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We've known about Sony's and Rockstar's special partnership since before the game launched back in October last year, but it's still taking on new forms. Recently announced on the official PlayStation blog are a new series of monthly benefits that players who chose the Sony console will enjoy on the frontier. Every month from now on, PS4 players will receive a gift package which can be retrieved at the post office or at your camp's lockbox, if you have the upgrade. These packages will contain different items each month, and the first one - which can be picked up starting tomorrow - comes with three treasure maps. You can expect gifts of similar magnitude in the future, so don't expect a high-end horse to be mailed to you by Sony. You'll need to have played the game at some point prior to the 8th of June to be eligible, so if you only happened to buy and play the game today you won't be getting the special gift. The package will be mailed to players within 24 hours of their first play session within the timeframe. This would indicate that you need to play in the given month to be eligible, so if you put down Red Dead Online for a few months and return, you won't log in with several packages waiting. Though having a PlayStation Plus subscription is usually necessary to play Red Dead Online, due to certain promos which allow temporary access to players without subscriptions, we should point out that only PS Plus accounts will get these benefits. Treasure Maps, which are this month's bonus, are a great way to earn some easy cash. You need to open up the map from your satchel, which will then mark an exploration zone on your map. Ride out to the area and activate Eagle Eye to look for the hidden goods. Once you dig up the treasure, you might find gold, RDO$, consumables or crafting pamphlets. Next month's benefits will be different, so stay tuned for more news on that. The post Benefits For PS4 Red Dead Online Players Announced appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

With E3 around the corner the gaming world is abuzz with hype and rumors. Just like every year, the leaks have begun in advance, leaving fewer surprises in store for the actual expo, and some companies embraced this by revealing things in advance. However, following a curious statement from Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, it seems we have more reason to be excited than previously thought. In an investor briefing event held in New York City, Zelnick spoke much about the projections and future of Take-Two Interactive Software. As usual, these investor events don't hold much news interesting to gamers and fans since actual games, releases and announcements aren't discussed. However, with the immense financial success of Red Dead Redemption 2, investors are certainly interested in TTWO maximizing the potential of the game. Releasing it on further platforms is the most direct approach, and one Rockstar has employed in the past. When asked about the possibility of Red Dead Redemption 2 being launched on PC - using the term "layup" which refers to something being easy - Zelnick provided a concise answer. "There is no downside to releasing the game on PC." While this is a pretty typical diplomatic non-answer, examining it in context gives it a lot more weight. Let's look at the evidence. Providing a statement like this may seem innocent regardless of E3 beginning soon since "Rockstar skips E3 all the time anyway". While this is true for the most part, and they don't like announcing entirely new games at major shows, Rockstar has used E3 to reveal new versions and ports of existing titles. GTA 5's enhanced edition for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 was revealed at an E3 show. This means that the PC port of Red Dead Redemption 2 being announced at, say, Microsoft's conference - which is shaping up to be substantial this year - is actually reasonably likely. When Rockstar has appeared at E3, they never held their own conference but piggybacked on a first party one, such as when the now-cancelled Agent was revealed during a Sony E3 conference. Red Dead Redemption 2 eventually making the jump to PC is highly probable. It's one of the most anticipated ports and a guaranteed success. Rockstar has plenty of experience porting console titles to PC, since they've been doing it since the PS2 era. It's also important to remember that one particularly convincing leak has all but confirmed that the eventual release of a PC port is inevitable. Video footage of a graphics option menu was leaked online some time ago, which would qualify as one of the most elaborate fakes in the history of video game leaks if it turns out to be a dud. There has also been several instances of a PC version of the game listed in the online portfolios and CVs of former Rockstar employees, who all very quickly removed these references after the news broke. One time may have been an accident, but multiple occurrences is suspicious. Considering there was a year between the release of GTA 5 and its enhanced version, it would make sense for the same one year gap to apply to Red Dead Redemption 2, which would make this E3 the best and only chance to give the big announcement. We're hopeful that the coming days will hold some explosive Red Dead Redemption 2 news. The post "No Downside" To Red Dead Redemption 2 On PC Says CEO appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Red Dead Online gets a new Showdown Mode and Free Roam Event today, bringing more traditional banditry to the multiplayer game. Players will also be rewarded with a free item simply for logging in, and new clothes and camp upgrades have been added. Public Enemy Showdown Mode is the newest addition to Red Dead Online's long list of structured PvP game modes. A variation of the Team Deathmatch mode, two teams face off, trying to hunt down the designated Public Enemy on the other team. Killing those players who aren't currently the Public Enemy nets you no points, so the key to victory is to protect yours while hunting down theirs. The mantle of Public Enemy keeps being passed between players at a quick rate, so communication is key to success in this Showdown Mode. Make sure your team is always aware of who the two Public Enemies are, so you don't accidentally go killing or protecting the wrong players. Alongside Public Enemy a new Free Roam Event has also been added to the game. Railroad Baron takes the classic outlaw act of robbing a train and turns it into a competitive event. The train carts are moving capture points, and everyone who accepts the invite to the event needs to maintain ownership of this control point for the longest period of time. A number of new clothing items have been added to Red Dead Online, including the Bellerose Hat. One tint of this hat is automatically unlocked, free of charge, simply by logging into the game, with additional tints available. Other clothes include the Flores Vest, the Calhoun Boots, the Raccoon Hat and the Shaffer Chaps. Players can customize their personal camps with a new flag and a new theme added in today's update, and a fresh upgrade is also available. The upgraded tent will recharge your character's cores faster when resting. Additionally, all Provisions and all items from Wilderness Outfitters are 25% off. The post Public Enemy Mode Arrives To Red Dead Online appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Red Dead Online allows players to test their skills against one another in structured PvP confrontations called Showdown Modes. Many new modes are added week by week to the initial roster, and Overrun was added to the game when the beta period drew to a close. If you want tips and tricks to succeed at other Showdown Modes and Racing Series modes, check out this guide. In this article, we'll be focusing exclusively on Overrun, the territory capturing mode tasking two teams with winning 3 matches in order to secure victory. Contents Overview Strategy Tips Overview Overrun features two teams pitted against one another on a large map, with many small zones called territories marked on your minimap. Your goal is to capture these territories and retain more of them than the enemy team by the end of the 1 minute and 30 second "bout". The first team to win 3 bouts will be the overall winner of the round. Territories are captured by simply going to them with your character. The moment a player enters a territory, they claim it for their team. If another player later enters, they'll overwrite your claim. If players from both teams are present, those who survive the fight will be able to lay claim to the contested territory. The timer at the top of your screen indicates how much time is left, how many bouts either team has won, and the current standing of territory ownership. To make it easier to gauge your progress in the heat of battle, a large white line bisects this bar, making it easy to see