Just How Big is the Red Dead Redemption 2 Map?
Let‘s kick this off with a clear answer – the complete RDR2 game world measures approximately 29 square miles or 75 square kilometers. That makes it almost twice the size of the landscape in Skyrim! This vast open world is one of the major reasons RDR2 feels so immersive and groundbreaking as a wilderness adventure game.
As a passionate gamer myself, I‘ve sunk over 200 hours into exploring every corner of this digital frontier. In this article I‘ll compare the RDR2 map size to other notable open worlds, analyze why all that space matters, and share some of my personal insights from endless hours in the saddle. If you want a deeper look at just how staggeringly big this cowboy playground really is, saddle up and read on!
How the RDR2 Map Stacks Up
To fully appreciate the scale of the RDR2 map, let‘s compare it numerically to some other highly reputed open world games:
| Game | Estimated Map Size |
|---|---|
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 29 square miles |
| The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | 14.3 square miles |
| Grand Theft Auto V | 81 square km |
| Horizon Zero Dawn | 78 square km |
| Spiderman (PS4) | 6.16 square km |
As this table illustrates, the RDR2 overworld is exceptionally large even among its open world peers. At 29 square miles, it‘s significantly more expansive than the landscapes in Horizon Zero Dawn or Spiderman which still feel huge. And it edges out Grand Theft Auto V‘s already formidable map while dwarfing Skyrim‘s now seemingly quaint terrain.
To put it in perspective, you could fit almost the entire cities of Boston, Miami, or San Francisco into a 29 square mile area! That is an incredible amount of digital real estate for developers Rockstar to fill with activities and surprises. Which brings me to my next point…
Why Bigger is Better in RDR2
With so much space to work with, Rockstar leverages the enlarged RDR2 map to deliver:
- A wider diversity of terrain – from icy alpine peaks to muggy bayou wetlands, each area has a distinct feel
- Depth via insane attention to detail that brings even remote regions to life
- Scope that reinforces the epic frontier theme through long rides between towns
- Reward for indulging your inner explorer and wandering off the beaten trail
- Sheer magnitude that completionists can sink 100+ hours into without feeling repetitive
As a veteran of the series, I can confirm firsthand that the expanded map plays a pivotal role in making RDR2 feel like a lived-in wilderness. Despite the increased scale, there is activity and eye-catching scenery everywhere so that it never gets boring. And your trusty steed enables you to comfortably traverse huge distances, making even lengthy cross-country treks enjoyable.
Personal Reflections from Hundreds of Hours in the Saddle
I‘ll be the first to admit that I have spent an almost embarrassing number of hours combing every last acre of the RDR2 map multiple times over. But I think that intense experience has given me a unique appreciation for why the size matters here.
Beyond the statistical comparisons, what sticks with me are those memorable moments that this giant open world enabled…things like:
- Cresting a ridge on horseback to see the sun rising over the Great Plains, lighting up Sysphes bluffs in the distance
- Getting caught in an intense Bayou Nwa thunderstorm that seemed to trigger animal attacks from all sides
- Stumbling onto narrow slot canyons and hidden waterfalls while exploring off the main paths
- Having a friendly conversation with a stranger that organically transforms into a rivalry over several coincidental run-ins
In my opinion, it‘s emergent moments like these that set RDR2 apart. And they simply wouldn‘t be possible without the sprawling map that gives them space to breathe.
Sure Skyrim and GTA V have their great open worlds too. But the scale, diversity, and painstaking details of the RDR2 map combine to create a living world brimming with possibility. In terms of delivering on the outlaw fantasy, no other gaming landscape comes close!
So for any gamers on the fence – don‘t be intimidated by the size. Embrace it and let yourself get joyfully lost in this masterpiece of virtual wilderness. Just be sure to watch your horse‘s stamina core while trekking those sweeping vistas!
Let me know in the comments if this breakdown changes how you feel about the RDR2 map size or if you have your own stories of favorite moments only made possible by an open world of this scale. I could talk about wandering this frontier forever!
