The release date for Red Dead Redemption 2 is fast approaching--it's due out for PS4 and Xbox One on October 26 (with a rumored PC version to perhaps come some time after that). With launch about a month out, it was surprising that we still knew very little about the game beyond what we could glean from a few previous trailers and screenshot dumps. That all changed recently, as the embargo was lifted on a huge amount of information concerning the open-world western game.
We actually got to go hands-on with Rockstar's new game for ourselves, and we learned a much amount about what to expect. Rockstar also shared the first real tidbits about Red Dead Online, the game's multiplayer mode that won't debut until November. One thing we're still completely in the dark about are what the PS4 exclusives are. Sony confirmed something is coming, but we don't know what it is.
Regardless, as you'd expect from a new Rockstar game that has been in development for years, this is a deep, detailed game. And as a result, there's a lot to dig into. More information is sure to come between now and launch, but below we've rounded up everything new that we've just learned about the game. For more on how to buy it, check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 pre-order guide.
We Played Red Dead Redemption 2
A number of us at GameSpot recently got to go hands-on with the game. The demo lasted 90 minutes and included two story missions, but we were also able to check out the open world itself. In addition to writing up everything we saw, we've rounded up all of the new features, as well as the details that surprised us.
- Red Dead Redemption 2: We Played It On PS4, Here's Everything We Saw
- All The New Features
- Red Dead Redemption 2's Most Surprising Features And Details
Red Dead Redemption Can Be First-Person, Lets You Turn Off The Hud
One of the many ways Red Dead Redemption 2 follows the path that Grand Theft Auto V established is in adding a new perspective. While third-person remains the default, Rockstar has introduced the option to navigate the world with a first-person camera. Additionally, those looking for a less game-like experience can opt to disable the hud.
- Like GTA 5, Red Dead Redemption 2 Is Playable In First-Person
- Here Are Red Dead Redemption 2's HUD Options
You Can Swim, Take Selfies, And Drift On A Horse
Like the GTA games of old, Red Dead Redemption did not allow you to swim. But like more recent entires in the series, Red Dead Redemption 2 protagonist Arthur Morgan is capable of jumping into the water--he just doesn't much care for it. Additionally, Arthur gets his hands on a camera, which he can use to take pictures of the world or even himself for some old-school selfies. And when you're on horseback, you'll be able to pull off some neat tricks, like essentially drifting to change directions.
- Red Dead Redemption 2's Arthur Can Swim, Unlike John Marston
- Red Dead Redemption 2 Has A Selfie Camera
- Red Dead Redemption 2 Lets You Drift On A Horse
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Composer Woody Jackson Is Back
If you were a fan of the music from the original Red Dead Redemption, you're in luck. RDR2 features the return of composer Woody Jackson, and the game's original soundtrack remains quite good.
You Can Lose Your Hat
In what's obviously the most significant bit of news to come out as part of this embargo is word that you can lose your hat. If you want your hat back, you'll have to guide Arthur to where it was lost. Alternatively, you can pick up someone else's hat. This has been your Hat Update.
Skinning Animals Is Much Grosser
Red Dead Redemption had a distinct cutscene of sorts that would play out whenever you skinned an animal, but it didn't involve watching the animal be cut up. RDR2 goes a different and much more intense route.
New Screenshots
Alongside all of this information, Rockstar shared some new screenshots from the game. In addition to the videos and screens we got recently, these provide yet another look at what to expect from the game's world.
Red Dead Online: Beta And Delayed Release
Just prior to all of this information hit, Rockstar actually shared the first details about the game's online component, which is known as Red Dead Online. As with GTA V and GTA Online, Red Dead Online won't launch at the same time as the game. Instead, it'll hit in November--and even then, only in the form of a beta. Rockstar has warned players in advance that they may encounter some difficulties, as it's learned from GTA Online that launching a mode of this magnitude is never going to be problem-free.
If you're a GTA Online fan, you needn't worry. Rockstar reaffirmed it will continue to support that game. In fact, it even plans to stagger the release of updates for it and Red Dead Online to avoid overlapping too heavily.