who has the upper hand. Strategy The short 1 minute and 30 second bouts favor an aggressive approach, as do the large number and small size of the territories that need capturing. If there were just 4-6 territories per map taking up a large area, a more defensive playstyle would work, but here it's all about speed and attacking. You should rush to gain as much territory as possible within the first 30 seconds. Pay no mind to the enemy players unless necessary, just rush to the territories and try to establish an advantage. In the second third of the game, you can try to wrest control of territories from the opposing team and pay more heed to their attempts to do the same. Your strategy should change significantly in the last 30 seconds. If you have the upper hand, take on a defensive attitude and try to protect that advantage until the time runs out. If you are losing, dial your offense up to 11 and coordinate with your teammates to break through the enemy defense. Tips In Overrun, you should be on the move immediately in the first minute of the match. There will always be territories not controlled by your team, so get on those. Camping really isn't applicable in this mode. It's best to fan out and have all of your teammates going in different directions, capturing as many territories as possible. Bunching up and moving as a squad will do you no favors here. If you have gained the upper hand by the last 30 seconds, position you team so you can effectively protect all the pathways into your territories. The post Red Dead Online Overrun Showdown Mode Guide appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Red Dead Online's extensive array of challenges has a gained a new addition today, alongside a new Showdown Mode as well as limited issue clothing items. Players are also granted a care package, and if you have 2-step authentication enabled on your account, you stand to gain further bonuses. Like the previous Fishing Free Roam Challenge, the Wild Animal Kills Challenge offers a way to test your skill against fellow players without any PvP going on. Show off your prowess as a big game hunter by downing the most animals within the given time period. When the allotted time runs out, the player with the most points wins - small animals get you 1 point, medium animals are worth 2 points and large animals will net you 3 points. The closer you get to the end of the match, larger and more dangerous animals will spawn, some of which will grant you even greater bonuses. If you get a taste for some PvP action, the new Showdown Mode "Head for the Hills" pits two teams against one another in a desperate fight for survival. Take turns as one team struggles to reach a safe zone at the end of the map, while the other team endeavors to hunt them down. Players can earn additional rewards from A Land of Opportunities story missions this week. New players completing Honor Among Thieves will have their reward increased by RDO$ 50, completing Kill Them, Each And Every One gets you a bonus RDO$ 75 and finally finishing Destroyed By Grief wins you 10 Gold Bars. All players are also treated to a care package containing a number of consumables such as Miracle Tonic, Snake Oil, Express Revolver Ammo and more. Pick it up at a post office or at your camp. New character customization items also include the Flora Corseted Chemise, Paddon Shirt, Plaid Cap, Raccoon Hat, Shaffer Chaps and the "How Dare You" emote. Account safety is good, and securing yours with 2-step verification is a reward in and of itself. However, as further incentive, Rockstar is giving out 10 Gold Bars and an exclusive tint for the new Raccoon Hat to all players whose accounts are secured with 2-step verification by the end of the week. Stay tuned for more info on the upcoming Showdown Modes Public Enemy and Sport of Kings. The post Head For The Hills Showdown Mode Added To Red Dead Online appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Red Dead Online got its long-awaited in-game Poker feature when the beta phase ended in May 2019. While Poker isn't available in a few countries, it became an instant hit among players who could access it. If you want to hit the tables but don't want to lose big or have no experience with poker otherwise, this guide will help you out. Contents Introduction To Poker Joining a Poker game Tips For Playing Poker Introduction To Poker The first thing you should be doing before continuing with this guide is play the single player campaign of Red Dead Redemption 2 until the point where it introduces you to poker, and then play some practice rounds against the NPCs. In fact, you really ought to play the story before jumping into Online anyway, and preferably even finish it once. Poker, as a mini-game, has been lifted entirely from singleplayer. It's the exact same thing with the necessary adjustments required to make it work with multiple players. Getting to know the mechanics while playing as Arthur Morgan is highly suggested. While the game is presented cinematically, showing the poker table, the players and the surrounding saloon in all its gloomy, smoky and atmospheric glory. However, to make things properly visible and convenient, small icons next to players' avatars indicate the cards they are showing, their wagers, and any other important information about the current hand. Joining a Poker game There are two kinds of poker games you can join in Red Dead Online. By going to any of the locations where poker is played in game - these are Blackwater, Saint Denis, Valentine, Tumbleweed and Flatneck Station - or by selecting it in the mission selection menu you can buy into a Public Game or start a Private Game. A Private Game is ideal for groups of friends who want to face off against one another, allowing you to control who has access to your game. You can also join Private Games if you are invited by the host. Another advantage of Private Games is a greater measure of customizability, allowing you to adjust buy-ins and payouts. Public Games allow you to play with random players freely and buying into a public game will automatically start the matchmaking process, pairing you with other players who are betting similar amounts. Once you join a game, you'll be dealt in at the first available hand. The default buy-in price is just RDO$ 25 so the risk isn't too high. Tips For Playing Poker Red Dead Online shares one key characteristic with most online poker games - you can't actually see one another. This eliminates what some would argue is the most interesting part of the game, which is observing the body language of your opponents. A "poker face" won't help you here. This way the outcome of the games comes down to just the cards instead of bluffing. Poker in Red Dead Online encourages a bold and aggressive style of play, since the relatively low buy-in price of RDO$ 25 means it's worth it to fold when you're standing to lose. Poker can be a great way to make some extra RDO$ on the side if you play aggressively and dive into greater risks for the greater reward. If you're not well versed with poker at all, or the first time you're even encountering the game is in Red Dead Redemption 2, the mini-game available in the single-player mode should be enough to get you well enough acquainted with it. However, if you ever need a refresher, you can take a look at the game rules from the options menu for help. We also have a guide in our wiki. Another thing to keep in mind is that typical tactics like card counting or other cheating methods are impossible to implement in the poker mini-game, so everyone is forced into playing fair and square. You also can't peek at cards. Since the dealers are automated, human error won't affect the outcome of the game either. In these regards, Red Dead Online Poker is much like any other online poker game, just a bit more visually engaging. Poker has quickly grown to become Red Dead Online's top social activity and with this guide you'll be well equipped to hit the tables yourself. The post Red Dead Online Poker Guide appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

