Red Dead Redemption 2 players are raising interesting points about a unique mechanic related to the game’s massive map, revealing it might be a bigger issue than expected.
Rockstar Games’ Red Dead Redemption 2 is celebrated as one of the greatest video games ever made, boasting a stellar Metacritic score of 97. Set in America, 1899, players follow Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde Gang as outlaws on the run, navigating a world filled with danger and tough choices. The game’s deeply emotional storyline, immersive side quests, and breathtaking open world provide a rich experience that has captivated players for years.
However, players on Reddit have highlighted how the game’s enormous map handles the passage of time differently from other open-world titles. One Reddit user, Lefthook16, shared that the game’s first gang hideout is surprisingly close to Blackwater in real-world terms, despite the narrative implying it’s a long ride away. On a second playthrough, they ventured through tough weather over what felt like a long journey, only to find Blackwater just 20 miles away, something they hadn’t noticed before.
Another player, Lieutenant_Joe, clarified that key locations in the game are intended to be separated by multiple days’ ride, even if they appear close by on the map. For instance, towns like Strawberry and Blackwater, or Lagras and Saint Denis, might look near to each other visually but are designed to take much longer to travel between in the game’s world. This design choice means the game’s spatial logic can feel inconsistent when considering real-world distances, sometimes breaking immersion for players who think deeply about the geography.
In essence, Red Dead Redemption 2 uses an artistic interpretation of space and time to balance gameplay and storytelling, meaning distances that look short on the map represent longer journeys in the game world. This approach helps maintain the epic feel and pacing of the story, even if it occasionally challenges player expectations about realistic travel times.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, with rumors circulating about a possible remaster. Updates on any announcements will be shared as they become available.
