Release OrderRecommended
0 / 8 playedThe order the games came out. Play Redemption 2 before Redemption for the cleanest reveals, even though it released later.
- 1 Red Dead Revolver Standalone revenge story. Shares themes, not characters, with later games.
- 2 Red Dead Redemption
- 3 Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Standalone zombie expansion. Play after Redemption.
- 4 Red Dead Redemption 2 Prequel set in 1899. The longest game in the series.
- 5 Red Dead Online Online mode. Launched in beta November 2018, standalone May 2019.
- 6 Red Dead Redemption (PS4 / Nintendo Switch port) Current version for PS4 and Switch. Includes Undead Nightmare.
- 7 Red Dead Redemption (PC port) PC release October 29, 2024. 4K, ultrawide and DLSS support.
- 8 Red Dead Redemption (PS5 / Xbox Series X|S / Switch 2 upgrade) Native PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2 version from December 2, 2025. Free upgrade with 60fps and HDR. Latest released version.
Chronological Order
0 / 5 playedThe in-universe timeline. Revolver stands apart. Redemption 2 comes first in the Marston saga.
Standalone
- 1 Red Dead Revolver Set in the 1880s with Red Harlow. No plot link to later games.
Van der Linde gang
- 2 Red Dead Redemption 2 Set in 1899. Arthur Morgan and young John Marston.
- 3 Red Dead Online Online events sit around 1898. Optional.
John Marston
- 4 Red Dead Redemption Set 1911 to 1914. Direct sequel to Redemption 2 in story terms.
- 5 Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Alternate 1911 zombie timeline. Not canon to the main story.
About Red Dead
Red Dead has three stories: the arcade shooter Revolver from 2004, John Marston's Redemption from 2010 with its Undead Nightmare zombie expansion, and the 2018 prequel Redemption 2 about Arthur Morgan. Release order and story order differ because Redemption 2 is set 12 years before Redemption.
This play order gives both lists. Ports of the 2010 game for PS4, Switch, PC and current consoles are listed as versions, since they replace the PS3 and Xbox 360 originals for new players.
Good to know
New players should start with Red Dead Redemption 2. It is a prequel, so it spoils nothing, and its systems and pacing match modern hardware. Then play Redemption and Undead Nightmare.
Redemption on PS4 and Switch arrived August 2023, PC arrived October 29, 2024, and a native PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2 upgrade with 60fps arrived December 2, 2025. No new mainline game has been announced. Reported PS5 and Switch 2 versions of Redemption 2 remain rumors as of September 17, 2026.