It's been a week since the major Red Dead Online update which ended the beta phase was released. While that update added a wealth of new content, it came with a few quirks of its own - though the dead horse glitch has been fixed since. Today's update expands on the groundwork laid last week, bringing new free roam missions from characters you'll recognize, among other things. The main addition in this update is the pair of new free roam mission initiators in Red Dead Online. Both characters that players have encountered in Red Dead Redemption 2, while playing as Arthur Morgan, they provide the multiplayer mode with more narrative content. Black Belle, a legendary gunslinger resides Lemoyne, while Sadie & Jake Adler live in their Ranch in Ambarino. Both are ready to provide Red Dead Online characters with new tasks. Continuing the timed exclusive content that occasionally appears on PlayStation 4 30 days prior to Xbox One, two new items and a pair of showdown modes are available today. The Ancient Tomahawk is a traditional Native weapon, and stars in one of the new modes, Make It Count: Ancient Tomahawk Mode. The other new game mode is Last Stand, which is a typical no respawn FFA deathmatch. Finally, PS4 players can purchase the Perlino Andalusian Horse. The game has received an infusion of new clothing items, three of which are permanent additions. These are the Wescott Skirt, Valdez Vest and Citadel Boots, while the Plaid Cap is a limited issue item that will soon disappear from the in-game store. Rockstar is also keen on motivating players to take a dive into the new content available in Red Dead Online. All missions and activities pay out 25% more gold and RDO$ this week, and all players who join a posse for any period of time during this week will be eligible for a free bonus of five Gold Bars. Also included are fixes to some of the bugs that were introduced in the previous update. We mentioned the dead horse bug above, but issues related to item duplication exploits and Player Status features have also been resolved. We've yet to hear about a fix for the crashing issue though. The post New Free Roam Missions Added To Red Dead Online appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Red Dead Online is beset by dead horses. Since the major update last week catapulted the game out of beta and into full release, adding a large selection of new content and features, players have begun to encounter creepy piles of horse corpses in the game. This is definitely up there as one of the most disturbing and creepy bugs in a game, ever. In random locations in Red Dead Online's game world, usually at road intersections, massive piles of dead horses are spawning, numbering in the dozens. It's certainly shocking to see when you first encounter the phenomenon, not knowing to expect it. Did the SCP Foundation exist in 1899?Being so odd had players suspecting it was more than a bug. The eerie appearance of these piles of dead horses had some players speculating that this may even be intentional, a tease regarding future Red Dead Online content in the vein of Undead Nightmare, a DLC expansion for Red Dead Redemption. Rockstar has since clarified that this is in fact, merely a bug and not an intended content tease. While somewhat disappointing, we really don't think Rockstar would bring back Undead Nightmare for Red Dead Online so soon after full launch. Live horses. For comparison.The bug is being investigated by Rockstar and should be fixed sometime soon. In the meantime, these pile-ups may yet manifest in your game. So far, the bug does not seem to affect singleplayer. Whether it just hasn't been reported yet, or Red Dead Redemption 2 is really immune to dead-horseitis is currently unknown. Dead horse mounds aren't the only bug introduced by this latest major update. Red Dead Online has been suffering frequent crashes that have yet to be fixed, and unfortunately, legal issues prevent the poker mini-game from being available in every country. Hopefully, the horses and crashes will be fixed, even if Rockstar can't do anything about the poker. The post Piles Of Dead Horses Appearing In Red Dead Online appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Red Dead Online is no longer in beta anymore, with the tag being removed by Rockstar in the most recent major update. Including a wealth of new features and content, the update also included a series of bugfixes intended to create a more stable game experience. However, the patch also came with a few bugs of its own which made it less stable, if anything. Players have been reporting a few issues in the wake of the title update. Due to regional laws, the poker minigame isn't available to everyone - though this isn't Rockstar's fault. Something the developer can, however, fix is the sudden appearance of highly frequent crashing. Based on what we're seeing in various Red Dead Redemption related subreddits and the Rockstar Support page, many users noted a serious uptick in game crashes. Among the more extreme cases, players are reporting the game crashing as frequently as every few minutes, with some reporting three crashes per hour, or one crash every 30 minutes. This unusual increase can be directly traced back to the release date of the new update. While Rockstar Support already provided an official statement regarding the poker issue, they have yet to acknowledge this crashing problem. So far, support has been universally responding to tickets by asking players to clear the cache, however, this has yet to prove a successful fix for anyone experiencing the crashes. We think that a proper fix will likely arrive in the form of a patch in the near future, as opposed to a simple solution like that. The title update didn't only include new features, but a lot of behind-the-scenes tweaking that is often necessary for multiplayer games throughout their lifetime. Due to how complex these games are, it's very easy to introduce bugs in each patch as you're fixing. In fact, this crashing epidemic isn't even the only bug. The post Red Dead Online Suffering Crashes After Major Update appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Red Dead Online recently received a major update which signaled the end of the beta period. Among the new features was a wave of new story missions, a new showdown mode, anti-griefing measures and - arguably the most celebrated addition - poker. However, this new feature is seemingly blocked in a few countries due to local laws. Players have been clamoring for the addition of poker to Red Dead Online ever since the game was released. Since poker was present in the single player portion of the game, it seemed like an odd omission. Now that the feature has been added, the reason why it took so long may be clearer. While many players are busy hitting the cards in Red Dead Online already, many others have found that feature was seemingly missing. When visiting one of the five locations that allows players to gamble with one another, no option to play poker is available. Initially, this was thought to be a bug before Rockstar Support clarified the issue. Poker in Red Dead Online isn't available in certain countries which do not allow online betting and gambling. While poker can only be played with RDO$ and not Gold, meaning real money doesn't factor into it in any way, this isn't enough for some countries. The task of untangling the laws of all the places Red Dead Online is available likely took a lot of time, which is why the feature wasn't added before now. We are sorry to let you know that the availability of Poker in Red Dead Online is dependent on regional laws and regulations and may not be available to all players. In short, poker won’t be available in countries where online gambling is restricted or illegal. We apologize if this had caused any inconvenience. - Rockstar Support With real money not being involved at all, the question of why the minigame was allowed to be present in the single-player portion of the game is raised. One possible explanation is that the intricacies of the laws in question might allow simulated gambling when it is done alone and without any money involved, but if either of these requirements are not met, it's a no-go. The way these laws are handled is also an interesting factor, as sometimes it's not just a country that needs to be taken into account, but states or counties, as gambling laws aren't always centralized. Reddit user Igvan points out that poker in Red Dead Online is blocked in Argentina even though real-money online gambling is allowed. However, gambling laws aren't centralized in Argentina, so while some states allow it, others have all forms of online gambling banned. As a result, Rockstar had to disable the feature entirely for all Argentine players. Rockstar previously faced similar difficulties with the casino in GTA Online. Unlike Red Dead Online, GTA Online doesn't have two separate currencies and players can buy in-game cash with real money, which is the reason most people speculate why the casino never had any gameplay function. The post Red Dead Online Poker Disabled In Some Countries Due To Regional Laws appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Red Dead Online is the multiplayer game attached to, and released slightly after, Red Dead Redemption 2. It covers the same in-game area and shares most gameplay mechanics with the single player portion, but allows players to create their own character and interact with one another in the game world. Rockstar Games previously used a similar formula with GTA Online. In another similarity with GTA Online, Red Dead Online has received frequent content updates which are free for all players, adding new gameplay, new items or new features in order to keep the game fresh and keep players coming back. Red Dead Online became available in November, but was launched as a beta. Rockstar placed major emphasis on player feedback during this beta period in order to improve the game for full release. Red Dead Online's beta phase ended on May 14, 2019 with the release of the largest title update up until that point. Prior to the end of the beta phase, Red Dead Online was updated with several smaller content additions and frequent DLC releases continued afterward. 