Rockstar's New Red Dead Online Missions Fuel RDR2 Speculation

Red Dead Online is experiencing a resurgence after Rockstar introduced new missions to the game, sparking renewed speculation among fans that a next-generation update for Red Dead Redemption 2 is in development.

While many fans had accepted that Rockstar moved on from Red Dead Online back in 2022, the developer has surprisingly launched the new Strange Tales of the West update, featuring four fresh missions and a promise of more content to follow.

The trailer below is the first that Rockstar has released for Red Dead Online since 2021.

Here is the official description:

Theodore Levin, an author, is skeptical of the rumors and reports arriving from across the American frontier. He is compiling an anthology of unexplained and bizarre occurrences and requires your assistance to investigate the most extraordinary claims that reach him.

Strange Tales of the West will demand bravery and a steady nerve in confronting the strange, twisted, and outright supernatural. Begin these four new Telegram Missions by collecting Mr. Levin’s letter from any Post Office or your Camp’s Lockbox, then open it via your Satchel or launch Telegram Missions directly from your Player Menu.

The four new missions are Strange Tales of The Plague, Strange Tales of Modern Science, Strange Tales of The Bayou, and Strange Tales of The Wilderness. As highlighted by @videotechuk_ on X/Twitter, the update also introduces a new zombie-infected mode, with the first mission set in Armadillo.

Rockstar has launched a new zombie "infected" mode in Red Dead Online as part of the new Strange Tales of The West telegram missions

The first mission takes place in Armadillo and the main objective to kill infected and bring them to a wagon as a team.

Infected carry knives. pic.twitter.com/TC9uOuIDEI

— ben (@videotechuk_) July 1, 2025

Fans are still processing the announcement, with posts across social media and Reddit communities reflecting widespread excitement.

HOLY SHIT IT'S REAL
byu/Apprehensive-Cry4399 inRedDeadOnline

Everyone after the news
byu/Master100017 inRedDeadOnline

What does this mean for Red Dead Online and its parent game, Red Dead Redemption 2? With the update's zombie theme, some are speculating whether Rockstar has prepared an Undead Nightmare-style expansion for Red Dead Redemption 2. That would be surprising, given the studio's all-hands-on-deck approach to next year's Grand Theft Auto VI, but a next-gen port seems more plausible.

In May, GameReactor reported that a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Rockstar's Wild West adventure is on the way, alongside a "next-gen upgrade patch" to enhance the game on current-gen systems (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S). According to the site, both could arrive later in 2025.

Fans have long requested an updated version of Red Dead Redemption 2, widely regarded as a masterpiece. IGN's Red Dead Redemption 2 review awarded it a perfect 10/10, calling it "a game of rare quality; a meticulously polished open-world tribute to the outlaw era."

For now, Red Dead Online players are immersing themselves in Strange Tales of the West, officially labeled as Vol.1. This hints at future content releases. Regardless of what lies ahead, it appears Red Dead Online is making a surprising comeback.