Red Dead Redemption 2's release has come for both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Those who prefer to play games on PC may be rewarded with their patience eventually, but as of now we have no indication that Red Dead 2 will ever come to PC. That doesn't mean there is no hope at all, though.
So far the studio has given no official indication of a PC port incoming. There was some hope when a programmer seemingly outed a PC version online, but it remains unclear if that was merely a mistake. [Update: The latest glimmer of hope for PC fans comes via Rockstar Intel, which reports that the Red Dead 2 companion app includes references to PC in its code. It's possible these don't mean anything or are being misinterpreted, but it does bear noting.]
The most recent Rockstar game, Grand Theft Auto V, did make the jump to PC after its initial console release. Following its original release on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2013, Rockstar released upgraded Playstation 4 and Xbox One ports the following year, and then a PC port in 2015. Those later ports were widely lauded for their improved technical underpinnings, and the PC version has enjoyed an active mod community.
Red Dead Redemption 2 appears very similar to GTAV in key ways. It's a technical powerhouse that's already pushing the current console generation to its limit. While the Xbox One X came out ahead in a performance analysis, both it and the high-end PS4 Pro were said to be hitting the upper limits of their processing power. We may be on the verge of another console generation to debut in the next few years, so a port to those with some added bells and whistles could make sense. And if that happens, a PC port would be likely as well. Plus Red Dead 2 is already receiving positive reviews and helping Take-Two's stock price, so another shot in the arm from a port would be welcome for the company.
Then again, Rockstar has been inconsistent with ports in general and PC support more specifically. The original Red Dead Redemption never made the trip to PC, and in fact is still only available on PS3 and Xbox 360--along with Xbox One, via backwards compatibility.
Red Dead Redemption 2 could come to PC in a matter of years, but for the time being, your best bet is to saddle up on the current generation of consoles. If you need some help recalling the events of the first game, check out our story recap. Your console decision may come down to performance--keeping in mind that Xbox One X performed the best in a test, but PS4 has exclusive content for 30 days.
A retailer in Europe has Red Dead Redemption 2 listed for a PC release in 2019.
MediaMarkt has Red Dead Redemption 2 listed for a PC release in 2019. Before you get to excited, there are two things to consider: one, the product listing could be a mistake, and two, it’s a placeholder for a future announcement.
The retailer is one of “Europe’s largest retailers for consumer electronics,” so it’s possible the company knows more about it than we do. Again, maybe it doesn’t, and we should keep our expectations at bay.
Netherlands-based website TechTastic noticed the listing, and took a screengrab of it. There is a release date of December 31, 2019 attached, which is a typical placeholder date for many retailers.
Subscribe to the VG247 newsletterGet all the best bits of VG247 delivered to your inbox every Friday!In June, a Rockstar programmer listed a PC version of Red Dead Redemption 2 on their LinkedIn resume.
Rockstar has not announced the game for PC, but it released GTA 5 on the platform towards the end last-gen. Plus, with Red Dead Online coming, the beta takes place next month, it’s safe to assume it will come eventually. 2019 sounds about right.
Red Dead Redemption 2 releases October 26 for PS4 and Xbox One.
Rockstar has been quiet on whether Red Dead Redemption 2 will be coming to PC or not. Luckily for us, a developer has accidentally let it slip on LinkedIn.
The developer, who we will keep nameless, previously worked on GTA V and L.A. Noire as a programmer. We’ve looked into them to verify this.
Their LinkedIn profile also lists Red Dead Redemption 2, and the platforms they worked on: PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Here’s a screen:
Rockstar previously released GTA V towards the end of a console generation without any word on a PC version. The PC version only came when the new consoles launched and the company released an upgraded edition.
Is Red Dead Redemption 2 Out On Pc
Subscribe to the VG247 newsletterGet all the best bits of VG247 delivered to your inbox every Friday!This tactic really worked for Rockstar and the company sold far more copies of the game as a result. We wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the same tactic being used here.
Is Red Dead Redemption On Pc
For more on the upcoming Western, here’s how Bank Robberies and Gang Hideouts will only be available in the Special Edition of Red Dead Redemption 2.
If you’re looking for more, here’s everything you need to know about Red Dead Redemption 2.
Will you be holding out for Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC?
Update: Since posting this story, we’ve been contacted by TGFG, the Rockstar community who hunt Easter Eggs in GTA V, who say they broke this news last night. The group were previously responsible for uncovering the alien mysteries of Mt. Chilead. We came by the information through a separate source, but thought it was only fair to link out to them since they beat us to the punch.
Update 2: The programmer has now removed mention of PC from their LinkedIn profile, likely prompted by the attention it’s been getting.