Though there was no release window at the time, he alleged in a new tweet that, “As far as I know, RDR2 is this year.” When asked if this rumor was different from last year, he responded, “Same info as last year. I don’t have any update to suggest it won’t be this year.”

Of course, as he mentioned before, release timings can (and often) change, and Rockstar pretty much does its own thing. The company has already delayed Grand Theft Auto 6 several times, but it’s seemingly on track for this year, with Summer marking the start of launch marketing. How that will affect Red Dead Redemption 2: Enhanced Edition really remains to be seen.

However, if it had to release at some point, one would think it’s sometime this Summer, even as late as September, to ensure it doesn’t conflict with Grand Theft Auto 6. As always, time will tell, so stay tuned for more updates.

Widely considered one of the greatest games ever made, Red Dead Redemption 2 is available for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. It sold in over 82 million units as of December 31st, 2025.

Although there was speculation about a February 2026 release, leaker NateTheHate revealed on ResetEra that the Switch 2 version had been “paused for a couple of months now. It’s proven to be a challenge and has likely crossed over into the realm of investment/time needed to port it well being too high in comparison to sales potential.” Take-Two previously announced that launch sales were “a little softer” than it would have liked, even though it reaffirmed Gearbox’s support for the title.

It’s rather unfortunate that Switch 2 players may not get to experience what, in our opinion, was a solid addition to a franchise that has managed to stay relevant over the years with its unique brand of satirical humor and excellent mechanics backing a riveting story. However, it does make sense to hold off on a port that may not live up to the high expectations of its players.

Time will tell if Borderlands 4 can manage to find its way to the Switch 2, but for now, it does seem like a bleak prospect. On the bright side, other platforms can look forward to plenty of free updates and paid content, including the first story expansion, Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned.

So what can you expect with the third re-release of the classic thus far? You can check out our feature for more details, but long story short, it offers 4K and 60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, alongside improved image quality. The Switch 2 version includes 60 FPS and DLSS support with mouse controls, which is a nice bonus. All three editions support high dynamic range (HDR) for more realistic brightness.

Of course, cross-save is also supported on PlayStation and Switch, so you can continue wherever you left off on PS5 and Switch 2 (jury’s out on whether Xbox supports the same). If you’re a Netflix subscriber, then you can play the game for free on iOS and Android.

If you’re curious about the re-release (and why it pales in comparison to the Game of the Year Edition), check out our reviews for the PS4, Switch and PC versions. In the meantime, the wait for a current-gen upgrade to Red Dead Redemption 2 continues.

For that matter, what is it about this re-release that spurs some manner of debate, even among those who love the original? We’ll dive into all that later, but for now, you can look forward to…

4K/60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S

As you’d expect, the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S can deliver up to 4K resolution and 60 frames per second. They also benefit from improved image quality, and since Double Eleven, who worked on the PC port, has returned, you can more than likely expect the same level of draw distance, shadow quality, and other fidelity settings, if not better. And much like the PC version, which is currently the best possible representation of the game, it should look amazing.

DLSS and Mouse Controls on Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2 players, thankfully, aren’t left out in the cold. While docked and handheld resolutions remain unknown, you still get 60 FPS performance and DLSS benefits along with an exclusive feature: Mouse support. Not that aiming was the biggest problem on consoles, but there’s finally an option for finer-tuned aiming.

HDR Support

Whichever your console of choice, each will benefit from high-dynamic range support. Despite its age, this fictionalized version of 1911 America is absolutely gorgeous, whether you’re admiring the sunrise or galloping across the open plains at sunset. HDR makes it look that much more natural, which in turn immerses you all the more.

Free Upgrades

If you own Red Dead Redemption on previous-generation consoles, such as the PS4 or Nintendo Switch, when it was re-released back in 2023, there’s good news. The current-gen version is a free upgrade. If you’re subscribed to PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium, then both the PS4 and PS5 versions will be available at launch, which is nice.

The Xbox version is a bit trickier – you’ll need the backwards compatible version of the game made available for Xbox One. But the fact that it’s supported for a free upgrade is still nice.

