From the far west of Gaptooth Ridge to west of Bluewater Marsh, the Red Dead Redemption world is full of so many bustling settlements, town and cities. I’ll be taking you through my 5 favourite destinations.
Note: Contains story spoilers on the Red Dead Redemption 2 Storyline
5 – Blackwater
In terms of the ‘big cities’ within the games, Blackwater always beats Saint Denis to me. Yes, Saint Denis is by far the biggest of the two cities, however, both games always seem to centre round Blackwater. In the first instalment, the game starts with John getting on a train in Blackwater and finishes with him at Beechers Hope, just outside Blackwater. Also, even though we don’t get to see the event, the gang in the second instalment are on the run because of a shootout, caused bank robbery gone wrong in none other than…. Blackwater!!
4 – Strawberry
Strawberry may not have a lot of action going on in Red Dead 2 besides the save Micah mission and a few visits in the epilogue, but it is still full of life and thriving. Set out as a logging town in the forest, this picturesque settlement is a tourist dream. The mayor even speaks of transforming Strawberry into a resort town. I would visit, well, as long as it wasn’t amidst a shootout.
3 – Valentine
Home to the famous Arthur and Lenny mission, Valentine is a bustling livestock town in Red Dead 2. Being the main town in chapter 2, the gang spend a lot of time in the saloons and shoot up the joint. This town is particularly a favourite of mine because it’s the first town you get to after opening up the entire Red Dead map, you can finally brush off the cold of Colter. It’s also home of one of my favourite NPCs, Mickey. I always make sure I have the time to give that guy a hug.
2 – Rhodes
I will forever be sad that Sean meets his demise in Rhodes but that doesn’t stop me from loving this town. It was the first place I met ‘Gavin’ and I enjoyed the whole chapter based in the area. I could have spent the whole game in Rhodes alas that wasn’t meant to be. Rhodes gave me the feel of Armadillo without being out in the wilderness.
1 – Tumbleweed
It was a hard decision between Tumbleweed and Rhodes for the top spot but the transformation we see in Tumbleweed across the two games won it over for me. Once I heard the original map was going to be in Red Dead 2, I was immediately excited to see what Tumbleweed was like in the past. Due to the plague taking over Armadillo in the second instalment, Tumbleweed was the main settlement in New Austin. Full of character and a ruthless sheriff, I’m certainly disappointed it didn’t stay that way.
Do you agree with my choices? Let us know in the comments or in social media which is your favourite location in the Red Dead world and why!
