Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar Games’ sprawling Western epic, offers a deeply immersive experience with a compelling narrative, memorable characters, and a vast open world. It’s not uncommon for players to feel the urge to revisit the story, either to make different choices, experience it from a fresh perspective, or simply relive the adventure. But how exactly do you restart the RDR2 story? Let’s dive into the various methods and considerations for embarking on a new journey through the Wild West.
Understanding Your Options for a Fresh Start
Before we jump into the how-to, it’s essential to understand the options available for experiencing the RDR2 story anew. The game doesn’t offer a straightforward “New Game” button, which means achieving a clean slate requires a bit of strategizing. Your choices primarily involve managing save files and potentially creating new user profiles on your gaming platform.
You could opt to simply replay missions. This allows you to correct past mistakes, make different choices, or simply appreciate specific story moments again. However, it doesn’t reset your overall progress or world state.
Starting a completely new game from scratch involves either deleting your existing save data (not recommended unless you’re absolutely sure) or starting a new game and overwriting a less important save file.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Restarting Your RDR2 Story
Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively restart your Red Dead Redemption 2 story, depending on your platform and desired level of reset.
Restarting on PlayStation 4/5
PlayStation users have a few options, primarily centered around save file management.
Managing Save Data Through the Game Menu
The most straightforward approach involves using the in-game save system.
First, launch Red Dead Redemption 2.
From the main menu, select “Story.”
Choose “Load Game.” This will display a list of your saved games.
Identify a save file you’re willing to overwrite. Ideally, this should be one you don’t need or a very early-game save.
Select “New Game.” The game will prompt you to choose a save slot.
Overwrite the identified save file. The game will then begin from the very beginning of the story.
It’s important to note that this method doesn’t completely erase your progress in terms of overall statistics or unlockables tied to your user profile. It only restarts the story.
Using PlayStation Cloud Storage (PS Plus)
If you’re a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you can use cloud storage to manage your saves. This is a more cautious approach to ensure you don’t accidentally delete your main game progress.
Back up your existing save data to the PlayStation Cloud. Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Upload to Online Storage. Select Red Dead Redemption 2 and upload all your save files.
After backing up, delete the Red Dead Redemption 2 save data from your console’s storage. Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Delete. Select Red Dead Redemption 2 and delete all save files.
Launch Red Dead Redemption 2 and start a new game. The game will begin from the very beginning.
Remember, if you ever want to revert to your previous progress, you can download your saves from the cloud.
Creating a New PlayStation User Profile
This method offers the cleanest slate but requires creating a separate user profile on your PlayStation.
Create a new user profile on your PlayStation. Go to Settings > Login Settings > User Management > Create User.
Log in to the newly created user profile.
Launch Red Dead Redemption 2. The game will treat this as a completely new playthrough, with no existing save data or progress.
This approach provides a truly fresh start, as all progress and statistics are tied to the user profile. It’s like playing the game for the very first time.
Restarting on Xbox One/Series X/S
Xbox users have similar options as PlayStation users, revolving around save file management and user profiles.
Managing Save Data Through the Game Menu
This method is similar to the PlayStation approach.
Launch Red Dead Redemption 2.
From the main menu, select “Story.”
Choose “Load Game.” This will display a list of your saved games.
Identify a save file you’re willing to overwrite.
Select “New Game” and overwrite the chosen save file.
This restarts the story while retaining some overall profile data.
Using Xbox Cloud Storage
Xbox automatically backs up save data to the cloud. You can leverage this to manage your saves.
Ensure your existing save data is synced to the Xbox Cloud. This usually happens automatically if you are connected to Xbox Live.
Delete the Red Dead Redemption 2 save data from your console’s storage. Go to My Games & Apps > Red Dead Redemption 2 > Menu button > Manage Game & Add-ons > Saved Data. Delete the save data.
Launch Red Dead Redemption 2 and start a new game.
As with PlayStation, you can download your saves from the cloud if needed.
