Spoilers ahead for RDR1 and RDR2
Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to make waves next year, and with its two protagonists, Jason and Lucia, this entry will mark the first time that the franchise has featured two main playable characters. The last entry in the series, GTA 5, brought a trio of protagonists into the story, but GTA 6's dual approach with a romantic couple is an exciting change of pace that hints at more emotional depth.
The wait for GTA 6 is growing shorter, and once the long-awaited title is finally here, many will be eager to find out what Rockstar's next project is. Although it hasn't been confirmed, it's expected that the next game from the developer might be Red Dead Redemption 3. This makes sense, considering that it's Rockstar's other most-beloved series, but it has yet to be actually announced. However, if RDR3 becomes reality, GTA 6's dual protagonist approach could inspire its story.
GTA 6 Telling its Story Through Two Different Perspectives Could Be the Blueprint for RDR3
Red Dead Redemption is No Stranger to Dual Protagonists
In RDR1, players take on the role of both John and Jack Marston, stepping into the shoes of the latter after the death of the former. RDR2 takes a similar approach, except this time, it isn't a father and son story. After Arthur dies at the end of RDR2, the mantle is passed down to John, as he hunts for Micah Bell. So, the Wild West franchise is well-versed in putting multiple characters front and center, but the series has yet to allow players to control two players in the same storyline. The second protagonist has always been introduced after a character's death, and RDR3 could subvert these expectations in two unique ways.
GTA 6 is currently expected to arrive on May 26, 2026.
A Dutch and Hosea Prequel
The desire for a prequel following the antics of Dutch and Hosea before the full formation of the Van der Linde gang has been voiced for a while now, and it could definitely be a compelling angle. With RDR2 being a prequel, it would make sense for RDR3 to go back even further in time. Also, seeing Dutch and Hosea as younger versions of themselves before everything came crumbling down around them would make this type of story a truly bittersweet experience that could honor Red Dead Redemption's tradition of emotionally complex storytelling.
The biggest downside of this option, though, is that the gameplay may feel far too similar to GTA 6. Swapping between Hosea and Dutch like Jason and Lucia may lack the excitement that Rockstar would want. Thankfully, there's a second option.
Dutch and Hosea first met each other while trying to rob one another.
Following Sadie Adler and Charles Smith on Two Parallel Journeys
After the events of RDR2, Sadie voices her desire to go to South America, while Charles Smith has left for Canada. Beyond that, their fates are completely unknown, leaving the door open for Rockstar to take a bold leap with RDR3's story. The third chapter could leave the United States behind altogether and dive into both Sadie's time in South America and Charles Smith's life in Canada.
A narrative that bounces back and forth between these two outlaws who were once friends could hold its own unique brand of emotional weight. Although no longer part of each other's lives, Sadie and Charles could be on paths that mirror one another. One of the toughest decisions Rockstar has to make in the future is RDR3's protagonist, and giving players closure on Sadie and Charles might be one of the best routes to take. The story can still stay connected to the Van der Linde gang in an important way while also bringing something new to the table.
OpenCritic Reviews
- Released
- November 19, 2026
- ESRB
- Rating Pending - Likely Mature 17+
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
