While not officially confirmed by Rockstar, many fans are hopeful that Red Dead Redemption 3 will be the next major project from the studio following the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2025. When considering how successful 2018's Red Dead Redemption 2 was for Rockstar, a sequel is a real possibility, but fans are already locked in debate over what the core setting and narrative of this title should look like.

Of course, Red Dead Redemption 3 could go down the route of being the earliest-set release out of the trilogy, perhaps telling the story of a young Dutch and Hosea as they lay the foundations of what would become the Van der Linde gang. Alternatively, RDR3 could follow up from the story of 2010's Red Dead Redemption, following the adult life of Jack Marston after his appearance as the protagonist of RDR's epilogue. Although this particular setting would lose a lot of the traditional Old West charm of past games, it could still leave room for the likes of Sadie Adler.

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A Jack Marston-led Red Dead Redemption 3 Still Leaves Room For Old Characters

Red Dead Redemption 3 could easily follow Jack Marston after the events of the first two games, potentially exploring Jack in combat during the First World War, before then moving onto an unrecognizable world of organized crime in the 1920s. Of course, this would sadly do away with staples of the Red Dead franchise like horseback riding and traditional cowboy shootouts, but the game could still find success as a bold blend between the core gameplay of Red Dead and Grand Theft Auto.

Having Jack as the protagonist of Red Dead Redemption 3 would also continue a tradition for the franchise, with epilogue protagonists going onto star in the next chronological title. John Marston famously took center stage in Red Dead Redemption 2's epilogue, having been the main protagonist of its predecessor, and Jack's role in the first game's epilogue could be a huge indicator of Rockstar's future plans for the character.

Rockstar Needs to Make Up For Lost Time with Sadie and Charles in RDR3

This game would have to take place well into the 20th century, with the increased dominance of cars, federal law, and urban spaces rendering the traditional outlaw way of life an impossibility. While Red Dead Redemption 3 would lose a lot of the IP's past identity in this way, beloved characters from past games could still make appearances without feeling out of place. By the end of 2010's Red Dead Redemption, not many core characters are still alive, although it is known that Sadie Adler and Charles Smith survived the events of RDR2.

Sadie and Charles are two of the most beloved characters in RDR2 thanks to their allegiance to Arthur and John, making their absence in 2010's Red Dead Redemption all the more noticeable. Both Sadie and Charles are believed to be in their late 20s during the events of RDR2, meaning they could easily appear in a 1920s-set Red Dead Redemption 3 in their 40s. As Jack potentially struggles to adapt to the new ways of the world, an appearance from the likes of Sadie could anchor him to his roots, serving as a reminder of the sacrifice many people made to ensure his safety as a child.

Of course, with nothing currently confirmed about Red Dead Redemption 3, the setting of the game could be wildly different from exploring Jack Marston as one of the final cowboys. There is a likelihood that the franchise will come full circle by following its protagonist traditions, however, and there would still be room to see some familiar faces despite the vast gameplay differences that this setting would bring about.

Red Dead Redemption