Few games capture grit and beauty the way Red Dead Redemption 2 does. This mini-FAQ cuts through the noise, answering quick questions about gameplay, story choices, exploration, and secrets hidden across Rockstar’s sprawling Western frontier.
Red Dead Redemption 2 in a nutshell
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a detailed open-world Western adventure set in 1899, following Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang as they struggle to survive the decline of the outlaw era. The game blends gripping storytelling, lifelike characters, and deep mechanics ranging from gunfights to exploration and moral choices. Its vast environments, dynamic weather, and natural interactions make every moment feel grounded and unpredictable, offering players unmatched immersion in a world shaped by loyalty, freedom, and consequence.
Rockstar made us wait a long time for the continuation of this amazing franchise. The first part was released on PS3 and Xbox 360 on May 18, 2010. The game received high scores and overall acclaim, won the favor of both – the gaming press and players. After eight years Rockstar Games returns to the topic, but this time the story takes us back in time (RDR2 is a prequel). The famous Dutch van der Linde’s gang is forced to fight for survival as a result of an unsuccessful attack in Blackwater. The main character, Arthur Morgan, has to make decisions that will allow him and the whole gang to survive.
Return to the Wild West in RDR2.
RDR2 is still a third person perspective (TPP) game, although the developers have also added the ability to use the FPP view. Of course, the well-known Dead Eye bullet time system, which allows for quick elimination of several enemies, returns in this part. The prequel is still an open and seamless world game, and the map of the world is literally huge. The world is bigger than in GTA5, and the creators revealed that in the second part of the map known from the first part of Red Dead Redemption, we can also visit New Austin and Armadillo. RDR2 runs on GTA 5 engine, but has been significantly improved for the new project. Engine of the game will use, among other things, the benefits of the Euphoria system, i.e. 3D animation of a character designed by NaturalMotion, covering the whole figure or body muscles. For example, thanks to this, enemies die extremely realistically and spectacularly.
Red Dead Redemption 2 also features a multiplayer mode, called Red Dead Online, which launched a few months after the game’s release. It features some story content and allows many players to explore the same world and perform various interactions (e.g. attacking one another, travelling in groups, hunting together). RDR Online installs with the base game by default, but you can also install just the multiplayer component alone.
Season Pass – is it in the game?
Red Dead Redemption 2 does not include a Season Pass. Rockstar Games released the full single-player experience as a complete package without additional paid expansions. Online content for Red Dead Online is delivered through free updates and limited-time events rather than a Season Pass model, allowing players to access new features and missions as they are introduced.
No, Rockstar Games did not announce a season pass, just like in the case of the release of GTA5. Perhaps it means that Rockstar does not plan any DLC to single player mode and after the release of Red Dead Online will focus only on releasing DLC to multiplayer.The game does, however, feature many microtransactions related to the multiplayer Red Dead Online mode, which allow you to unlock the available content faster and make the game easier for yourself in general.
Playing offline – is it possible?
Yes, Red Dead Redemption 2 can be played offline, but only in Story Mode. Once the single-player portion is fully installed on your system, you can disconnect from the internet and continue playing without any issues. However, Red Dead Online requires an active internet connection at all times since it relies on Rockstar’s servers for multiplayer features and progress tracking.
The answer to this question is not so straightforward. On PC, you need to log into the game servers each time you launch the game. The console editions do allow for playing offline, but for obvious reasons, the Red Dead Online mode is not available then.
Is Red Dead Redemption 2 a prequel of the first title?
Yes, the events in RDR2 were set in 1899, they precede the events from the first part. In the second title the Dutch van der Linde gang still exists, and it includes the main character of the first part, John Marston, as well as the main character of this title – Arthur. Marston is still an active member of the gang at that time, and the whole game tells the story of a breakdown and collapse of a criminal group and explains what exactly led Marston to abandon the path of crime.
Steam – is the game available there?
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available for purchase and play on Steam. It supports all the features found in other PC editions, including full controller support, cloud saves, and access to the Rockstar Games Launcher once installed. Players can buy the Standard, Special, or Ultimate Edition directly through Steam, and updates are distributed through the platform like other Steam titles.
Yes, the PC edition of Red Dead Redemption 2 is available on Steam, but also in other stores – Epic Games Store and Rockstar Social Club.
RDR2 on Switch – will it be released?
Rockstar Games has not announced any plans to bring Red Dead Redemption 2 to the Nintendo Switch. While the original Red Dead Redemption received a Switch port in 2023, its sequel remains technically demanding and built for more powerful hardware. Fans continue to speculate about a possible release, but for now, there is no confirmed version or official comment suggesting that RDR2 will arrive on the Switch.
At the moment neither the game developer nor the publisher has taken an official statement on this issue. Although the game seems to be too technically advanced to work on the Nintendo console, some industry experts still hope for such a version. They point to the successful transfer to the Nintendo platform of such complex titles as Doom, Wolfenstein 2 or Rockstar’s LA Noir. Another possibility is to make Red Dead Redemption 2 available to Switch users via streaming service, as will be the case with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. On the release day (26.10.2018), the game was only available on Xbox One and PlayStation.If the game is announced on Nintendo Switch, we will update the information in this guide.
