Red Dead Redemption released 15 years ago for PC and consoles, but now a mobile version of the open-world western has been released for iOS and Android devices, and it's available for Netflix subscribers at no additional charge.
The mobile version is a faithful port of the original game, as well as its expansion Undead Nightmares. It costs $40 when purchased from app stores, but again, it's included with your Netflix subscription.
Never miss any of our unbiased technical content and behind-the-lab reviews. Add CNET as Google's preferred source.
How to Get Red Dead Redemption with a Netflix Subscription
If you have a Netflix subscription, you don't have to pay $40 to play Red Dead Redemption on your iOS or Android device. However, you will need a compatible device to play the game.
Android devices must have Android 11 or later, 6GB RAM, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 or 8 processor or a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 Plus processor. For Apple devices, the phone must be iPhone 11 or better.
If you have a compatible device, follow these steps:
- Visit the App Store or Google Play Store. Find Red Dead Redemption and be sure to select Netflix version.
- Download the game.
- Launch the game and click Next to sign in to your Netflix account.
- Enter your email address or phone number and password for your Netflix account.
- After successfully logging in, select the Netflix profile to play and load the rest of the game.
Red Dead Redemption can also be downloaded through the Games section of the Netflix app.
What type of control is best for Red Dead Redemption?
Red Dead Redemption can be played in three ways: mobile controllers, standard controllers, and touch controls. Given the sheer size of the game and the way it is played, there are some considerations to make when deciding which is best.
Mobile controller
An open world game like Red Dead Redemption requires a controller. It's simply the best way to play. For the best combination of comfort and control, you'll need a mobile controller. Those who play on an iPhone or Android device can use a controller like Razer Kishi, Trunk One or Gamsir G8. Players playing on a small tablet can use one of the larger mobile controllers, e.g. Kishi Ultra or Game Sir G8 Plus.
The downside to these controllers is that they are not cheap.
Standard controller
If you don't want to spend money on a mobile game controller, then a regular console or PC controller is the right option. PlayStation and Xbox controllers can connect to an Android or iOS device via Bluetooth.
The benefit of a game controller is its convenience, especially if you've already used it to play Red Dead Redemption on another platform. The big drawback is what to do with your phone or tablet, as it will need to be placed on a flat surface while playing, otherwise your hands will be full.
Touch control
And as a last resort to play Red Dead Redemption, touch controls are truly the last option for the game. While the touch controls are responsive and provide all the features you need to play the game, they are not ideal for long periods of gaming.
Like other open world games that use touch controls, you'll have to use one thumb to move and the other to control the camera. This would be fine, except that you also need to aim, shoot and run, which means you have to take your thumb off the motion or camera buttons to perform another action.
