For awhile now, we've known when Red Dead Redemption will release but we had no idea what, if any, different editions of Red Dead Redemption 2 would release. Rockstar took the wraps off of those secrets yesterday and it has some fans confused.
Three editions of Red Dead Redemption 2 will be available when the game launches on October 26th for PS4 and Xbox One; Red Dead Redemption 2 Standard Edition, Red Dead Redemption 2 Special Edition, and Red Dead Redemption 2 Ultimate Edition. There is also a Red Dead Redemption Collectors Box that doesn't include the game but does include some pretty interesting collectors items.
Two of these editions all include the base game plus pre-ordering unlocks some exclusive content as well. Its a cheeky way to get you to plop your money down before the title even releases, and to be honest it reeks of TakeTwo's money grabbing policies we've talked about many times over.
All pre-orders of Red Dead Redemption 2 will include the following:
War Horse: This handsome iron-grey-colored Ardennes War Horse can always be relied on in the heat of the battle. With greater courage and stamina than the average steed, this is a horse that knows how to keep its head under fire.
The Outlaw Survival Kit: The Outlaw Survival Kit contains a collection of key supplies for enduring the rigors of life on the frontier, including items to replenish Health, Dead Eye and more.
Not to keep digital players feeling left out, Rockstar have revealed that all digital pre-order will receive the following:
Cash Bonus for Red Dead Redemption 2 Story Mode: The Van der Linde gang is always looking for ways to make more money and bring in new supplies. This in-game cash bonus will give Arthur Morgan enough to buy a weapon, some food, a handful of useful items and ammunition.
Treasure Map: Secret buried treasure can be found throughout the world of Red Dead Redemption 2. This exclusive Treasure Map for Story Mode will give Arthur a head start on the hunt for hidden riches. Must pre-order by July 31, 2018.
The Special Edition of Red Dead Redemption 2 is where things start to get a little wonky. It includes the following:
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.
So now we've got story content gated by pre-orders. Great. We can only hope that this will be made available to everyone at some point, but it doesn't make the shady practice any more acceptable.
The Ultimate Edition of Red Dead Redemption 2 features all of the above listed benefits plus the following for Red Dead Redemption Online:
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.
With all of these announcements, its easy to see where fans can get confused and even frustrated. Pay-gating content behind a pre-order wall is never a good thing, and hopefully TakeTwo will listen to the outcries from the many fans who have called foul on this practice in 2018. Only time will tell.
What do you think? Are any of these bonuses enough to get you to pre-order the game? Let us know in the comments or on social media! We're interested in hearing the communities thoughts on this one.