Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most hotly anticipated games of 2018 and the eighth generation of games consoles. The first game in the series was released in 2011 to both audience and critical acclaim. As of 2017, the game has sold 15 million copies. Its legacy remains, with gamers and critics agreeing that it was one of the best video games of the seventh generation era. When Rockstar Games announced a sequel, the gaming world got excited once again for a trip back to the Wild West.

So far, only certain details have been released about the game. Rockstar are rightly keeping their cards close to their chest. However, as with any huge release, the rumour mill is full of speculation. Everything that we do know is explained below.

What is Red Dead Redemption all about?

For those who missed the original game, Red Dead Redemption was an open world, third-person Western set in 1911. You played as John Marston, a former outlaw forced to take down his old crew after the government takes his family hostage.

The story structure was very similar to Rockstar’s biggest franchise, Grand Theft Auto. Across the open world, you meet an eclectic cast of characters who set missions for you to complete. The world was free to explore, hunt and trade in. You could also visit the saloon for a quick drink and a few games of Liar’s Dice.

The world itself was incredible to look at with vast landscapes and beautiful vistas. Busy areas, ghost towns and Mexican mesas were complemented with snowy mountain tops and grizzly bears.

The game was - at the time - a huge departure in shooting mechanics compared to GTA IV. The gunslinging style was then carried over to other Rockstar titles including Max Payne 3 and GTA V.

Will Red Dead Redemption 2 continue the story of the original?

Despite carrying the “2” in its title, Red Dead 2 will actually serve as a prequel to the first game. It will be set in 1899 and will feature Marston’s crew, the Van Der Linde gang. The official synopsis from Rockstar Games is:

America, 1899.

The end of the wild west era has begun as lawmen hunt down the last remaining outlaw gangs. Those who will not surrender or succumb are killed.

After a robbery goes badly wrong in the western town of Blackwater, Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang are forced to flee. With federal agents and the best bounty hunters in the nation massing on their heels, the gang must rob, steal and fight their way across the rugged heartland of America in order to survive. As deepening internal divisions threaten to tear the gang apart, Arthur must make a choice between his own ideals and loyalty to the gang who raised him.

Who do you play as in Red Dead Redemption 2?

You will play as Arthur Morgan, a member of Dutch van der Linde’s gang. Morgan is a whole new character having not been featured or mentioned previously in Red Dead. The original protagonist, John Marston, is expected to feature as a major character, as he has been featured in promotional trailers. Red Dead’s antagonist and gang leader Dutch will also feature prominently.

Who are the other characters in Red Dead Redemption 2?

• Bill Williamson and Javier Escuella, gang members in Red Dead return
• Sadie Adler, a female character who featured in the third trailer
• New gang members Lenny, Karen, Micah Bell, Sean McGuire and Pearson.

What kind of game will Red Dead Redemption 2 be?

Red Dead 2 will be an open world western just like its predecessor - but a lot bigger. Missions and side quests will be offered more organically. It is likely that Arthur Morgan needs to help sustain the gang as they are hidden in the wilderness. Luckily, there is a large population to intimidate and rob to get what they need.

The honour system of the original returns which will affect how the world evolves. The actions of the player affect Morgan’s reputation. Law enforcement can be triggered which can increase the size of a bounty put on Morgan. NPC’s will react accordingly when he appears in town.

Is there Multiplayer in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Considering the huge success of GTA Online, everyone is expecting a multiplayer element to Red Dead 2. Nothing has been confirmed just yet but as we edge closer to release date, Rockstar will likely reveal more then.

How can I play Red Dead Redemption 2?

Red Dead Redemption 2 will be released for Playstation 4 and Xbox One. The game will likely ship with 4K and HDR enhancements.

There are three editions of the game available:

• The Special Edition, which includes the game and story mode exclusives as well as outfits and weapons.
• The Ultimate Edition, which contains everything in the special edition with exclusive outfits for the online mode.
• The Collector’s Box, which does not contain the game but is an eye catching red tithing box that looks like a lockbox from the game. This will have various memorabilia related to Red Dead 2.

The game is currently not set for release on PC, just like the first game. However, due to the success of GTA V and GTA Online, it would be surprising if Rockstar skipped PC this time around. There are also no plans for a Nintendo Switch release at this point.

When is Red Dead Redemption 2 released?

Red Dead Redemption 2 is scheduled to be released worldwide on 26th October 2018.