The most significant update on Red Dead Redemption 3 (RDR3) comes from a recent interview with Dan Houser, Rockstar Games’ co-founder and former lead writer (who left the studio in 2020). In a discussion about Rockstar’s future projects, Houser expressed that a third installment is likely but stirred some bittersweet feelings among fans. He stated that RDR3 “will probably happen,” but he’d feel “a bit sad” about it because the first two games formed a “cohesive two-game arc” centered on the Van der Linde gang and the Marston family saga. Houser compared this to his emotions around Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), noting he’d be even more saddened to hear about RDR3 in development without his direct involvement, given his deep personal investment in the series’ narrative.
This comment has sparked widespread discussion, as it’s the closest thing to confirmation we’ve seen from a key Rockstar figure. However, Rockstar Games itself has made no official announcement about RDR3’s development, release date, or even confirmation. Speculation points to a potential launch after GTA 6 (expected in late 2025 or early 2026), possibly in the 2026–2030 window, based on Rockstar’s typical 5–8 year development cycles.
Excitement among fans is running high, though it’s mixed with a fair share of worry. Many are thrilled at the prospect of a new Red Dead Redemption installment but express concern about whether the series can maintain its signature storytelling quality without Dan Houser’s writing. Online discussions have surfaced fears that RDR3 could end up feeling like an unnecessary extension of the story, potentially diluting the emotional closure achieved in Red Dead Redemption 2. Meanwhile, creative ideas are circulating across the community, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where fans have suggested intriguing concepts such as a dual-timeline campaign featuring an adult Jack Marston in the early 20th century, with playable flashbacks to a young Dutch van der Linde forming the gang. Others have jokingly pleaded for RDR3 to arrive before GTA 6 to help ease the long wait. Adding to the buzz, there’s growing speculation about a next-gen upgrade for RDR2 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and possibly the Nintendo Switch 2, which could keep fans engaged while anticipation for RDR3 continues to build.