Creating a New Xbox Profile
Similar to PlayStation, creating a new Xbox profile offers a completely clean start.
Create a new Xbox profile. Go to Settings > Account > Add new.
Log in to the newly created profile.
Launch Red Dead Redemption 2. The game will treat this as a completely new playthrough.
This is the most thorough way to restart your RDR2 story.
Restarting on PC
PC players have more flexibility with save file management due to the file system.
Locating and Managing Save Files Manually
Red Dead Redemption 2 save files on PC are typically located in a Rockstar Games folder within your Documents folder.
Locate your Red Dead Redemption 2 save files. The exact location can vary depending on your operating system and game installation but is generally found in: Documents\Rockstar Games\Red Dead Redemption 2\Profiles[Your Profile ID]\
Back up your existing save files to a separate folder. This is crucial in case you want to revert to your previous progress.
Delete the save files from the original folder.
Launch Red Dead Redemption 2. The game will start from the beginning.
Be extremely careful when deleting files. Ensure you have a backup!
Using the Rockstar Games Launcher
The Rockstar Games Launcher also manages save data.
Launch the Rockstar Games Launcher.
Go to Settings.
Look for Cloud Saves or similar options related to Red Dead Redemption 2.
Disable cloud saves (optional, but recommended for more control).
Follow the steps in “Locating and Managing Save Files Manually” to delete the save files.
Launch Red Dead Redemption 2 and start a new game.
Disabling cloud saves ensures your local save files are not overwritten by cloud data.
Creating a New Windows User Account
While less common, creating a new Windows user account provides a truly fresh start, similar to creating a new profile on consoles.
Create a new Windows user account.
Log in to the newly created user account.
Launch Red Dead Redemption 2. The game will treat this as a completely new playthrough.
This is a more drastic measure, but it ensures a completely isolated game environment.
Things to Consider Before Restarting
Before you commit to restarting your RDR2 story, here are some important considerations:
Think about what you want to achieve. Are you aiming for a different ending? Do you want to make different choices? Understanding your goals will help you determine the best method for restarting.
Back up your existing save data. This is absolutely crucial, regardless of the method you choose. Backing up ensures you can revert to your previous progress if you change your mind.
Consider the impact on online progress. Restarting the story mode does not affect your Red Dead Online progress, which is separate.
Be aware of platform-specific features. PlayStation Trophies and Xbox Achievements are tied to your user profile and will not be reset.
Evaluate your time investment. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a lengthy game. Restarting requires a significant time commitment.
Preserving Memorable Moments While Restarting
Restarting doesn’t mean you have to lose all connection to your previous playthrough. Consider taking screenshots or recording videos of your favorite moments. These can serve as reminders of your past adventures and help you appreciate the game even more on your second playthrough.
You might even want to write down specific decisions you made in your first playthrough and compare them to the choices you make in your new game. This can provide a fascinating insight into how your perspective on the game and its characters has evolved.
Maximizing Your Second Playthrough
Now that you’re restarting your RDR2 story, here are some tips for making the most of your second playthrough:
Explore different paths and choices. Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a wealth of choices that impact the story and Arthur’s character. Experiment with different decisions and see how they affect the narrative.
Focus on different aspects of the game. Maybe you spent most of your first playthrough focusing on the main story. This time, try spending more time hunting, fishing, or exploring the open world.
Pay attention to details you might have missed. Red Dead Redemption 2 is filled with subtle details and hidden secrets. Take your time and explore every nook and cranny.
Use a different play style. If you played as a high-honor Arthur in your first playthrough, try playing as a low-honor Arthur this time. See how the world reacts to your actions.
Experiment with different weapons and outfits. Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a vast array of weapons and outfits. Try different combinations and find what suits your play style.
