Does RDR2 take place in 1907?

No, RDR2 does not entirely take place in the year 1907. While the epilogue chapter jumps ahead to 1907, the vast majority of the game occurs in 1899 during the final years of the American frontier. Let‘s take a closer look at the full timeline.

RDR2 Timeline Breakdown

Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang dominate the storyline for most of RDR2. We join them in 1899 as outlaws on the run trying to survive the dying Wild West. This spans across 5 chapters and multiple states over months of in-game time:

• Ch. 1 – Colter, West Elizabeth (February 1899)
• Ch. 2-3 – New Hanover & Lemoyne (May 1899)
• Ch. 4 – Saint Denis, Lemoyne (late summer 1899)
• Ch. 5 – Guarma, Cuba (late 1899)

The epilogue then jumps ahead nearly a decade to 1907 on the cusp of RDR1:

• Epilogue – Beecher‘s Hope, West Elizabeth (1907)

So while 1907 features, the majority covers 1899 over 5 lengthy chapters. Early analysis suggested over 70% is spent in 1899. Let‘s explore why Rockstar chose this pivotal timeframe.

Why 1899 for RDR2?

In interviews, Rockstar discussed wanting to capture the last days of the Wild West frontier era as modernization encroaches via government and technology. 1899 lies on the cusp of huge change while still retaining the Old West.

Analyzing the themes and commentary in RDR2 supports this intention. As video essayist "NakeyJakey" stated:

"It‘s the death of the wild west, Through Dutch you see the desperation to hang on to this old way of life that the modern world is phasing out."

You face these changing times impacting your gang throughout 1899. Whether dodging lawmen or seeing towns like Saint Denis modernizing, it highlights the closing frontier.

1907 then shows the consequences – an industrialized nation where outlaws like John Marston struggle to survive.

What Happens in the 1907 Timeline?

After Arthur‘s death in 1899, John Marston takes over as protagonist. Settling down with wife Abigail and son Jack, John decides to try ranching. After years on the run, he longs for a normal life.

However, as Marston notes with irony, former outlaws rarely catch good fortune. Despite trying to go straight, he remains tormented by his past and the endemic corruption in this new society.

With federal agents pressing him into service in 1911‘s Red Dead Redemption, John‘s efforts fail – highlighting the cost of lost traditions and ideals in the new modern era.

"John‘s fate seals the loss of freedom in the West. Laws and government took the power, and with them, the soul."

So ultimately, while brief, 1907 represents the conduit from RDR2 to RDR1 – setting up redemption sought but never found.

Now let‘s examine the key players in 1907 and their fates bridging these titles.

Character Ages and Roles in 1907

At 34, John anchors the next era in this ongoing epic. We last see teenaged Jack inherit his father‘s role in 1914‘s Red Dead Redemption epilogue.

Charles Smith resurfacing to advise Marston also continues his arc from 1899. While not shown, remnant gang members like Sadie Adler likely linger in this landscape too.

1907 features familiar faces at the dawn of change – their futures framed by 1906‘s consequences.

Some speculate Jack could lead a third redemption game bridging his transformation from 1907 to 1914 in later years.

RDR2 Map Comparison – What Changed From 1899 to 1907?

As communities like Armadillo grow into bustling town centers, statehood becomes imminent by 1907.

With railroads connecting more regions, development rapidly modernizes the terrain. Outlaws lose hideouts to homesteads and industry.

Yet remnants of Dutch‘s world linger at Beecher‘s Hope. The Old West fades but casts a lingering shadow.

And through players like John Marston, its legends and consequences continue to impact the future.

So in summary, while RDR2 is dominated by 1899, the epilogue‘s 1907 setting remains pivotal to the entire franchise – connecting eras of massive change impacting characters and lands.