Red Dead Redemption 2: Which Edition to Choose?

Updated 20/02/2021

Not sure which of the Red Dead Redemption 2 editions to choose? This quick guide will show you everything you need to know!

Red Dead Redemption 2 is available in four different editions across all its platforms (PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One): Online, Standard, Special, and Ultimate.

Each edition features specific content, as well as exclusive access to Red Dead Online.

Let’s have a look at what each of these editions offer.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Editions

Online Edition

Red Dead Online is Red Dead Redemption 2’s multiplayer component.

It features multiplayer story missions, side missions, and event quests. This was developed in conjunction with the single-player story.

In Red Dead Online, you have a choice between several Red Dead Online Role. You can be a Bounty Hunter, a Trader, a Collector, or a Moonshiner, it’s up to you.

The game is updated on regular basis with new characters, challenges, guns or horses.

Standard Edition

This edition contains the base game plus access to Red Dead Online.

Special Edition

The Special Edition contains the base game, access to Red Dead Online, and exclusive Story Mode content including:

• Bank Robbery Mission & Gang Hideout

The Bank Robbery mission will task Arthur and two of his fellow gang members into breaking in a robbing a bank in Rhodes. He also gets a mission of clearing the Del Lobos Gang’s hideout and robbing their stash.

• Dappled Black Thoroughbred

This thoroughbred racehorse looks beautiful with its reverse-dappled black coat. It comes with the exclusive handmade Nuevo Paraiso Saddle that is made of dark chocolate leather with silver medallion detailing.

• The Nuevo Paraiso Gunslinger Outfit

This is an exclusive Story Mode outfit for Arthur, inspired by clothing worn by vaqueros and banditos. It includes a black cowboy hat, coat, worn denim chaps, leather gloves, and boots.

• Talisman & Medallion Gameplay Bonuses

These are special Story Mode items that will help Arthur when equipped. The Eagle Talon Talisman, when attached to his boot, gives him longer environmental awareness; the Iguana Scale makes him take less damage while riding on horseback.

• Gameplay Boosts, Cash Bonuses & Discounts

This is a collection of eclusive boosts, bonuses, and discounts for Story Mode which includes Core Stat boost, robbery missions for more cash, and discount on upgrades to the Van der Linde gang’s camp.

• Three weapons free at gunsmiths.

Available in the in-game Gunsmiths in Story Mode, players will receive the robust Volcanic Pistol, devastating Pump Action Shotgun and versatile Lancaster Varmint Rifle.

Ultimate Edition

The Ultimate Edition contains everything included in the Special Edition, with bonuses for Red Dead Online including:

• Bonus Outfits & Free Survivor Camp Theme

Two exclusive outfits are available: the Blackrose Bounty Hunter Outfit (featuring a long oxblood-colored coat, a vest with gold pocket watch chain, and dark pants tucked into chocolate leather boots) and Copperhead Enforcer Outfit (featuring a fur-lined saddle-brown leather waistcoat, two-tone gloves, and pinstripe black pants tucked into black leather boots).

• Rank Bonuses

This makes players rank faster in online (up to level 25).

• Black Chestnut Thoroughbred

A thoroughbred racehorse with a black chestnut coat. It comes with the exclusive High Plains Cutting Saddle that features jet-black leather with gold metal accents.

• Free Access to Additional Weapons

Get access to the Volcanic Pistol, Pump Action Shotgun and Lancaster Varmint Rifle. These are available online from Gunsmiths, and they are all free.