Rockstar Games has a lot to live up to with Red Dead Redemption 2, and as we approach the October 26, 2018 release date, more info is beginning to come to light. If leaked information from February is to be believed, the game will have a host of new features, such as battle royale multiplayer, a first-person mode, and elements lifted from the money printer that is GTA Online. However, a new trailer released today doesn’t delve into any of that—though it does give eager fans another small look into the setting and story of the upcoming adventure.
With this new piece of footage, the story of Red Dead Redemption 2 is beginning to come into focus. “America, 1899. The end of the wild west era has begun as lawmen hunt down the last remaining outlaw gangs,” the description reads. “Those who will not surrender or succumb are killed. From the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic tale of life in America at the dawn of the modern age.”
Where the original Red Dead Redemption followed protagonist John Marston as he attempts to leave his criminal past behind, the upcoming prequel appears to be taking a more sympathetic, romanticized perspective on outlaws. Our new protagonist Arthur Morgan is part of the Dutch van der Linde gang, a group dedicated to keeping the “wild” in “Wild West.” Dutch appears to be revered by his men and many who have come in contact with him, and the winds of change coming for his gang and his ways will likely comprise the bulk of the narrative.
Aside from a few more screenshot-worthy moments, there are no major revelations in this newest trailer. There are potential hints toward new hand-to-hand combat mechanics and expanded bank robbery missions, but nothing concrete as of now. This small look into the story and setting will have to do as we eagerly await the October 26 release date.