Cross-Gen Saves

To sweeten the deal even further, PS4 and Nintendo Switch save data will transfer over to the PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2. If you started two years ago and suspected that a free current-gen upgrade would arrive eventually, congratulations – you’ve been vindicated. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to apply to Xbox. Rockstar doesn’t mention it, and it’s not even listed on the Microsoft Store.

What the Heck is Going on?

So obviously, there are many questions about why Red Dead Redemption is being re-released yet again, especially after all those rumors about its sequel’s current-gen update. And while we may never know, for those who don’t know, this is essentially a sequel to Red Dead Redemption 2. It stars John Marston, as he’s coerced by the Bureau of Investigation to hunt down his old allies from the Van der Linde Gang. We won’t go into further details, since that would spoil the surprises, but suffice it to say that it’s an epic journey.

The Good Ol’ Days

Former lead writer Dan Houser breaks down Red Dead Redemption quite succinctly – no machine guns (aside from the fixed turrets), no cars, no cities, and no large crowds of pedestrians. Just a dude riding a horse around the desert, and yet, it’s one of the most endearing open worlds of all time. You’ll explore fictionalized versions of the Western US, which fans estimate is about 11.984 square miles. It seemingly pales in comparison to Red Dead Redemption 2’s map (which is reportedly 29 square miles), but it’s still fairly sizable.

Robbing, Hunting, and Shooting

Exploration is the biggest appeal, especially as you encounter random events through the countryside, tame different horses, or take in the scenery. But Red Dead Redemption features side missions, hunting and collecting flowers (sadly, there’s no fishing). John can also partake in some arm wrestling, treasure hunts, showcase his mastery in Sharpshooter challenges, herd cattle, rob trains, clear out hideouts occupied by gangs, and, my favorite, Five Finger Fillet.

The (Bounty) Hunter and The Hunted

There’s also bounty hunting, where you can hunt down wanted criminals and take them dead or alive. The latter is a great way to showcase your lassoing skills and even offers a larger payout. However, bounties can also be placed on your head if you commit enough crimes. The more rampant your crime spree, the more bounty hunters come after you unless you pay the fine or use a letter of pardon, which brings us to the…

Honor System

Depending on your actions, the public will either view John Marston as the good guy or a no-good scoundrel. If your Honor is high, then you’ll be welcomed by townsfolk and won’t even have to worry about stealing a horse. But if it’s low, people will treat you with suspicion and even avoid offering their services. It plays into the kind of outlaw you want to be, and works quite well.

Combat and Dead Eye

Though it doesn’t boast as extensive a gun selection as Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption still offers old-school revolvers, shotguns, rifles, and the like for gunfights. While you can take cover and peek out to aim at enemies, blind-firing is also available. Aiming at a target’s legs or arms is a good way to incapacitate them, but the main calling card of the series is Dead Eye – a slow-mo mechanic where you can individually mark enemies. Once it ends, John unleashes a hail of bullets, taking down all marked targets simultaneously. It truly is high noon everywhere in the world.

What’s in This Re-Release?

So you know what to expect from Red Dead Redemption, but what about the re-release? As Rockstar noted, it’s based on the Game of the Year Edition, which includes the base game, the non-canon Undead Nightmare expansion, and additional outfits from DLC like Hunting and Trading. You can also access single-player extras like the Golden Guns (which confer more Fame on kills), the Deadly Assassin outfit (which causes Dead Eye to recharge faster), the War Horse, and so on.

What’s Not Included

The downside is that there’s no multiplayer support, which is a problem because the original release was pretty robust in that department. So no competitive modes, no co-op posses of eight players that can assault gang hideouts, etc. That also means no additional maps or Red Dead Revolver characters from the Legends and Killers pack, or the six additional co-op missions introduced in Outlaws to the End. And no, not even challenging other players to horse races.

Playtime

If you’re cruising through the story, Red Dead Redemption will take about 18 hours or so, which can easily go up to 26 if you play the side content (while a completionist run is about 46 hours on average). Chuck in Undead Nightmare, which is about six to eight hours for the story and all side content, and you have a pretty extensive amount of content overall.

