Red Dead Redemption 2 vs GTA V

Rockstar Games has been known to produce superhit games. Two of them, Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) and GTA V (2013) are probably the best of them all. As a result, the two games have similar game mechanics. The factor that differentiates the two games is in the settings and gameplay of the two.

Settings of Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA V maps

The worlds of both the games are gigantic. You could finish entire storylines of both of them, and yet some areas will be left unexplored. To have the idea of how huge RDR2’s map is, you can compare it with that of Red Dead Redemption. The map is four times the original map. It is Rockstar’s biggest map yet. Alanah Pearce, producer of Rooster Teeth, took about 14 minutes to gallop across the entire RDR2 map, edge-to-edge. GTA V, although huge, is not larger than RDR2.

When it comes to arms and vehicle, GTA V wins it. This is because GTA V is set in modern-day Los Santos with tons of weapons, cars, bikes, trains, boats, and planes. When it comes to the Old West setting of Red Dead Redemption 2, it just doesn’t match the feeling you get driving down the freeway or flying high at high speeds in GTA V. Sure, the horse riding and train travelling RDR2 gives it a certain ambience that feels great, but personally, GTA V wins here.

Winner: Tie

Gameplay

Though the above reasons stay valid, they don’t mean that GTA V has better gameplay than RDR2. Even though RDR2 is set in an older time period than GTA V and has many related aforementioned drawbacks, the combat system is much more satisfying of the former. The returning Dead Eye targeting mechanic is better than Michael’s ability to slow down time easily. This allows Arthur to select multiple enemies and specific body parts, instead of just slowing down time.

Coming to the story-driven gameplay, both games have side missions, Stranger missions and Freak encounters. It helps the player to catch some break from the main storyline. However, the fun activities of both Rockstar’s games massively differ. GTA V’s triathlon, boat races, darts, tennis, although fun, are nowhere as rich as the mini-games throughtout the world of RDR2. Poker, hunting, fishing, duels, train hijacking, are just golden activities in RDR2.

GTA V has its modern setting to thank for the variety in gameplay, yet it fails to match the insane amount of things to do in RDR2. Although one can argue that with time, Rockstar has improved a lot upon their combat mechanics, making the combat more fluid and natural.

Winner: Red Dead Redemption 2

Story Comparison of RDR2 and GTA V

GTA V’s story is one of the most badass in the gaming world. Rockstar managed to narrate three excellent stories in one game, and they managed to overlap the three of them. In the story, they even managed to portray character contrast, character development and backstories to the three protagonist anti-heroes.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is also regarded as a masterpiece of storytelling. It has a roster of complicated, yet compelling characters. While GTA V allows you to experience multiple stories at once, here, you can only play as Arthur. His interactions with the other NPCs of the Red Dead world and with the Dutch van der Linde gang is a delight in itself.

Dutch van der Linde is a perfect example of the complex characters of RDR2. At first, his charisma attracts the player. Though not much later, we can see how cowardly and deceptive he really is. All of these actions, not only affect the story’s plot, it gives shape to the entire series.

It’s fascinating how a prequal of a superhit game like Red Dead Redemption could do so well. Agreed that much of the support of RDR2 is thanks to the original; RDR2 is able to overcome the boundaries of being a prequal.

Michael, Franklin and Trevor have extremely underrated stories, but they cannot compete with Arthur Morgan’s and Dutch vad der Linde’s deep narrative.

Winner: Red Dead Redemption 2

Graphics

GTA V has towering skyscrappers, vast wastelands, beautiful mountain ranges and amazing cities. Undeniably, GTA V impressed everyone when it came out with it’s graphics. But, with time, graphics have come a long way too.

As expected, Red Dead portrays some of the most beautiful sceneries and towns you’ve ever seen. The natural light that affects everything in every way possible. Depending on the time of the day and other factors, objects light up differently, giving it a life-like feel. It makes animals so realistic that hunting becomes tough for the light-hearted.

Although, GTA V can replicate some of these features, thanks to PC Mods, RDR2’s graphics and everything about them is unmatchable.

Winner: Red Dead Redemption 2

Final Verdict

In all four categories, the competition was very close. Even being a five year older game, GTA V gave a tough fight to RDR2. Many of the reasons of why RDR2 is better in many aspects is probably that it released in a much later time. Red Dead Redemption 2 appears to have molded the good things from GTA V and Red Dead Redemption into one massive success. Although, both games are unique in their own perspectives and will be remembered as some of the greatest of all time.

Having said that, Red Dead Redemption 2 wins against GTA V.