Just when it seemed like Red Dead Online had ridden off into the sunset for good, Rockstar rides back in with a spooky surprise update that’s equal parts weird, wild, and wonderfully rewarding.
Just after I wrote a heartfelt lament about Red Dead Online being left to rot in the hot desert sun, Rockstar must’ve heard my cries – or at least read my telegram. Because lo and behold, out of nowhere rides in a new content update that doesn’t just look good… it looks uncannily good. Saddle up, partners, because this one’s weird.
Strange Tales Of The West – Undead, Robots, And Cults
The latest update introduces Strange Tales of the West, a quartet of creepy new Telegram Missions straight out of the fever dreams of author Theodore Levin. He’s compiling a collection of the most bizarre stories from across the frontier, and guess who he needs to verify these wild tales? That’s right: you, the lone rider with nothing to lose and just enough bullets to make it interesting.
You’ll find these missions in any Post Office or your camp’s Lockbox. Open the letter, check your satchel, and prepare to ride headfirst into the unknown. If the supernatural spaghetti Western vibes aren’t enough to lure you back into your saddle, maybe this will: 3X Gold, RDO$, and XP on all Telegram Missions through August 4 – including the new Strange Tales set. Here's what you're in for:
Strange Tales of the Plague
Armadillo’s gone full Romero. The town is crawling with plague-ridden undead, and you're tasked with hauling in a few of the shamblers for “scientific research.” That is, if you don’t get turned into one yourself – or taken out by the cultists watching from the shadows.
Strange Tales of Modern Science
What if Frankenstein took place at Braithwaite Manor? That’s the vibe here. An inventor claims to have built a machine-man… and the machine-man has apparently decided that humanity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Your mission: unveil the mystery and – if needed – put the tin man down.
Strange Tales of the Bayou
If you’ve ever wandered into Lagras and thought, something’s not right here, congratulations: you were correct. The swamp folk are restless, and there’s talk of an unholy creature slithering through the muck. Get in, avoid the ambushes, and bring back whatever’s causing those screams at midnight.
Strange Tales of the Wilderness
A scientist has gone missing while researching a gang of wilderness murderers. Because of course he did. Now you’re out in Tall Trees, trying to track him down, survive the elements, and maybe not get chopped to bits in the process. Think Deliverance – but with more wolves.
Featured Series And Freebies – Fashion, Firefights, And Frontier Drip
This month’s Featured Series are going full throttle with 2X RDO$ and XP across a rotating lineup of Hardcore modes – think less auto-aim, more nail-biting shootouts in Pro Series, Elimination, Showdown, Plunder, Spoils of War, and Last Stand variations. Meanwhile, logging into Red Dead Online this month will earn you the Rebellion Poncho, and Naturalists get extra love with 50 Tranquilizer Rounds, a treasure map, and a whole wardrobe of returning rewards. Complete wildlife photography tasks, hunt Legendary animals, or sell samples to Harriet to unlock a variety of limited-time coats, pants, hats, and accessories – including the stylish Estevez Gun Belt and Holster for those who prefer a more… lethal approach to fieldwork.
Is this update the long-awaited revival of Red Dead Online? Not quite. But it is something new, something weird, and a step in the right direction. If you’ve been itching for an excuse to dust off your boots and head back to the frontier – now’s the time.