—not that RDR1 is required to understand RDR2. If you are interested in RDR2 now, there is no need to delay it for the sake of a mandatory play order.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to start if you choose RDR1
Check the platform, edition, format, and current availability before buying. Rockstar lists a PlayStation 4 edition whose complete single-player experiences include both Red Dead Redemption and Undead Nightmare, along with bonus content; that listing gives an October 13, 2023 release date. Rockstar also has a PC listing that includes Undead Nightmare, with an October 29, 2024 release date. Those dates identify the specific listings, not a guarantee of current stock or compatibility for every setup. Verify the current store listing for your region and platform.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Experience the epic western adventures that defined a generation
- When federal agents threaten his family, former outlaw John Marston is forced to hunt down the gang of criminals he once called friends.
- Experience Marston’s journey across the sprawling expanses of the American West and Mexico as he fights to bury his blood-stained past in the critically acclaimed predecessor to the 2018 blockbuster, Red Dead Redemption 2.
- Also included is Undead Nightmare, the iconic horror story that transforms the world of Red Dead Redemption into an apocalyptic fight for survival against a zombie horde.
Rank #3
- The Dead Eye targeting mechanic, allowing the player to slow down time for shot accuracy
- Expansive open-world gameplay set in the final years of the American Wild West.
- Massive play area filled with NPCs, made up 3 unique regions composed of towns and outposts filled with varying characters
- Morality system based on honor and fame generated by the players actions throughout the game.
- Western themed mini-games including showdowns, gambling, hunting bounties, cattle herding and five finger fillet
Rank #2
- From the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption
- The deepest and most complex world Rockstar Games has ever created
- Covers a huge range of 19th century American landscapes
- Play as Arthur Morgan, lead enforcer in the notorious Van der Linde gang
- Interact with every character in the world with more than just your gun;Engage in conversation with people you meet. Your actions influence Arthur's honour;Horses are a cowboy's best friend, both transport and personal companion;Bond with your horse as you ride together to unlock new abilities
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
