Red Dead Redemption 2 is often described as a sweeping Western, but the game isn’t set during the height of the Wild West. Instead, it unfolds in a very specific historical moment when the old frontier is fading and America is beginning to modernize. This precise timing shapes everything—from the Van der Linde gang’s downfall to the world design, technology, and social tension players experience throughout the game.
The Main Story Takes Place in 1899
The core storyline of Red Dead Redemption 2 begins and ends in 1899, a transitional period at the tail end of the American frontier era. By this time, many territories were slowly becoming more civilized, law enforcement was more organized, and outlaws like the Van der Linde gang found fewer places to hide.
1899 is significant for several reasons:
- The age of free-roaming outlaws is nearly over.
- Railroads, telegraphs, and early industry are reshaping the western frontier.
- Federal agencies like the Pinkertons are growing stronger and more aggressive.
- The culture of wandering gunslingers is being replaced by settled towns and expanding infrastructure.
Rockstar uses this late-19th-century backdrop to highlight the gang’s struggle to survive in a world that’s no longer built for them.
The Epilogue Shifts the Story to 1907
After Arthur’s story concludes, Red Dead Redemption 2 jumps ahead eight years to 1907. This period is drastically more modernized:
- Towns are larger and more stable.
- Transportation and communication are improving.
- Ranching and industrial work replace frontier survival.
- Outlaws are nearly extinct, pursued relentlessly by government investigators.
For John Marston, 1907 represents a world he must learn to live in, not fight against.
Where Does RDR2 Fit in the Red Dead Timeline?
Although the franchise has three main titles, only two share a connected story:
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (prequel)
- Red Dead Redemption (original game)
Here’s the full chronological order:
1. Red Dead Revolver (Unrelated timeline)
- Technically the first release, but not directly tied to the Redemption storyline.
- Appears to take place in the 1880s, earlier than RDR2.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2 – Set in 1899 & 1907
- Prequel to John Marston’s story.
- Details the collapse of the Van der Linde gang.
3. Red Dead Redemption – Mostly 1911
- John is forced to hunt down the gang’s surviving members.
- The post-credits gameplay shifts to 1914, after major political and technological changes.
What Was America Like in 1899?
RDR2’s time period is grounded in late-19th-century American history. Some key realities of 1899 help explain the game’s atmosphere:
1. The Frontier Was Closing
- The U.S. Census had declared the American frontier “closed” only a few years earlier.
- Settlements were expanding across former frontier regions.
2. Technology Was Emerging but Not Yet Widespread
- Automobiles and telephones existed, but were rare.
- Electricity was confined to a few major cities.
3. Railroads Shaped Travel and Commerce
- Steam trains were the backbone of long-distance travel and freight.
- This explains frequent train robberies and the importance of rail companies.
4. Unresolved Territorial Issues
- Regions like New Mexico, Arizona, and Oklahoma were still transitioning into proper states.
5. Law Enforcement Was Strengthening
- Agencies like the Pinkertons were expanding influence.
- The days of loosely governed territories were ending quickly.
These real historical elements form the backbone of the game’s tension: the gang is trying to survive in a world that no longer has room for them.
Why 1899 Is the Perfect Setting for RDR2
Rockstar chose 1899 intentionally. The year lets the game balance classic Western themes with early signs of modernization. This creates a world where:
- Horses and revolvers coexist with early industry.
- Outlaws still operate, but face tightening federal pressure.
- The landscape is rugged, but towns show glimpses of the 20th century.
This blend is essential to Arthur’s story—he’s a final remnant of an era that is slipping away. Play Now!