2019 Gun Rush As first DLC released for Red Dead Online, the Gun Rush showdown mode took a great deal of inspiration from the Battle Royale trend that was hot at the time. Red Dead Online shipped with a similar mode, Make It Count, but lacked firearms. February 26 Title Update This update implemented a host of tweaks and features that went beyond new gameplay content. New anti-griefing measures were added, though later these turned out to cause a few problems of their own. New weapons, clothing items and daily challenges were also added to the game giving players new ways to earn RDO$ and gold. Fool's Gold The Fool's Gold free roam event was added in this update, which tasked players with killing as many opponents as possible while wearing the shiny golden armor suit that gives the mode its name. The Evans Repeater was also added to the game. Spoils of War Spoils of War was a new Showdown Mode which put a spin on traditional capture the flag rules by tasking players with looting supplies from the enemy camp. New clothing items were also added in this DLC. Free Roam Fishing Challenge Contrasting the competitive and violent Showdown Modes and free roam events added in previous DLCs, this particular update introduced a peaceful new PvP activity. The new Free Roam Fishing Challenge tasked players with catching the most fish in weight by the end of the timer. Target Races Target Races combined riding and shooting into a new challenge, where players had to worry about more than just reaching the finish line first. Shooting the targets lining the track from horseback is necessary to score in this mode, and firing on your opponents to gain an unfair advantage is also a valid tactic. Open Target Races were also added, but remained exclusive to PlayStation 4 for 30 days. Up In Smoke This particular Showdown Mode hands members of opposing teams explosive packages that they need to deliver to the enemy camp in order to destroy it. Whichever team succeeds in blowing up the other camp first wins. New clothing items were also added. Plunder Red Dead Online was updated with yet another Showdown Mode, this time setting up a three-way battle between a trio of teams as they struggle to secure the most supplies from the center of the map, while protecting their stockpiles from prospective thieves. New clothing items were also added. Launch Title Update This major update marked the end of the beta period for Red Dead Online. It included a continuation of the A Land Of Opportunities story mission chain, a new Showdown Mode, new daily challenges, new clothes, weapons, emotes and a number of new and revised anti-griefing features designed to iron out the issues with the previous measures. Poker was also finally added after vocal requests from the fanbase. This list will be continually updated. The post Red Dead Online Updates & DLC History appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

No major AAA game release is ever without a few hitches along the way and Red Dead Redemption 2 was no exception. Launching to near-universal praise back in October 2018, one of the main criticisms that arose was the broken HDR feature. Now, seven months after launch, Rockstar has fixed this issue. When the game first launched, players noted the HDR issue immediately and took to the internet in search of a solution. While such errors are more common on PC due to variable hardware, they're also easier to fix given one's greater access to the files. Often modders and enthusiasts create workarounds before the developers get around to fixing these problems. On consoles however, it's a bit more difficult. The HDR implementation the game shipped with was broken and messed with its colors and brightness on most displays, impacting the visual experience of playing Red Dead Redemption 2. The issue created quite a storm among fans, but even so it took until now for an official fix to be posted. The major title update released on Tuesday, which mainly focused on bringing Red Dead Online out of beta, has also fixed this HDR bug. Players can choose between two HDR modes, Cinematic - which is basically the same mode we've had by default since launch - and Game HDR, a new setting. Peak brightness values can also be adjusted to better fit your display. With HDR fixed, the game's visuals will be of a much higher quality on all affected displays. Those of you who encountered this issue but finished the game since (and may have moved on) should definitely fire RDR2 up again to see the new changes. The update contained a number of other general bugfixes that seek to make the game more stable. The post Red Dead Redemption 2 Title Update Fixes HDR Bug appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

With today's major content update, Red Dead Online has come out of beta and is now a fully fledged multiplayer game. The past few weeks didn't yield any new content for the game, and now we know why - Rockstar has been hard at work to bring us the biggest DLC drop RDO has seen to date. There is a lot to unpack here. Following a recent earnings report from Take-Two Interactive which revealed that Red Dead Redemption 2 has sold over 24 million copies, CEO Strauss Zelnick clarified that Red Dead Online would leave beta before the end of the next (this) quarter, meaning before the end of June. We expected that meant there's still a ways to go, but instead today's release marks the end of the beta. Over the course of the months since the Red Dead Online servers opened up, players have been submitting feedback to Rockstar day and night in the hopes that their input will result in a better game for everyone. It may have been a bumpy road, but hopefully with today's numerous changes and additions, Red Dead Online can become the game all the fans want it to be. This doesn't mean Rockstar will stop taking player feedback or cease working to improve the world of Red Dead Online. Feedback will still be crucial in the shaping of the virtual world and continued updates will help the game grow over the course of the next few months - but for now, let's focus on today's update. Contents A Land Of Opportunities Storyline Updates New Free Roam Missions Posse Versus Challenges Poker Overrun Showdown Mode New Items - Clothing & Weapons Login Bonuses Anti-Griefing / Player Modes Other Adjustments In-Game Economy Changes PlayStation Bonus Future Plans A Land Of Opportunities Storyline Updates The A Land Of Opportunities storyline continues with a new batch of missions, continuing the thread started by Jessica LeClerk's revenge story. The game offers diverging paths for honorable and dishonorable players, with either path containing different missions and locations. The Gunslinger alignment will pit you against the bandits of the Del Lobos gang, while the Outlaw alignment will have you help out Samson Finch against lawmen. These two paths converge again at the end of the quest chain, taking place in Blackwater where you'll encounter a new main villain. As before, the A Land Of Opportunities missions are co-op. New Free Roam Missions For something a little less bound by narrative, you can take part in new Free Roam Missions. A number of characters who starred in Red Dead Redemption 2 will appear again as quest givers, such as Thomas, the fisherman from the Bayou, as well as the Aberdeen Pig Farmers. The former provides lawful jobs, while the latter need help with less legal matters. Further characters will be added later on. Posse Versus Challenges New ways to test your mettle against other players are also on the cards. Posse Versus Challenges allows your group of friends to compete with other posses without any violence. Fishing, hunting and herb gathering challenges fill out the lineup for now with more on the way. Dynamic Events will also give new challenges and ways to interact with the world around you. Poker One of the most requested gameplay features has finally been added to Red Dead Online - Poker. Players can hit the saloons of the world in Blackwater, Saint Denis, Tumbleweed, Valentine and Flatneck Station. You can deal in a few friends if you want a calm game, or you can go for public games if you are willing to bet higher for the chance to win more. Overrun Showdown Mode A new Showdown mode has also been added to the lineup, called Overrun. Two teams strive to capture as many areas within the map while protecting theirs to end up as having the most once the timer runs out. Teamwork, strategy and communication is key in this mode. New Items - Clothing & Weapons New clothing items