I have explored every nook and cranny of Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) and after enjoying such a long time, I realized that the game’s setting is one of its most enchanting features. RDR2’s world is amazingly crafted set in the final days of the Wild West in the fictional slice of America. But if you are wondering where exactly Red Dead Redemption 2 takes place, let’s break down the different regions you’ll explore on your journey in the game.
Red Dead Redemption 2 Timeline and Setting
The world of Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t set in the America you’ll find on Google Maps. Instead, Rockstar Games developed a fictional version of the United States, with enough nods to real-world locations to keep you guessing as you ride your horse from one side of the map to the other.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is set in 1899, right as the Old West rides off into the sunset. The game takes place right before the events of the original Red Dead Redemption, which is set in 1911. So, you’re basically living through a world on the brink of complete change—where the wild, untamed frontier is being slowly tamed by civilization, and the days of outlaws are numbered.
RDR 2 takes you back a bit further—quite a little further—to the year 1899 as compared to the main title’s beginning in 1911. This means you get the prequel treatment, with Arthur Morgan and his gang creating all sorts of trouble across the dying Wild West. To help you make sense of it all, here’s the timeline of all three games of the popular franchise:
- Red Dead Revolver – Set in the 1880s
- Red Dead Redemption 2 – From 1889 to 1907
- Red Dead Redemption – Spanning 1911 to 1914
Red Dead Revolver was launched in 2004, and it is like the quirky cousin at family gatherings; related, but not related at the same time. Regarding the storyline, it has nothing much to do with the other games, but the later Red Dead titles tip their hat to it with some Easter eggs.
But Red Dead Redemption 2 and the original Red Dead Redemption are like two peas in a pod, sharing a deep link in their narratives. So, while knowing the timeline is handy, what makes this saga great is how these two games intertwine. By the time you wrap up Arthur’s wild adventures, you’ll appreciate the bigger picture—where, and when, it all goes down is just icing on the cake.
Where is Red Dead Redemption 2 in Real Life?
The map of RDR2 is so big that you might need a packed lunch for your horse. The game’s world covers around 29 square miles (or about 75 square kilometers). As you trot through this massive open world, you’ll come across five different regions, each of which has a unique flavor of a fictionalized America. Here are the regions and where they might be if they existed in the real world:
New Austin
This rugged, dusty region is full of mesas, cacti, and sunbaked trails. If its environment gives you a Southwestern US sense, you’re right on target—New Austin is inspired by the dry, arid terrains of Texas and New Mexico.
West Elizabeth
West Elizabeth is smack dab in the middle of the map giving a nice mix of Great Plains, lush forests, and a more temperate climate. The region is home to Blackwater, a bustling town that is more modern compared to the game’s other dusty, sleepy settlements. This area probably represents the central United States, with hints of Kansas or Nebraska in its DNA. The Great Plains here definitely echo these big, open expanses you’d find in the real Midwest.
Ambarino
If you love the snow-covered mountains and wild, untamed wilderness, then you will love Ambarino. This region is dominated by the Grizzlies, a mountain range that looks to be Rockstar’s nod to the Rocky Mountains. The rugged terrain and harsh conditions suggest that Ambarino draws inspiration from states like Colorado or Wyoming, and it might even stretch northward into territory to have Montana elements.
New Hanover
New Hanover is somewhat tricky to pin down, mainly because it has a little bit of everything. Located north of Lemoyne, this region has rolling hills, dense forests, and plenty of open space to stretch your horse’s legs. There’s even a real New Hanover County in North Carolina, which might be a clue to where Rockstar got some of their ideas. The dynamic landscapes could mean that New Hanover is a fictional concept as the result of different parts of the eastern United States, possibly including the Appalachian Mountains.
Lemoyne
The final Lemoyne is a region practically dripping with Southern charm (and humidity). This area has a lot of swamps, old plantations, and the bustling city of Saint Denis kind of a love letter to New Orleans. However, Lemoyne doesn’t stop at Louisiana; it also seems to pull inspiration from other Southern states such as Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina.
A Fictional, Yet Familiar, America
Sure, the Red Dead Redemption 2’s map is based on fiction, but Rockstar Games nicely went above and beyond to make it like a real place. Each region has its climate, wildlife, and culture, all of which are evidence of the incredible diversity of the United States at the turn of the 20th century. So, no matter if you get past the swampy bayous of Lemoyne or the scorching deserts of New Austin, you can’t help but think that you’re wandering through different parts of a massive, untamed America.
