Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2025: best way to play and tune
TL;DR:
- No official PS5 or Series X|S patch yet.
- PC with DLSS delivers the best mix of clarity and frames.
- Console play holds 30 fps with fast loads on PS5.
- Rumors suggest a next-gen update, but not confirmed.
- Use our settings table to balance visuals and speed.
On consoles, Red Dead Redemption 2 still runs as a last-gen title. PS5 players get faster loads through backward compatibility, but frame rate remains 30 fps. ExitLag’s 2025 check echoes that experience.
On PC, Nvidia’s newer DLSS models improve clarity and frame rate. RockstarIntel and Wccftech highlighted the visible uplift from DLSS 4 in early 2025. Nvidia and press testing cite gains up to roughly 45 percent at 4K when DLSS is enabled.
Rumors of a 60 fps patch and a next-gen re-release persist, with insider reports tracked by RockstarIntel. Treat these as unconfirmed until Rockstar announces details.
Quick settings guide for PC
Aim for clean image quality without heavy CPU spikes.
| Setting | Target | Why |
| Textures | Ultra (VRAM allowing) | Big gains with low cost |
| TAA | High, pair with DLSS Quality | Smooth edges plus detail |
| Shadows | High | Good balance for towns |
| Volumetrics | Medium–High | Cut fog cost in swamps |
| Water | High | Minimal cost most areas |
| Reflection | High | Fewer shimmer artifacts |
| Resolution scaling | DLSS Quality or DLAA | Boosts clarity or frames |
Community tests and media analyses back these ranges, then fine-tune per GPU.
Stability tips
- Keep drivers current. The latest Game Ready drivers add DLSS improvements that benefit many titles.
- Lock frame rate to avoid stutter during weather transitions.
- Prefer borderless fullscreen for quick tabbing to overlays.
Platform picks in 2025
- Best overall: A mid-to-high-end PC with DLSS or DLAA.
- Best couch setup today: PS5 or Series X via backward compatibility for comfort and quick loads, accepting 30 fps.
What might change
Several outlets track a possible current-gen update. If Rockstar ships 60 fps modes on PS5 and Series X|S, expect refreshed textures and denser crowds at a minimum. Until then, do not buy hardware expecting a patch.
Why it matters
RDR2 remains a landmark open world. Small tweaks make it shine on today’s hardware without guesswork.
Sources:
- ExitLag, “Red Dead Redemption 2 PS5: Is It Worth It in 2025?” https://www.exitlag.com/blog/red-dead-redemption-2-ps5/ (2025-07-29)
- RockstarIntel, “DLSS 4 makes Red Dead Redemption 2 look like a new game,” https://rockstarintel.com/dlss-4-makes-red-dead-redemption-2-look-like-a-new-game/ (2025-02-01)
- Wccftech, “NVIDIA DLSS 4 comparison shows big gains in RDR2,” https://wccftech.com/nvidia-dlss-4-comparison-red-dead-redemption-2/ (2025-01-24)
- The Verge, “Nvidia’s latest GeForce driver…,” https://www.theverge.com/news/775467/nvidia-geforce-game-ready-driver-borderlands-4-rtx-remix-update (2025-09-11)
- RockstarIntel, “RDR2 to get next-gen patch and Switch 2 release, report says,” https://rockstarintel.com/red-dead-redemption-2-to-get-next-gen-patch-and-switch-2-release-report-says/ (2025-05-16)
