While Rockstar Games focuses all its attention on Grand Theft Auto VI, the future of the Red Dead license remains uncertain. Red Dead Redemption 2 concludes in 1907, marking the gradual end of the Wild West as we knew it. Many are still hoping for an official announcement of Red Dead Redemption 3, but nothing suggests that it will happen soon.
In the meantime, two PC RPGs are preparing to exploit the imagination of the western from different angles: Frontier Legends and The Dark West. Two distinct visions, but the same dusty setting.
Frontier Legends, building your own legend in the West
Developed by Neojac Entertainment, Frontier Legends will offer early access on PC this spring. No specific date has been communicated, but a free demo is planned for March and the game is already participating in the Steam Horse Fest from February 19 to 23. Presented as an open-world adventure RPG, Frontier Legends focuses on exploration and construction. The developers summarize their vision as follows:
“Crafting and exploration shape your story” The player will have to establish a colony, recruit NPCs and assign them daily tasks. Farming, crafting, gathering resources and defending against outlaws punctuate progression. The developers add: “Claim your territory, build your place in the West and discover what lies beyond the rails” The title also integrates a dynamic day/night cycle, evolving weather conditions and the ability to choose your horse. It will be playable solo or in multiplayer cooperation.
The Dark West, the Far West immersed in occultism
Radical change of atmosphere with The Dark West, developed by Black Hand. Here, the western is tinged with the supernatural and hack and slash inspiration. The official synopsis states: “The Dark West is an action RPG that tests your skill and sanity.”
The game takes place in a cursed frontier where faith and damnation collide under eternal twilight. The developers depict a world where greed has unleashed something worse than death. The gameplay adopts a top-down view and a fast and demanding combat system. Players will be able to customize their character through skill trees and use legendary weapons.
Two different visions of the western video game
Frontier Legends prioritizes survival, management, and community building. The Dark West leans towards brutal action and dark fantasy. Both games are aiming for release on PC, with no final date announced. They are already available for wishlisting on Steam.
In the absence of concrete information about Red Dead Redemption 3, these independent projects are trying to fill the space left vacant. Their budget obviously does not reach that of a blockbuster from Rockstar, but their creative approach could appeal to fans of western adventures looking for renewal.