Tomorrow, Red Dead Online will finally arrive (for some players), adding more replay value to Rockstar’s stunning world. We still don’t know too much about how the online mode will play or how expansive it will be. However, I personally hope that Red Dead Online embraces the diversity of the Wild West. I doubt Rockstar’s vision for RDR2’s online component will perfectly match mine, but I am hoping for some overlap.
Different Playable Archetypes
RDR2’s story has you playing as the noble outlaw Arthur Morgan, but he’s just one of many Wild West archetypes. I’m sure the online component will allow players to create their own cowboys and cowgirls, but there should be more. It’d be neat if players could also embrace archetypes such as the grizzled mountaineer or the proud Native American warrior.
The Wild West was made up of all sorts of ordinary folk; musicians, artists, shop owners, barkeeps, you name it. I know playing as a barkeep or a shop owner doesn’t sound very glamorous, but that’s the point. The more immersive Rockstar can make Red Dead Online, the better. And of course when it comes to playing a straight criminal, there’s still a lot of potential for diversity.
Region-Specific Storylines
I enjoyed seeing each Red Dead Redemption 2 region’s distinct cultural flavor and I hope that trend continues in Red Dead Online. From the Braithwaite-Grey feud of Lemoyne to the savage Skinner gang of Roanoke, Red Dead Redemption 2’s landscape had very distinct boundaries. I’m sure Red Dead Online players will have various missions and tasks they can undertake just like in GTA Online. However, if those specific missions changed from region to region, it’d be one extra layer of immersion to enjoy.
Diverse Camp Follower Personalities
We know from what little Rockstar has revealed that online players can establish their own camps. It’s safe to assume those camps won’t be as lively or dynamic as the story mode’s Van Der Linde camp. However, I’d appreciate still being able to bring in NPC personalities whom I could interact with during my downtime. I’m more of a solo-oriented player, but having a band of loyal followers to come back to would be nice. After all, it sure felt good being greeted by friendly faces in RDR2’s story mode.
Easter Egg Surprises
Some of my favorite moments in Red Dead Redemption 2 involved off-the-beaten-path surprises and discoveries. I vividly remember braving alligator-infested swamps to claim the broken pirate sword from its former owner. I’ll also never forget stumbling across a cabin full of dead cultists, their skeletons eternally grinning at me. I sincerely hope Red Dead Online preserves that sense of wonder and mystery. Getting lost in the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 was a big part of what made it so compelling. Here’s hoping Red Dead Online keeps that trend going.