GTA 6 Trailer Hides Clever Red Dead Redemption 2 References

Fans of Red Dead Redemption 2 are spotting subtle Easter eggs in the newly released trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI—a nod from Rockstar Games that’s sparking plenty of excitement and speculation online.

Although Red Dead Redemption 2 was released back in 2018, it continues to hold a revered spot in gaming, thanks to its immersive open world, richly detailed story, and historical fiction.

Now, nearly eight years later, Rockstar seems to be tipping its hat to the western epic through clever references in its next blockbuster, GTA 6.

What Easter Eggs Were Found?

Players have picked apart the new GTA VI trailer and screenshots and spotted familiar elements from the Red Dead universe:

Presidents from Red Dead Redemption 2 appear on currency in GTA VI. In RDR2, Rockstar created fictional presidents unique to its world, offering immersive world-building outside of real-world history. Some of these fictional leaders are now seen on in-game money in GTA VI, suggesting a hidden thread between the two titles—or at least a playful nod.

The “Duke” logo from Red Dead’s gun manufacturer appears on a weapon in GTA VI. A screenshot of Jason, one of the main characters, shows his M16 rifle bearing the Duke logo, a detail sharp-eyed fans quickly linked to Red Dead.

While these findings are intriguing, it’s important to note that GTA and Red Dead are still considered separate universes. In Red Dead, locations like California and New York exist by name, but in GTA, those same places are known as San Andreas and Liberty City.

Unless Rockstar has made a significant change, these connections appear to be fun Easter eggs rather than actual lore crossover.

Fans Are Still Digging for More

The GTA VI trailer has been live for just over a week, and fans are already dissecting every frame. As speculation swirls, one thing is clear: Rockstar hasn’t forgotten its past hits, and fans of Red Dead Redemption 2 have plenty to smile about while they wait.

With GTA VI scheduled to release on May 26, 2026, there’s still a long road ahead. However, small details like these give longtime fans even more to look forward to.