Guerrilla Games' Horizon franchise and Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption franchise are both some of the best examples of open-world gaming. Though Red Dead Redemption has been relatively dormant for a while, it doesn't necessarily mean that Rockstar has abandoned it after Red Dead Redemption 2. If the studio does intend to continue the franchise, there is a lot it can learn from Horizon, especially with how it handles its DLC. With The Frozen Wilds and with the upcoming Burning Shores DLC, Aloy travels to new lands, which gives players exciting environments to explore. Future Red Dead Redemption games should emulate this, allowing players to travel to new locations instead of treading old ground.
Games after Red Dead Redemption 2 have a few choices regarding where DLC could go. Mexico is frequently mentioned, which makes it a natural first choice. With Rockstar currently focused on the next Grand Theft Auto game, it is unlikely that gamers will see much of Red Dead Redemption for a while.
The Various Locations of Horizon's DLCs
Horizon Zero Dawn introduced players to Aloy and her dystopian world filled with menacing machines. Despite the dangers lurking around every corner, post-apocalyptic Utah, Colorado, and Arizona have great beauty, as nature reclaimed most of the landscape, turning it into a lush wilderness. Half the fun of the game lies in exploring the map and admiring the world. Players can extend the game's playtime with The Frozen Wilds DLC which is set in The Cut where the Banuk tribe dwells. The Cut is a frosty depiction of Yellowstone where Aloy has to climb icy mountains. In addition to giving players a new environment to explore, The Cut introduces new terrifying machines to take down and another tribe to learn about.
Horizon Forbidden West will also be receiving DLC in the form of Burning Shores which will take Aloy to Los Angeles. The west coast has been turned into a volcanic archipelago, which should give players interesting environments to explore. There could also be new machines to battle, including a Horus Titan if hints in the reveal trailer are to be believed. The change of scenery will be sure to give players ample reason to return to Horizon Forbidden West. This is something Rockstar should pay attention to and attempt to emulate with the Red Dead Redemption franchise.
Red Dead Redemption DLC Should Also Explore New Locations
Though Red Dead Redemption received DLC in the form of Undead Nightmare, Red Dead Redemption 2 got nothing. This is an unfortunate mistake that should not be replicated in future RDR games. Mexico is the most obvious location for DLC to go, as it is frequently mentioned in the franchise. The fictional Mexican territory of Nuevo Paraiso is referenced, and players visit it in Red Dead Redemption. A DLC could begin in Nuevo Paraiso and expand to include more of Mexico's landscape.
Currently, Rockstar isn't showing the Red Dead Redemption franchise too much attention. This has upset fans, but it is somewhat understandable, as the studio's most anticipated game is Grand Theft Auto 6. However, Rockstar should not neglect RDR, as it has a loyal fan base. Future games in the franchise have the potential to take open-world gaming to the next level once again if they take a note from Horizon and explore more locations in its DLC.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.