Can you believe it’s been seven years since the release of Red Dead Redemption 2? Replaying the game today feels like visiting an old friend. Yes, we’ve all jumped back in after our initial campaigns or immersed ourselves in its online world, but this time, it feels different—more nostalgic, almost like returning home. As RDR 2 celebrates its seventh anniversary, I’m reminded of the magic it holds.
Home is where the essence of gunpowder, campfire smoke, and moonshine lingers. I know exactly which horse will come to me when I whistle. Since 2018, I’ve explored numerous games on PlayStation 4 and now the PlayStation 5 and PC, but nothing evokes the same enchantment as RDR 2.
When I tire of the typical AAA open-world games, I often find myself reinstalling RDR 2; it’s like indulging in a guilty pleasure. I tell myself it’s just for a short ride, but soon enough, I’m brushing my horse, collecting cigarette cards, and chatting with familiar NPCs.
That’s the allure of RDR 2. It’s not merely about stunning graphics or complex gameplay; it’s about comfort and familiarity. The game compels me to slow down, breathe, and deeply engage with the characters like Arthur Morgan, making me feel invested in their stories.
The Year Rockstar Told Us to Slow Down
I’ll never forget the first time I booted up RDR 2 in 2018 and watched Arthur clean his gun for what felt like 30 seconds. While other games prioritized swift travel across vast maps, Rockstar defied convention and encouraged us to take our time.
This game demanded patience—exactly what I wanted. I didn’t rush through its landscape; I chose to experience it. For once, I was not a superhero or a chosen one. I was Arthur Morgan, a man with real struggles—someone who needed to care for his weapons and graciously greet strangers. Each environment felt handcrafted, a testament to Rockstar’s commitment to detail.
In RDR 2, horses reside in stables, guns accumulate dirt after prolonged use, and rain leaves mud on your boots. This wasn’t realism for its own sake; it was Rockstar telling us that the rushed chaos of other games wasn’t the true adventure. Hours later, I still appreciate that sentiment.
RDR 2 set a new standard for open-world gaming. When I encounter repetitive dialogue in other games, I can’t help but reminisce; the townsfolk in Valentine remember me for more than just a random interaction. RDR 2 delivered a living world, and even seven years later, no game has truly matched it.
Arthur Morgan: A Protagonist Who Speaks to Us All
I have met countless video game protagonists like Kratos and Geralt, but Arthur Morgan stays with me. He embodies the kind of complexity that resonates deeply—a man who can combat six enemies before noon and then sketch a bird later. I see pieces of myself reflected in him.
Arthur is polite and respectful, yet he’s always ready for a showdown when provoked. His character’s internal struggle, humor, and morale are relatable. There’s a line he says: “Be loyal to what matters,” a straightforward rule that applies to life, work, friendships, and even gaming choices.
Arthur’s journey profoundly impacts us all. What makes him a timeless figure isn’t just his sharp one-liners but his development. Initially, he’s a loyal follower of Dutch, only to find himself questioning everything by the end. The emotions his journey evokes linger long after the game is over, especially during that final ride set to “Unshaken.”
Arthur Morgan doesn’t need to be heroic; he simply needs to be real, which is why he remains Rockstar’s finest creation seven years on.
The Wild West Lives On through Community and Mods
Even seven years later, the frontier is alive and kicking. RDR 2 boasts a vibrant fanbase that mirrors Arthur’s loyalty. On PC, it has become a hotspot for unique mods that enhance gameplay, adding realism and fun—like changing the environment so that grass sways like in a nature documentary or enabling players to roam as a bear.
Red Dead Online may not have received consistent updates from Rockstar, but the community filled that void. From creating in-game photography groups to reenacting iconic Western scenes, players have kept the RDR spirit alive. Memes and clips capture moments of chaotic fun, whether it’s during poker games or the unexpected hilarity in Valentine.
Ultimately, this world still captivates me. It’s not about perfection but about authenticity. Arthur Morgan embodies this truth—a dusty sunset, a steadfast horse, and an outlaw striving to find good in an evolving world. After all this time, I still feel drawn to Arthur, and maybe that’s the essence of loyalty.
If you’re as captivated by the wild west as I am, keep exploring more about Red Dead Redemption 2 and other gaming gems at Moyens I/O.