have been added to the game as well, however unlike the small weekly additions, this time the game is expanded with permanent items. The 9 shot LeMat Revolver and a large selection of new clothes like ponchos and bandanas have been added to the game, alongside new emotes - one of which, the Throat Slit, is free for Ultimate Edition owners. Login Bonuses Today's major update also brings with it a number of bonuses for players. Everyone who logs in this week will be awarded with 15 Gold Bars as well as a 25% increase on XP earned from Free Roam Missions, Events, Showdown Modes and Story Missions, and the same percentage boost on RDO$ and Gold earned from chests. Anti-Griefing / Player Modes Rockstar has also implemented new anti-griefing measures that were outlined previously, such as the new playing styles feature. Players can choose between Offensive and Defensive mode, similar to the way Passive Mode was implemented in GTA Online, outlined in this post. The Hostility system, also described in that post, has been activated in this update as well. Tied into the Hostility system is the new Press Charges feature. If you are killed by a player in free roam who has higher hostility than you, the Press Charges feature becomes available during your respawn period. This allows you to increase the killer's bounty and Hostility as a penalty for what is presumably griefing. Other Adjustments A number of balance tweaks have also been implemented to make Red Dead Online a fairer and improved experience as a multiplayer game. Auto-Aim Headshot Tracking on enemy players has been removed and weapon switching has been made quicker. Projectile Lighting has also been tweaked to be instantaneous. Players can select a new control scheme as well which switches up the crouch and sprint buttons. All PvP Daily Challenges have been removed due to feedback indicating that they promote griefing, and a number of passive challenges were added to replace them. New awards have also been introduced. Free Roam missions will be easier to get into due to smaller signaling ranges and global timers, allowing a greater measure of planning. The Horse Specialty Selection will let you customize a sort of "loadout" for your horses, allowing you to select which steed will be your default mount in various modes and activities. In-Game Economy Changes Rockstar also took complaints about the game's imbalanced economy to heart. Starting today, every gold earning activity gets a permanent doubling of gold payouts, essentially making it half as difficult to earn gold as before, which is a major stride in the right direction. For a limited while, every time you rank up you'll get a gold bar as well. PlayStation Bonus To celebrate this major content launch, Sony is offering Red Dead Redemption 2 players a chance to try out Red Dead Online even if they don't have a PS Plus subscription. From today through the 27th of May, Red Dead Online won't require any kind of additional subscription to play on PlayStation 4. Future Plans Rockstar has also revealed some plans for upcoming content to be released later on. More Free Roam missions, Showdown modes and Challenges will be added, and the weekly addition of limited issue clothing will resume. Bonuses and special earning opportunities will also be scheduled weekly as well. In a major addition, Red Dead Online will become more accommodating to roleplayers sometime this Summer. Players will be able to assume job-like roles that grant them new bonuses and unlock new kinds of content an activities. The first three Roles that will be available are the Bounty Hunter, Trader and Collector. These Roles will grant exclusive weapons and clothing as you progress along their paths, and you may select several roles simultaneously. These new changes have transformed, and hopefully improved, Red Dead Online significantly, and we're eager to see how the game will evolve further. Exciting times are ahead of us. The post Red Dead Online's Biggest Update Signals End Of Beta Phase appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Take-Two Interactive's earnings report for the quarter that ended on March 31 2019 has revealed some interesting statistics about Red Dead Redemption 2 and the game's market performance. We've also learned what the timeframe for the beta period of Red Dead Online is. Red Dead Redemption 2 has sold over 24 million copies worldwide as of March 31 2019, which has far outperformed what Take-Two's internal analysts predicted, making the game a major success. While sales are still going strong, an interesting statistic is that in the past 3 months the game has only sold one million copies, meaning the first 23 million were bought in its first two months after launch. Take-Two has also confirmed that Red Dead Online will be ending its beta period and getting a full release this current quarter. CEO Strauss Zelnick mentioned more content updates to be released before this happens in order to round out the game's features, making it worthy of a full release. Players have often criticized the current amount of content available in the multiplayer mode. Another interesting statistic is that Red Dead Online is performing better than GTA Online did at the same stage in its life to date, in spite of the controversies surrounding it. While over the years GTA Online grew into a record-breaker, initially it didn't get a lot of attention and it took a while for players to 'discover' it. If the game continues to grow, it may eventually reach similar levels of popularity as GTA Online. Rockstar Games has also acquired a new art subsidiary from Swedish game company Starbreeze, which is facing financial difficulties after the flop of their latest title, Overkill's The Walking Dead. The failed game worsened the company's already troubled financial status, forcing it to sell off assets to stay afloat. Dhruva, an Indian art outsourcing company is now part of Rockstar Games and will likely begin to participate in Red Dead Redemption 2 projects. It isn't known at this point whether they'll be integrated with Rockstar India or maintained as a separate subsidy. We're looking forward to further news regarding Red Dead Online's beta period ending, and what kinds of changes this means for the game. Stay tuned for more. The post Red Dead Redemption 2 Ships 24 Million Copies appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

The latest in a string of leaks suggesting that Red Dead Redemption 2 is coming to PC is a physics programmer and former Rockstar Games developer listing a PC port of the game on their Linkedin profile. Based on past occurrences, the listing will be shortly removed, likely due to pressure from Rockstar. Previously, another unnamed former developer also listed the game's PC version on their resume, before quickly removing it. Additionally, leaked video footage of what is supposedly the graphical options menu of the PC port also provided highly convincing evidence that the game will grace this third platform as well. Retailers have - by mistake - also listed the game for PC in the past. This newest hint appears on the profile of a physics programmer who worked at Rockstar Toronto between 2010 and 2016. Beyond Red Dead Redemption 2, they also worked on various versions of GTA 5 as well as Max Payne 3. Red Dead Redemption 2 is the only game they worked on which shipped after they had departed Rockstar. The programmer has since founded their own company. While there is no official word on the game coming to PC, the fan base has been vocally requesting a port since before the game was even released, creating popular petitions and fuelling speculation. Between the retailer listings, multiple occurrences of former employees letting it slip and the highly convincing leaked footage, we're fairly confident that there is in fact a PC port in the works, which may even be announced later this year. The alleged graphics options of Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC.When Rockstar re-released GTA 5 on new platforms, they did so with a one year delay compared to initial release, so if these rumors pan out, for which there is an increasing possibility, we might see Red Dead Redemption 2 released on PC as soon as October this year. Similar leaks have also indicated that a Nintendo Switch port may be on the cards, in spite of earlier comments seemingly indicating that such a release isn't possible. Do you think we'll see Red Dead Redemption 2 launch on PC? The post Red Dead Redemption 2 For PC Listed On Programmer's LinkedIn appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Players who were hoping for a major new Red Dead Online content release this week, after something of a drought, will be disappointed. However, we'd rather Rockstar take time to produce the best updates and features possible without pushing its developers to crunch. This week players can purchase some exclusive clothing items and earn some free in-game cash. You can