What is the difference between Red Dead Redemption 2 normal and Ultimate?
The main differences between the standard and Ultimate editions of Red Dead Redemption 2 are:
- Additional story mode content like special missions, outfits and items
- Extra bonuses and perks for the Red Dead Online multiplayer experience
- A higher price tag for the Ultimate edition
This comprehensive guide will compare the editions in detail so you can decide if upgrading is worthwhile.
A Little Background on Red Dead Redemption
For context, let‘s quickly recap the Red Dead franchise and why this sequel was so highly anticipated. The original Red Dead Redemption first released back in 2010 and immediately became a fan favorite for its gritty western setting and open world gameplay.
Developed by Rockstar Games, the same studio behind the groundbreaking Grand Theft Auto series, Red Dead Redemption delivered an epic tale of revenge and justice at the end of the Wild West era.
The game was praised for its gorgeous landscapes, compelling characters, morally complex story, and of course gunslinging action. Over 15 million copies were sold, making it one of the best selling games of the 7th console generation.
Naturally, fans were clamoring for a sequel. But it would take 8 long years before Red Dead Redemption 2 finally arrived in late 2018.
This prequel was set 12 years earlier in 1899, with players controlling outlaw Arthur Morgan instead of John Marston. It featured an even bigger open world map, richer detail, expanded gameplay – essentially turning everything up to 11.
Red Dead Redemption 2 received rave reviews, with many outlets calling it one of the greatest video games ever made. It set new standards for immersion and realism with its jaw-dropping visuals and incredible attention to detail. Over 29 million copies have been sold worldwide across console and PC.
So in summary – this was one of the most hotly anticipated titles of the decade from an acclaimed developer, set in a beloved franchise. No wonder fans were excited to get their hands on it!
Standard vs Special vs Ultimate Editions
Red Dead Redemption 2 was initially released in 3 different versions:
Standard Edition – Base game only
Special Edition – Base game + exclusive story DLC
Ultimate Edition – Base game + story DLC + online bonuses
Let‘s break down exactly what extra content you get in each upgraded edition:
Story Mode DLC
The special and ultimate edition come with several story mode DLC packs that add new missions, outfits and other content.
Here are the details on each one:
-
Bank Robbery Mission – An additional heist mission set before the main storyline
-
Dappled Black Thoroughbred – An exclusive horse with its own custom saddle
-
Talismans and Gameplay Bonuses – Get perks like taking less damage from gunshots with these special talismans
-
The Nuevo Paraiso Gunslinger Outfit – Features a wide brimmed black cowboy hat, dark winter coat, gloves and boots
-
Copperhead Enforcer Outfit – Designed for colder climates with a long leather jacket
-
Blackrose Bounty Hunter Outfit – Distinctive red and black clothing fit for capturing outlaws
So in summary, you‘re getting at least 5 additional mission DLCs plus multiple bonus outfits to play around with.
According to most players, these DLCs provide 1-2 hours of fun extra content each. So they definitely add more gameplay time and variety. However, the overall consensus is they aren‘t essential to enjoying the 40+ hour main story.
Red Dead Online Bonuses
The Ultimate Edition also comes with numerous bonus items and perks for the Red Dead Online multiplayer component, including:
- Rank Bonuses – Gives you a head start with extra XP and bonuses up to rank 25
- Black Chestnut Thoroughbred Horse – Excellent race horse for online play
- Free Access to Special Weapons – Unlocks the Volcanic Pistol, Pump Action Shotgun, and Lancaster Varmint Rifle
- Free Access to Survivor Camp Theme – Make your camp look unique
- Multiple Free Outfits – Such as the Blackrose Bounty Hunter outfit
These bonuses are great for getting a leg up in online play. You unlock premium weapons right away and can rank up faster to access better gear.
Some players argue this gives an unfair advantage, but most agree it simply saves you some grinding time. The core online gameplay remains the same either way.
Cost Comparison
Now let‘s look at the prices for each edition:
| Edition | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Standard | $59.99 |
| Special | $79.99 |
| Ultimate | $99.99 |
As you can see, the Special Edition costs $20 more than the base game, while the Ultimate Edition has a $40 premium. That‘s almost double the standard price!
The question is whether the additional content is worth those premium prices, especially the big jump up to Ultimate. Let‘s weigh up the pros and cons:
Standard Edition
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Cheapest option | – No additional story or online content |
| – Still full main game | – Have to unlock online items manually |
| – Widely available |
Special Edition
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Extra story DLC | – Online perks less useful |
| – Cool bonus outfits | – $20 more expensive |
| – Widely available |
Ultimate Edition
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Most additional content | – Very expensive $100 price tag |
| – Big online head start | – Online perks not essential |
| – All DLCs included |
Is Upgrading Editions Worth It?
Whether you should upgrade comes down to your budget and how much you value extra content. Here are my personal thoughts having played all 3 editions:
The story mode DLCs are certainly fun extras that provide more backstory, items, and gameplay variety. However, they aren‘t vital to enjoying the 40+ hour main story which is complete even in the standard edition.
As for online, the bonuses in Ultimate are nice but just save you some grinding time. The core experience and progression system is identical whether you get this head start or not.
For players focused exclusively on single player, upgrading editions isn‘t necessary to get the full Red Dead Redemption 2 experience. I‘d only recommend it if you really want every piece of bonus story content no matter the cost.
On the other hand, if you plan to play online extensively, then upgrading to Ultimate could be worthwhile for the head start. But I‘d only suggest it if you‘re comfortable with the $100 price tag.
For most players, I think the Standard Edition is the best option – you still get the complete epic western journey at the lowest cost. But Special Edition is a reasonable middle ground for around $20 more if you want the additional story DLC.
Ultimate is best suited to die-hard fans who must have every possible item and aren‘t concerned about spending over $100 total.
The Verdict: Which Edition Should You Buy?
So in summary, here are my recommendations on which edition to choose:
-
Standard – Best option for most players, offering the full experience for only $60.
-
Special – Worth it for story fans who want the extra single player content.
-
Ultimate – Only recommended for those who plan to play online extensively and want every possible bonus item.
Whichever you go with, you‘re getting one of the greatest open world adventures ever made! Red Dead Redemption 2 is a must play western epic that no gamer should miss.
I hope this detailed guide to the different editions was helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions!