Red Dead Redemption 2 gets an unexpected spiritual successor in a brand new open-world RPG that may be worth us checking out.
Perhaps more than most developers, Rockstar Games knows how to craft an immersive open-world packed full of meaningful content to keep us entertained for hours on end, as well as making it look absolutely gorgeous.
Of course, we could be here all day naming open-worlds that arguably better what’s delivered by Rockstar Games, but in my humble opinion, the likes of Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption are right up there with the best of them.
If I had to pick between either 2010’s Red Dead Redemption or 2018’s Red Dead Redemption 2 as the best open world, I think the adventures of my main man, Arthur Morgan, just ever so slightly is my winner.
That being said, it’s now been over seven years (and counting) since the original release of Red Dead Redemption 2, and no matter how big its world is, full of content, there’s a good chance that most hardcore fans have pretty much done all there is to do.
So, with no sign of Red Dead Redemption 3 being on the horizon anytime soon, it might be worth keeping a lookout for some alternatives to keep us busy, such as the game that is the topic of today’s discussion.
Is This the Game That Red Dead Online Should Have Been?
The game in question is the indie RPG, Westlanders, developed by The Breach Studios and co-published with Radical Theory.
“Survive a wild-west open-world teeming with riches and fraught with perils. Alone or with your friends, brave unforgiving landscapes and conquer the wilds from your customizable mobile base: The Wagon,” reads the description of the game on Steam.
“But don’t just survive; thrive.
:Lay the foundations for bustling outposts and settlements, recruit loyal companions, and weave a powerful economic network to tame the wilderness and build your legacy.”
After watching its gameplay trailer, it looks like Westlanders has a lot of potential and could even be the game that fans hoped Red Dead Online would become.
Westlanders gives me major vibes of survival games such as Rust and The Forest.
At the time of writing, Westlanders does not have a release date, just a vague 2026 window.
It is, however, launching as an early access title on Steam soon. So it might be worth adding it to your wishlist to be notified of its availability.
