Red Dead Online is experiencing a resurgence after Rockstar introduced fresh missions, reigniting speculation about a potential next-generation update for Red Dead Redemption 2.
Unexpected Revival for the Wild West Frontier
Most players assumed Rockstar had abandoned Red Dead Online after its 2022 hiatus, but the developer surprisingly launched the Strange Tales of the West update. This content drop features four new missions with hints of future additions.
The newly released trailer marks Rockstar's first Red Dead Online promotional material since 2021.
Here's the official description:
Theodore Levin, an author documenting frontier phenomena, needs assistance investigating bizarre occurrences across the American West. Players must demonstrate bravery while exploring these supernatural mysteries through four new Telegram Missions, accessible via Post Offices or Camp Lockboxes.
New Gameplay Experiences Await
The update introduces Strange Tales of The Plague, Modern Science, The Bayou, and The Wilderness missions. As @videotechuk_ reported on Twitter, it also adds a zombie survival mode set in Armadillo where players must eliminate infected enemies and transport them via wagon.
Rockstar just dropped an intense zombie survival mode in Red Dead Online's Strange Tales update with knife-wielding infected in Armadillo.
— ben (@videotechuk_) July 1, 2025
Players must work together to eliminate threats and load bodies onto transport wagons. pic.twitter.com/TC9uOuIDEI
Community Reaction
The gaming community has responded enthusiastically across social platforms:
HOLY SHIT IT'S REAL
by u/Apprehensive-Cry4399 in RedDeadOnline
The entire community's reaction right now
by u/Master100017 in RedDeadOnline
Future Possibilities
This development raises questions about Rockstar's plans for Red Dead Redemption 2. While rumors speculate about an Undead Nightmare-style expansion, a next-gen upgrade seems more plausible given the studio's focus on Grand Theft Auto VI.
Industry reports suggest a Nintendo Switch 2 version and next-gen enhancements for current systems may arrive in 2025. Fans continue advocating for enhanced editions of Red Dead Redemption 2, which IGN rated a perfect 10/10 as "a meticulously crafted open-world masterpiece."
For now, players are exploring the new Strange Tales content (labeled Vol.1), suggesting future updates may follow. Regardless of what comes next, Red Dead Online is demonstrating remarkable vitality.
