Our author Eilyn plays Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA 5 and has long suspected that there are great similarities between the two games. PC modders have found hints as to why the two mega hits might be so similar.
What have the PC modders found? A PC modder community found evidence in the files of Red Dead Redemption 2 that the assets from GTA 5 were copied. The same mechanics were found in both games.
This would explain a significant similarity in gameplay.
These files were found:
Source: unknowncheats.me
Here you can see that some mechanics from GTA 5 have been adopted, such as character creation, which shows a connection to Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. These are the story characters from GTA 5.
Now that RDR 2 is also available on PC, these files have been found in the data of Red Dead Redemption 2.
Parallels between GTA 5 and RDR 2
What similarities do the two games have? Those who play the two games online may notice several similarities. Especially game mechanics from Red Dead Online are known from GTA 5.
I, Eilyn, play both games online and have noticed some similarities. When I played RDR 2, I always thought: RDR is actually like GTA, just in a different time period!
These similarities stood out to me while playing:
Means of Transportation
In Grand Theft Auto V, you get in a car and race from one place to another. Although you have means of transportation in Red Dead Redemption, they are noticeably slower.
However, both games offer the possibility of owning a means of transportation:
- In GTA 5, you can order your dream car online, which will be delivered nicely to your home.
- In RDR 2, you go to the nearest stable and buy a horse of your choice.
In both games, you can easily call or have your means of transportation brought to you.
The Story Missions
In both games, there is the possibility to play story missions:
- In GTA 5 online, there is a bank robbery or an apocalypse scenario.
- In Red Dead Online, there is a train robbery or also a bank robbery.
These story missions are usually completed with other players, and rewards are given. Although the mechanics of the missions are quite similar, they are adapted to the corresponding time periods.
The Character Creation
Here, the mechanics between RDR 2 and GTA 5 are quite similar. You can customize your character in detail. In both games, you start from scratch when creating a new character. However, in RDR 2, you can only delete the existing character and cannot revert back to it.
What differs is the resources. In GTA 5, you have many more options to customize your character accordingly.
In RDR 2, the selection is rather small and limited. This is also adapted to the time period, in which there weren’t as many options to individualize.
Taking Selfies
If you want to take a selfie, both games offer you the chance:
- In Grand Theft Auto V, you can simply grab your phone and take a selfie with the camera.
- In Red Dead Redemption 2, you take your camera out of the inventory, place it, choose a pose, and then take a picture.
These pictures are then saved and can be shared in the Rockstar Games Social Club for everyone to see. It’s worth it to create a particularly cool selfie.
Map and Markings
In the games, there is a map and a mini-map that you can access to determine your location. If you want to embark on a journey, you can simply mark the travel destination on the map, and the route will be displayed on the map.
This is especially convenient, as you can see on the mini-map which direction you should go or ride. This mechanic is quite identical in both games.
Forming Groups
If you want to form a group, both GTA 5 and Red Dead Online offer options for that.
- In GTA 5, you have the options to hire employees as a CEO or invite members into the biker business.
- In Red Dead Online, you can form a posse and invite different players. There is also the option to make the posse public, allowing players to join voluntarily.
These assets are similarly structured, but with the difference that in Red Dead Online, you can set the group to public, and everyone can then decide freely whether to join.
So, it is evident that there are many similarities in the gameplay mechanics of these two games.
The PC modder hints could indicate why these games play so similarly, as parts were taken from GTA 5 and incorporated into RDR 2.
Have you also tried both games? Have you noticed these similarities as well?
