Sony is pulling Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2 from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, according to IGN. Other games will also leave alongside them. IGN’s headline connects these removals to the upcoming release of GTA 6.
Both titles are major Rockstar hits. They’ve been significant attractions for PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers. Losing these games takes away two of the most recognizable open-world experiences from the subscription. If you want to finish playing, make sure to do it before they’re gone.
Red Dead Redemption 2 debuted on October 26, 2018, and still boasts a 96 on Metacritic. On Steam, it maintains a 92% positive rating from 337,291 reviews. Few games from that era have remained as popular.
The player base remains active, too. Steam currently lists 24,931 players in the game, nearly eight years post-launch. This number is just for PC, so it doesn’t account for PlayStation players enjoying the title through the catalog. However, it does indicate ongoing demand, making its removal from the subscription service more impactful.
Rockstar’s future plans provide more context. Recent reports suggest the studio is considering PS5 remasters of RDR2 and GTA 4. They also appear confident their next major release won’t take another eight years. While these reports don’t confirm a link to the catalog changes, it’s best to view any connection as speculative for now.
The community continues to enhance RDR2 as well. GAMINGbible reports a new immersive add-on that introduces a Nemesis-style system to the game. Mod activity like this often keeps older titles alive even after they leave a subscription service.
By The Numbers
| Red Dead Redemption 2 release date | October 26, 2018 |
| Metacritic score | 96 |
| Steam reviews | 92% positive (337,291 reviews) |
| Current Steam price | $14.99 |
| Current Steam players | 24,931 |
Community Pulse
Overall, community sentiment about the game is mostly positive. One Steam reviewer expressed: “I can’t say anything bad about this game. Everything is so beautiful; however, I’m disappointed that Rockstar chose to focus on GTA’s. Still, it’s a wonderful game that you should surely play and enjoy.” This blend of admiration and frustration over Rockstar’s focus reflects the broader discussions as GTA 6 approaches.
What To Watch
- Removal dates: Check IGN’s report and your PS Plus catalog for the exact dates and the full list of games leaving.
- PS5 remasters: Keep an eye out for any official announcements from Rockstar regarding the rumored RDR2 and GTA 4 remasters.
- Player counts: Watch how RDR2’s Steam numbers, currently around 24,931, change as GTA 6 marketing ramps up.
Marcus Webb
Marcus Webb covers esports, competitive gaming, and community stories for Explosion.com. A former semi-professional Counter-Strike player, Marcus transitioned to journalism 5 years ago and has since covered major tournaments including The International, League of Legends Worlds, and the Valorant Champions Tour. He brings a player's perspective to competitive gaming coverage and is known for his data-driven analysis of player performance and meta shifts.
