Red Dead Redemption 2 has been one of the most enjoyable and thrilling experiences in gaming, setting the scene for John Marston’s rise to fame as players got to explore the life of Arthur Morgan. The decision to move back in time between titles gave fans a unique experience as they already knew a lot about John Marston, the protagonist of the previous game, who was only a side character in Red Dead Redemption 2. So, it is possible that the next installment in the series will continue this trend and turn the clock back further to let players experience the rise of Arthur and John’s father figures, Dutch and Hosea.
Red Dead Redemption 2 let fans experience life in the Van der Linde gang during the downfall of the American Wild West. As technology and law swept through the land, Arthur, Dutch, and Hosea tried to stay ahead of it and maintain the life they had lived for over two decades. So, there is a need for players to understand where the gang got started and how Arthur and John were sucked into the life in the first place.
Origins of the Van der Linde Gang
In Red Dead Redemption 2, the Van der Linde gang is a group of tough, yet caring individuals that try to lie, cheat, and steal their way through life while evading the law. However, it is the two leaders, Dutch and Hosea, that seem to capture most of the attention. Dutch, the charismatic one, always seems to know the right thing to say and continuously attempts to ensure that the gang brings in money. Hosea, on the other hand, is more level-headed and takes his time when it comes to making decisions. Unfortunately, players only witnessed these figures while on their last legs.
Setting the next Red Dead Redemption game at a time when both Dutch and Hosea were in their prime would be a great way to let players experience the power and fame these characters had while giving them a glimpse at the origins of the Van der Linde gang. With two potential protagonists, a wealth of stories and places for the player to visit, and the thrill of the Wild West at its height, Rockstar Games should consider stepping back in time once more for their next title. Dutch and Hosea would be perfect since fans already have a connection with them and seeing how they ended up with the rest of their crew could be an enjoyable experience.
Height of The Wild West
Both Red Dead Redemption and its prequel were set during the demise of the Wild West and as more civilization started to spread across the land. As a result, players were forced to constrain themselves to not attract the attention of the law, but this may not have been the case during Dutch and Hosea’s prime. So, giving players control of either Dutch or Hosea would be a great way for them to explore an unhinged world where freedom reigns supreme and players need not worry too much about the law.
This setting opens the possibility for players to attempt more heists, robberies, and rivalries all while making a name for themselves. With smaller settlements and fewer opportunities, it may seem like a tougher life, but without the threat of a large law organization chasing them, players can soak in the Wild West without hesitation. The setting would also help players understand why Arthur and John have decided to stick with this group for as long as they did.
Dutch and Colm O’Driscoll Rivalry
One of the most compelling storylines in Red Dead Redemption 2 was the rivalry between the O’Driscoll gang and the Van der Linde gang, all stemming from the rivalry of the two leaders, Colm O’Driscoll, and Dutch. While not much is mentioned in the game apart from the fact that the two had killed people the other were close to, it did set up a great storyline for a future prequel. Both gangs are notorious in Red Dead Redemption 2, so seeing their humble beginnings and how they grew to be as powerful as they became would be interesting.
With Colm once working alongside Dutch before drifting off and starting their own gangs, watching their rivalry unfold would be an interesting concept for a prequel. Throughout Red Dead Redemption 2, Colm only played a secondary role and rarely showed up on the screen, so his character is still somewhat shrouded in mystery. So, setting Red Dead Redemption 3 in a time when the Colm and Dutch rivalry was still fresh, would be a perfect way to end the Van der Linde arc in the Red Dead series.
Red Dead Redemption 2 has been hailed as one of the most popular and successful games in recent times, pushing the boundaries of open-world exploration and giving players an interesting and exciting story. With fans eager to see what the next title in the series will look like, having Dutch and Hosea as the main characters would be a great way to end the Van der Linde story and help players understand where Arthur and John come from. Using a larger setting thanks to lower law presence, more outlaws, and the humble beginnings of a gang, Red Dead Redemption 3 should follow the first days of Dutch, Hosea, and the Van der Linde gang.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available for PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.