7 Red Dead Redemption 2 Features That GTA 6 Should Definitely Borrow

There’s really no debate: Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR 2) still remains trapped in the timeless status of being one of the absolute best video games ever made-a true masterpiece that combined realism, storytelling, and emotional depth rarely matched by any game out there. With Grand Theft Auto 6 fast-tracked for a much-anticipated 2026 release, everyone is wondering: what if Rockstar brought some of those cherished elements from RDR 2 into GTA 6?

Listed here are 7 RDR 2 mechanics that might have turned GTA 6 into an even deeper experience: more cinematic and emotionally enriching.

1. Visual Realism Is Achieved By Progression

The beard and hair growth system in RDR 2 added some level of realism that is seldom found in open-world gaming. Too, players could see Arthur Morgan's hair grow over time naturally, with some tonics even allowing for speedy growth.

Think about it, instant haircuts in GTA 5 felt bizarrely artificial. In reaction to this, if GTA 6 implements gradual hair growth for its protagonists, Jason and Lucia, such a mechanism would set forth a fine degree of immersion and character building where even a single day in the game would carry a whole lot of meaning.

2. More Robust Social Interactions and Mechanics

One of the top selling features of RDR 2 was, of course, the NPC interaction system-whichever way you look at it: Basically, you could greet, antagonize, or even just about rob anyone. Now imagine having that in GTA 6's bustling Vice City-give the lady a scar on the beach or at a nightclub, insult the blue-collars, or just hang out with a random NPC.

Socializing and interacting with NPCs would really keep things unpredictable, paving the way either for spontaneous fighting, genuine friendship, or utterly hilarious moments naturally borne from these random encounters rather than being scripted.

3. The Dynamics of Relationships vs. Honor Systems

Whereas RDR 2 tracks morality by means of an honor system, GTA 6 could go beyond this with some sort of relationship system.

Instead of a great deal of "good" and "bad" deeds, GTA 6 would examine how protagonists' acts concerning each other in-between Jason and Lucia especially. Things like loyalty, betrayal, romance—these would lead to changes in dialogue, changes in missions, and changes in the endings.

Because of such emotional realism, each decision becomes worthy of consideration for the player; hence, one would probably want to think twice before crossing a certain line.

4. Hunting as a Meaningful Side Activity

Hunting in RDR 2 was an ecosystem, not just a mini-game. Players hunted animals, skinned them, and utilized the resources for crafting or trade.

Given the rumor of swampy and rural areas in GTA 6, mechanics like those would be a tonne of replay value. Players might hunt crocodiles for money, fish for food, or just go around enjoying wildlife.

These things would make Vice City feel more alive and meaningful, so players have something fun to do outside of traditional heists and gunfights.

5. Creative Means of Getting Around, More Than Fast Travel

Whoever said horses had no place in the coming-to-age world? Allowing horses or other funky rides in GTA 6 would be an entertaining throwback — picture Lucia galloping through Vice City while NPCs are recording the whole thing in disbelief.

This would hopefully constitute Rockstar's trademarked creativity and self-aware humor. Further, varying transport will provide more ways to the player to roam and add to the GTA 6 world charm.

6. Weapon Management & Dual-Gun Combat

In RDR 2, Arthur Morgan was allowed to carry only a handful of weapons with extras kept on the horse; this forced players to plan ahead and think strategically.

In contrast, in GTA 5, a character was allowed to carry an arsenal too wildly. GTA 6, seemingly, will change all of that - the early leaks are hinting at a limited weapon system in relation to vehicles.

Dual-wielding guns, as in RDR 2, would make those cinematic and violent action scenes more exciting - John Wick meets Vice City.

7. Dynamic Weather and Environmental Effects

RDR 2 had a weather engine unlike any other - snow would blind you and rain would style a storm, with every transition feeling utterly organic and atmospheric.

The tropical setting of GTA 6 opens an entire new dimension of possibilities. Tropical storms, lightning strikes, fog, or heatwaves could dynamically affect everything: gameplay, visualization, and the physics of driving. Imagine high-speed chases in sheets of water or helicopter action amid a thunderstorm — sheer cinematic magic.

Final Thoughts

The aforementioned seven systems — realism, interaction, relationships, hunting, special transportation, weapon limitations, and dynamic weather — embody Rockstar at its best: obsessed with details to the unpredictable and emotionally engaging.

If GTA 6 manages to integrate just a handful of those RDR 2-full-blown systems, it could easily be the most ambitious open-world game ever made.

Which of these would you want most in GTA 6? Comment down below with your thoughts!