Which edition of Red Dead Redemption 2 should you buy?

Red Dead Redemption 2, the long-awaited sequel to Rockstar’s 2010 western game, is going to be huge. And I mean in terms of file size. Rockstar confirmed that the game will take up 99 GB of storage on PlayStation 4 and 107 GB on Xbox One.

With a huge download like that, there’s clearly a lot to do and see in this game, and that’s not including the multiplayer mode, Red Dead Online, launching as a public beta in November. Red Dead Redemption 2 special editions add even more missions, gear and loot (both in-game and physical). Pre-orders also come with exclusive content, plus in-game currency for Rockstar’s biggest property, Grand Theft Auto 5.

There’s so much content available in the base game that the standard edition is probably fine for most players. A breakdown of what’s included in each edition is listed below. (If you do end up buying one of the special editions, I’d recommend the physical version, because it comes with a cool collectible.)

Red Dead Redemption 2 will be released on Oct. 26. It will be available to pre-download one week early, on Oct. 19.

Red Dead Redemption 2 pre-orders and PlayStation 4 exclusives

Rockstar Games

All pre-orders will include two Story Mode enhancements: an extra horse and a “collection of key supplies for enduring the rigors of life on the frontier.” Digital pre-orders bought directly from the Xbox Marketplace or PlayStation Store throw in extra in-game currency for both Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto 5.

The PlayStation 4 version will include timed-exclusive content thanks to a partnership with Sony. PS4 players will have first access to “select online content,” including some enhanced items.

• War horse
• Outlaw survival kit

Digital pre-orders

• Cash bonus
• Bonus GTA$

PlayStation 4 early access

• Grizzlies Outlaw outfit
• Red Chestnut Arabian horse
• Alligator Skin Ranch Cutter Saddle
• High Roller Double-Action Revolver

Red Dead Redemption 2 standard edition

The standard edition includes just the base game and access to Red Dead Online when the public beta launches in November, plus any pre-order bonuses and PlayStation 4 exclusives (on PS4 only, of course). It retails for $59.99.

• Red Dead Redemption 2 base game
• Red Dead Online public beta access

Get it here: Amazon | Best Buy | GameStop | Walmart | PlayStation Store | Microsoft Store

Red Dead Redemption 2 special edition

Both physical and digital versions of the special edition cost $79.99, and include bonus Story Mode content and free access to guns you’d otherwise have to pay for at the in-game gunsmiths. Physical copies will also come with a printed map of the Red Dead Redemption 2 world.

• Red Dead Redemption 2 base game
• Red Dead Online public beta access
• Exclusive world map (physical)

Story Mode bonuses

• Bank Robbery Mission and Gang Hideout
• Dappled Black Thoroughbred horse
• Talisman and Medallion gameplay bonuses
• Gameplay boosts, cash bonuses & discounts
• Nuevo Paraiso Gunslinger outfit
• Free access to additional weapons

Get it here: Amazon | Best Buy | GameStop | Walmart | PlayStation Store | Microsoft Store

Red Dead Redemption 2 ultimate edition

Rockstar Games

The ultimate edition includes all of the same Story Mode bonuses as the special edition, but adds exclusive Red Dead Online content as well. Physical copies will come in an exclusive steelbook case and are only available at GameStop. The Red Dead Redemption 2 ultimate edition retails for $99.99.

• Red Dead Redemption 2 base game
• Red Dead Online public beta access
• Exclusive world map (physical)
• Exclusive steelbook (physical)

Story Mode bonuses

• Bank Robbery Mission and Gang Hideout
• Dappled Black Thoroughbred horse
• Talisman and Medallion gameplay bonuses
• Gameplay boosts, cash bonuses & discounts
• Nuevo Paraiso Gunslinger outfit
• Free access to Volcanic Pistol, Pump Action Shotgun and Lancaster Varmint Rifle

Red Dead Online bonuses

• Blackrose Bounty Hunter Outfit
• Copperhead Enforcer Outfit
• Black Chestnut Thoroughbred horse
• Free access to Survivor Camp Theme
• Free access to Volcanic Pistol, Pump Action Shotgun and Lancaster Varmint Rifle
• Rank bonuses

Get it here: Amazon | Best Buy | GameStop | Walmart | PlayStation Store | Microsoft Store

Red Dead Redemption 2 PlayStation 4 bundle

Sony

The Red Dead Redemption 2 PlayStation 4 bundle is another perk of Rockstar’s partnership with Sony. For $399 (the cost of a standard PS4 Pro), this bundle comes with a physical copy of the Red Dead Redemption 2 standard edition. The bundle does not include any extra content aside from the PS4 exclusives.

• PlayStation 4 Pro
• DualShock Controller
• Red Dead Redemption 2 base game
• Red Dead Online public beta access

Get it here: Best Buy | GameStop | Walmart