Red Dead Redemption 2 has captivated gamers worldwide with its breathtaking landscapes and immersive open world. One question that often comes up among newcomers and veterans alike is: where does Red Dead Redemption 2 take place? Unlike many games set in a single location, this epic Western adventure spans across five fictional states, each with its own distinctive geography, climate, and cultural atmosphere that mirror real-life American regions of the late 1800s.

These five diverse states - Ambarino, New Hanover, Lemoyne, West Elizabeth, and New Austin - create a rich tapestry of environments that players can explore throughout their journey with Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang. Let's saddle up and take a closer look at each of these stunning locations.

Ambarino: The Majestic Mountain Wilderness

Ambarino stands as the northernmost region in Red Dead Redemption 2's map, dominated by the imposing Grizzlies mountain range. This rugged territory is split between the snow-covered Grizzlies East and the slightly more temperate Grizzlies West. If you've ever visited Colorado or wandered through the Rocky Mountains, you'll feel right at home here.

The harsh climate makes Ambarino sparsely populated, with just a handful of outposts rather than proper towns. Folks don't exactly flock to places where you can freeze to death just by taking a wrong turn! Despite (or perhaps because of) its unforgiving nature, Ambarino offers some of the most breathtaking vistas in the entire game.

New Hanover: The Heartland of America

New Hanover represents the quintessential American frontier with its rolling hills and vast grasslands aptly named The Heartlands. This region bears a striking resemblance to Wyoming and other parts of the American Midwest. It's a land of opportunity where ranches dot the countryside and wildlife roams in abundance.

The bustling town of Valentine serves as the livestock center of the region, where cowboys and outlaws mingle in muddy streets and rowdy saloons. You can almost smell the mixture of cattle, whiskey, and gunpowder in the air when you ride through! New Hanover perfectly captures that transitional period of American history where civilization was steadily encroaching on the wild frontier.

Lemoyne: Southern Charm and Darkness

Venturing south in Red Dead Redemption 2 brings players to Lemoyne, a region that draws heavy inspiration from Louisiana and other southeastern states. Here, the landscape transforms dramatically into bayous and plantations that tell silent stories of the region's complex and often troubled history.

The swamps of Bayou Nwa are teeming with alligators, snakes, and other creatures that would love nothing more than to make you their next meal. Meanwhile, the former plantation economy is represented in the aristocratic city of Saint Denis – a thinly-veiled New Orleans analog where old money meets new industry in a clash of eras. The humid air here practically sticks to your skin as you navigate its many contradictions.

West Elizabeth: Where East Meets West

West Elizabeth serves as a fascinating transition zone in the world of Red Dead Redemption where does Red Dead Redemption 2 take place most prominently during its middle chapters. This diverse state combines rolling plains with dense forests, reminiscent of the Great Plains and Midwest regions of the United States.

The region is home to Strawberry, a town marketing itself as a tourist destination for wealthy easterners seeking an "authentic" frontier experience. Talk about selling a sanitized version of the Wild West! Further east lies Blackwater, a rapidly modernizing port town that represents the encroachment of civilization that serves as a major plot point throughout the Red Dead Redemption series.

New Austin: The Iconic Desert Southwest

Fans of the original Red Dead Redemption will recognize New Austin, the arid southwestern territory that formed the primary setting of the first game. With its distinctive mesas, canyons, and desert landscapes, this region draws clear inspiration from Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.

New Austin represents the quintessential Wild West of American mythology – a harsh, unforgiving landscape where only the toughest survive. Towns like Armadillo and Tumbleweed (depending on which time period you're visiting) showcase the boom-and-bust cycle of frontier settlements in a way that makes you feel like you've stepped right into a classic Western film.

A Living, Breathing America in Miniature

What makes the setting of Red Dead Redemption 2 truly special isn't just the geographical diversity, but how these regions interact with each other to create a cohesive world. The game doesn't just plop different environments next to each other – it creates believable transitions and ecosystems that make the entire map feel like a living, breathing slice of Americana.

As Edmund Burke once said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." This quote resonates throughout the game's narrative as Arthur Morgan and the gang navigate this changing landscape, making difficult moral choices in a world that's leaving their way of life behind.

Whether you're hunting in the mountains of Ambarino, fishing in the rivers of New Hanover, attending high society functions in Lemoyne, logging in West Elizabeth, or surviving the harsh desert of New Austin, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers an unparalleled glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history through its masterfully crafted setting.

In 2025, as we look back on this gaming masterpiece, it's clear that few virtual worlds have managed to capture both the beauty and brutality of the American frontier quite like the five states of Red Dead Redemption 2.