Why You Should Play it

Whether you should pick it up, given the price and age of the title, is really up to you. But should you set aside the time and experience Red Dead Redemption if you haven’t before? Absolutely. It doesn’t boast as many features or as big a world as most modern triple-A open-world titles, but the sheer heart and quality of the writing still shine, after all these years.

It’s coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and Nintendo Switch 2 on December 2nd. Granted, an ESRB rating earlier in the day offered some advance notice, but the surprising bit is that it’s also coming to iOS and Android. Not to keep, of course. More on that in a bit, because it kind of explains this whole deal.

So right off the bat, the first question that anyone would have to ask is: Why? Why Red Dead Redemption 1, which already had a re-release on PS4 and Nintendo Switch in 2023, and then a PC port in 2024? Yes, it’s a free upgrade and not just for PS5 and Switch 2 players who own the original. If you also own the backwards-compatible Xbox One version, it’s free on Xbox Series X/S as well. Also, both PS4 and PS5 versions will be coming to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers on the same day.

There’s just one problem, though: Where the heck is Red Dead Redemption 2 in all of this?

You know, the fourth-best-selling game of all time, which managed to beat Mario Kart 8’s sales total with a whopping 79 million sold in just seven years? Rumors have been circulating for a while now about a potential release on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and Switch 2 this Fall. As is always the case with rumors, you should take them with a grain of salt – even Rob Wiethoff and Roger Clark, the voice actors for John Marston and Arthur Morgan, were teasing some kind of big announcement.

However, fans have been craving a current-gen update for some time now. Red Dead Redemption 2 released pretty close to the end of the life cycles for PS4 and Xbox One. Wouldn’t it be great if you could experience it in 4K/60 FPS on today’s platforms? You could argue that PC players already get these features and much more, but on top of catering to those who don’t have one, this is an opportunity to bring one of the greatest games ever made to new audiences. An opportunity to showcase one of the, if not the, best open worlds ever created, matched by an outstanding narrative of loyalty, camaraderie, betrayal and – say that again – redemption.

After Grand Theft Auto 5, originally released in 2013 for Xbox 360 and PS3, would receive not one but two re-releases. The first was on the Xbox One and PS4 in 2014, which arrived even before the PC version, if you can believe it, and the Expanded and Enhanced version for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2022. Of course, the reason, along with why they received new features and “content,” is obvious beyond just selling more copies. It also introduces more people to Grand Theft Auto Online – the real cash cow.

I’m not saying that current-gen players shouldn’t experience Red Dead Redemption. Having resolutions that go up to 4K, 60 FPS performance, improved image quality and HDR support? That’s a pretty significant jump from the PS4 version, which eventually received a patch to run at 60 FPS on PS5. Switch 2 players can also look forward to 60 FPS performance, HDR, DLSS and mouse controls, though only at “high resolution”, not 4K (and you just know there was a debate about whether Rockstar could charge $80 for that). Regardless, it would be a vast improvement over the Switch 1 version.

But that’s more or less it (unless Rockstar is hiding something special). No new content or other notable features. Which isn’t a problem for current owners, but what about those buying it for the first time? They’ll likely have to pay $50 at a minimum. As good as Red Dead Redemption 1 is – and it is very good – it’s still over 15 years old. Just because Rockstar isn’t charging triple-A game rates doesn’t make that price any less annoying (and it was already preposterous two years ago on the Switch and PS4). Unless, of course, you’re subscribed to PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium – which is a Sony move, no doubt – or to Grand Theft Auto+, which wraps back around to GTA Online taking prominence.

You know what’s even more preposterous, two years later? This isn’t even the complete Red Dead Redemption experience. Rockstar says that it’s based on the Game of the Year Edition, but previous re-releases didn’t have any multiplayer. The base game and Undead Nightmare expansion are pretty great, but new players can’t experience Outlaws to the End and its co-op missions, or Legends and Killers, which adds Red Dead Revolver characters and new maps. Rolling around with your friends in a posse to clear out the hideouts of gangsters? Roaming the landscape together and maybe engaging in some low-stakes PvP? A time that newer generations will never get to experience.

