Red Dead Redemption 2 had a major impact on the gaming space when it launched in 2018, and this influence is still shining through to this day. The Rockstar title still possesses a passionate community despite the lack of things like single-player DLC or continued multiplayer support. This is a testament to just how memorable and defining the core experience of RDR2 truly is, with the title showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.
A lot of the current discourse that surrounds Red Dead Redemption 2 is in relation to rumors of a next-gen (technically current-gen) update for the title. An updated version of RDR2 that brings the game up to speed with modern consoles is something that fans have wanted for a very long time, and evidence is starting to mount that such an update might be just around the corner. RDR2's deeply detailed world is perfect for this kind of upgrade, and there are some key features that will hopefully typify the new experience that a current-gen update could bring to the game.
Jack Marston’s Surprising Red Dead Redemption 1 Age Makes Him a Golden Goose For Rockstar
Jack Marston has yet to lead his own Red Dead Redemption game, but his age makes him the perfect candidate to continue the series.
A "Next-Gen" Update For Red Dead Redemption 2 Will Hopefully Go Beyond Some Obvious Enhancements
Graphical and Performance Improvements Should Come First and Foremost
Recently uncovered options for things like migrating multiplayer characters have led to a strong belief that a current-gen update for RDR2 is coming to consoles. Similar mechanics were introduced when GTA 5 made its own well-received jump to modern hardware, and RDR2 could easily follow in the same footsteps. Of course, bringing the game to current-gen consoles would allow for significantly better performance and graphical fidelity for the title.
While evidence is massively mounting in favor of an enhanced version of RDR2 releasing soon, the project has not yet been officially confirmed by Rockstar.
Hopefully, a current-gen RDR2 update will bring a dedicated performance mode and 60FPS support to consoles. This should also extend to 4K support for Red Dead Redemption 2, with particular thought being given to things like dynamic lighting, improved HDR, and potentially even things like ray-traced global illumination. RDR2 is already renowned for its stunning landscapes and striking visuals, making the potential of this kind of overhaul absolutely immense.
Quality of Life Features and Expanded Content Could Add a Fantastic Boost to RDR2's Current-Gen Update
Much like GTA 5's Enhanced Edition, there is so much that RDR2 can do in terms of improving upon its original experience. Aside from the significantly improved loading times that this kind of update is likely to bring, RDR2 could additionally overhaul core mechanics like looting and the wanted system. Looting could be made more responsive and faster without breaking immersion, and the inconsistency of RDR2's wanted system is something that should definitely be looked at and rectified by Rockstar.
In terms of extra content, it seems unrealistic for Rockstar to deliver on things like a much-desired DLC that could rival Undead Nightmare. Instead, it seems more reasonable to hope that things like extra duels, bounties, and maybe even robbery opportunities are added to RDR2 with a current-gen update. This could be complimented by greater exploration of things like building interiors, making the world of RDR2 feel more alive than it ever has been.
An enhanced version of Red Dead Redemption 2 could also transfer a lot of Red Dead Online content over to single-player. This could be an easy way for Rockstar to greatly boost RDR2's single-player experience through an enhanced catalog of things like outfits, weapons, and horses. No opportunity should go to waste with Red Dead Redemption 2's heavily-rumored current-gen update, with graphical, performance, quality of life, and content improvements hopefully having a major impact on this potential project.
Red Dead Redemption 2
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 95 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
- Released
- October 26, 2018
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Engine
- RAGE
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- N/A
