Red Dead Redemption 2 Info: Everything You Need to Know

Trust Rockstar Games to leave us waiting five long, long years for a new title. Not that you can blame them, really, as the runaway success of Grand Theft Auto Online blindsided the entire industry to become a standalone juggernaut, one capable of raking in the big bucks even in 2018.

Red Dead Redemption 2, then, signals a return to the main stage for Rockstar, and while the studio’s Western sequel hasn’t been without its controversies (more on that later), this is a game rooted in the dusty plains of the American frontier. But the US of A is on the cusp of a new era. The days of gunslinging anti-heroes and “Wanted!” posters are coming to an end, leaving Arthur Morgan in quite the pickle as he considers his stance with the ruthless Van der Linde gang.

That is, in a nutshell, the narrative driving Red Dead Redemption 2, and one of the many elements we consider as we present the 411 on RDR2. So saddle up, dust off that fedora, and prepare for what is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated games of 2018.

Red Dead Redemption 2 trots off the sun-kissed plains of the wild west and onto PS4 this Friday, October 26. The question, really, is whether you consider Rockstar’s latest to be the drop-everything-and-kiss-your-social-life-goodbye kinda’ game or one you’ll pick up in the inevitable sale.

Essential Reading:

Red Dead Redemption 2 info dump

RDR2 – EYNTK

Allow us to present the 411 on RDR2...
What is Red Dead Redemption 2?

It's only the blinking ~~sequel~~ prequel to Red Dead Redemption and one of 2018's biggest blockbusters, and now, RDR2 is teetering on the verge of release.

So let's recap everything we know.
What's the Story?

As we mentioned before, this is a prequel to Rockstar's first Western opus, and is perhaps best described as so:

"America, 1899. The end of the Wild West era has begun. After a robbery goes badly wrong in the western town of Blackwater, Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang are forced to flee. With federal agents and the best bounty hunters in the nation massing on their heels, the gang must rob, steal and fight their way across the rugged heartland of America in order to survive. As deepening internal divisions threaten to tear the gang apart, Arthur must make a choice between his own ideals and loyalty to the gang who raised him."
How Does it Play?

Like a dream, we imagine. This is technically the first Rockstar title built from the ground up with PS4 in mind (remember, GTA V straddled two console generations), and the results are glorious.

Screenshots are crisp, gameplay is lush, and the in-game map is said to be populated with scores of lawless criminals, countless wildlife, and more bustling towns than you could shake a revolver at.

Which brings us to...
The Van Der Linde Gang

Outlaws for life? That certainly appears to be the case with Arthur's former allies, who fast become the game's primary adversaries once that doomed train robbery goes off the rails.

Per Rockstar:

“A gang of outlaws, renegades and misfits, bonded together under the charismatic and idealistic Dutch van der Linde. They have chosen to live outside the law and now fear it may be catching up with them.”
ALL of the Screenshots

If it's sun-kissed screenshots you're after, we've got you covered.
Leaked Trophy List

If an untimely leak is to be believed, the Red Dead Redemption 2 trophy list will encompass 52 accolades in total, some of which can only be earned via Red Dead Online.
A Meaty 60-Hour Story

Word is the core campaign will span 60 hours in total, which is actually on par with the early estimations for GTA V's own solo mode.

This being a Rockstar game, though, there is still plenty to keep you busy out on the wild west.
A Train Robbery Gone Awry

For Red Dead Redemption 2 and Arthur Morgan, in particular, the story begins with a train robbery that doesn't quite go according to plan.

All you had to do was follow the damn train, Arthur.
Is This the RDR2 Map?

Word around town is that one eagle-eyed Reddit user has taken the time to stitch together what appears to be the official map of Red Dead Redemption 2. Is this legit? I guess we'll find out in three days' time.
A Ginormous Voice Cast

Based on Rockstar's estimates, there are around 700 voice actors featured on Red Dead Redemption 2, and, shockingly, none of them are considered "named actors."

Indeed, only Graham Greene (The Green Mile) rings a bell.
First-Person Mode Available at Launch

No, your eyes do not deceive you; Red Dead Redemption 2 will ship with a first-person mode come Friday.

Based on early reports, the mode can be accessed by "clicking the trackpad to cycle through the camera modes until you get to first-person," though cutscenes and Red Dead Online are supposedly off limits.
Rockstar Tips Its Hat to the Huge Development Team

Built and crafted by more than 3,000 incredibly talented individuals, Red Dead Redemption 2 is truly a massive game. And Rockstar recently marked that achievement with a heartfelt letter.

Red Dead Redemption 2 has been a massive project spanning many years and multiple teams, and we are extremely proud of the work of the entire company in bringing this game to the world.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those whose contributions both big and small, assisted in the journey along the way.

We hope you enjoy the game.

– Rockstar Games
The Overtime Debacle

Amid claims of 100-hour work weeks and mandatory overtime, Rockstar has attempted to set the record straight regarding the amount of blood, sweat and tears poured into RDR2.