Undead Nighmare mode – will it be available?
Rockstar Games has not announced any plans to bring an Undead Nightmare mode to Red Dead Redemption 2. While the original Red Dead Redemption received this popular zombie-themed expansion, the sequel has remained focused on realism rather than supernatural content. Fans continue to hope for a similar experience through updates or community mods, but for now, there is no official confirmation or indication that such a mode will be added.
At the moment there is no official information about the zombie mode for this title, known from the first part as the Undead Nightmares Challenge. However, given the great interest of game recipients in such mode, it cannot be ruled out that it will be added in one of the planned DLCs.
First-Person-Perspective (FPP) – is it available?
Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a full first-person perspective mode available right from launch. Players switch to it anytime by tapping the controller’s touchpad or using the assigned camera key on PC, cycling through third-person distances and first-person view. This applies across open-world exploration and combat, excluding cutscenes.
The game has a fully-fledged first person view system. In PlayStation 4 version, the player can change the view “on the fly” using a touchpad integrated with the controller. In addition to TPP and FPS views, the player can also watch the gameplay using a cinematic camera known from Rockstar games.
How long is Red Dead Redemption 2?
According to information provided by one of the game’s creators, Dan Houser, Red Dead Redemption 2 should provide you at least 60 hours of fun. However, there is no precise data on what aspects of the game and how many side activities are able to extend the overall gameplay.
Game world – is it big?
Red Dead Redemption 2 features a massive open world spanning five distinct US regions, from snowy mountains to arid deserts and swamps. Players traverse over 29 square miles on horseback or by train, encountering towns, camps, and hidden spots packed with side activities. Its scale supports dozens of hours of exploration without fast travel, making every ride feel expansive and purposeful.
Yes, the world map in Red Dead Redemption 2 is very big and diverse. It consists primarily of uninhabited territories – forests, vast wilderness and glades, and even mountain areas where you will get stuck in snow. The map also features some larger cities (including a very big Saint Denis) and many smaller villages.
What is the PEGI rating of Red Dead Redemption 2?
The European raiting agency PEGI has rated the latest Rockstar game as only for adult audiences (rating 18 ).
Native Americans – do they appear in the game?
Native American characters appear in Red Dead Redemption 2 and play significant roles in several storylines. Tribes such as the Wapiti appear in later chapters, highlighting the tension between Indigenous people and expanding U.S. forces. The game presents their struggles with displacement, cultural erosion, and conflict with both settlers and the government. These interactions add historical depth and emotional weight, showing how Native communities were affected during the late 19th century.
The indigenous peoples of North America don’t play a major role in Red Dead Redemption 2’s story. According to the creators of the game, the native population of the North American continent will not play a leading role in the story presented in Red Dead Redemption 2. This is fully in line with historical realities – in the year 1899 (time used in the game), practically all Native Americans stayed in special, closed reserves. The percentage of indigenous U.S. citizens was negligible.
Best early-game missions to earn cash fast
In Red Dead Redemption 2’s early chapters (primarily Chapter 2 in Horseshoe Overlook and Flatneck Station areas), prioritize main story missions that offer solid payouts around $20-$50 each while advancing progress and unlocking mechanics like crafting or hunting.
Top Cash-Earning Missions
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The Spines of America: First moonshine-related mission for Hosea; pays ~$30 and teaches distillation for repeatable camp income.
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A Fisher of Men: Unlocks fishing with Jack; decent ~$25 payout plus bait access for easy side cash from perfect catches.
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Pouring Forth Oil (series): Oilfield heists with the Braithwaites; multiple parts yield $40+ total and valuables to loot.
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Money Lending and Other Sins (series): Collect debts from Leopold Strauss; ~$15-$20 per target, loot bodies for extra cash/jewelry.
Money-Making Tips
Combine missions with looting-pickpocket or search every NPC/enemy for pocket money-and sell valuables at fences (unlocked via “Eastward Bound”). Avoid spending on tonics early; stockpile for upgrades, netting $100+ per mission cycle with smart scavenging. Stranger missions like “The Noblest of Men” also drop quick $20-$30 bounties without spoilers.
Which missions give the highest payout for solo players early on
In Red Dead Redemption 2’s early game (Chapters 1-2, solo-friendly by design as it’s story mode), the highest-paying missions for quick cash focus on main story tasks in Horseshoe Overlook that reward $20-$50 each, often with loot bonuses.
Highest Payout Missions
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Pouring Forth Oil (series): Multi-part heist at the oil fields; totals around $45+ with looted valuables from guards-repeatable elements via scavenging.
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The Spines of America: Moonshine production quest; ~$30 base plus camp upgrades for ongoing income, ideal for solo grinding.
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Money Lending and Other Sins (series): Debt collection chain; $15-$25 per debtor, maximized by looting jewelry and cash from bodies.
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We Loved Once and Lived Once: Bank robbery setup; ~$35 payout with high-risk loot potential from enemies.
Maximizing Solo Earnings
Loot all corpses post-mission for 2x-3x the base pay in items to sell at fences (unlocked early via “Americans at Rest”). Pair with stranger missions like “Who is Not Without Sin” for extra $20 bounties. Avoid side activities until Chapter 3 for optimal early cash flow.
