10 Video Games That Secretly Teach Us History

While both the Red Dead Redemption games could make it into this list, the second one in the series wins out, with its gritty portrayal of the final days of the old west. Set in 1899, you play Arthur Morgan, a member of the Dutch Van der Linde gang. After a botched robbery attempt, you are on the run from the authorities. As you travel through this story of the old west, you will perform daring heists, meet interesting characters and face the skeletons of your past.

While the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is set in fictitious states, the influences are easy to see. From the arid desserts that represent Texas and New Mexico to the swamps of Louisiana, all types of environments are depicted. The landscapes and towns that you travel through on your journey will reflect many different areas of the United States during this period, from the last areas of untamed wilderness, to smoke-belching industry.

Much like the previous entry of LA Noire, the realism of this world comes across in the minor details. While some factors such as weapons and certain laws may not be accurate, the prevailing ideas of the time are shown in all their gritty detail. Issues around racism, women’s suffrage and the spread of civilization are all prevalent in this game. It pulls no punches when showing you the plight of the downtrodden. The issues that ethnic minorities and women faced during this time are ones we should all be aware of.