Last month, Red Dead Online fans got a big surprise from developer Rockstar when the multiplayer spin-off received its first substantial update in years. Four brand-new missions were added as part of the "Strange Tales of the West" update. This fresh Red Dead Online content added a fun roster of bizarre stories, like the town of Armadillo coming down with a mysterious plague and a mad scientist with a robot army.
Even more exciting is that the update was labeled as "Vol. 1," which implies that a second update based around strange stories is bound to arrive sometime in the future. However, when it will launch remains a mystery. The Strange Tales of the West update has proven to be a great surprise, but it makes the desire for more Red Dead Online content that much stronger. Players may have to wait a while before Vol. 2 gets here, but in the meantime, a free Wild West-inspired multiplayer title is on Steam, and it's free.
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Wild West: Prototype Could Hold Over Red Dead Online Fans Until Strange Tales of the West Vol. 2 is Ready
- Wild West: Prototype was released on July 14, 2025.
As the title states, Wild West: Prototype is indeed an actual prototype for a larger concept. So, it may be a little rough around the edges, but it might also be the perfect way to satisfy that western-focused multiplayer craving that so many Red Dead Online fans have. The game's official Steam page states that the FPS was "designed for group play on LAN parties with up to six players". Wild West: Prototype is a work in progress, but the game still offers a fresh way to experience life as an outlaw.
Indie developer Matteo S.-C. Has included a Generative AI content disclosure label on the game's Steam page. Wild West: Prototype's menu currently features a song made by generative AI. It's unclear if the finished version of the game will include non-AI-made music or not.
Wild West: Prototype Boasts Simplicity
- There are currently only three weapon types: rifles, revolvers, and knives.
While some gamers may prefer a larger weapon variety, Wild West: Prototype's simplistic roster might be exciting for those who are in search of a more grounded combat experience. The world of Red Dead Online is quite realistic, but being limited to only three weapons could offer curious gamers an even greater challenge.
The main objective of the game is also pretty straightforward. The first person to kill another player gets a bounty on their head, and after that, survival is of the upmost importance. Whoever finds themselves victorious gets the bounty. It's a simple approach that could make Wild West: Prototype a solid choice for friends looking for a new pastime. The gun mechanics and overall performance are definitely in need of improvement, but as a free title, it can be a fun experience. Red Dead Online has been adding new content at a snail's pace, so any fresh dose of cowboy-inspired gameplay can prove to be a good time.
The Strange Tales of the West update has proven to be a great surprise, but it makes the desire for more Red Dead Online content that much stronger.
Strange Tales of the West Vol. 2 Hopefully Won't Be the End for Red Dead Online
Rockstar has set the stage for another update, but with a launch date still being kept in the shadows, there's no way to know when Red Dead Online's next round of content will get here. Once Vol. 2 finally shows itself, though, Red Dead Online hopefully gets more content in the future.
It seemed as though Red Dead Online's post-launch support was over for good before Strange Tales of the West, and only time will tell if Vol. 2 is the final major update. Until then, Wild West: Prototype could be worth giving a try.
- Released
- May 14, 2019
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Engine
- Rockstar Advanced Game Engine
