Red Dead Online: Hostility System, dynamic events, and more coming this spring
Red Dead Online players can expect the next major update to arrive later this spring.
Rockstar Games has said Red Dead Online beta players can expect a new Hostility System, offensive and defensive playstyle options, new missions and dynamic events in the next major update.
You can also expect updates to the character creator, restructured Daily Challenges eliminating hostile gameplay in Free Roam and streaks for bigger rewards.
The LeMat Revolver from the original Red Dead Redemption will also make a return, and even more is planned.
Below you will find a sampling of what to expect in the coming months, straight from Rockstar.
Red Dead Online spring roadmap
Hostility System
- The new system builds upon the anti-griefing measures added in February. It will include smarter, more responsive features to keep players immersed in the world through confrontations and PvP action. For example, players who have damage inflicted by attackers will be able to defend themselves without incurring Bounties or Hostility increases. Previously, the attacker and target would be marked as an enemy - now the attacker who inflicts damage will be immediately marked as an enemy to the attacked player; players will not accumulate Hostility increases for killing other players who are marked as an enemy.
- Hostility increases will not apply within structured events such as Free Roam Events, Free Roam Missions, Showdowns and Races. Engaging in PvP behaviors related to Free Roam missions will not incur Hostility increases; however attacking other players not engaged in the activity will cause your Hostility level to rise.
Offensive and Defensive Playing Style Options
- The Offensive Playing Style is much like the current Free Roam play as we know it while the Defensive Playing Style is a more evolved version of the Passive Mode concept. This is being designed for Red Dead Online’s more "grounded experience" - giving players more flexibility in how they interact with the world. At the same time, this will de-emphasize hostile contact with other players. Some players just want to immerse themselves in the world, riding, hunting and fishing in peace. Rockstar will offer these options while allowing players to coexist comfortably alongside other players in the world.
- Choosing the Defensive option introduces balances that compliment a less confrontational approach. Defensive players cannot be lassoed by rival players - although if a Defensive player lassos another player, they’ll be removed from Defensive play and incur a significant Hostility level increase. Defensive players will trade the ability to lock on to other players for the benefit that other players will not be able to lock on to Defensive players.
- While Defensive players can target and be targeted in free aim, they cannot deliver or receive critical hits. If a Defensive player is attacked with a headshot, they’ll survive and be able to defend themselves via the Hostility system or escape - all while remaining Defensive. There are several other adjustments that come with the Defensive Playing Style, all of which are built to work "seamlessly" with systems like Hostility and Bounties to keep all players rooted in the world.
Other content
- Additional "A Land of Opportunities" Missions: Continue Jessica LeClerk’s search for revenge as you explore the path of a Gunslinger or an Outlaw.
- New Free Roam Mission givers and mission types: Red Dead Online is set in the years before the single-player story so expect to encounter a range of new and familiar faces as you traverse the frontier
- Dynamic events: fight off ambushes, initiate rescues, defend folks in need and more as you travel across the world
As previously reported, new Showdown Modes, and new Races, additional clothes, weapons along with various game improvements and balancing are planned for the coming weeks. The new Free Roam Event promised by the studio in February, launched today.