Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) and Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) are two of Rockstar Games’ most iconic franchises. While they appear to take place in entirely different eras — modern-day crime vs. the Wild West — the latest GTA 6 trailer suggests these games may actually exist in the same universe. Fans have discovered subtle easter eggs in the GTA 6 trailer that directly reference Red Dead Redemption 2, sparking new theories and discussions.
Are GTA 6 and Red Dead Redemption 2 Set in the Same Universe?
In a strip club scene from the GTA 6 official trailer, dollar bills are seen flying across the screen. On closer inspection, these fictional bills feature the faces of Thaddeus Waxman and Franklin Hardin, two fictional U.S. presidents from Red Dead Redemption 2. These characters previously appeared on collectible cards and in-world currency in RDR2, which is set in the late 1800s.
This hidden detail suggests that GTA 6 and RDR2 may share a connected timeline, with RDR2 representing the past and GTA 6 showing the modern-day evolution of that world.
More Rockstar Easter Eggs Linking GTA and RDR
This isn’t the first time Rockstar has hinted at a shared game universe:
- In GTA 5, there’s a book titled Red Dead, authored by J. Marston — a likely reference to John Marston, the protagonist of Red Dead Redemption.
- In GTA Online’s Cayo Perico Heist, players can spot a photo resembling the Lume sisters from Red Dead, suggesting a deeper narrative link.
These cross-references are fueling speculation that Rockstar has been slowly building a connected universe between GTA and RDR all along.
Popular Fan Theories
With the release of the GTA 6 trailer, several GTA-RDR crossover theories have gained traction:
- Shared History Theory: Red Dead Redemption is the historical backdrop to the modern-day Grand Theft Auto universe.
- Generational Legacy: Characters in GTA may be descendants of RDR2 characters, like the Marston family.
- Unified Rockstar World: Future games may include expanded maps and timelines that connect multiple Rockstar franchises.
What This Means for Future Rockstar Games
If GTA 6 and RDR2 share the same universe, this opens the door to deeper storytelling, possible GTA and RDR crossovers, and a unified Rockstar timeline. Imagine seeing historical references, family legacies, or even hidden missions that tie both worlds together.
This could also signal Rockstar’s plan to evolve its open-world games into a massive, persistent universe — similar to what Marvel has done with films, but for gaming.
The latest GTA 6 easter eggs referencing Red Dead Redemption 2 could be more than just fun nods — they may confirm a long-standing fan theory that GTA and RDR exist in the same universe. Whether it’s just clever fan service or the foundation for a larger connected world, one thing is clear: Rockstar is a master of subtle storytelling and long-term worldbuilding.
Stay tuned for more updates on GTA 6, Red Dead Redemption connections, and everything Rockstar Games.