Why You Can‘t Install Red Dead Redemption 2 on PlayStation 5…Yet

As an avid gamer and content creator focused on all things Red Dead Redemption, I‘ve been asked by many in the community why they can‘t seem to get RDR2 installed or running properly on the powerful new PS5 hardware.

Unfortunately for cowpokes everywhere, there are a few key factors standing in the way between Arthur Morgan‘s epic gun-slinging adventure and buttery smooth next-gen performance.

The main reason comes down to backwards compatibility limitations on the PS5 combined with the lack of an official PS5 upgrade patch for RDR2 from Rockstar Games.

While you can access and play the PS4 version thanks to the PS5‘s BC support, it will lack any meaningful enhancements that properly take advantage of the new console‘s impressive specs.

Let‘s dive deeper into the specific roadblocks and potential workarounds for playing everyone‘s favorite Wild West simulator on the lightning fast PS5!

Backwards Compatibility Too Limited for Next-Gen Gains

The PS5 proudly boasts backwards compatibility support for an enormous library of PS4 games spanning the entire generation. However, BC has some hard limitations around actually upgrading last-gen games to take full advantage of new hardware.

Here are the exact constraints:

• Emulation of PS4 game software and hardware environment
• No optimization of asset and geometry throughput
• Limited resolution and frame rate based on PS4 Pro legacy specs
• Load times dependent on original storage and data streaming systems

Based on my testing, here is how RDR2 currently performs from the PS4 disc running in PS5 backwards compatibility mode compared to native gameplay on PS4 Pro:

As you can see, BC yields no tangible improvements for stable frame rates or faster loading without a proper PS5 patch. Such a patch would need to be developed and issued by Rockstar to unlock the full potential of new console hardware.

No Next-Gen Support Patch…Yet!

All hope is not lost for RDR2 on PS5! Many last-gen games such as Ghost of Tsushima, Days Gone, and Horizon Zero Dawn have received major PS5 patches long after launch bringing massive gains.

Based on insider sources, Rockstar had been working on ambitious new editions for PS5 and Xbox Series X to release alongside next-gen launch but reportedly shelved plans to shift more resources to Grand Theft Auto 6 development.

Considering the record-shattering sales of GTA V, it makes complete business sense to focus efforts on the sequel. Still, it stings not being able to experience the massive open world of RDR2 enhanced properly for PS5.

Here are examples of the huge improvements possible with PS5 upgrade patches for other AAA open world games:

• Horizon Forbidden West – 1800p resolution, 60 FPS
• Ghost of Tsushima – 4K resolution, 60 FPS
• Days Gone – Up to 60 FPS, DualSense support

We can only hope Rockstar revisits PS5 and Xbox Series X plans for RDR2 once GTA 6 nears completion! It would be a technical and artistic achievement to build upon one of the most visually stunning worlds ever created.

In the meantime, what options do gamers have if they MUST play RDR2 on PS5 today?

Workarounds: Playing PS4 Version on PS5

Thanks to flawless backwards compatibility, PS5 owners can still enjoy Red Dead Redemption 2 by inserting the PS4 disc or downloading the last-gen digital version from the PlayStation Store.

Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Insert RDR2 PS4 Disc
2. Navigate to Game Hub
3. Select Play button
4. Or find in PS Plus Collection if downloaded

This provides a seamless experience without any emulation hiccups or performance setbacks compared to playing natively on the PS4 Pro. Built-in Game Boost modes even take full advantage of loading the game assets into the PS5‘s ultra-high speed SSD storage.

The only downside is missing out on 60+ FPS performance and 4K resolution that feel so satisfying on PS5. But I assure you Arthur has never looked better on console than a locked, stable 30 FPS at buttery smooth frame pacing only possible on new hardware.

Don‘t Abandon Hope for a PS5 Patch Someday!

Despite Rockstar hitting pause on PS5/Xbox Series X development, I speculate they will return to RDR2 in a big way once resources free up after Grand Theft Auto 6 goes gold.

The level of talent and dedication shown on RDR2 makes it a prime candidate for a late-gen enhancement patch in line with Ghost of Tsushima, The Last of Us Part 1, and other cherished last-gen masterpieces brought into the modern era.

In my ideal world, here is what a RDR2 upgrade patch would include to make the definitive console experience:

• Native 4K resolution
• Performance mode targeting 60 FPS @ 1440p resolution
• Enhanced texture filtering, shadows, reflections and lighting
• Faster loadingexploit the PS5‘s custom SSD
• DualSense haptic feedback and trigger support
• 3D spatial audio for extra immersion

This would allow all the meticulous details in the world and systems design to truly sing and breathe in ways limited even on high end PCs. I can only keep my fingers crossed for this dream upgrade to escape the shelving purgatory!

In the meantime, don‘t hesitate to play the PS4 version on PS5 through flawless backwards compatibility support. Despite not having next-gen optimizations, the technical mastery on display already shines brighter than all but a handful of native PS5 games when it comes to graphics, animation, AI, and physics.

For any who run into installation issues or questions getting RDR2 running smooth on PS5, here are some handy troubleshooting tips:

Storage Space Check

The massive 150GB+ install footprint may conflict with space needed for PS5 system data. Check storage stats and clear more room if required.

Hard Console Reset

Fully power down console and unplug for 2 minutes to flush any software issues stalling installation.

Reinstall Game

Delete all RDR2 data and retry complete re-installation from scratch to bypass any corrupt files.

Contact Support

If all else fails, reach out to PlayStation customer support or Rockstar Games for 1-on-1 installation assistance.

I hope this thorough breakdown sheds some light on the current limbo status for getting the most out of Red Dead Redemption 2 on next-gen PlayStation hardware. Please drop any questions below, and make sure to subscribe for future updates should Rockstar ever bless us with an official PS5 patch!