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If you want to play now, choose Red Dead Redemption 2. If you prefer a modern-day crime story set around Vice City and are willing to wait, Grand Theft Auto VI may be the better fit. As of October 4, 2026, Rockstar lists GTA VI for November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S; it is not yet available to play.
How do GTA 6 and Red Dead Redemption 2 compare?
| Decision | Grand Theft Auto VI | Red Dead Redemption 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Can you play it now? | No. Rockstar lists it as coming November 19, 2026. | Yes. It is an available game, with official versions for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. |
| Where and when is it set? | Modern-day Vice City and the state of Leonida. | America in 1899, as the Wild West era is ending. |
| Who is the story about? | Jason and Lucia, who become caught up in a criminal conspiracy. | Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang, fleeing after a robbery in Blackwater goes wrong. |
| Best fit by timing | Players prepared to wait for the announced release. | Players looking for a story-driven open-world game to start now. |
| Purchase detail to check | Announced for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Rockstar says the physical box version contains a download code, not a disc. | Choose the listing for your system; Rockstar offers Story Mode and Red Dead Online. |
That is the clearest comparison supported by the official descriptions: a difference in era, setting, premise, and availability. It does not establish which game has better gameplay, writing, graphics, value, or a world you will enjoy more.
Can you play GTA 6 yet?
No. As of October 4, 2026, Rockstar lists Grand Theft Auto VI as forthcoming on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a release date of November 19, 2026. Its announced premise follows Jason and Lucia as they become entangled in a criminal conspiracy across Leonida. The date and platforms are Rockstar’s current listing, so check the official page again before making a purchase decision.
Rockstar lists Standard and Ultimate Editions. If you are considering a boxed physical version, note that Rockstar describes it as a box containing a download code, with no disc. Check the platform, edition, account region, and current purchase terms before ordering.
#1 Best Overall
What kind of story does Red Dead Redemption 2 offer?
Red Dead Redemption 2 is set in 1899 and follows Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang. After a robbery in Blackwater goes wrong, the gang flees across the American heartland. Rockstar’s store describes it as a story set as “The end of the Wild West era has begun.” That premise makes it the more immediate choice if you want an outlaw story in a historical western setting rather than a contemporary crime story.
Rockstar’s store lists both Story Mode and Red Dead Online. The game has official versions for PS4, Xbox One, and PC; confirm that the specific store listing matches your device before buying.
Rank #2
- Will take full advantage of the power of new generation systems and PC to deliver across-the-board enhancements including increased resolution and graphical detail, denser traffic, greater draw distances, upgraded AI, new wildlife, and advanced weather and damage effects for the ultimate open world experience.
- The biggest, most dynamic and most diverse open world ever created and now packed with layers of new detail.
- Grand Theft Auto V blends storytelling and gameplay in new ways as players repeatedly jump in and out of the lives of the game’s three lead characters, playing all sides of the game’s interwoven story.
- Includes Grand Theft Auto Online, the ever-evolving Grand Theft Auto universe.
- All new content and gameplay created and released since the launch of Grand Theft Auto Online including new Jobs, an arsenal of new weapons, scores of new vehicles, new properties and player customizations
Should you wait for GTA 6 or play Red Dead Redemption 2 now?
Choose Red Dead Redemption 2 if you want to start now
- You want an available game rather than a pre-release purchase.
- The 1899 setting, Arthur Morgan, and the story of a gang in decline appeal to you.
- You have a supported platform and can select the matching edition.
Wait for GTA VI if its premise is the draw
- You are more interested in a modern-day crime story around Vice City and Leonida.
- You want to follow Jason and Lucia’s story.
- You are comfortable waiting for the currently announced November 19, 2026 release and have a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S.
Neither choice is a reliable shortcut to predicting which game you will like more: official premise and platform information can clarify the fit, but they cannot substitute for playing or independently evaluating the games.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you play next?
For a game to play now, pick Red Dead Redemption 2. For a modern Vice City-set crime story, wait for Grand Theft Auto VI—and recheck its date, platform, and edition details before buying.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Grand Theft Auto III: It all starts in Liberty City
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City: Welcome to the 1980s
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: Five years ago, Carl 'CJ' Johnson escaped the haze of Los Santos, San Andreas...a city tearing itself apart with gang trouble, drugs, and corruption.
Rank #3
- This product contains a download code inside the box — no disc is included. Customer shipments will begin arriving November 12 for pre-load; game is playable starting November 19.
- Pre-order to receive the Vintage Vice City Pack.
- Grand Theft Auto VI is a single-player experience.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
