Saddle up partner, because Rockstar Games are introducing a Tiger King flavored update into the wild west of Red Dead Online.
“I quite like Red Dead’s animals.”
The headline feature of the “Naturalist” update is the new role, titled… er, the Naturalist. This is the latest “Character Role” to be added to the multiplayer portion of Red Dead Redemption 2 (read our singleplayer review here), following the Moonshiner, Collector, Bounty Hunter, and Trader. Once you select the role, you’ll be able to venture out in the world of Red Dead Online, tracking new animals, and choosing what sort of player you want to be.
In a first for a Red Dead Online Character Role, you have a choice on what path you go down when you progress through the ranks of a Naturalist. On one side, you have conservationist Harriet Davenport. She is looking for adventurers with an affinity for wildlife to help her track down specimens and further her extensive knowledge of the animals of the five states. To rank up with her, you’ll favor the tame approach, collecting samples via sedation to preserve the delicate ecosystem of the Old West.
On the other side of the coin, we have an ex-big game hunter, Gus Macmillan. If the idea of studying and cataloging bores you, and you fancy the idea of poaching for exotic clothing over wildlife preservation, then Gus’s path might be more your thing. However, Harriet will not take too kindly of your choices if you try to play both sides.
“Yeah but I want to document them in a book.”
Traveling to the Welcome Center in Strawberry will net you the new Animal Field Guide. Tracking, photographing, and sampling animals will add their information to your Guide and gain you progress down the Naturalist tree. Filling out the guide gets you numerous rewards – from new items and skills to special tonics that can make sneaking up on animals easier.
“Okay, but what’s this about legendary animals in Red Dead Online?”
“Nice, what else?”
There’s a new breed of horse exclusive to Red Dead Online; the Gypsy Cob, and a new advanced camera for photo enthusiasts. There are new dynamic events, weapons, clothing items, and other gameplay tweaks.
Finally, the new Outlaw Pass, Red Dead Online‘s answer to the battle pass seen in many other games is out. Its third season contains a suite of new items including:
- Up to 40 Gold Bars
- An assortment of special Offers and Rewards
- Role XP boost during the Club Membership period
- Unique outfits
- Weapon Modifications
- A trusty Camp Dog and other Camp modifications
- Plus much more.
The update is out now for all PS4, Xbox One, and PC players.