customize your character's style in news ways with the Owanjila Hat, the Manteca Hat, the Benbow Jacket, the Porter Jacket, the Woodland Gloves and the Tied Pants. These clothing items will only be available in the catalogue this week - unless they're brought back for an equally limited one-week run sometime in the future. Additionally, Red Dead Online players who have dedicated some time to the game can expect to get a reward for their loyalty. All players who hit Rank 10 by the 13th of May - next Monday - will be awarded with an in-game bonus of RDO$100. The reward itself will be delivered by May 15 to all eligible accounts. Players who are already Rank 10 are automatically eligible, provided they log in sometime this week. Rockstar has put itself into something of a tough situation. By providing consistent new content every week for GTA Online for years, and briefly indicating that they're following the same model for Red Dead Online, they have created an expectation in the player base. While the company absolutely has the resources to pull this off, it isn't reasonable to expect meaningful gameplay content to be produced non-stop under normal circumstances. While with the numerous release delays that Red Dead Redemption 2 suffered they've proven that allowing more time for polishing content is absolutely worth the wait, it would be beneficial to release some official statement addressing projected release windows for upcoming Red Dead Online DLC. The multiplayer mode has received highly mixed responses from the player base, and if Rockstar wants it to get anywhere near the level of GTA Online, they'll need to be more communicative with the fans. Check back next week to see what additions they've made for the game. The post Free Money & Exclusive Clothes For Red Dead Online Players appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

For the second week in a row Rockstar hasn't updated Red Dead Online with any new content. Instead, content previously exclusive to the PlayStation 4 as part of the timed exclusivity deal between Rockstar and Sony has been unlocked on Xbox One as well. Usually, going 2 weeks without new content isn't at all strange. Most games, even those which fall into the relatively new 'games-as-a-service' category get less frequent content updates. However, Red Dead Online had seemingly adopted the weekly DLC model that has been used in Grand Theft Auto Online for years now, setting up similar expectations. Xbox players now have access to the variant mode of Target Races which strips away the track. In Open Target Races, your goal is to shoot all the targets in any order you like within the arena, then dash to the finish line and be the first across. The exclusive weapons and emotes, including the Jawbone Knife or the Hartman Jacket. Additionally, all players can take the chance to rack up extra cash this week with a 30% bonus on RDO$ and Gold earned throughout all A Land Of Opportunities and Free Roam missions, Free Roam events and all Showdown Modes. Considering Rockstar themselves have laid out a roadmap for upcoming features, and players have been somewhat vocal about their dislike of the game in its current state, the lack of content - or information about content - seems strange. Red Dead Redemption 2 captured the hearts of fans and enjoyed universal praise, but it's been a bumpy road for the multiplayer mode. The negative feedback may be the root cause of this sudden drop in new content. Hopefully, Rockstar's developers are hard at work producing something that will turn the game's current perception around. A large content update which, beyond adding more gameplay opportunities, would implement the new features outlined officially would go a long way to generate some good PR. Keep an eye out for more Red Dead Online news. The post No New Red Dead Online Content, Timed Exclusives Available On Xbox appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Rockstar isn't releasing new content for the Red Dead Online beta this week, but has instead activated some limited promotions to tide players over. Not even new clothing items have been added though, making this one of the smallest weekly events ever - what could Rockstar be working on in the background? This week, all Red Dead Online players can enjoy a 25% discount on all weapons in the game when bought from fences. Beyond costing less, these items have also had all of their rank requirements lifted, meaning an absolutely fresh character can access every weapon, provided they have the money to buy them. Additionally, this is a great week to pimp out your horse as a 25% discount also applies to all saddles and horse care items. Your horse is more than just a vehicle in Red Dead Online - they're a companion and ally who also need attention and care. Don't let finances get in the way of that. Two minor discounts pale in comparison to even the least momentous weekly events we've seen in Red Dead Online to date. The last time when no new limited clothes were added, older items were put back into circulation for a second round, but not even that has occurred here. Considering how small this week's event is, it suggests that Rockstar might be working hard on a larger update. We've seen run-downs of planned features a few times now with many of those still on the way, so a larger Beta Update dropping next week, or the week after, seems very likely. The game is in need of new content seeing as many players are unhappy with the features it currently supports, and if it is to maintain momentum Red Dead Online needs to keep its player base. We're excited to see what the developers have in store for Red Dead Online in the near future. The post Weapons Discounted In Red Dead Online appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a huge critical and commercial success, with fans singing praise of the deep and fleshed out characters, the gripping story and fantastic gameplay. Red Dead Online? Not so much... yet. The multiplayer mode has had a rough Beta phase, and players are vocal about their ideas and requests for improving it. Rockstar has made it clear that they intend to take player suggestions to heart during the beta period, which you can send to them via this specialized form. Players have been expressing their ideas and suggestions on other platforms as well, to see what others find interesting, and it shows which ideas really resonate with the fanbase. A number of features stand out as the most frequently requested. A few of these pop up more often than any other and fit into the world and gameplay of Red Dead Online better than the majority of suggestions. These additions would truly allow Red Dead Online to bloom as a persistent multiplayer experience that may even eclipse GTA Online one day. Homesteads Camps are fine when it comes to roughing it in the wilderness, but they offer only so much in terms of functionality and upgradability. The most successful outlaws can easily score big enough to purchase a plot of land for themselves with a house and amenities. A homestead or ranch wouldn't just give players a more immersive home location, but it would give Rockstar significantly more opportunities to introduce upgrade options. Players could renovate the buildings on their land, customize their function and appearance according to their preferences and protect it from raiders or other outlaws. While this would likely be a massive gold-sink for players themselves, owning and upgrading a homestead may be much more engaging than doing the same with a mere camp. It's understandable that Rockstar went with the more humble camp initially - players spent most of the story mode traveling with the Van Der Linde gang and setting up camp in various locations. However, back in Red Dead Redemption, John Marston was the owner of his own ranch, and even Red Dead Online utilizes a morality system which means some characters are more aligned with vigilantism than crime. The plentiful housing options available in GTA Online prove that Rockstar is more than proficient when it comes to developing these systems in a multiplayer game. The homestead locations could be instanced, so not every player home needs to be physically present on the map at the same time. Farming Why would you spend your time farming when there are many more action-packed activities available and better suited to outlaw life? Because it can be just as rewarding and fun. A large number of fans support this idea, and the success of games like Stardew Valley or Farming Simulator prove that this is a legitimate market. Living on the fringe of society and eking out a living on the wild frontier have always been central elements of Red Dead Redemption, and farming reflects this perfectly. Not only would it fit in perfectly with the previous suggestion, but farming would also offer a huge untapped category of gameplay additions. Players could choose to cultivate crops, tend to animals or breed their own