The Red Dead Redemption games are famous for their great storytelling and open worlds that really capture the feel of the Wild West. Red Dead Redemption 2 did an excellent job showing the struggles and friendships of a gang on the run, especially with a camp that changed as the story progressed. But to make a potential Red Dead Redemption 3 even better, it could include a strong base-building system like the one in Starfield.

In RDR3, players could take a role, whether it’s a pre-established character like Charles or Sadie or someone new entirely, and turn an abandoned place into a lively gang headquarters. Taking cues from Starfield's outpost system, RDR3 could gathering resources, building important facilities, and bringing in specialists to improve the gang's operations. This kind of system would add a strategic element to the game, letting players customize their hideout with defenses, storage, and crafting areas to make impressive outposts.

Red Dead Redemption 3 Needs To Let Players Design Their Base

Let Players Make The Hideout

One of the best things about modern gaming is the popularity of base-building, which lets players put their own stamp on the game world. Whether creating detailed settlements in Fallout 4 or setting up strategic outposts in Starfield, building a base gives a real sense of progress and ownership that enhances investment in the game's story. Finding resources, planning the layout carefully, and watching the project grow from a simple start to a stronghold could be rewarding in Red Dead Redemption 3.

This feature creates a stronger connection to the game world, making players feel like they're actively shaping their own story. It goes beyond just completing quests and following a set path, setting up important choices that affect the gang's surroundings. This increased sense of control not only adds to replay value but also allows players to show off their creativity and strategic skills.

Building the gang's hideout, placing defenses thoughtfully, and customizing the inside to match the crew's personalities could all be exceptionally fun additions to the Red Dead Redemption experience. This kind of addition would fit perfectly into the existing gameplay, improving the time spent with the game without feeling forced or cumbersome.

Starfield Had A Great Outpost System

There Is A Lot To Build

Starfield’s outpost system presents an interesting idea about how building bases could work in the Wild West setting of Red Dead Redemption. In Starfield, players can claim land on almost any planet, letting them set up operations in unwelcoming places or areas filled with resources. It’s not just about how things look; it’s also about how they work. Players can set up machines to gather important minerals, create power sources for their operations, and build living spaces for their team.

What’s great about Starfield’s system is its flexibility and the way different parts work together. Each item, from basic storage containers to advanced research labs, has a specific function and connects with others. For example, resource extractors fill storage containers, which then supply machines that produce advanced materials. These materials can then be used to create more complex buildings or improve existing ones. This system encourages players to think carefully about how they manage resources and design their bases for the best performance.

Starfield’s outpost system isn’t just a side feature; it’s a key part of the gameplay that blends exploration, combat, and crafting, giving players a real sense of progress as they establish their own territory in the game. It's the kind of thing that could be great in a Wild West setting like Red Dead Redemption 3.

Arthur Did A Lot To Upgrade The Camp In RDR2

There's Already A Similar System

Red Dead Redemption 2 gives players a taste of gang management and camp development through Arthur Morgan's experiences with the Van der Linde gang. While it doesn't have a full-fledged base-building system, the camp acts as a living hub that shows the gang's success and how Arthur impacts it. Players can help improve the camp by donating money, doing chores, buying upgrades, and completing requests, all of which affect the gang's morale and well-being.

Players can upgrade the camp using the Ledger. Upgrades can be made to living spaces, food supplies, medicine, and ammunition, each providing real benefits. For example, upgrading Dutch's tent encourages gang to pitch in more money, while improving Arthur's wagon allows for quick travel and better grooming supplies. It's also possible to improve Pearson's chuckwagon for better food and the chance to craft satchels, boosting Arthur's skills.

There are also cosmetic upgrades that Pearson can make using animal pelts, letting players give the camp a personal touch. Although the system is somewhat limited, it effectively weaves camp improvements into the game, rewarding involvement and creating a sense of ownership over the gang's home. Arthur can even gain fast travel from his wagon upgrades. These kinds of things show that there's a real mechanic hiding beneath that could be expanded on.

A Gang Hideout System Is The Logical Next Step

This Is The Future of Wild West Games

The move from RDR2 to a potential Red Dead Redemption 3 should bring a big improvement in how the protagonist works with a gang. While the upgrade system in RDR2 was fun, it didn’t explore everything that could be done. A better gang hideout system would let players shape their outlaw experience more fully.

What kind of buildings players choose and how they arrange them would affect the gang's morale, abilities, and storytelling.

Turning an old outpost or rundown ranch into a strong base and carefully picking its location for strategic advantages, resources, and defenses would be incredible. Players could collect supplies by hunting, scavenging, or even raiding other gangs, using those materials to build important facilities like stables, armories, saloons, and sleeping quarters. What kind of buildings players choose and how they arrange them would affect the gang's morale, abilities, and storytelling.

Games like Fallout 4 and Starfield show that players like building bases and customizing their spaces. Starfield’s system of creating outposts on different planets could inspire a gang hideout system that includes defenses. The size of the gang could also change gameplay dynamics. As the gang grows, the hideout could expand and attract new with special skills and stories. These could provide unique services like gunsmithing, healing, or strategic advice, making a real difference in the gang's success.

This would work well in a sequel where Jack is a gang leader. Players would need to manage resources wisely, balancing immediate needs with future growth to ensure their gang thrives in a tough Western setting. Inspired by Starfield’s system, the protagonist could gather resources, build the necessary facilities, and attract specialists to strengthen their gang's efforts. The choices made would greatly influence the gang's survival and impact the overall story, making for easy player agency.

This base-building idea would not just make the gameplay more interesting but also strengthen the emotional ties players have with their gang. Each win and loss would feel more important. It's the kind of feature that would make Red Dead Redemption 3 a great sequel to RDR2, which set the bar very high for player expectations.