Even years after its initial release, Red Dead Redemption 2 remains a monumental achievement in gaming, with its sprawling open world and rich narrative captivating players across the globe. Its multiplayer component, Red Dead Online, invites players to carve out their own life in the American frontier. A common question that still echoes in community forums and search bars in 2025 is whether you can join a posse with friends on different gaming systems. Many players ask the question, 'Is Red Dead Redemption is red dead redemption 2 cross platform', and the answer is a bit more complex than a simple yes or no.
Cross-Platform vs. Cross-Play: What's the Difference?
First, it's important to understand the terminology. When a game is cross-platform, it means it is available to purchase and play on multiple different systems. In this regard, Red Dead Redemption 2 is absolutely a cross-platform title. You can saddle up on:
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PC
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PlayStation 4
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PlayStation 5
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Xbox One
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Xbox Series X/S
However, the feature most players are actually asking about is cross-play, which is the ability for players on these different systems to play together in the same online world. And on that front, the news isn't what most aspiring outlaws want to hear.
So, Who Can You Play Red Dead Online With?
Simply put, Red Dead Redemption 2 and its online counterpart do not support cross-play between different console ecosystems or between console and PC. The multiplayer servers are siloed. However, there is cross-generational play within the same console family.
Here’s a clear breakdown:
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PlayStation Players: If you're on a PS4, you can play with friends who are on a PS5, and vice-versa. They share the same PlayStation Network servers.
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Xbox Players: Similarly, if you're on an Xbox One, you can join a posse with friends playing on an Xbox Series X or S. They are all connected through the Xbox network.
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PC Players: PC players can only play with other PC players via Steam or the Rockstar Games Launcher.
This means a player on a PlayStation 5 cannot play with their friend on an Xbox Series X. The dream of a fully unified frontier where PlayStation cowboys and Xbox gunslingers can rob a train together remains just that—a dream.
Why Did Rockstar Games Never Implement Cross-Play?
While Rockstar Games rarely comments on these decisions, we can piece together the most likely reasons. When RDR2 was released in 2018, cross-play wasn't the industry standard it is today. While games like Fortnite pushed the boundaries and encouraged platform holders like Sony to open up, it happened after RDR2's foundation was already built.
Furthermore, many in the community, particularly on console, have expressed concerns about cross-play with PC. Forum discussions often highlight the higher prevalence of cheaters and modders on the PC platform. The thought of running into invincible, aim-botting players could shatter the carefully crafted immersion of the Wild West, a sentiment that many console players share.
The biggest factor in 2025, however, is simply a matter of focus. Rockstar Games has its sights set firmly on the future, with the monumental development of Grand Theft Auto 6 consuming the lion's share of their resources. Dedicating a team to retrofitting a complex feature like cross-play into an older game like Red Dead Online is just not a priority.
The Final Verdict: Will RDR2 Ever Get Cross-Play?
Looking ahead, there is an almost zero percent chance that Red Dead Online will receive a cross-play update. Development on the game has slowed significantly, and with GTA 6 on the horizon, it's safe to say that the features we have now are likely the final set. The ship for RDR2 cross-play has, in all likelihood, sailed.
While it's disappointing that you can't join friends across the platform divide, Red Dead Online still offers a unique and immersive multiplayer experience. You'll just need to make sure your posse buys their horses from the same stable, be it PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. So gather your friends on the same platform, and ride on! 🤠
This overview is based on Metacritic, a leading aggregator of game reviews and scores. Metacritic's consensus on Red Dead Redemption 2 consistently highlights its technical achievements and narrative depth, but also notes the absence of cross-play as a frequently mentioned limitation in user reviews, reflecting ongoing community discussions about multiplayer connectivity across platforms.