Summary

  • Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a wild West tale with a focus on realism, allowing players to immerse themselves in the Dutch van der Linde gang's story.
  • Mods for RDR 2 can enhance gameplay by adding realism, expanding features like bounty hunting, camp flexibility, and even the ability to play as animals.
  • From photorealistic reshades to complete overhauls, mods for RDR 2 offer a variety of options to personalize and enhance the gameplay experience.

Broadly speaking, players know what they're getting into with Red Dead Redemption 2. It's a Wild West tale examining the dangerous and complicated lives of the Dutch van der Linde gang. Much like the original title, a great deal of realism regarding gameplay is given a major priority in the sequel. While most people love how immersive the game feels, some argue that too much realism came at the detriment of the gameplay, which felt tedious at times.

Nevertheless, mods have a natural tendency to change how a game is played. Some make a game even more realistic, while others are simply ridiculous. Exploring the rabbit hole that characterizes the Red Dead Redemption 2 modding community can take some time, so players can rest assured that this collection of RDR 2 mods is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to altered gameplay.

Updated on January 19, 2025, by Mehrdad Khayyat: On its own, Red Dead Redemption 2 has a pretty long story campaign that will entertain players for a few days at least. But the game's world is expansive enough to provide weeks of refreshing playtime for exploration lovers.

But even if someone has explored the entire map and finished every side quest, there are still tons of creative mods to deliver a new experience from the same world. From visual improvements to impressive new quests and jobs, Red Dead Redemption 2 is heaven for mod enjoyers!

26 RDR2 Photorealistic Reshade

Downloads: 362,421

RDR2 Photorealistic Reshade mod for Red Dead Redemption 2

There's no denying that Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most gorgeous video games of all time. The open world looks realistic and the cinematics boast a ton of quality that helps players connect with these characters. However, PC players would want to push this title to its very limits and see what they can get away with, with this reshade mod being a great example of the same.

Players who thought that there was no scope for the game to look better than it already is will be singing a different tune after downloading one of the best RDR2 mods they can get their hands on. If players have a good system, then there's no better way to flex the power of their PC than to use this mod and turn this gorgeous game into something out of real life.

25 Bounty Hunting - Expanded And Enhanced

Downloads: 292,165

Bounty Hunting - Expanded And Enhanced mod for Red Dead Redemption 2

Bounty hunting is one of the best parts of Red Dead Redemption 2 that helps players immerse themselves in the role of a gunslinger in the West who will put his life on the line to earn a quick buck. While hunting down crooks and bringing them back dead or alive for a reward is pretty engaging, players who wish that this particular gameplay mechanic was more fleshed out can have their dreams realized with one of the best RDR2 mods around.

With this mod, players can enjoy infinite bounties, the services of a wagon that lets them turn in multiple bounties at once, and rival hunters who must be stopped if they get their hands on the same bounty poster as the player. It makes the system more dynamic and engaging than before, letting players accumulate a small fortune as they either stealth their way towards the target or take them down after a tense firefight.

24 Humidity And Temperature Overhaul

Downloads: 50,408

Humidity And Temperature Overhaul mod for Red Dead Redemption 2

The survival mechanics in Red Dead Redemption 2 were a novel concept, but even the most ardent defenders of the game can't argue against the fact that the system isn't used to its full potential. There aren't enough hot or cool areas to really compel players to try and experiment with their outfits, which is a huge waste of a mechanic that could've reached the same heights as Breath of the Wild when it came to forcing players to figure out innovative solutions to combat extreme temperatures.

With this mod, players not only have to change their outfits more frequently, but they also have to switch up their layers from time to time based on the intensity of the temperature in any given area. It's a great way to add more importance to this mechanic and make the gameplay as dynamic as possible.

23 Camp Anywhere

Downloads: 38,812

Camp Anywhere mod for Red Dead Redemption 2

Camping is a pretty novel mechanic in Red Dead Redemption 2, but there's no denying that the act of setting up camp is as restrictive as it comes. Players can't camp wherever they want, which is understandable given the errors this can cause, but there are other restrictions that make less sense.

