I probably don’t need to tell you that the long-awaited release of Red Dead Redemption 2 is right around the corner. With the first game being a runaway hit (technically the second game, a lot of people forget there was a game called Red Dead Revolver first) it makes sense that people are abuzz with excitement to get back in the saddle. One of the problems with people being abuzz is that they start to want to get their hands on something way before the actual release date, so outside of beta play, all they have is talking about the subject. And with news coming out more every day from Rockstar about all the crazy things you will get up to out in the old west, Rockstar has also been somewhat tight-lipped about any significant details, which is something we should be used to from them by now.
You know who isn’t known for being tight-lipped? The rest of the human race, especially when they have nothing significant to add to the conversation. Yes, when we actually know nothing about something we desperately want to discuss, we tend to pluck absolute nonsense straight out of the air. That is how rumors get started. While rumors about video games can be incredibly useful, as they can help developers see what fans actually want to see in the game, other times it is just one sad weirdo trying to shoehorn Rainbow Dash into every single franchise. So in that spirit, here are some of the more exciting rumors we’ve heard about RDR2, as well as some confirmed secrets you can look forward to.
32 Confirmed: First Person Mode
A great addition to GTA 5 was first person mode, turning the more action-oriented segments of the game into a first-person shooter. Personally, I can find third-person or over the shoulder gameplay a little harder to navigate when caught in a firefight.
So now knowing that Rockstar has the ability to suddenly change from third-person to first-person off the bat is definitely an exciting addition.
31 Theory: John Marston Will Take Out Arthur Morgan
Arthur Morgan, the new central character of RDR2 isn’t mentioned in any significant way during the previous game, which seems like a plot hole. If he was such an integral senior member in the Van Der Linde gang, you’d think Marston would mention him, even in passing.
John might know Arthur is already out of the picture.
The theory goes that when John was left behind by the gang in a failed robbery attempt, he took out a few of his traitorous comrades before he left, including Arthur Morgan. A good way to fill a plot hole.
30 Confirmed: Dual Wielding Weapons
We already know that dual wielding weapons is something Rocksteady perfected in previous titles, it’s one of the main reasons the Max Payne franchise was so enduring. So of course, fans were over the moon when they found out this mechanic was back for this sequel.
What’s really strange is that this feature completely skipped over Redemption since there was the use of the twin revolvers in the very first game. Although nobody noticed it missing, since shooting things was so immensely fun in Redemption.
29 Theory: Nuevo Paraiso Is Back
Nuevo Paraiso, the explorable Mexican territory from the previous game, is a fan favorite. It’s slightly more violent, the characters are more morally ambiguous, and the gambling seemed to be more fun.
While Rockstar has refused to confirm many map locations outside of town names, it would make sense to give fans more of what they want. Alternatively, there are maps floating around the internet stating that RDR2’s map will have very little in common with the previous map, with only a slight overlap in West Elizabeth. So there are two rumors for the price of one.
28 Theory: The Stranger Will Be A Bother Again
Fans will remember The Stranger as the supernatural man from the side quest “I Know You.” I say supernatural because he knows everything about you and picks out your character’s grave spot, albeit ambiguously. Also, he is totally immune to bullets.
This well dressed and well-informed gentleman doesn’t seem to be constrained by mortal limits, so it’s been surmised that he is going to watch the events unfold in RDR2 that will lead to the eventual downfall to John Marston. Why he’s so interested is anyone’s guess.
27 Confirmed: GTA 5 Online Unlocks Loot For RDR 2
Recently there was a treasure hunt of sorts inside of Grand Theft Auto: Online, the end result of which was getting a golden double revolver as well as some cash. Turns out there is also a way of having that prize carry over into RDR2, which is a cool little bonus.
A hunt which hasn’t been announced, but has been unlocked by the more savvy GTA Online players, is the quest to get the Stone Hatchet. A brutal looking weapon that, after indulging in a little violence, carries over into the world of RDR2.
26 Theory: You Can Commandeer Locomotives
It’s difficult to discuss the lawlessness of the old west without bringing train robberies. Heck, there was even a mission in Redemption titles “The Great Mexican Train Robbery” but sadly, it involved stealing an army train and not sticking up hapless passengers.
Rumors are swinging all over the internet about the new style of locomotion system, with many believing that not only will you now be able to rob a train, but in some instances, you could steal one, just as you would a horse. How do you stage a getaway on a linear track, though?
25 Theory: Coming To The PC
Still a sore spot amongst PC gamers is the fact that the previous game was only ever out on consoles. People couldn’t understand why Rockstar wouldn’t tap into that vast market, although most people theorize it was due to the incredible difficulties the programmers had coding the game.
Well, after the massive success of Redemption it is safe to say that Rockstar has the time and resources for a much smoother development of RDR2, which should me it would be much easier to port the code to PC.
