Red Dead Redemption is largely different from its Grand Theft Auto counterpart because it puts story and character at the forefront. The narrative is what shines brightest in both games, depicting a dying wild west as people who lived the lifestyle so faithfully attempt to navigate the changing times. Arthur Morgan's journey in the second game is a fantastic glimpse into the Van Der Linde Gang, while the 2010 game shows how John Marston is trying to leave such a rag-tag and criminal life behind as the 20th century settles in. With the second title being a prequel, it's not out of the realm of possibility that Red Dead Redemption 3 does something different, too.
While it could see a drastic shift in setting or time period, Red Dead Redemption 3 surely has to retain some of what fans love in order to achieve the same standard the first two games set. The franchise has fast become one of the most beloved in gaming, and while Rockstar Games is hard at work on Grand Theft Auto 6, it's still all-too-enticing to theorize about where the developer's western epic will go next. To retain some of the familiarity, it may be wise to bring back characters who have made an impact before. John Marston still had a lot of ways he can be included once again.
Red Dead Redemption 3 Could Go in Any Direction
John Marston's ending is well documented, so his role in a game that takes place after 1911 would have to be minimal, if at all existent. However, returning to the Van Der Linde Gang by putting players in the shoes of Sadie, Charles, or even Jack could provoke John to return as a memory, steering the character towards a specific path. Like Joel in The Last of Us 2 or the Joker in Arkham Knight, the death of a beloved personality doesn't have to spell the end of their involvement in the story, as they can still contribute to the tone and character development of the new protagonist.
As Red Dead Redemption 2 serves as a prequel to the first game, it's possible that the third game will do the same, exploring the USA in the years shortly after the Civil War. Seeing John as a teen or young adult could be a fascinating insight into his life before having a family to worry about, and the shift in time could allow him to feel like a very different character, maturing into a father and husband, mellowing as the years roll by. Instead of following convention by adding to the story on the back end, giving context to what came before could fit Red Dead Redemption's historical themes while also providing the perfect opportunity for John Marston to come back.
John Marston is Tied to Red Dead Redemption Forever
Though he's not the protagonist of the 2018 title, John Marston is woven into the fabric of the story, making his presence known in later chapters before taking over entirely in the epilogue after chapter 6's heartbreaking conclusion. He's the real star of the franchise, even though Arthur remains something special.
Marston departs the Red Dead Redemption 2 story primed to take on a life of his own, and with Arthur Morgan's hat by way of a blessing, he strides into New Austin in the hope of finding a better life. Bringing him back in Red Dead Redemption, be it in a supplemental role or in a more obvious way, would give fans of the IP a new chapter in the life of a man that so many care deeply about.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.