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Red Dead Redemption 2 previews: All you need to know

Red Dead Redemption 2 previews are confirming many new details of the upcoming game.

Outlets like IGN and Telegraph were shown a 45-minute, hands-off demo by Rockstar Games recently, and we’ve complied their findings below.

Arthur Morgan

We’ll be playing Red Dead Redemption 2 as protagonist Arthur Morgan, a ranking member of Dutch van de Linde’s gang. A botched robbery causes the gang to flee, hiding from bounty hunters and the law.

Morgan will have to manage a lot, from his interactions with the gang to the morale of the gang itself.

“Arthur must make a choice between his own ideals and loyalty to the gang who raised him,” Rockstar announced alongside the game’s new trailer.

Gang and camp life

First, NPCs won’t be stuck in looping actions like in the first Red Dead Redemption. Rather, they’ll be realised as a “living community constantly changing.” Your gang will include Bill Williamson (Red Dead Revolver), Sean McGuire, Uncle, Karen, Lenny and more. They’ll go through actions like doing laundry, gathering wood and more.

A morale system will play into the system, with happy gang members when resources are plentiful, and grumpy cowboys when things are dire. Similarly, Morgan will receive discounts from shopkeepers who favour him.

Gameplay

The famous Dead Eye mechanic will return with Red Dead Redemption 2, allowing a the chance to slow and focus on shots. Skilled, long-ranged kills will also slow time and reverse angle to focus on your spectacular shot.

Horses will serve as more than just transportation this time around — you’ll be able to bond with your mount. Feeding, grooming and spending time with your horse will strengthen your connection, causing it to be well-behaved and calm in the face of danger.

It’s also been confirmed that the game’s entire HUD can be toggled on and off.

Cover art

Red Dead Redemption 2‘s cover art has also been released. It’s below:

Red Dead Redemption 2 heads to Xbox One and PS4 on 26 October.


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Steve Wright

Steve's the owner of this very site and an active games journalist nearing twenty (TWENTY!?!) years. He's a Canadian-Australian gay gaming geek, ice hockey player and fan. Husband to Matt and cat dad to Wally and Quinn.