The Breakdown: Red Dead Redemption 2 Official Gameplay Trailer

This morning Rockstar Games revealed the fourth, but the first official gameplay trailer for its upcoming and highly-anticipated title Red Dead Redemption 2. The trailer came in at around six minutes long and was delivered in the typical “Rockstar-style” format, with a narration overlayed with gameplay. In those six minutes we got our first taste of gunplay, and an in-depth look of how the Old West will evolve around protagonist Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang. There’s a lot to unpack, so let’s break it all down.

A Living, Interactive World

This first gameplay trailer was simply a quick introduction in a series of others that will soon follow, and was captured entirely with in-game footage, according to Rockstar. Entitled “An Introduction”, Rockstar explained it’s aiming to create a living world “that’s not simply open, but deeper”, and we were shown that it’s far more interactive than the first game. Throughout the trailer, there was seamless transition between cutscenes and gameplay, and as Arthur Morgan, we traipsed through dense forests and swamps. Rockstar is really looking to encourage exploration with Red Dead Redemption 2, and the game was designed to get around anywhere on horseback or on foot.

This world is filled with a large cast of diverse characters, both in and outside of those in the Van der Linde gang. Whenever the gang is forced out of an area, they will be able to set up camp as a base, where they will be able to “eat, sleep, perform chores, play games, and share stories.” It’s in these bases that players will be able to interact with and get to know each member of the gang, often revealing new secrets. By doing chores around the camp and gathering food supplies, Arthur will be able to boost morale.

Gunplay + Gameplay 

In Red Dead Redemption 2, players will ultimately decide how honorable Arthur is. In the trailer, for example, we saw a quick moment of him walking past a man hanging from a cliff, begging for help. The world responds to the player’s actions, and there are consequences for your decisions, whether they are good or bad.

As revealed in the trailer, there is always an opportunity for mischief, and Arthur will be able to intimidate witnesses into silence, and talk himself in and out of trouble with the bad guys around town and the local sheriffs. But be warned- confrontations can escalate just as easily as they can be diffused, and it’s up to you to decide how each interaction will turn out.

The game will make use of both lethal and nonlethal combat. In one particular moment, we see Arthur tackle a man to the ground and pummel him. Coming across strangers brings up a variety of options from “Threaten” to “Dismiss” to “Beat.” Similarly, coming across sheriffs around town brings up its own set of unique options from drawing weapons, to “Rob”, Diffuse”, and “Antagonize.”

If a situation escalates to the point of weapons being drawn, combat has been significantly improved in Red Dead Redemption 2. While the Dead Eye mechanic is making its return, gunplay has been finely-tuned to make reloading and recoil even more realistic. This, according to Rockstar will “always keep the player grounded to the action in a gun fight.”

While you’re out conquering the Old West, don’t forget the bond with your horse is a crucial element in the game. This bond can grow stronger, depending on Arthur’s treatment of the horse, and keep in mind that some breeds are better for certain tasks than other. The stronger the bond with your horse, the better they will be at getting Arthur out of intense altercations, or tossing him off the saddle completely. They can also be used to carry numerous supplies.

Rockstar wrapped up this first gameplay video with the tease there will be another one coming, which will dive into enemy gangs, how missions work, and more.

Red Dead Redemption 2 will be released on October 26 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Pre-orders are now available. Watch the official gameplay reveal below.