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The Red Dead Redemption 2 map is split into five fictional US states: Ambarino, New Hanover, Lemoyne, West Elizabeth and New Austin, plus the Caribbean island of Guarma, which you visit during the story. Most of it opens up as you play Arthur Morgan's chapters, and New Austin, the setting of the first Red Dead Redemption, fully opens in the epilogue. Here's a region-by-region guide, and how it compares with GTA 6's Leonida.
Key Takeaways
- The RDR2 map has five states: Ambarino, New Hanover, Lemoyne, West Elizabeth and New Austin.
- Guarma is a separate island visited only during Chapter 5.
- New Austin is the old Red Dead Redemption map and is fully open in the epilogue.
- Saint Denis is the biggest city. Valentine, Rhodes, Strawberry and Blackwater are the other key towns.
- RDR2 runs on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S through backward compatibility. Rockstar hasn't announced a native current-gen version.
How the Red Dead Redemption 2 Map Is Laid Out
Think of the map as moving from cold north-west to humid south-east. Ambarino's snowy peaks sit at the top, New Hanover's plains and forests fill the middle, and Lemoyne's bayous and plantations stretch east toward Saint Denis. West Elizabeth covers the southern plains and Great Plains, and New Austin's desert lies in the far south-west.
Rivers and lakes divide most of the states, which is why bridges and river crossings matter so much when you're riding between them.
The Five States and Their Main Towns
| State | Landscape | Main towns and places |
|---|---|---|
| Ambarino | Snowy mountains and alpine lakes | Colter, Wapiti, Mount Hagen |
| New Hanover | Heartlands plains, forests and industry | Valentine, Emerald Ranch, Annesburg, Van Horn |
| Lemoyne | Bayous, swamps and farmland | Saint Denis, Rhodes, Lagras |
| West Elizabeth | Forests, Big Valley and Great Plains | Strawberry, Blackwater, Beecher's Hope |
| New Austin | Desert and canyons | Armadillo, Tumbleweed, Thieves' Landing |
Saint Denis is the game's only real city, modelled on New Orleans. Valentine is where most players spend their early hours. Blackwater, the town where the gang's heist went wrong before the story begins, becomes important again in the epilogue.
Guarma and Areas That Unlock Later
Guarma is a tropical island reached only during Chapter 5. You can't sail back to it freely once the chapter ends.
New Austin is the tricky one. It's the southern part of the original Red Dead Redemption's map. While playing as Arthur, it's effectively off-limits, and heading there brings serious trouble. In the epilogue, playing as John Marston, it opens properly and you can revisit places like Armadillo and Tumbleweed.
If you're trying to reveal the whole map, finish the epilogue. That's when every state is fully accessible.
Tips for Using the RDR2 Map
- Set a waypoint and use cinematic camera for long rides. It's the best way to see the scenery without steering constantly.
- Follow treasure maps and read newspapers. Many hidden spots are hinted at rather than marked.
- Use trains and stagecoaches for long trips. Fast travel from camp unlocks later with an upgrade.
- Keep a personal checklist of the places you want to see. RDR2 rewards wandering, but a short list keeps you from missing standouts.
How Does the RDR2 Map Compare to GTA 6's Map?
Both are Rockstar open worlds built around a fictional version of a real American region. RDR2 recreates the American frontier of 1899. GTA 6's Leonida is a modern take on Florida, with Vice City at its centre and five other regions: the Leonida Keys, Grassrivers, Port Gellhorn, Ambrosia and Mount Kalaga.
There are clear echoes. Grassrivers' swamps look like a natural successor to Lemoyne's bayous, and Mount Kalaga's wooded highlands have some of RDR2's outdoors feel. Rockstar hasn't released official dimensions for either map, but previews of GTA 6 describe Leonida as much bigger than GTA V's map.
You can explore Leonida's regions now on our GTA 6 interactive map, or read our regions overview.
Can You Play RDR2 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S?
Yes, through backward compatibility. The PS4 and Xbox One versions run on current consoles. Rockstar hasn't officially announced a native PS5 or Xbox Series version with higher frame rates, although reports have claimed one is in development. We'll only treat it as real when Rockstar confirms it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many regions are on the Red Dead Redemption 2 map?
Five states: Ambarino, New Hanover, Lemoyne, West Elizabeth and New Austin. Guarma is an extra island visited in Chapter 5.
Can you go to New Austin as Arthur?
It's effectively off-limits while playing as Arthur. It opens fully in the epilogue as John Marston.
What is the biggest city in RDR2?
Saint Denis in Lemoyne, Rockstar's take on New Orleans.
Can you return to Guarma in RDR2?
Not freely in story mode. Guarma is only accessible during Chapter 5.
Is the RDR2 map bigger than GTA 6's?
Rockstar hasn't published official sizes for either, but previews describe GTA 6's Leonida as much larger than GTA V's map.