Rockstar Games. (2018). Red Dead Redemption 2 [Video game]. Rockstar Games.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is an action-adventure game developed and published by Rockstar Games in 2018. Serving as a prequel to the 2010 title Red Dead Redemption, it is the third installment in the Red Dead series. The narrative is set in a fictionalized version of the United States in 1899, following Arthur Morgan, an outlaw and key member of the Van der Linde gang, as he navigates the challenges posed by government forces, rival gangs, and the encroaching end of the Wild West era.

The game is presented from both first- and third-person perspectives, allowing players to freely explore an expansive open world. Core gameplay elements include engaging in shootouts, executing robberies, hunting wildlife, horseback riding, and interacting with non-player characters (NPCs). A significant feature is the honor system, which tracks the morality of the player's choices, influencing how NPCs perceive and interact with Arthur. Committing crimes triggers a bounty system, prompting law enforcement and bounty hunters to pursue the player.

Players can customize their arsenal, choosing from a variety of weapons, and must maintain them to ensure optimal performance. The game also emphasizes realism through mechanics such as the need to eat and rest, as well as the bonding system with horses, which serve as the primary mode of transportation. This bond affects the horse's behavior and performance, encouraging players to care for their animal companions.

Beyond the main storyline, the game offers numerous side activities, including dueling, bounty hunting, and engaging in games like poker and dominoes. The richly detailed world is populated with diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to bustling towns, each teeming with dynamic events and characters that contribute to an immersive experience.

Red Dead Redemption 2 received critical acclaim for its narrative depth, complex characters, and meticulous attention to detail, solidifying its status as a landmark achievement in open-world game design.