In Conclusion: Embracing the Journey Anew
Restarting your Red Dead Redemption 2 story is a fantastic way to rediscover the game’s depth and complexity. Whether you’re aiming for a different ending, exploring new choices, or simply reliving the adventure, the methods outlined above will help you embark on a fresh journey through the Wild West. Remember to back up your save data, consider your goals, and most importantly, enjoy the ride. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece, and experiencing it again from a new perspective can be incredibly rewarding. So saddle up, partner, and prepare for another unforgettable adventure.
What happens to my online progress if I restart the story mode in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Your Red Dead Online progress is completely separate from your Red Dead Redemption 2 story mode progress. Restarting the story mode will have absolutely no impact on your online character, rank, gold, or items. You can freely explore the single-player experience again without worrying about losing any progress in Red Dead Online.
Think of the two modes as entirely different games operating within the same overall application. They maintain independent save files and progression systems. Therefore, restarting the story mode is solely a single-player action that does not affect the online multiplayer environment.
Will I lose all my unlocked items and weapons if I restart the story?
Yes, if you choose to restart the story from the very beginning, you will lose all unlocked weapons, items, horses, and any story-related progress. The game essentially resets to the point where Arthur Morgan is starting his journey. This is because the game treats it as a fresh playthrough.
However, any items purchased or obtained through special promotions, pre-order bonuses, or DLC might be available to reclaim, depending on how they were initially implemented. You’ll usually find these items available in your camp or at a general store after reaching a certain point early in the story again.
Can I keep my save files and still restart at a specific chapter?
Yes, Red Dead Redemption 2 allows you to keep your existing save files even if you want to replay specific chapters. Before restarting, it’s crucial to create a new save file, preferably with a descriptive name like “Original Save” or “Endgame Save,” so you don’t accidentally overwrite your progress.
After making a new save, you can then load an older save from the chapter you wish to replay. This way, you can experience the game from that point onwards without deleting your entire progress. You’ll have the option to replay the story missions with all your upgrades and equipment from that point.
Is there a New Game Plus mode in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Unfortunately, Red Dead Redemption 2 does not feature a traditional New Game Plus mode. New Game Plus would typically allow you to start a new game with certain items and upgrades carried over from a previous playthrough. The game doesn’t offer this functionality.
While there’s no official New Game Plus, you can still achieve a similar experience by using existing save files. You can load an earlier save, as mentioned before, and replay the game with the resources available at that point in the story. This creates a pseudo New Game Plus experience where you maintain some progress from a previous playthrough.
How do I properly backup my save files before restarting?
Backing up your save files in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial to avoid potential data loss. On consoles, you can typically back up your save data to the cloud through PlayStation Plus (PS4/PS5) or Xbox Live Gold (Xbox One/Series X/S). These services usually offer automatic cloud backups.
On PC, the save files are usually located in the Documents/Rockstar Games/Red Dead Redemption 2/Profiles folder. Copy the entire “Profiles” folder to a safe location, such as an external hard drive or a different folder on your computer. This ensures that you have a complete backup of your save data.
What if I want to just replay a specific mission without restarting the whole story?
Red Dead Redemption 2 doesn’t have a built-in mission replay system that allows you to directly select and replay individual missions at any time. Once a mission is completed, it’s generally considered part of the storyline’s progression and isn’t readily accessible for replay.
However, the closest option is to reload a previous save file from before the mission you want to replay. This assumes you have a save file that was created prior to the mission’s completion. Regularly creating manual saves at different points in the game is the best way to enable this kind of selective replay.
Are there any mods that can help with restarting or replaying the game?
Yes, for the PC version of Red Dead Redemption 2, there are various mods available that can enhance the restarting or replaying experience. These mods can offer functionalities like creating new saves at any time, modifying the game’s difficulty, or even creating custom missions.
However, it’s essential to exercise caution when installing mods. Ensure that you download mods from reputable sources, read the installation instructions carefully, and be aware that mods can sometimes introduce instability or conflicts with the game. Always back up your game files before installing any mods to prevent any potential issues.