The Van der Linde Saga’s Unfinished Business
With Red Dead Redemption 2’s lack of story DLC, fans increasingly speculate about the series’ future. Rockstar’s epic prequel answered key questions about Dutch’s gang and John Marston’s past – yet left tantalizing gaps. The biggest? The Blackwater Massacre, a pivotal event referenced throughout RDR2 that reshaped the gang. This narrative void fuels theories that Red Dead Redemption 3 could delve deeper into the gang’s early days.
Top Fan Theories for Red Dead 3
1. The Blackwater Prequel
- Premise: Play as young John Marston during the gang’s golden era
- Key Events: The disastrous ferry heist that sparked Dutch’s downfall
- Timeline: 1880s-1890s (10+ years before RDR2)
Why it works: Explores Hosea/Dutch’s ideals before corruption and reveals Mac Callander’s fate.
2. Franchise Reboot
- Premise: New “Red Dead [R-word]” title (e.g., Revenge, Revolution)
- Potential Settings:
- Mexican Revolution (1910s)
- Gold Rush era (1840s)
- Comanche Wars (1860s)
Why it works: Honors Red Dead Revolver’s standalone spirit while freeing writers from existing lore.
3. Jack Marston’s Redemption
- Premise: Continue post-RDR1 as Jack in Prohibition-era America
- Controversy: Clashes with Western themes; risks becoming Mafia clone
Why Rockstar’s Silence Speaks Volumes
- GTA 6 Dominance: All resources funneled toward May 2026 launch
- New IP Rumors: Sci-fi/medieval title in early development post-GTA 6
- Historical Gaps: 8 years between RDR1 (2010) and RDR2 (2018)
As one Redditor noted: “If Red Dead Redemption 3 happens, it’s a 2030s game.”
What Could Accelerate Development?
| Scenario | Likelihood | RDR3 ETA |
|---|---|---|
| GTA 6 Online underperforms | Low | 2030-2032 |
| Rockstar expands studios | Medium | 2029-2031 |
| New IP canceled | Very Low | 2028 |
Also, Read
- Red Dead Redemption 2 Mod Adds 100+ Dynamic Hideouts & Ambushes
- Red Dead Redemption 2 Players Discover Hidden Clothing Customization After 7 Years
- Red Dead Redemption 3 Release Predictions – Why 2026 Dreams Face a 2035 Reality
Key Takeaways
- Narrative Potential: Blackwater heist remains prime unexplored territory
- Reboot Appeal: New settings could revitalize the Western genre
- Realistic Timeline: 2028-2032 based on Rockstar’s development patterns
- GTA 6 First: No RDR3 news expected before 2027
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Next-gen upgrade still requested by fans.