In a fascinating turn of events, fans of the Red Dead Redemption series have recently realized that the ideal setting for Red Dead Redemption 3 was cleverly hinted at years ago within the game's own lore. As of 2025, Rockstar Games remains heavily invested in the development and online expansion of GTA 6, which is expected to dominate the studio's resources for the foreseeable future. However, this discovery has reignited excitement among the gaming community, suggesting that a third installment could explore the origins of the infamous Van der Linde gang through a prequel narrative, much like its predecessors.

The revelation stems from a hidden photograph found in Red Dead Redemption 2, released back in 2018. This image depicts a younger Dutch van der Linde, Hosea Matthews, and an even more youthful Arthur Morgan, hinting at untold stories from the gang's early days. Fans argue that this subtle detail could serve as the perfect foundation for Red Dead Redemption 3, allowing players to witness the rise of the gang before its eventual downfall. Such a prequel would continue the series' tradition of moving backward in time, offering fresh perspectives on familiar characters and events.

On platforms like Reddit, enthusiasts have passionately debated this possibility. One user proposed, "If we're going that route, let's make it interesting and have Dutch or Hosea be the player character. Show us how the gang got where it did." Another echoed this sentiment, adding, "There's something poetic about playing the protagonist in the third game as the antagonist from the first. Dutch's inner dialogue would be fascinating to hear." These discussions highlight a strong community desire for deeper character exploration, potentially shifting the focus to figures like Dutch, whose complex persona could drive a compelling narrative arc.

People Also Ask

• When will Red Dead Redemption 3 be officially announced?

• Could Dutch van der Linde become the main protagonist in the next game?

• Will Arthur Morgan make any appearance in Red Dead Redemption 3?

• How might Rockstar Games balance development with GTA 6 ongoing?

Despite the lack of an official confirmation, key figures from Rockstar Games and its parent company, Take-Two Interactive, have dropped tantalizing hints about the franchise's future. In a past interview, Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser stated that Red Dead Redemption 3 would "probably" happen, though he has since left the studio. More recently, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick reaffirmed the franchise's longevity in vague terms, listing it as a series fans can expect to see more of in the coming years. These comments, while not concrete, suggest that plans are in motion behind the scenes, with 2025 marking a year of heightened anticipation.

Adding to the speculation, Roger Clark, the voice actor behind Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2, shared his insights. He expressed confidence that a third game will eventually materialize but emphasized that Morgan's story has concluded. "I’m certain we will see RDR3 one day," Clark remarked. "When that will be—I have absolutely no idea. Don’t count on Arthur’s involvement either. His story has been told, I feel." This stance implies that any return to a younger Morgan would require a new actor, presenting a significant challenge given Clark's iconic portrayal.

The potential for Red Dead Redemption 3 as a prequel raises intriguing questions about gameplay and storytelling. Focusing on Dutch or Hosea could delve into themes of leadership, betrayal, and the gang's formation, offering a stark contrast to the redemption arcs of previous games. Rockstar's expertise in immersive open worlds could bring this era to life with enhanced graphics and mechanics, building on the success of Red Dead Redemption 2. However, with GTA 6 still in the spotlight, fans must temper their expectations for an imminent release, as the studio's priorities clearly lie elsewhere for now.

As the gaming world buzzes with theories and hopes, one open-ended question lingers: What pivotal moment in the Van der Linde gang's history would you most want to experience firsthand in Red Dead Redemption 3?