horses. Selling these would offer a source of income, and players would be able to upgrade their facilities and acquire supplies for their farms. Once again, experience gained from GTA Online could be put to use here. One needs to supply their farm, so players would be purchasing the necessary equipment, seeds, crops, animals, feed and more to sustain their business, in the hopes that they can turn a profit. Missions could be included that offer an alternative to purchasing supplies - players could steal them from caravans, or loot bandit camps to retrieve already stolen supplies. Trapper and Wagons This should be a fairly simple addition - the trapper is already present in the game's single-player portion, so you'd think that porting it over to Online would be trivial. It's rather strange that the trapper is missing from the multiplayer mode at all, with the NPC being nonexistent in Online. Another useful feature would be the addition of player owned wagons which would allow for the transport of higher numbers of game. If someone wants to roleplay as a hunter, it involves a lot of legwork, whereas parking near rich hunting grounds and carrying multiple carcasses back to the wagon, so you can transport them at once, would be more convenient. Obviously, the wagons would cost a pretty penny for this benefit. Gambling Gambling is yet another feature we saw in Red Dead Redemption 2 that remains absent from Online to this day. Initially, one would think the reason is simple and insurmountable - due to the presence of microtransactions allowing the purchase of in-game currency with real money, adding any kind of gambling mini-games would potentially conflict with multiple national laws. Gambling in video games is illegal in most countries. However, Red Dead Online already boasts two separate currencies, only one of which can be purchased for real money. So this could already solve the hypothetical issue that has prevented gambling from appearing in GTA Online for half a decade. Since players can only purchase gold with real cash, the simple solution is making gambling an RDO $ only activity. Again, the minigames themselves are already fully present in single player and porting them should be a minor affair. Remember to send your own recommendations and suggestions to Rockstar, and contribute to the improvement of Red Dead Online for every dedicated player. The post Top Red Dead Online Player Requested Features appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Players logging into Red Dead Online today will find a shiny new care package waiting for them in their camp or at the post office. The in-game catalog has also been updated with a new selection of limited issue clothing items, and certain game modes will be rewarding players with greater rewards than usual. If you have the necessary upgrades to your camp you can grab the new care package from the comfort of home, or from the nearest post office. Inside, you'll find three pieces of four Potent consumables, including Snake Oil, Miracle Tonic, Health Cure and Bitters. Rockstar is giving players who missed out on some of the past limited issue clothing items a chance to catch up. We wouldn't bank on them making a second return, so if you're interested in grabbing the Gator Hat, Ortega Vest, Hitched Skirt (Female only), Morning Tail Coat, Strickland Boots, Furred Gloves or Concho Pants, you ought to do so this week. Chances are these reruns are the result of developers not having finished up any of the new clothing items, which may be added to the game files in next week's update. These limited issue clothes are made available and un-available with so-called "tunables" that the developers control. The files are always these, but Rockstar flips the switch on and off. You can earn 1.5x the usual rewards in Gold and RDO$ this week with a number of modes. All Showdown Modes, all Races and the Gun Rush event are part of the promotion, meaning any participation in structured PvP modes will grant you the bonus earnings. Additionally, A Land of Opportunity Missions and Free Roam activities will be paying you 1.5x Gold this week as well. To help you make the most of these bonuses, Rockstar has discounted all ammo types in the game by 25%. Additionally, all rank requirements have been removed from ammunition, meaning all players can use all types. Next week we hope to see some new content arrive to Red Dead Online. Keep an eye on our feed to stay up to date. The post Red Dead Online Players Gets New Care Package appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Not too long after the release of Red Dead Redemption 2, news of a lawsuit filed by the still existing, real-life Pinkerton Consulting and Investigation company popped up. Take-Two Interactive Software, parent company of developer Rockstar Games, filed a countersuit protecting its right to use the historically significant name in its work of fiction. Now, the situation has seemingly been resolved. Pinkerton and its agents aren't depicted in the most positive light in Red Dead Redemption 2. Acting as the primary antagonists chasing the Van Der Linde gang, the agency is shown as a violent organization willing to employ extreme measures. Historically speaking, this is a fairly accurate depiction, but the company's modern incarnation which retains the Pinkerton name didn't take kindly to it - or the fact that it is possible to kill Pinkerton agents in-game. We reported on the initial lawsuit back when it was filed, wherein Pinkerton sought to be paid royalties for the use of its name and historic logo in the game. It also sought damages over the alleged harm done to its reputation and public image due to the negative depiction. The Pinkerton agency is a common element of Wild West fiction, be it literature, film or games, however the modern-day agency rarely files for royalties, if ever. This was used by Take-Two in their countersuit, and the publisher argued that the use of the Pinkerton name and logo in this historical context was fair use. Red Dead Redemption 2 strived for realism on many fronts, be it graphics, gameplay or historical accuracy. Rockstar has used fictional stand-ins for existing companies, organizations or even cities in past games, most prominently in GTA, and even the settlements in Red Dead Redemption 2 are fictional - Saint Denis is a clear analog to New Orleans, for example. However, the Pinkerton agency wasn't altered in order to maintain realism, and due to their importance in the era the game depicts. Take-Two has confirmed that the two parties have settles outside of court, with both the Pinkerton suit and the respondent countersuit have both been dropped. The legal document which notifies the court of Take-Two's voluntary dismissal is available online in full, though the same document from the Pinkerton side isn't (yet). A Take-Two spokesperson gave a statement to The Verge, which was the first to report on the settlement. Take-Two can confirm that the present-day Pinkerton Consulting and Investigation company has withdrawn its claims against Red Dead Redemption 2, and Take-Two will not continue legal action against Pinkerton. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a work of fiction set in the late 1800s that references historical entities active during that time. No information about the settlement itself has been made public, so it is unclear whether Take-Two ended up paying Pinkerton. We certainly hope they weren't required to! The post Pinkerton Lawsuit Over Red Dead Redemption 2 Resolved appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Red Dead Online is steadily getting its scheduled beta updates week after week, fleshing out the game and adding more and more content. This week we got one more Showdown Mode further buffing out the game's PvP selection, as well as new clothes, and a number of rank requirement decreases on items. The new Plunder mode takes the classic one-flag CTF rules and puts a new spin on them, as do a few other of the existing Showdown modes. Players team up to acquire supplies strewn about the center of the map, and return these safely to their bases to score points. The more supplies are in the base at the end of the match, the more points you get - obviously, the goal is to have more supplies than the enemy. Aside from grabbing the supplies from the map, you may want to decrease the enemy's count while adding to your own by stealing supplies from the opposing team's base instead. Keep in mind that when you are carrying supplies, your blip will be visible to all players at all distances, making you a target. Fill up your cores and buff yourself up with consumables. If you're rolling with a group you are familiar with, make sure to equip ability cards that have team benefits. This week's selection of limited issue clothing is a little more limited than usual. We don't mean it's rarer, just that there are fewer options. The Owanjila Hat, the Concho Pants and the Porter Jacket are only available in the catalog this week, so grab them before they're gone. Rockstar has also temporarily reduced the rank requirements of a number of clothes and other items this week. All clothing items within the coats, holster, boots and gloves categories that are usually restricted to Rank 40 or above are now available to all players. The Turkoman, the Missouri Fox Trotter and Arabian Horse is now available for Rank 40 players, and finally Volatile Dynamite, Incendiary Buckshot, Explosive Slug, Express Explosive, and Dynamite Arrows are all available to Rank 60 players. The limited item clothes are available through the 17th, and the rank requirement reductions are available through the 15th of April. The post Plunder Showdown Mode Available In Red Dead Online appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

