#GamingBytes: 'Red Dead Online' beta starts from Tuesday
What's the story
Red Dead Redemption 2 made waves in the gaming world and became Rockstar's second most favorite franchise, after Grand Theft Auto and its phenomenal title, Grand Theft Auto V. Much like the GTA's continually updated online mode, Red Dead too is rolling out its own online mode titled, Red Dead Online. Notably, it starts as an open beta before shifting to the final version.
Rollout plans
When does the beta version arrive?
The beta version is scheduled to release in waves, from Tuesday, November 27, for those with the Ultimate version of the game. RDR 2 gamers who played it on November 26 can access Online Beta on Wednesday. Gamers who played it between October 26 and 29 can access it by Thursday. It is free for game-owners and goes live at 7:00 PM IST.
Information
The plan for the online mode
Developers have planned the online mode in a manner that it will not run for a limited time. Instead, players will keep their progress within the game as developers improve and iterate on it. It remains unknown when the game will transition to final version.
Trial phase
Why launch a beta mode first?
Developer Rockstar Games believes that its gaming community will support it and report problems in the beta mode, which shall accordingly be addressed. It is also looking forward to fans sharing their ideas and assisting in building the future of the complete online experience. Notably, Rockstar has already anticipated there will be turbulence, as is common with online games of this scale and size.
Gameplay
How will the gameplay carry out?
Red Dead Online is expected to be an 'evolution' of the original game's multi-player mode and will rely on the original game as its foundation. The online mode will continue receiving updates as it incorporates both the competitive and co-operative gameplay options. Notably, it combines narrative elements but players should not expect the degree of complexity in the narration that the original game had.
Online mode
What will the online mode include?
Players can explore the online mode alone or with friends. They can form or join posses consisting of 7 players, 'gather around the fire' at the camp, go fishing, hunting, go to bustling towns, fight and attack enemy hideouts, and go treasure-hunting. Players can interact with characters across five states, fight outlaws spontaneously or in set-piece battles, and compete against other players or posses.
Opinion
Our take on the online mode
While more details will be forthcoming on the gameplay and modes of the online version post-launch, we can assume it will be modeled after the largely successful GTA V online mode. By constantly rolling out updates, Red Dead Redemption 2 will ensure a continuing relevance and presence within the gaming community by bringing new content regularly, ensuring the game's popularity does not fade.