Red Dead Redemption 3 Needs the Same Open-World Balance as RDR2

Red Dead Redemption 3‘s open world is going to need to hit the same notes that Red Dead Redemption 2‘s did, if not more. Since open-world games like the Red Dead Redemption titles are Rockstar’s specialty, it’s natural to expect them to be good. However, there’s more that goes into the design than simply making a large world to play in. The game needs interesting things for the player to do, without too much dead air in the meantime. Red Dead Redemption 2 was a rousing success in that regard, so a lot will be expected of its sequel.

The incredible story of Red Dead Redemption 2 has been widely praised, but it’s not the game’s only asset by a long shot. The world that the player guides Arthur through is another big part of what makes up the game. The game world is huge, and while there are only a few towns dotting the map, that by no means makes it empty. In addition to the encounters in both fixed and random locations, there is rarely a time when a player will have absolutely nothing to do. Red Dead Redemption 2‘s world helped it to become one of Rockstar’s best games.

Red Dead Redemption 3’s Open World Has a High Bar to Clear After RDR2

Red Dead Redemption 2’s Cities Were Full of Side Activities

There’s a lot to do in Red Dead Redemption 2‘s cities, as one would expect. In addition to having shops to outfit Arthur, there will generally be plenty of ways for him to pass the time as well. There are several opportunities to gamble, or simply have a meal or a drink in a saloon. There are even a few amenities that don’t provide specific rewards, but offer an amusement or two, like a theater or magic lantern show. Even in Red Dead Redemption 2‘s old west, cities are still bustling, and Arthur has plenty of options to occupy his time.

Red Dead Redemption 3’s Wilderness Needs to Remain Interesting

Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t barren outside of its cities, though. Hunting in Red Dead Redemption 2 is available almost everywhere, and provides goods for both camping and crafting outfits for Arthur. Outside of that, there are a lot of landmarks, secrets, and collectibles to find in the wilderness as well. The importance of the wilderness shouldn’t be forgotten in Red Dead Redemption 3. The roads are not just a path from one city to the next. They can have their own wide array of encounters and activities for the player. It’s only natural for a cowboy to spend lots of time outdoors, after all.

In Red Dead Redempiton 3, the World Balance Must Remain

Maintaining this balance in Red Dead Redemption 3 should be paramount. In the wilds, Red Dead Redemption 3‘s protagonist should have as many options as Arthur and John did, if not more so. Even beyond hunting and camping, activities like shooting contests, horse races, and other outdoor games can keep the roads lively. Of course, that’s not to say that cities should be neglected in the process. A cowboy like RDR3‘s protagonist should still be able to enjoy all of a city’s amenities, like poker games and collecting bounties. Red Dead Redemption 3 can’t neglect one side of the world in favor of the other.

Red Dead Redemption 3 needs to keep players engaged both in and out of town. Due to Rockstar’s history with open-world games, the developers should be able to deliver on that front. While the cities have to be bustling hubs of activity, they aren’t the only important areas of the game. With how much time players will spend on the road, the rest of the world simply can’t be forgotten. It will be important for Red Dead Redemption 3 to keep a balance in entertainment value across its world.