Via Kotaku, here's what studio co-founder Dan Houser had to say:

"There seems to be some confusion arising from my interview with Harold Goldberg. The point I was trying to make in the article was related to how the narrative and dialogue in the game was crafted, which was mostly what we talked about, not about the different processes of the wider team. After working on the game for seven years, the senior writing team, which consists of four people, Mike Unsworth, Rupert Humphries, Lazlow and myself, had, as we always do, three weeks of intense work when we wrapped everything up. Three weeks, not years. We have all worked together for at least 12 years now, and feel we need this to get everything finished. After so many years of getting things organized and ready on this project, we needed this to check and finalize everything."
Expect Tough Choices Aplenty

Rockstar has supposedly laid out "hundreds of decisions" for players as they make their way through the story campaign of Red Dead Redemption 2.
Not Your Average Open-World Adventure

In the eyes of Rockstar art director Aaron Garbut, Red Dead Redemption 2 is not your average open-world adventure, as it seemingly avoids a lot of the hackneyed tropes associated with the genre.

Said Garbut:

"We have moved away from typical open-world tropes. This is not a collection of missions inside a big world filled with blips for pick-ups and minigames. It’s much more subtle, and much more real. We don’t think of it as a game to be played through. It’s a place for you to get lost in."
A Living, Breathing Universe

With close to 200 species of animals, players won't be left short when it comes to big game hunting.

And the horses? Play your cards right and you just might carve out a life-long friendship between man and beast.

Via Rockstar:

"As you play the game, caring for and feeding your horse, calming it when it’s scared and encouraging it when it’s tired, naming it, looking after it—you can’t help but develop a bond with it. It’s your closest, trusted companion and you are nearly always together. To cement the strength of the bond we had to make it vulnerable so you respect and cared for it as you play, so it feels personal and real."
Introducing Red Dead Online

Set for launch in November, Red Dead Online is the natural evolution of GTA Online, albeit with a special, Western twist.

Per Rockstar:

Red Dead Online is an evolution of the classic multiplayer experience in the original Red Dead Redemption, blending narrative with competitive and cooperative gameplay in fun new ways. Using the gameplay of the upcoming Red Dead Redemption 2 as a foundation, Red Dead Online will be ready to be explored alone or with friends, and will also feature constant updates and adjustments to grow and evolve this experience for all players.

Red Dead Online is planned for launch in November 2018, initially as a public beta, with more news to come soon. As with most online experiences of this size and scale, there will inevitably be some turbulence at launch. We look forward to working with our amazing and dedicated community to share ideas, help us fix teething problems and work with us to develop Red Dead Online into something really fun and innovative.
Better on PS4 Pro
Like all other big-budget titles, RDR2 is said to really pop on the PS4 Pro, with features including sharper resolution and HDR compatibility.

But don't just take our word for it:
- 4K TV Enhanced - When played on a 4K TV, Red Dead Redemption 2 players will benefit from an increased resolution (compared to the PS4™ system).
- HD TV Enhanced - 1080p HD TV players will benefit from increased image clarity through super-sampling (turn on Supersampling Mode in your PS4 Pro system settings to access this feature).
- HDR Compatible - Players with HDR displays can experience the game in high-dynamic range color (HDR).
PS4 Pro Bundle

And if you're wanting to go all-in on the RDR2 experience on PlayStation 4, there's a bundle for that.
A Hefty Download

Per Rockstar, PS4 players will have to clear out 99GB if they choose a physical copy. Digital is a whole different ball game, as you'll need to make room for another 50GB for the installation process. That's, like, *checks calculator* 149GB in total!
Not All Who Wander…

Like all other Rockstar titles, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a living, breathing universe, with tiny little details etched into every corner —every pixel. So with that in mind, our own Cian Maher recently made a case against the use of fast travel, and welcomed Rockstar's decision to further immerse players in their Western-tinged RPG.
Mooted Talk of Red Dead 3

It all hinges on the possible (inevitable?) success of RDR2, but it seems Rockstar is already mulling over the possibility of a third title in its Western saga.

