Play Overview
Set in 1899, you play Arthur Morgan, an outlaw and member of Dutch Van der Linde's gang, set on resisting the modernisation of the world and erosion of your simple way of life. When you decide to gather enough money to retire and settle down before the world forces your hand, you rob trains and towns, shooting anyone who stands in your way. As the serious and nuanced story progresses, you witness Dutch turn from the charismatic and charming leader of your gang to the cold-blooded killer he is in the first game.
Play involves exploring the world's five fictional states, by horse, train, and foot, using guns to defeat enemies and interacting with characters you meet. You can tackle the game in various directions, but one way or another you take on shootouts, heists, hunting, horseback riding, and maintaining the character's honour rating through moral choices and deeds. Alongside the main activities, you can fish, play cards, and engage with the lived-in world in countless other ways.
The game is from the same developer as Grand Theft Auto and offers a similar style of game, albeit at a more relaxed pace. Selling over 55 million copies, it received critical acclaim for the detail of the open world and the mature storytelling, making for an engaging and novel experience.
Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Red Dead Redemption 2 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Ben Kendall and updated 8 months ago.
Play Style
You can play this game in the following styles:
Duration
Benefits
Age Ratings
Rated for younger players in Australia. Rated Mature Accompanied (MA 15+) for Strong violence, coarse language and sex scene.
The game deals with some of the violence in quite mature ways. For example, if you kill a character who is a father you have to face what you've done when you meet their wife and family.
Skill Level
14+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it's important for parents and guardians to consider the maturity required to process the game content. It's a complex game where you must manage multiple systems. To fully enjoy the game older teenagers need not only to be able to deal with the navigation and combat but understand the story and wider relationships of the game.
Account Rating
- You need be 18-years-old to to subscribe to Xbox Live Gold for online play, but can then configure family accounts for younger players to play online with Xbox One.
- You need be 18-years-old to subscribe to PlayStation Plus for online play, but can create sub-accounts for younger players of 7-years or older to play online with PlayStation 4.
Costs
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2: Ultimate Edition
There are the following additional costs associated with this game:- In-Game Purchases: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
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You need a subscription to play online:
- You need to purchase a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online with PlayStation 4.
- You need to purchase a Xbox Live Gold subscription to play online with Xbox One.
You can purchase gold bars to buy in-game items. You can also purchase extra story content including:
- Bank Robbery Mission & Gang Hideout
- Dappled Black Thoroughbred
- Talisman & Medallion Gameplay Bonuses
- Gameplay Boosts, Cash Bonuses & Discounts
- The Nuevo Paraiso Gunslinger Outfit
You can purchase content for your character including:
- Bonus Outfits
- Rank Bonuses
- Black Chestnut Thoroughbred
- Access to the Survivor Camp Theme
These are packed in with the Ultimate and Special edition of the game.
The following in-game purchases are available:
Red Dead Redemption 2: Story Mode
Red Dead Redemption 2: Story Mode And Ultimate Edition Content
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
Game Details
Release Date: 26/10/2018, updated in 2019
Price: 60% off
Out Now: PC, PS4, Stadia and Xbox One
Skill Rating: 14+ year-olds
Players: 1 (32 online)
Genres: Action, Adventure (Fighting, Role-Play and Shooting)
Accessibility: 30 features
Components: 3D Third-Person, Day and Night, Open World and Weather
Developer: Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames)
The Red Dead Franchise
Red Dead Redemption 2 is part of the Red Dead franchise of games: