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Red Dead Redemption 2 Editions Compared

1 min read

Red Dead Redemption 2 cover image

Standard, Special and Ultimate look similar on a store page but the gap between them is real. Here is what each one actually adds.

There are three Red Dead Redemption 2 editions on sale, and the differences between them are entirely about bonus content, not the story or the map — the game itself is identical across all three.

Standard Edition

The base game, no extras. Everything the story and open world offer is fully playable here; nothing in the higher editions unlocks new missions.

Special Edition

Adds a set of bonus outfits, weapons and a horse breed unavailable to Standard Edition owners, along with some early-game ability cards for Red Dead Online. It sits as the middle tier for players who want a head start on cosmetics without paying for everything.

Ultimate Edition

Includes everything in Special Edition and layers on further outfits, weapons and horse breeds, plus additional Red Dead Online content bundled in from day one. It is the edition aimed at players who already know they are staying in the online mode long-term.

Which one to actually buy

If you only care about the single-player story, Standard is not missing anything that matters. The upgrade only pays off if Red Dead Online, or starting the open world with extra cosmetics already unlocked, is worth the difference to you.