Studio co-founder Dan Houser refused to be drawn on a potential threequel, though, perhaps in fear of setting expectations too high.
Special Edition
If you're looking for a little something extra for the game's story campaign, you'll be pleased to note that the official Red Dead Redemption 2: Special Edition features some exclusive single-player content, including:
- Bank Robbery Mission and Gang Hideout in Story Mode: Get exclusive access to a Bank Robbery Mission, in which Arthur and a couple of his fellow gang members come up with a daring plan to break in and rob the bank in the southern town of Rhodes. Elsewhere, the Del Lobos Gang has taken over a hacienda—clear this gang’s hideout and rob their stash for a lucrative take.
- Dappled Black Thoroughbred: This thoroughbred racehorse sporting a beautiful reverse-dappled black coat will keep you at the front of the pack with its exceptional speed and acceleration. You will also get the exclusive Nuevo Paraiso Saddle, handmade in dark chocolate leather with silver medallion detailing. This horse and saddle are available in Red Dead Redemption 2 Story Mode.
- Talisman and Medallion Gameplay Bonuses: These special Story Mode items will give Arthur a helping hand whenever they are equipped. Attaching the Eagle Talon Talisman to his boot, Arthur’s environmental awareness skill will last longer. By carrying the Iguana Scale in his personal Satchel, Arthur will take less damage while riding on horseback.
- Gameplay Boosts, Cash Bonuses & Discounts: This collection of exclusive Story Mode boosts, bonuses and discounts will help Arthur to survive out in the harsh wilderness and better provide for his gang members and their camp. The Core Stat boost benefits Arthur’s Stamina, Health and Dead Eye Cores. Earn more cash during robbery missions with the Van der Linde gang, and when hunting and selling animal carcasses. Receive discounts on all upgrades to the Van der Linde gang’s camp.
- The Nuevo Paraiso Gunslinger Outfit: This exclusive Story Mode outfit for Arthur is inspired by the clothing worn by vaqueros and banditos south of the border. The outfit features a wide brimmed black cowboy hat, deep indigo coat, worn denim chaps, leather gloves and boots.
- Free Access to Additional Weapons: A good range of weapons is essential for survival in the Old West. Get free access to three weapons at the in-game Gunsmiths in Story Mode: the robust Volcanic Pistol, devastating Pump Action Shotgun and versatile Lancaster Varmint Rifle.
Ultimate Edition
Going one step further, the sequel's Ultimate Edition bundles together all of the single-player content from the Special Edition while also tossing in a few perks for the inevitable launch of Red Dead Online.

They are as follows:
- Bonus Outfits: Get two exclusive outfits for your online character. The Blackrose Bounty Hunter Outfit features a long oxblood-colored coat, a vest with gold pocket watch chain, and dark pants tucked into chocolate leather boots. The Copperhead Enforcer Outfit features a fur-lined saddle-brown leather waistcoat, two-tone gloves, and pinstripe black pants tucked into black leather boots.
- Black Chestnut Thoroughbred: Outrun the competition with this thoroughbred racehorse in a striking black chestnut coat and also receive the exclusive High Plains Cutting Saddle beautifully crafted in jet-black leather with gold metal accents. This horse and saddle are available in online.
- Free Access to the Survivor Camp Theme: Customize your own personal Camp in online with free access to the Survivor theme.
- Free Access to Additional Weapons: Get access to the Volcanic Pistol, Pump Action Shotgun and Lancaster Varmint Rifle, free of charge from Gunsmiths in online.
- Rank Bonuses: As a great start for all Ultimate Edition players, you can rank up faster in online, up to rank 25.
Collector's Edition
And now for the Mac Daddy, the crème de la crème: The Red Dead Redemption 2 Collector's Edition.

Granted, it doesn't actually feature the game itself, just a bunch of stuff that's considered to be a "curated assortment of outlaw essentials all packaged in a thick gauged metal tithing box."
- Metal Tithing Box with Lock & Key: Inspired by the lockbox used by the Van der Linde gang to stash contributions to the camp’s upkeep, this thick gauged metal box includes a lock & key, and features black metal band detailing and an engraved Cornwall Freight & Commodities plaque.
- Collectable Challenge Coin: Featuring the majestic American Buffalo on one side and a scenic landscape on the other side, this engraved, gold-colored collectible coin comes in a magnetic presentation holder with a black, engraved plaque describing the history of this endangered species.
- Double Sided Puzzle: This double-sided, 100-piece wooden jigsaw puzzle features an illustrated view of the bustling port of Saint Denis on one side, and a classically inspired Rockstar Games logo on the reverse.
- Six Shooter Bandana: A staple for any frontier outlaw, this bandana features a traditional paisley-inspired pattern with hidden weapon iconography throughout.
- Treasure Map: Printed on durable, unrippable paper, this exclusive treasure map reveals the location of some buried treasure that may start Arthur on a search for more riches hidden throughout the world of Red Dead Redemption 2.
- Pin Set: This set of six individual pins includes representations of key weapons from Red Dead Redemption 2 including a shotgun, revolver and Dead Eye “X” marker. The set comes in a canvas carrying bag.
  Playing Cards: Commemorate the outlaws of the Van der Linde gang with this fully illustrated deck of playing cards featuring key members of the gang including Arthur Morgan, John Marston, Javier Escuella, Bill Williamson and Dutch van der Linde.
- Wheeler, Rawson and Co. Catalogue: The one-stop shop for everything from weapons to clothing, the Wheeler, Rawson and Co. Catalogue is an essential shopping tool for turn of the century life. This complete 150-page book is a replica of the edition found in stores throughout Red Dead Redemption 2.
- 12 Cigarette Cards: These beautifully-illustrated collectable cards can be found throughout the world of Red Dead Redemption 2. This physical collection includes one select card from each set like Famous Gunslingers and Outlaws, Stars of the Stage and Marvels of Travel and Locomotion.
Our Final Verdict

Our own Chandler Wood will be handling the review for PSLS, and you can expect his verdict to go live as soon as the review embargo lifts on Thursday, October 25 at precisely 4:01 am Pacific.