Red Dead Redemption 2 Buying Guide: Release Date, Versions Differences, And More

After years of steadily building anticipation, Red Dead Redemption 2 is finally here. And by all accounts, the finished game lives up to the titanic levels of hype. You can read our Red Dead Redemption 2 review to find out the particulars of why this game is all but guaranteed to be one of the biggest titles of the year.

It stars Arthur Morgan, a high-level scoundrel in the Dutch van der Linde gang--whose members include John Marston, the star of RDR--as they make their way across the American West in 1899. The game's accompanying online multiplayer mode, Red Dead Online, will launch in beta at some point in November; an exact date has not yet been confirmed. All owners of the base game will receive free access to it, and it will not be available separately.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is available in a number of different editions, but before dropping any cash, you'll want to read carefully about what comes in each one. Here's all the information you need to know before you buy Red Dead Redemption 2.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Pre-Order Bonus

Early copies of Red Dead Redemption 2 come with a couple of digital goodies to enjoy in the game.

War Horse: An Ardennes War Horse with greater courage and stamina than the average steed.
The Outlaw Survival Kit: Contains a collection of key supplies, including items to replenish Health, Dead Eye, and more.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Standard Edition

The standard edition of the comes with the pre-order bonus listed above, plus the core game and--eventually--access to Red Dead Online. Here's where you can pre-order it.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Special Edition

The special edition of Red Dead Redemption 2 comes with the core game, plus the following items.

World map
Bank Robbery Mission and Gang Hideout in Story Mode
Dappled Black Thoroughbred: A racehorse with exceptional speed and acceleration; it comes with a special saddle.
Talisman and Medallion Gameplay Bonuses: These special Story Mode items will give Arthur a helping hand whenever they are equipped.
Gameplay Boosts, Cash Bonuses & Discounts
The Nuevo Paraiso Gunslinger Outfit: Inspired by the clothing worn by vaqueros and banditos south of the border.
Free Access to Three Additional Weapons: Volcanic Pistol, Pump Action Shotgun, and Lancaster Varmint Rifle.

Here's where you can buy the special edition.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Ultimate Edition

The ultimate edition comes with all the content from the special edition, plus the following.

Bonus Outfits: The Blackrose Bounty Hunter Outfit and The Copperhead Enforcer Outfit.
Black Chestnut Thoroughbred: A racehorse and special saddle, both available in online.
Free Access to the Survivor Camp Theme
Free Access to Additional Weapons: Get access to the Volcanic Pistol, Pump Action Shotgun and Lancaster Varmint Rifle, free of charge from Gunsmiths in online.
Rank Bonuses: As a great start for all Ultimate Edition players, you can rank up faster in online, up to rank 25.

Here's where you can pre-order the ultimate edition.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Collector's Box

First off, it's important to note that the Collector's Box does not include the game. So if you're going to pre-order it, make sure you also get yourself a separate copy of the game or you'll be very disappointed when you get your hands on it. What the Collector's Box does include is a bunch of physical goodies.