What are the Different Red Dead Redemption 2 Editions? A Deep Dive

Rockstar Games crafted three distinct editions of Red Dead Redemption 2, each packing unique bonuses-from steelbooks and maps to exclusive outfits and cash for Arthur Morgan’s outlaw exploits.

1. Digital copy – available for PC, PS4 and Xbox One; additionally, you can run it in backwards compatibility mode on PS5 and Xbox Series.
2. Retail copy – available for PS4 and Xbox One; additionally, you can run it in backwards compatibility mode on PS5 i Xbox Series. The PC edition does not come in retail copies.

Special Edition

Red Dead Redemption 2: Special Edition delves into the collectible and bonus content that accompanies the core game, offering players a deeper dive into Arthur Morgan’s world with exclusive items, additional challenges, and polished presentation.

Red Dead Redemption 2 – Special Edition contains:

1. A bonus mission with an assault on a bank and a new hiding place in the story mode;
2. Dappled Black Thoroughbred – ultimate stallion with an exclusive saddle;
3. Talisman and Medallion Gameplay Bonuses – among other things, they increase perception and reduce damage while riding on horseback;
4. Gameplay Boosts, Cash Bonuses & Discounts – thanks to them Arthur will be more durable and able to use Dead Eye for longer. During the attacks you will also earn more money. In addition, if you want to improve your gang camp, you will get a discount;
5. The Nuevo Paraiso Gunslinger Outfit – this outfit for the main character was inspired by bandits from across the southern border. It consists of a black cowboy hat, an indigo coat, and worn-out jeans;
6. Free Access to Additional Weapons – bonus weapon: three models to be used in Story Mode: Volcanic Pistol, Pump Action Shotgun and Lancaster Varmint Rifle.

Definitive Edition

The Definitive Edition bundles the complete Red Dead Redemption 2 experience with bonus content, including a digital soundtrack, art book, and collector’s items like a map and postcards. It adds the third-party content update for extra missions and items such as the Nuevo Paraíso outfit and treasure maps. Available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, this version delivers the full story, online mode, and enhancements without needing separate purchases.

Red Dead Redemption 2 – Definitive Edition contains:

1. All the above bonuses from the special edition;
2. Bonus Outfits – 2 bonus outfits for Red Dead Online, Blackrose Bounty Hunter Outfit and Copperhead Enforcer Outfit;
3. Black Chestnut Thoroughbred cowboy saddle for Red Dead Online;
4. Free Access to the Survivor Camp Theme – thanks to this bonus you will be able to change the appearance of your camp for free into a “survival” theme;
5. Additional Weapons – Volcanic Pistol, Pump Action Shotgun and Lancaster Varmint Rifle for Online Mode;
6. Rank Bonuses – get ranks faster in Online Mode.

Collector’s Edition

Collectors Edition offers a curated assortment of physical and digital extras that deepen Red Dead Redemption 2’s western saga.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Collector’s Edition contains:

1. RDR2 Collector’s Box – red steelbook (without game);
2. Metal Tithing Box with Lock & Key;
3. Collectable Challenge Coin – engraved gold collector coin with an image of a buffalo and landscape;
4. Double Sided Puzzle – 100-piece wooden puzzle depicting the Saint Denis port and the Rockstar Games logo;
5. Six Shooter Bandana – red, outlaw bandana;
6. Treasure Map – reveals the location of the buried treasure;
7. Pin Set – 6 clip pins representing a weapon;
8. Playing Cards – a deck of playing cards with images of van der Linde gang members: Arthur Morgan, John Marston, Javier Escuella, Bill Williamson and Dutch van der Linde;
9. Wheeler, Rawson and Co. Catalogue – illustrated catalogue of weapons and outfits to be found in the game;
10. Twelve Cigarette Cards – are material equivalents of cards that you can find in the game. It contains images of characters and motifs from the game.

Compare Special vs Ultimate edition contents

Red Dead Redemption 2’s Special and Ultimate Editions share all Story Mode bonuses but differ in Red Dead Online extras. The Ultimate Edition builds on the Special by adding multiplayer-specific content and physical perks for select versions.​

Shared Story Mode Content

Both editions include the base game, Red Dead Online access, Bank Robbery Mission, Gang Hideout, 50 Gold Bars, Talisman, and weapons like the Volcanic Pistol, Pump Action Shotgun, and Lancaster Varmint Rifle. Players also get a Dappled Black Thoroughbred horse and gameplay boosts such as slower core drain and 10% more cash from robberies or sales.​

Special Edition Extras

Offers a printed map with physical copies and focuses solely on Story Mode enhancements without Online bonuses.​

Ultimate Edition Extras

Adds Red Dead Online perks like bonus outfits (e.g., New Orleans Gunslinger, Highland Gun For Hire), free Survivor Camp Theme, Black Chestnut Thoroughbred horse, rank-up bonuses (e.g., treasure maps, coupons), and free versions of Special Edition weapons online. Physical versions include a steelbook case.​​

Content Comparison

Which edition offers online bonuses versus story mode only

Red Dead Redemption 2’s Special Edition focuses on Story Mode bonuses only, while the Ultimate Edition adds exclusive Red Dead Online bonuses on top of those same Story Mode perks. All editions include base access to both Story Mode and Red Dead Online.​

Story Mode Only (Special Edition)

Provides exclusive single-player content like the Bank Robbery Mission, Gang Hideout, Dappled Black Thoroughbred horse, Talisman/Medallion boosts, 50 Gold Bars, and weapons (Volcanic Pistol, Pump Action Shotgun, Lancaster Varmint Rifle). No additional multiplayer incentives beyond base Online access.​​

Story + Online Bonuses (Ultimate Edition)

Includes everything from Special Edition, plus Red Dead Online extras such as bonus outfits (e.g., Nuevo Paraíso Gunslinger), Black Chestnut Thoroughbred horse, Survivor Camp Theme, rank-up bonuses (treasure maps, coupons), and free access to Special weapons online.​

Edition Comparison