Of course, offering multiplayer means having to allocate servers and resources for tools like reporting troublesome players or revamping matchmaking, and Rockstar can’t have that (especially without a metric ton of microtransactions a la GTA Online). At this point, the powers-that-be clearly just want to re-release the same product with as few changes as possible, as many times as possible, if it can provide a shred of additional revenue. It wouldn’t be the first time – look at Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, which sold millions.

The other half of this equation is Red Dead Redemption becoming available on “compatible” iOS and Android devices…through Netflix with “mobile-friendly controls.” And right away, it feels like the entire reason for even re-releasing the game on current-gen consoles is primarily for this deal. The GTA Trilogy was pretty successful through this model, so it makes sense that Rockstar and Netflix would want a repeat of that. If you don’t have a subscription? Why, just sign up today. Or sign up for GTA+. Ownership? Why would you possibly want to own these games on mobile? That’s just crazy talk.

Is it absurd to think that Red Dead Redemption 2’s chances of a current-gen re-release hinge on whether Rockstar can justify the amount of money needed to create mobile versions, and whether Netflix would pay that much? Probably, but those mobile versions of RDR1 stick out like a sore thumb amid all this. Even if they’re rife with problems, it’s just another way for Netflix to add “value” to the overall subscription. Similarly with GTA+ or those who avail of the free upgrades. Who cares if they’re extremely barebones? They’re free!

Rockstar can go ahead and re-release RDR1 as many times as it wants – heck, it’s their IP, even if the shamelessness of those prices is apparent. But for years and years, long-time fans of Red Dead Redemption 2 and even Red Dead Online have wanted something, anything from the studio, only to be met with silence. Maybe that’s the plan – to make them so desperate for the bare minimum that it could just release a current-gen version for, say, $60, with no additional content and a few new features, and get away with it.

And honestly, at that point? Even crickets would be better.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

Recent rumors have also been circulating about the same, which didn’t help matters. However, interestingly, it seems that an “enhanced” version of Red Dead Redemption 2 is still in development, according to NateTheHate. Regarding the announcement of RDR1, the insider responded to a Twitter user with, “This doesn’t negate RDR2 happening.”

What about when he specifically said it would arrive later this year? “I said I was told it would come a few months after Switch 2 launch – which is info from the start of 2025.” He then pointed out that since then, Grand Theft Auto 6 has been delayed, and Rockstar “does whatever they want. Release timelines can change.”

It’s hard to argue with that. Who could have predicted that GTA6 would see not one but two big delays before 2025 was even up? Whether Red Dead Redemption 2 is coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and Switch 2 or not, it’s ultimately up to Rockstar to confirm the same.

In the meantime, Red Dead Redemption will be available on December 2nd for the same platforms. It will also be available on iOS and Android for Netflix subscribers.

Well, don’t worry because Rockstar has seemingly heard your pleas and is working to bring Red Dead Redemption 1 to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Yes, numero uno – the first game. A new rating for the same has emerged courtesy of the Entertainment Software Ratings Board in the United States. Unsurprisingly, the open-world Western epic is rated “M” for Mature 17+.

Red Dead Redemption was originally released in 2010 for PS3 and Xbox 360 but re-released for Nintendo Switch and PS4 in 2023 (albeit with all multiplayer content stripped away). That same re-release would come to PC last year with additional graphical options.

A current-gen console release isn’t unwarranted. However, Red Dead Redemption 2 launched in 2018 for PS4 and Xbox One (2019 for PC), and has yet to see any re-releases despite becoming the fourth best-selling game of all time. Rumors suggest it will happen at some point, though that alleged Fall release is looking much less likely now.

His comments arrive amid ongoing fan speculation about Rockstar’s post-GTA 6 roadmap and whether the studio will eventually return to the frontier.

