Red Dead 2 Online Co-Op, Story Missions, And Honor System Detailed

Red Dead Online launches this week, with Red Dead Redemption 2 Ultimate Edition owners and those who played the game on day one being granted access to the multiplayer mode. But what awaits them when they take their gunslinging ways online? Rockstar has addressed that question, delivering details on what players can expect.

Rockstar describes Red Dead Online as a "continually expanding experience" and, as such, it intends to make additions and updates throughout the beta period. However, beginning right away, players will be able to form a Posse, establish a camp, and take on story-based cooperative missions. There are also strangers awaiting them in the open-world, free roaming challenges, activities such as fishing, and some good old-fashioned exploration.

As players undertake these activities they'll rack up experience that contributes towards rank and bonuses. Over time, items can be unlocked and character attributes can be improved. There are also 12 categories that players can earn distinctions in, such as combat, hunting, sharpshooting, and survivalist.

Red Dead Online begins in Sisika Penitentiary, where players will first get a horse, set up camp, find treasure, equip an Ability Card and, according to Rockstar, "meet some fateful characters with a larger story to tell; one that involves chasing truth, revenge, and honor."

The action-based honor system from the main game is also present in Red Dead Online, with your decisions and behaviour shaping how the world views your character. Depending on your alignment, the world around you will respond differently and Rockstar says "the nature of certain missions will reveal themselves to you based on your current honor states."

Rockstar has also provided details on the various Red Dead Online modes you can expect to see right away. The lineup includes one PvP mode that sounds a lot like battle royale.

As previously revealed, the Red Dead Online beta is now available for select players. As part of a gradual rollout, anyone with the Ultimate Edition or who played Red Dead Redemption 2 on its launch day given now have access. Those that played Red Dead Redemption 2 at any point between launch and October 29 will be able to jump into the beta from November 29. And then anyone who owns the game can check it out from November 30. This gradual rollout, Rockstar says, will help it "ease into the beta and to mitigate major issues."