Red Dead Redemption 2 Remaster: Do We Really Need It?
Rumors are once again swirling across the gaming frontier: Red Dead Redemption 2 might finally be galloping onto PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and even the rumored Switch 2. According to recent reports, the ports are real and in active development.
But not everyone’s saddling up in excitement. As the discussion heats up, fans are split between two camps: those eager to relive Arthur Morgan’s saga in 4K glory, and those who think Rockstar’s energy would be better spent reviving the original Red Dead instead.
The Return of Red Dead 2 — and Its Divisive Reputation
There’s no denying that Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most visually stunning open-world games ever made. From the snowcapped peaks of Ambarino to the dusty saloons of Saint Denis, every frame feels like a digital oil painting. It’s the kind of game that can make you forget what time it is…or what you were supposed to be doing before you got lost tracking a legendary elk for two hours.
Yet for some players, that slow, cinematic pacing is exactly the problem. The game’s infamously sluggish controls and deliberate animations — opening drawers, looting bodies, even climbing onto your horse — have always been a sticking point. One frustrated fan put it best: “Unless they fix that horrible control scheme, forget Red Dead 2. It’s one of the most unfun and overhyped games I’ve ever played.”
That’s harsh criticism for a game that many critics called a masterpiece, but it’s not without merit. Red Dead 2 demands patience, and while some adore that realism, others see it as tedium dressed in prestige.
The Beauty in the Bloat
Still, it’s hard not to get swept up by the sheer immersion of it all. Players who love Red Dead 2 often talk about moments that have nothing to do with gunfights or missions — long rides through amber sunsets, quiet camp-side conversations, or hours spent hunting perfect pelts.
That’s the magic of Red Dead 2: it’s less about rushing to the credits and more about living in that world. One gamer summed it up perfectly, saying “I could spend hours just riding around hunting squirrels and moose. I chose that slow life.”
For those who missed the experience last gen or want to revisit it at higher fidelity, a remaster might be the perfect excuse to return to the frontier. But others can’t shake the feeling that Rockstar is missing the real opportunity.
The Real Remaster Fans Want
While excitement builds for an updated Red Dead 2, many fans are shouting a different rallying cry: remaster the first Red Dead Redemption instead.
The 2010 classic starring John Marston remains a fan favorite, and for good reason. Its pacing, tone, and writing hit a sweet spot that Red Dead 2’s slow-burn storytelling sometimes struggled to match. Marston’s journey through the dying West was tight, emotional, and unforgettable — a perfect blend of freedom and focus.
As one fan put it: “Red Dead Redemption 1 was the one. From the story to the acting to the missions — what a great game. That’s the one I want to see remade with Red Dead 2-level graphics.”
It’s hard to argue with that. Rockstar’s world-building is second to none, and if the studio ever gave Marston’s story a full next-gen overhaul, it could easily rival The Last of Us Part I as a definitive modern remaster.
The Verdict: A New Frontier or a Missed Opportunity?
If these ports of Red Dead Redemption 2 truly are on the horizon, they’ll no doubt look incredible and give console players another reason to lose themselves in Rockstar’s meticulously crafted Wild West. But the question lingers: is this the Red Dead revival fans actually want?
For many, the answer is no — not unless it comes with tighter controls and meaningful improvements. For others, the mere chance to re-experience that sweeping, melancholy world on modern hardware is reason enough to tip their hat and ride again.
Either way, the conversation shows one thing clearly: the Red Dead series still has a grip on gamers’ imaginations.
Would you rather see Rockstar remaster Red Dead Redemption 2 for PS5 and Xbox Series, or give the original Red Dead the full next-gen treatment it deserves? Let’s hear it in the comments!