Red Dead Redemption 2's Online Mode Exits Beta With Huge Update

Red Dead Online, the online multiplayer component of Rockstar's critically acclaimed Red Dead Redemption 2, has been getting a steady stream of patches and content drops since it launched in open beta last November, and now the online mode is finally moving out of its beta phase with this week's massive update. Rockstar has introduced an assortment of new story missions, Free Roam activities, and more to Red Dead Online on PS4 and Xbox One, with even more on the way in the coming weeks.

First, players will be able to take on a variety of new Land of Opportunities missions. There will be different ones depending on which side of the law you fall on. Those following the Gunslinger path will go up against the Del Lobos gang and help Marshall Davies save the town of Valentine, while Outlaws will commit highway robbery and other misdeeds with Samson Finch. Whichever route you go, Rockstar teases, "Both paths lead to a rendezvous in Blackwater with a dangerous adversary."

Additionally, Rockstar has added a variety of new Free Roam missions featuring new characters from Red Dead Redemption 2's main campaign. There are also three new Posse Versus contests--fishing, bird shooting, and herb picking--as well as dynamic events that may occur as you travel the old west. On top of that, Rockstar has added another new Showdown mode, Overrun, as well as a handful of poker tables in certain towns around the map, where you can challenge up to five other players to high stakes games of Hold 'Em.

Also arriving as part of this week's update are the previously detailed Offensive and Defensive play styles, which allow you to tailor how you'd prefer to experience Red Dead Online. Offensive is the default play style and gives you the ability to freely attack other players, while Defensive is designed for those who'd prefer to avoid PvP skirmishes and rather explore the world.

Along with the Offensive and Defensive modes, Rockstar has implemented a hostility system to further stem griefing in Red Dead Online. According to the developer, this system "tracks aggressive behavior across both Playing Styles, making hostile players visible to others and helping to balance the needs of players who want to get away from others who habitually attack or kill during unstructured Free Roam gameplay."

Rounding out this week's update is an assortment of gameplay improvements. Among other things, Rockstar has added a new control scheme based on player feedback, increased weapon swap speed, added new daily challenges and rewards, and removed auto-aim headshot tracking. You can more details on everything that's new in this week's Red Dead Online update on Rockstar's website.

Rockstar has more content and updates lined up for Red Dead Online. The developer says it will add new Free Roam characters, Showdown modes, and more "in the weeks to come." Starting this summer, Rockstar will also introduce three new roles that players will be able to choose from, each of which will "come with a range of unique gameplay along with a host of new outfits, weapons and other rewards to earn."

Those on PS4 will be able to play without PS Plus for a limited time. Additionally, owners of the game can get PS Plus for cheaper right now. All of this news comes in the wake of Take-Two noting that sales of Red Dead Redemption 2 are slowing down.