A viral Reddit thread on r/reddeadredemption reveals striking optimism: some fans predict Red Dead Redemption 3 could release as early as 2026-2028. Their reasoning?
“RDR2 was written right after RDR1, same as GTA V after GTA IV. By that logic, RDR3 should follow GTA 6 quickly.”
This theory hinges on Rockstar’s historical 5-8 year gaps between flagship titles. But critical context is missing.
Why 2026 Is Almost Certainly Impossible
Industry realities crush the hopeful timeline:
- GTA 6 Dominance: Rockstar will support GTA 6 Online for years post-launch (GTA Online still thrives 12 years later).
- New IP Rumors: Multiple insiders report Rockstar prototyping a sci-fi/medieval AAA title post-GTA 6.
- Development Scale: RDR2 took 8 years with 1,600+ devs. RDR3 would require similar resources.
As Redditor KingGuy420 countered:
“Minimum 5 years between GTA 6 and RDR3. With a new IP? 2035… probably 2038.”
Rockstar’s Actual Project Pipeline
| Project | Expected Release | Impact on RDR3 |
|---|---|---|
| GTA 6 | May 2026 (confirmed) | All hands until 2026+ |
| New IP | 2029-2031 (rumored) | Next priority after GTA 6 |
| RDR2 Next-Gen | 2027 (likely) | Stopgap before RDR3 |
| RDR3 | 2033-2035 | Realistic based on gaps |
What Could Accelerate RDR3?
Only two scenarios might shorten the wait:
- GTA 6 Online Underperforms: Unlikely given series history
- New IP Canceled: Rockstar pivots to safe sequels
Neither is probable. As one developer anonymously noted: “Red Dead isn’t shelved – but it’s a 2030s project.”
Coping With the Long Wait
For heartbroken fans:
- Replay RDR2: Next-gen upgrade expected 2027
- Explore Mods: PC community adds quests/mechanics
- Watch for Spin-Offs: TV/film adaptations in talks
The harsh truth? Red Dead’s meticulous world-building can’t be rushed.
Also, Read
- Red Dead Redemption 3: Fans Divided Over Prequel Setting Idea
- Red Dead Online Free Item Blitz – Claim Vaquero Spurs in Final 48 Hours
- Red Dead Redemption 2’s Secret Fishing Mission Dialogue Stuns Fans – “I Love This Game!”
Key Takeaways
- No Official Confirmation: Rockstar hasn’t acknowledged RDR3 exists.
- GTA 6 Is the Priority: All resources focused on May 2026 launch.
- Manage Expectations: 2026-2028 is technically feasible only if Rockstar abandons its new IP – which won’t happen.
- Silver Lining: The longer the wait, the more revolutionary RDR3 could be on future hardware.
GTA 6 releases May 26, 2026, on PS5/Xbox Series X|S. Red Dead Redemption 2 is available now.