Houser can imagine another Red Dead, but he views the existing pair as a complete arc. “Each of the games (referring to the Grand Theft Auto games) was its own standalone story. It’s not quite the same with Red Dead; in some ways, it would be sadder if someone continued it, because it was a cohesive, two-game arc. That said, it will probably happen. I don’t own the IP. That was part of the deal: it’s a privilege to work on something, but you don’t necessarily own it.

Houser’s framing matters because it hints at the creative challenge a sequel faces: Red Dead’s first two games are narratively interlocked—Arthur Morgan and John Marston’s arcs echo and resolve each other, which raises the bar for a third chapter to justify itself without feeling like an appendage.

Practically, the business logic still points toward a return: Red Dead remains a premium brand with long tails, and Houser himself concedes a continuation is probable even if it makes him wistful to watch from the outside.

Bottom line: If Rockstar rides back into Red Dead, it’ll need a fresh approach, not just a new map. Houser’s “two-game arc” remark is a challenge and a warning: a third ride must earn its existence with a perspective as bold as Arthur and John’s.

Let’s look at some more secrets and hidden details that have emerged and what makes them so interesting.

Alligators Eating Dead Bodies

There are many ways to dispose of people you don’t like in the still Wild West of Red Dead Redemption 2, and you probably tried them all. Except, perhaps, feeding them to alligators, specifically those in Bayou Nwa in Saint-Denis or even the legendary alligator in Lemoyne’s swamps. Toss the body in the water, then watch it saunter close before devouring it in one go and being on its way. Is it the most civilized way to deal with corpses? No, but it’s certainly one of the most effective.

Railway Track Details

The railroad is common throughout Red Dead Redemption 2, whether it’s in the main story and the heist that the Van der Linde Gang pulls off or the side missions. However, have you taken a moment to actually observe the tracks? Since it’s the late 19th century, the railroad is still developing, and you come across plenty of places with fresh tracks. Look at them up close, and you’ll notice they’re freshly painted without any marks. By comparison, railway tracks present in other areas for some time are discolored and grayish, with the metal rusted and scratched. The gravel is also rougher and less even on older tracks, which is another nice touch.

Abandoned Circus Wagons

Walk around the Tall Trees region in West Elizabeth, and eventually, you’ll happen upon some abandoned circus wagons. They belong to the Fitcher Brothers Traveling Circus and Minstrel Show, and further inspection reveals the skeleton of conjoined women, referred to as “’Two Beauties in one Body.” There’s also a fortune-telling machine, which you can hit for different readings. It’s unclear whether the circus wagon was attacked or something else occurred, but it’s yet another mystery on top of all the others.

Bonnie MacFarlane’s Suitor

Bonnie MacFarlane is an important character in Red Dead Redemption 1, and also appears in Red Dead Online, as her family looks to move out of their ranch to avoid the cholera outbreak. While she doesn’t pop up in Red Dead Redemption 2’s story, you can find her suitor washed up on the shore near Van Horn Trading Post in Roanoke Ridge in the State of New Hanover. Despite the state of his boat, he’s alive and gives Arthur a letter before falling unconscious again. In it, he apologizes to Bonnie, announcing his intentions to make a fortune, gain her father’s approval and marry her. You can’t deliver the letter to her – visiting the MacFarlane’s ranch confirms that she and her father have already left – but it’s a nice little bit.

Braithwaite Photo in Saloon

Most players would have encountered Gertrude Braithwaite in the outhouse near Braithwaite Manor in the Scarlet Meadows. She offers quite the fright, but things get depressing when you realize she’s mentally unwell and disfigured, which causes her family to lock her in the outhouse. However, if you venture to a saloon in St Denis, there’s a photograph of a woman who resembles Gertrude. Perhaps this is her ancestor, and the resemblance could be attributed to possible inbreeding in the Braithwaite family, though it’s never confirmed. Unfortunately, she never escapes, with her remains found in the outhouse if you revisit it during the epilogue.

