Seven years after release, Red Dead Redemption 2 continues to defy expectations. According to new data from Take-Two Interactive’s latest earnings report, Rockstar Games’ Western masterpiece has officially become the fourth best-selling video game of all time, crossing an astonishing 79 million copies sold worldwide.
It’s a remarkable milestone that places RDR2 in the same league as industry juggernauts like Minecraft, GTA V, and Tetris. For a narrative-driven, single-player-focused title to reach these numbers in today’s multiplayer-heavy gaming scene is nothing short of incredible.
A Legacy Seven Years in the Making
Released back in 2018, Red Dead Redemption 2 was more than just another Rockstar game – it was a cinematic experience that pushed the boundaries of storytelling, realism, and emotional depth in open-world gaming. Critics hailed it as a technical marvel, and players quickly fell in love with Arthur Morgan’s tragic tale of loyalty, loss, and redemption.
Even now, years later, the game continues to sell steadily across all platforms. It’s often featured on discount charts and bundled with next-gen consoles, drawing in new players who might have missed it the first time around.
The continued success also highlights Rockstar’s ability to create timeless experiences that age gracefully. Despite being released during the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One era, RDR2 still competes visually and technically with most modern titles.
How It Stacks Up Against the Best
With 79 million units sold, Red Dead Redemption 2 now sits comfortably behind:
- Minecraft – Over 300 million copies
- Grand Theft Auto V – 200+ million copies
- Tetris – Around 100 million copies
- Red Dead Redemption 2 – 79 million copies
That’s an elite list, and RDR2 is the only game among them focused primarily on a single-player narrative campaign. Rockstar’s Western adventure now outranks other best-sellers like PUBG, Super Mario Bros., and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
The game’s massive sales have also pushed the entire Red Dead franchise to more than 106 million copies sold across both titles – a clear sign that fans can’t get enough of Rockstar’s frontier storytelling.
A Revival on the Horizon?
Naturally, this massive milestone has reignited speculation about Red Dead Redemption 2 receiving an updated release for new-generation consoles. Rumors have been circulating that Rockstar may be preparing enhanced versions of the game for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and possibly even the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
While Rockstar has remained silent on the topic, fans are hopeful. With the GTA 6 release window drawing closer, a remastered RDR2 could serve as the perfect bridge – a way to reintroduce players to Rockstar’s attention to detail before the next major chapter hits.
An upgraded version could also help unlock the game’s full visual potential, especially on newer hardware capable of higher resolutions, improved lighting, and faster loading times.
Why Players Still Keep Coming Back
So, what keeps players riding back into the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 year after year?
- Immersive world design: Every inch of the frontier feels alive – from the snowy peaks of Ambarino to the bustling streets of Saint Denis.
- Deep storytelling: Arthur Morgan remains one of gaming’s most emotionally complex protagonists.
- Unmatched attention to detail: The game’s realism – from horse behavior to weather patterns – continues to impress players even after countless playthroughs.
- Active modding community: On PC, fans continue to breathe new life into the game with mods ranging from photo realism to new storylines.
It’s not just nostalgia that’s fueling its sales – it’s reputation. RDR2 has become a benchmark for what open-world storytelling can achieve, and new players continue to discover it as word of mouth spreads.
The Red Dead Legacy
The success of Red Dead Redemption 2 also shines a light on its predecessor. Red Dead Redemption (2010) recently saw a new release on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, introducing a new generation of players to John Marston’s saga.
This renewed interest in the original game, combined with RDR2’s record-breaking success, suggests Rockstar might not be done with the franchise just yet. Fans are already dreaming of a Red Dead Redemption 3, though any official word is likely years away.
What This Means for Rockstar
For Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive, the continued growth of RDR2 proves the enduring power of single-player storytelling in an industry increasingly focused on live-service titles.
It’s also a strong reminder that quality – not just quantity – can drive long-term sales. Rockstar’s commitment to world-building, character writing, and technical excellence keeps its games relevant long after release.
And with GTA 6 expected to dominate headlines in 2026, the studio’s ability to maintain momentum with Red Dead Redemption 2 is a clear signal of its unmatched influence in the gaming industry.
Final Thoughts
Seven years later, Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t just surviving – it’s thriving. Becoming the fourth best-selling game ever is a testament to Rockstar’s craftsmanship, the loyalty of its player base, and the timeless appeal of a well-told story set against the dying days of the Wild West.
Whether or not a next-gen update arrives, RDR2 has already carved its place in gaming history – not just as a best-seller, but as one of the most impactful open-world adventures ever made.
