Red Dead Online utilizes many of the same gameplay systems as the single-player campaign. However, the mode’s online nature gives it a very different story context. There are still story elements obviously, but they don’t line up with the tale of Arthur Morgan. In this guide we’ll explain exactly when Red Dead Online is set in relation to the single-player mode.
This article contains spoilers for Red Dead Redemption 2’s story campaign.
Red Dead Online: When is it set?
Rockstar has been purposefully vague when it comes to Red Dead Online’s exact time setting. However, players have narrowed the exact setting from the missions they’ve played and characters they’ve met. Red Dead Online is specifically set a little before the Blackwater heist that kicked off the main game’s story campaign.
Returning Characters in Red Dead Online
Since Red Dead Online is set before the events of the story campaign, certain characters are still alive. For example, one mission involves teaming up with the lovable Irish rogue Sean MacGuire. Fans will remember that MacGuire is killed in RDR2’s story mode, but he’s alive and well in Red Dead Online. The Davies Brothers, who acted as the horse fence in RDR2 proper, also show up in Red Dead Online. Unsurprisingly, they can offer Red Dead Online players cash payouts for filched horses.
Perhaps the most surprising Red Dead Online cameo is from an original Red Dead Redemption character. Bonnie McFarlane, the stalwart rancher who has a large starring role in Red Dead Redemption, shows up in the online world. She’s naturally younger in Red Dead Online, but she’s no less tough or spunky.
There’s a chance that other familiar faces will eventually appear in Red Dead Online as well. Since the online component precedes the story campaign, any one of the Van der Linde folks could show up. Heck, players might even cross paths with Arthur Morgan himself, though he’s likely still busy running interference in Blackwater.
For more on Red Dead Online, you can check out some of our guides like how to utilize Dead Eye. We’ve also got a guide on changing your character’s appearance and clothing.