Miriam Wegner

Emerald Ranch is another interesting mystery, but fortunately, you can find letters and clues that indicate what happened. Located at the Emerald Ranch in The Heartlands and owned by the unfriendly Eugene Wegner, it’s revealed that his daughter, Miriam, became involved with a farm boy named Joshua Burgess. Burgess would die from an “accident”, though it’s theorized that Eugene killed him, and Miriam is confined. However, if you check her windows around noon or midnight, she’s occasionally visible. It may sound simple, but piecing together the information from different letters and conversations is pretty cool.

Old Trail Rise

In Scarlett Meadows, there’s an abandoned structure called Old Trail Rise. While it doesn’t offer much, that’s only on the surface – snoop around a bit more, and you can discover a door leading to the basement. It’s a shabby place with blankets, sheets and empty food cans scattered about. You can also check the walls and remove a stone to claim $50 from a hidden stash. However, check the support beams above, and you’ll spot various names carved into the wood with dates. Their identities are unknown, but it’s theorized that they were slaves, with the dates potentially corresponding to when they were imprisoned.

Sell Beau’s Gift

When traveling to Caliga Hall in Scarlett Meadows, Lemoyne, you come across Beau Gray, who is smitten with Penelope Braithwaite (Gertrude’s cousin, as it turns out). Being from rival families, their romance is forbidden, but that doesn’t stop Beau from asking Arthur to deliver a letter and gift to Penelope. You could do so as most likely intended. However, if you sell the gift and then approach Penelope, she asks if there was also a gift since Beau usually sends a “little something” to her. Ever the honorable one, Arthur will remark that there isn’t – only a letter. While it doesn’t have any consequences down the line, it’s still cool to see this interaction added to account for craftier players.

Railroad Camp Mission Alternate Scene

On top of admiring the attention to detail on various railroad tracks, you can also visit a construction site for the Central Union Railroad Camp. You’ll meet Percy Whitsickle, a foreman who asks Arthur to investigate wage theft. Complete the task and return to him again to learn of some thugs sent by Leviticus Cornwall who are obstructing the workers’ task. However, if you kill them before speaking to Percy beforehand, the interaction is different. He’ll provide some more details on the goons (which he couldn’t earlier since you went and killed them first) while expressing his thanks. All’s well that ends well.

Man Drowning Wife in Trough

Among the random events in-game is a man drowning his wife in Valentine at night. Your obvious reaction is to rescue her, which results in her escape. You could also hogtie the man, take him to the Sheriff’s office, toss him in the cell and collect a reward (though it seems you need to complete “Good, Honest Snake Oil” first, or else you’ll be accused of kidnapping). But what if you just let him do the deed and don’t interfere? You have to be some distance away to avoid notice, but afterwards, he’ll enter the nearby saloon and go about his business. An unfortunate end? Not quite. Return to Rhodes a few days later, and a public execution has been arranged for the man, who hangs for his crimes. Of course, if you want to hogtie and kill him yourself, that’s also an option.

You see, it’s been almost a decade since the game first came out, and Grand Theft Auto 5 still stands tall as one of the best open world games on the market. But why is it that this game continues to be a cultural behemoth all these years later, and what exactly did the game do to achieve that level of critical and commercial acclaim?

A big part of what makes Grand Theft Auto 5 such a big success is Rockstar’s understanding of what the audience truly wants out of such an experience. Grand Theft Auto 5 is everything that fans wished for, and then some more, especially if you are coming off from playing Grand Theft Auto 4 and San Andreas. The franchise has always been about spinning a ton of chaos in an open-ended sandbox, and just existing in a well-realized world that also doubles as a strong satire on relevant social themes in modern American society, and GTA 5 just ups the ante in those areas.

Grand Theft Auto 5 builds on what came before not just in terms of scope and scale, but also lines up elements like narrative with the gameplay for a more cohesive experience. The critical path is all about Michael, Trevor, and Franklin trying to pay off a massive loan, which then transcends into the trio planning to conduct the biggest heist of all time all while trying to save themselves from the hands of the FIB. Of course, it’s punctuated with familiar themes of friendship and betrayals – but by and large, it’s a story that carries its silliness as a badge of honor which works surprisingly well within the context of the game. Michael becomes a movie director at one point, and the hot-headed Trevor falls in love with the kidnapped wife of a gangster, and Franklin has his own set of life problems – there’s no shortage of such goofy moments that are sure to stay with you long after the credits roll.

