In the world of video games, the level of detail in virtual worlds is often a key factor in immersion. YouTuber Any Austin, who investigates various aspects of games, decided to delve into one of the most subtle, yet surprisingly well-designed features of Red Dead Redemption 2: the game’s river system. The results of this research are astonishing even years after the game’s release.
The Comprehensive River Network
Red Dead Redemption 2’s main river system is a vast network of bodies of water that runs along the eastern and southern edges of the game world. A closer look reveals that the water in the game flows realistically, from north to south, and then turns west through Flatiron Lake.
Unique Naming Conventions
An interesting detail is that the river changes its name depending on its location. Upstream it is called Lahachi, and downstream of the lake, it becomes the San Louis River. This system of naming rivers is unusual in the real world, where typically the entire water stream retains a single name.
Exploring the Sources
Any Austin has meticulously researched the sources of each river in the game. Some originate at the edge of the map as waterfalls, others as springs gushing from the mountain slopes, and still others are formed from meltwater from snowy peaks. In total, four main river basins with different sources were discovered:
- The First Basin: This includes two rivers that merge before flowing into Flatiron Lake.
- The Second Basin: Starting at a waterfall in the north of the map, this river flows into the Bluewater swamp.
- The Third Basin: Originating in the Aurora basin, this river has its unique path.
- The Fourth and Largest Basin: This impressive basin includes eight different sources.
Realistic Hydrological Processes
One of the most striking findings is the detail of hydrological processes. When rivers bend, the outer sides erode their banks more than the inner ones, mirroring real-world behavior where water flows faster on the outer bends. This detail is especially noticeable in the dry bed of Dewberry Creek.
A Minor Glitch in Perfection
With the exception of a single hydrological error (a river that splits into two streams at an unnatural angle), the entire water system in Red Dead Redemption 2 is executed with amazing accuracy. Even partially frozen lakes and streams look so realistic that they resemble real winter reservoirs.
Conclusion: A Testimony to Rockstar Games’ Attention to Detail
Red Dead Redemption 2’s virtual hydrology is a brilliant reminder of the meticulous attention to detail that Rockstar Games is known for. One can only imagine what new heights the studio will achieve with the release of GTA VI.
