While we know that the game is a prequel, not many more details about where is Red Dead Redemption 2 set are given. However, it has actually been revealed both the year and setting that the game takes place in. It’s worth reiterating that this Western-themed title takes place before the original game. In fact, we know exactly how many years before it.
What Year Is Red Dead Redemption 2 Set In?
The original RDR is set in the year 1911 during the decline of the American frontier. As for the answer to when is Red Dead Redemption 2 set, it is placed 12 years before that game. RDR2 begins in the year 1899 just before the turn of the century. In fact, characters in the game do mention that a new century is coming.
Where Is Red Dead Redemption 2 Set?
We know more than just the year that the game takes place in, too. We also know that it, of course, is set in Rockstar’s unique take on the United States of America. As for the specific states that it takes place in, that is more left up to the player to decide. All of the five major states the game takes place in are made up.
In addition, several of them are amalgamations of multiple real states. The state in the north of Ambarino is possibly Montana. The city of Saint Denis (in the screenshot above) is clearly based on New Orleans while the rest of the state of Lemoyne is a mix of places like Louisiana, East Texas, Georgia, and others.
New Hanover could be a mix of North Carolina and other eastern states. Meanwhile, the city of Blackwater in West Elizabeth could be St. Louis, Missouri. The final state of New Austin is, much like the first game, a mix of West Texas and the American Southwest. This is all speculation, though, until Rockstar confirms the inspiration for each location.