And that approach to crafting a compatible narrative helps it resonate more strongly with the gameplay, which has seen a ton of improvements compared to its excellent predecessor. The shooting mechanics are a drastic upgrade over Grand Theft Auto 4, heavily inspired by the likes of Max Payne 3. Suffice it to say, combat is a lot more enjoyable than prior entries and as a result, it’s also a much more integral part of the mission design. Vehicles also control a lot better with accurate handling, and there’s a ton of vehicle types to choose from ranging from airplanes to motorbikes to boats and supercars.

All of these mechanics come together with painstaking detail in the game’s signature heists, which are multi-part missions that are a highlight of the experience. But before you actually perform the heist, you first have to do preparations like finding the perfect getaway vehicle, getting disguises or the right weapon for the job – which then leads you to the climactic showdowns. There are multiple approaches for any given heist, so you could replay these missions to see how choosing a different path will play out. Either way, the heists are action-packed missions that not only involve carefully planning out your strategies but also feature set-piece moments that make smart use of the three-protagonist structure to craft interesting scenarios that look on par with a big budget action movie.

While improved gameplay mechanics and new mission designs are part of the reason why Grand Theft Auto 5 is so good, the open world is easily the best part of the game. Any good open world is a living and breathing character in and of itself, and Rockstar’s rendition of Los Santos is no different. It’s a vast space that spans lush green forests, tall skyscrapers, urban neighborhoods, dusty outskirts, and much more. As you can imagine, there’s just a ton of variety within the map itself which feeds on a player’s natural curiosity to go out and explore every nook and cranny of this attractive virtual space.

Of course, exploration wouldn’t be much fun without enticing rewards – and Grand Theft Auto 5 understands that very well. Not only are collectibles littered throughout the map, but you can also meet up with NPCs that give you interesting side missions. The game calls these encounters Strangers and Freaks, and it’s a lot of fun to just goof around the map and come across these missions before eventually circling your way back to the main story.

There’s a lot more to the single-player component of the game like side activities and or hanging out with NPCs, but what has ultimately made the game such a big deal is the constantly evolving GTA Online component. It’s the reason why the game has been ported to not only the Xbox One and PS4 but also PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. This has pushed Grand Theft Auto 5 to be one of the most profitable entertainment products in history, with over $6 billion in generated revenue as of August last year.

GTA Online is a content-dense experience that just continues to grow big with each passing update. New heist missions, vehicles, and activities are being added at a consistent pace – and Rockstar has also introduced expansions like the Cayo Perico heist and more recently, the San Andreas Mercenaries expansion. As you can already imagine, GTA Online is just bursting with oodles of content – and fans can’t obviously get enough of it even a decade after its release, so Rockstar continues to cater to that demand.

In addition to this, the fact that GTA 5 is just so fun to play at its core also means that it’s ripe for modification, and Rockstar has done a great job of making the experience highly customizable with extensive support for mods. You can find hundreds upon hundreds of quality mods on sites like NexusMods that not only change the visual aesthetics but add entirely new mechanics or substantial content to the base experience.

All of this comes together to make Grand Theft Auto 5 an experience like no other. Plenty of developers have tried to craft similar open-world experiences since its release, but no one has even come close to nailing the magic of this wondrous game. But as we look back upon this game with love and appreciation, there’s also an inevitable hype and hopeful anticipation for the future.

After years of rumors and hopeful speculation, Rockstar has finally confirmed that GTA 6 is in the works. Unfortunately, tons of gameplay footage has already been leaked on the internet which gives us a glimpse of what to expect in terms of gameplay. Of course, that leak is not representative of the final release but one thing is for sure, Grand Theft Auto 6 has its work cut out for itself. Expectations are once again off the charts, and Rockstar will have to settle for nothing but the very best to be able to surpass the legacy of what came before.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.