One of the hottest topics in PC gaming, and also one of the most controversial, is the Epic Games Store and its ongoing efforts to snatch as many AAA exclusive deals as possible. Since bringing up this issue is a guaranteed way to attract hordes of incensed enthusiasts it has been exploited to this end occasionally, and that's exactly what happened just recently when a supposed leak suggested that Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC will be Epic Games Store (EGS) exclusive. The leak apparently revealed the release date of Red Dead Redemption 2's as-of-yet unannounced and unconfirmed PC port. Based on a leak from 4chan - which, really, should have been clear enough indication that this is a hoax - the PC port was to be announced on the 22nd of April at 9 AM PST. The game would then be launched as an Epic Game Store exclusive on the 9th of July. In a rather bizarre move of self-outing however, the same leaker then went on to claim that Super Mario Odyssey would also be coming to PC via the Epic Games Store. Given that Nintendo has not released any of its first-party games to PC full-stop, this seems like a case of one "leak" too far and we are calling any and all claims by this person fake. That won't stop us dissecting the fake leak further though (we've come all this way). So with that said, according to the leaker, the exclusivity supposedly wouldn't be timed either. One of the most controversial recent exclusives, Borderlands 3, will only be exclusive to the EGS for 6 months before hitting Steam. The leaker reported that Epic would allow Take-Two to retain 100% of profits from the game and all additional content. Valve takes a 30% cut from all profits made by games that are on Steam. 4Chan is a common source of game leaks, with arguably the majority of leaks - both fake and legitimate - originating on the site. Most leaks that end up being true, especially related to Nintendo titles, appear on 4Chan first, but for every legit leak the site produces, there are hundreds of fake ones. This is just one of these hoaxes. The poster no doubt banked on the current furor over the Epic Games Store giving this particular rumor a large audience. That said, while this particular leak was fake, we wouldn't be too surprised if an eventual Red Dead Redemption 2 PC port does end up being an Epic Games Store exclusive, following the likes of Metro: Exodus, the aforementioned Borderlands 3, The Outer Worlds and more. Many gamers are angry about Epic's aggressive exclusive-oriented strategy. Metro Exodus had been on sale, with pre-orders available for a long time, when Epic swooped in and gained exclusivity rights. Fans who bought their copies on Steam already would get the game there, but it was no longer for sale on the storefront. Epic has been gaining both AAA and Indie games by taking less of a cut than Valve. While Valve finally having true competition in the digital market is ultimately good for consumers, Epic's aggressive strategy isn't winning them any goodwill, especially considering how feature-bare their platform is compared to Steam, lacking many functions that gamers have come to consider base. However, based on the sales of Metro Exodus, the majority of players are willing to use the Epic platform regardless of any misgivings. We hope that Red Dead Redemption 2 will be available on a wide selection of stores if it launches on PC in the future, giving customers a choice where they purchase it, however games being Epic exclusive isn't the tragedy many critics make it out to be. We'll see how things turn out should a PC port ever be announced. A pretty convincing leak showing off a possible PC version's menus made the rounds online some time ago. The post Red Dead Redemption 2 Epic Games Store Leak Is A Hoax appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Red Dead Online got its latest beta update today, further expanding the game with another all new game mode. Additionally, players will find a new rotation of limited goods in the Wheeler, Rawson & Co. Catalogue allowing them to further customize their characters. The latest game mode is Up In Smoke, one of the several Showdown Series modes announced last month. Two teams seek to destroy the camp of their enemies. All players carry an explosive package that they need to deliver to the enemy camp. Upon delivery, the payload will detonate, taking a chunk of the camp with it. Only by delivering every explosive to the camp will the whole thing be destroyed. Of course, the others will try to stop you with their bullets, and you too need to prevent enemy players from delivering their explosives to your camp. This week players can also enjoy a 30% boost on all Ability Card XP. Ability Cards allow you to tailor the skillset of your character to your liking, adding a minor RPG spin on the game and ensuring that not every character is a copy of one another in terms of gameplay. Ability Cards have 3 tiers, which increase the given ability's potency with each upgrade. Now, players will accumulate the needed XP to boost their Ability Card tiers quicker, giving them a leg up on the competition. Sometimes these cards may mean the difference between life and death. A number of new items were added to the in-game store today which will only remain available through the 8th of April. These include the Winter Shotgun Coat, the Benbow Jacket, the Darned Stockings and the Manteca Hat. So far we haven't seen any limited issue item ever pop up after its deadlin,e so chances are these will be gone forever next week. The post Up In Smoke Showdown Mode Added To Red Dead Online appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story

Disregard the date - we're not hopping on the April's Fools bandwagon, and this particular piece of news originates from the last days of March anyway. After Target posted, then quickly pulled, a product listing for a possible Nintendo Switch port of Red Dead Redemption 2 it seems like the game might hit the hybrid console after all. The possibility of a Switch port of Red Dead Redemption 2 has been hotly debated ever since the game was announced. Being the first game Rockstar developed from the ground up for the current generation, RDR2 was always poised to be a graphical marvel, and the Switch isn't built for the kind of fidelity that the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One deliver. However, on the flip side, a number of major AAA games with similar graphical strengths were ported to the console with a minor visual downgrade. Doom (2016) was a prime example of this. Some thought that the game's mature content didn't line up with Nintendo's family-friendly approach, but mature third-party titles have appeared on Nintendo platforms for decades. Plus, you know, Doom. Nonetheless, no such port was ever announced, and eventually, Nintendo's own Reggie Fils-Aimé touched upon the subject in an official statement. Target was quick to edit the listing referred to, but not before some fans grabbed screenshots and confirmed that this wasn't just a photo edit someone threw together for kicks. The game carried the standard $59 AAA price tag as the other two, already available versions on PS4 and Xbox One. While it is entirely possible that this was accidental, should it turn out to be true it may end up retroactively explaining the reports of a graphical downgrade hitting Red Dead Redemption 2 with recent patches. While the PS4 and XBO versions wouldn't need to be affected to facilitate a downgrade for the Switch, there may still be a relation between the two. Maybe Rockstar is testing planned graphical downgrades for a Switch port on the current versions, with the downgrade to be rolled back later on. Maybe these changes were planned for the Switch and their inclusion in patches for retail versions was accidental and was intended for internal testing only. We're interested to see if the near future holds any official announcements about other platforms such as the Nintendo Switch getting Red Dead Redemption 2. The post Red Dead Redemption 2 For Switch Possibly Leaked By Target appeared first on RDR2.org. Read the full story