24 Confirmed: Over 200 Animals
23 Theory: Multiple Protagonists
Rockstar has been pretty adamant that RDR2 will not be following in the footsteps of GTA 5 and will not have multiple protagonists. That being said, Rockstar has been known to be full of lies in the past to throw off audiences.
Some people believe this is just classic misdirection.
It would be easy to play out, as you have the whole Van Der Linde gang at your side. Having to play out all their stories instead of just Morgan’s wouldn’t be too difficult to pull off. Also, ethnic diversity would be a nice addition.
22 Theory: More Native Lore
People with far too much time on their hand over at Reddit were quick to point out that a dreamcatcher is at the forefront in some of the footage shown so far . This led them to assume that Native culture will feature far more prominently than in the previous game.
Of course, the presence of that canoe also makes that theory ring true. There’s also the fact that one of the gang seems to be an Aboriginal person, so maybe we will explore more of his roots too.
21 Confirmed: Familiar Faces
There were a lot of memorable characters from John Marston’s checkered past that we only got to meet in Redemption. Rockstar has confirmed the presence of some of those folks you met and shot in the previous game will be in RDR2.
We have old enemies (although we presume they will be friends at this point in the timeline) such as Bill Williamson, Javier Escuela and, of course, Dutch Van Der Linde. Even a friendly face will make a return, as Uncle is shown to also be in the game.
20 Theory: Jack Marston Is The Narrator
I’ve always thought the naming convention for this series is a little off. Why call the first game Red Dead Revolver and then call the second one Red Dead Redemption? Actually, I think that’s a clever naming system, but then they throw it out the window with Red Dead Redemption 2.
The logical deduction probably indicates that Rockstar just wanted to cash in on fan excitement. But some theorize that this is an indication that these two stories are written by Jack Marston, John’s son, since he would only have access to the stories his father would tell.
19 Theory: PlayStation Exclusive Content
We all heard the recent announcement of the PS4 Pro being bundled with RDR2 and frankly, I was kind of bored. It’s just, a game coming with a console, which is pretty standard fair, is it not? I feel like I’m crazy here, since people are acting like that is actual exciting.
Anyways, there’s been a few murmurs circling the internet that there will be a few Playstation exclusives. What those will be is anyone’s guess, and frankly, there will probably be Xbox exclusives as well.
18 Confirmed: Pre-Order Bonuses
Love them or hate them, pre-order bonuses are here to stay, so the best we can hope for are ones that don’t rob casual players of main story content. Luckily, Rockstar promised to avoid that exact problem, and also offered up some actually useful treasures.
Anyone who ordered a digital copy before July 31 will get an exclusive treasure map. Other, non-digital bonuses include upgrades horses, a special bank robbery mission, some sweet outfits and of course, some serious in-game money.
17 Theory: Online Will Have Three Modes
Not many details have been revealed about the Online play (and what has been is revealed elsewhere in this article) so most of the internet has had to fill in the blanks themselves. We can be sure that Rockstar pulled out all the stops, seeing how crazy successful GTA: Online ended up being.
There are whispers on the wind that there will be three modes in online play: Revive And Survive, Money Grab and Battle Royale. That last one needs little explaining, but it would be interesting to see how Revive and Survive would function.
16 Theory: Weapon Building
One of my favorite parts of a good RPG is always a crafting bench. Gathering up materials, gaining skill in your craftsmanship, finally having everything you need to obliterate everything in your path. There’s nothing quite so satisfying (and time-consuming.)
When fans saw the eclectic bunch of guns that seem to be offered in RDR2 as well as how some of them look extremely ornate, it led many of them to surmise that there will be a gun crafting ability in game. Usually, that’s something you’d have to rely on the gunsmith for.
15 Confirmed: More Horses With Better Mechanics
I assume you’ve all heard that new detail about how your horse will react to cold temperatures in RDR2 so I won’t even touch on that. I will talk about how maintaining your relationships with your horse will be as important as maintaining your relationship with your fellow gang members.
Not only are there plenty more horses to tame, all with their own strengths, but apparently there’s much more to breaking them than just a simple mini-game. The longer you spend with them, the more they trust you, the harder they fight for you.
14 Theory: Swimming, Kayaks, And Canoes!
Can you remember the first time you tried entering the water as John Marston? If you are unfamiliar, John was completely unable to swim in the previous game, resulting in you instantly getting a game over the moment you got your toes wet.
All that nonsense is out the window in this game, hopefully, as we’ve seen people up to their necks in water, as well as some background folks getting around in some water-based vehicles. It looks like our time being landlocked is over.
13 Theory: Sharing Your Inventory
When I say sharing inventory, I don’t mean with your allies (although that may be a feature, so we may as well start that rumor right here.) No, what I mean is sharing your burden with an accompanying animal, such as a donkey, mule or even a horse.
After all, I remember my inventory getting pointlessly full a few times during my playthrough of Redemption so it would be a nice change to be able to hold as many bullets, pelts and treasure maps as is possible between me and my entourage.
