Can I play RDR2 on PC if I bought it on Xbox?

The short answer is no, you cannot play the Xbox version of Red Dead Redemption 2 on a PC without purchasing RDR2 again for the PC platform.

Xbox Play Anywhere

Some Xbox game titles are part of the Xbox Play Anywhere program, which allows you to play the game on both Xbox consoles and Windows 10 PCs at no additional cost. Unfortunately, Red Dead Redemption 2 is not an Xbox Play Anywhere title.

Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming

For certain games, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can stream games over the internet to their device using cloud gaming technology. But RDR2 has not been added to the Xbox cloud gaming lineup as of early 2023.

Streaming from your Xbox Console

You can stream gameplay from your Xbox One or Series X/S console to a Windows 10 or 11 PC on the same network using the Xbox app. This mirrors the screen to your PC and allows controlling the game with keyboard/mouse. But the console is still running everything.

Performance will depend on the specs of your Xbox console, your network connection, and the Windows PC hardware. Input lag can also be an issue with game streaming.

(Performance statistics via Digital Foundry)

So streaming can allow you to view Xbox gameplay on a PC, but graphics and performance will be limited compared to running natively on a strong gaming PC.

Using a Console Emulator

Emulators for Xbox consoles do exist for PC, which in theory could allow running your Xbox RDR2 copy on PC hardware. But they involve legally gray areas around breaching console DRM protections and intellectual property rights.

Performance and compatibility can also be major issues with early-stage emulators. So far, RDR2 appears to not properly function on any existing or in-development Xbox emulators as of early 2023.

Native PC Version – The Best Way to Play RDR2

To experience RDR2 with unlocked framerates, ultrawide monitor support and the highest resolutions and graphical detail levels that leverage powerful PC hardware, purchasing and running the native PC version of RDR2 is the definitive way to play.

As of February 2023, over 6 million copies of RDR2 have been sold on PC via the Rockstar Games Launcher and Steam, showing the platform‘s popularity for this game.

Red Dead Redemption 2 PC sells for $59.99 USD full price as a one-time purchase from authorized sellers like Steam, Epic Games Store, Rockstar Games, Green Man Gaming, Fanatical and more.

The game sees discounts around 30-50% off several times per year during major seasonal sales events. So adding it to your wishlist is recommended to get notified of any deals.

For those willing to purchase again on PC, being able to run RDR2 at over 60 FPS at 4K resolution with additional graphical effects and customizability options makes it an exceptional way to experience this epic open world game.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about getting RDR2 on PC!