Red Dead Online has experienced a revival following Rockstar's addition of new missions, leading many fans to speculate once again about a possible next-generation update for Red Dead Redemption 2.
While most players had accepted that Rockstar moved on from Red Dead Online back in 2022, the developer has now surprisingly released the "Strange Tales of the West" update, featuring four new missions and a hint of more content on the way.
The trailer below marks Rockstar's first Red Dead Online trailer release since 2021.
Here's the official description:
Theodore Levin, an author, is overwhelmed by the rumors and dispatches coming from every corner of the American frontier. He is compiling an anthology of unexplained supernatural phenomena and needs your assistance investigating the most bizarre accounts that reach him.
Strange Tales of the West demands courage and a strong resolve as you face the eerie, bizarre, and truly supernatural. Begin these four Telegram Missions by collecting Mr. Levin’s letter from any Post Office or your Camp Lockbox, then opening it via your Satchel or launching Telegram Missions 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 noted by @videotechuk_ on X / Twitter, the update also introduces a new zombie infection mode, starting with a 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
— ben (@videotechuk_) July 1, 2025
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
Fans are still processing the news, with social media and subreddit posts reflecting widespread excitement.
HOLY SHIT ITS 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? Given the zombie-themed additions, some are wondering if Rockstar is planning an Undead Nightmare-style expansion for Red Dead Redemption 2. This would be surprising, considering the studio is heavily focused on next year’s Grand Theft Auto VI, though a next-gen port appears more likely.
In May, GameReactor reported that a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Rockstar’s Wild West adventure is in development, alongside a "next-gen upgrade patch" for current-gen systems (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S). According to the site, both releases could arrive later in 2025.
Fans have long requested an updated version of Red Dead Redemption 2, a title widely regarded as a masterpiece. IGN's Red Dead Redemption 2 review awarded it a perfect 10/10, describing it as "a game of rare quality; a meticulously polished open-world tribute to the outlaw era."
For now, Red Dead Online players are diving into Strange Tales of the West, which is officially labeled as Volume 1—implying more content is in the pipeline. Whatever comes next, it's clear that Red Dead Online has made a surprising comeback.