With this mod, not only can players camp anywhere they wish, but they can also generate certain aspects of the camp without going for the full shebang every single time. As long as players don't intentionally try to break the game with this mod, they'll be more than impressed by its amazing capabilities.

22 MiniNPCs

Downloads: 1,773

Mini NPC mod for Red Dead Redemption 2

Arthur is already a rather large and intimidating fellow. He can hold his own in a fight, whether it's with guns or his fists. However, those who want to see Arthur truly dominate a fight may want to consider the MiniNPCs mod.

There are a few customization options in this mod, one of which makes NPCs ridiculously puny. Arthur, who remains the same size, now appears massive. If players ever wanted to feel like the Jolly Green Giant in a game, this mod should be at the top of their download list.

21 Telekinesis

Downloads: 5,954

Arthur Using Telekinesis In Red Dead Redemption 2
Telekinesis

Gamers don't always have to settle for realism. For those who get tired of dispatching enemies the normal way, there's no shortage of wacky death-dealing mods available to download for Red Dead Redemption 2. One of the more interesting choices is assuredly the Telekinesis mod.

Arthur doesn't need traditional firearms with this mod. Instead, he utilizes the power of his mind. Objects and NPCs can be grasped and flung across the map with humorous effect. With this mod, enemies won't know what hit them.

20 Smoking Complete

Downloads: 166,600

Smoking Complete Mod - Red Dead Redemption 2

The fact that Arthur Morgan can smoke in Red Dead Redemption 2 is great, but the smoking process just ends pretty quickly. This mod is made for those who want to have fun smoking cigarettes in the beautiful landscapes of the game while chilling.

The Smoking Complete mod, as the name implies, extends the smoking process and allows players to hold that cigarette in hand a lot longer. The mod even allows the player to put the cigarette between their lips and just do their normal activities, which gives Arthur a pretty nice look!

19 No Honor System

Downloads: 11,988

Arthur Morgan with his back to a grave in Red Dead Redemption 2

The Honor system in Red Dead Redemption 2 may get the job done in the majority of instances, but there are times when players might feel like this system restricts them a bit too much for their own good. Some people go so far as to call this system dated, which is a pretty sound argument given how the concept of morality being black and white isn't as prevalent in video games as it once was.

Shady Belle camp in Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2: Every Companion Item Request (& Where To Find Them)

Locating requested items for your fellow gang members in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be tricky, so here is a guide to every task they set you.

With this mod, the protagonist doesn't gain or lose honor based on their actions, which allows players to go completely berserk. They can kill and rob as much as they want without having to worry about their morals being judged by the game. That said, players should use cheats to set their honor at an acceptable level before downloading this mod if they don't want Arthur's character to remain static throughout the game.

18 Riot Mode

Downloads: 8,159

Arthur & Two Police Officers In Red Dead Redemption 2

Although the setting of Red Dead Redemption 2 is quite dangerous, there does exist some semblance of order. People can't just do anything they want. There are consequences to one's actions in that law enforcement officers will pursue the player when the rules are broken.

However, with the Riot Mode mod activated, everyone in the game world is transformed into a raving lunatic. NPCs will constantly attack each other as well as the player. It can almost be treated as a sort of survival mode, allowing fans to see how long they last while everyone is out to kill them.

17 Ride With Gang

Downloads: 23,973

Arthur & The Van Der Linde Gang From Red Dead Redemption 2

Being part of an outlaw gang is a pretty interesting concept. Red Dead Redemption 2 does a very good job of making players feel as if they are part of a functioning organization. Much of this is achieved through story content, however. While free-roaming, Arthur must often travel alone.

The Ride With Gang mod fixes that problem. Now, instead of being a solo act while exploring, Arthur can rely on the support of his fellow gang members. They effectively act as followers, assisting the player as allies in a fight. It's a nice touch that changes how one approaches free roaming.