Home Gaming The Red Dead Redemption 2: Collector’s Box comes without the game…and that’s a good thing

The Red Dead Redemption 2: Collector’s Box comes without the game…and that’s a good thing

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Red Dead Redemption 2 is coming this year (with no more delays), clearing out other publisher’s release schedules for October. Millions of fans around the world are excited to saddle up and play cowboys again. Rockstar has revealed the super duper extra special editions of the game that you’ll be able to buy.

There are three different special editions for fans to spend their fistfuls of dollars on. There’s the regular Special Edition, which comes with nought but digital add-ons. Those add-ons include story missions, however – including a Bank Robbery Mission, and an extra Gang Hideout to clear out. On top of that, it includes a fancy new horse and special talismans and medallions that give hero Arthur a few gameplay bonuses.

Red Dead Redemption 2: Special Edition

SE

  • Bank Robbery Mission and Gang Hideout in Story Mode: Get exclusive access to a Bank Robbery Mission, in which Arthur and a couple of his fellow gang members come up with a daring plan to break in and rob the bank in the southern town of Rhodes. Elsewhere, the Del Lobos Gang has taken over a hacienda – clear this gang’s hideout and rob their stash for a lucrative take.
  • Dappled Black Thoroughbred: This thoroughbred racehorse sporting a beautiful reverse-dappled black coat will keep you at the front of the pack with its exceptional speed and acceleration. You will also get the exclusive Nuevo Paraiso Saddle, handmade in dark chocolate leather with silver medallion detailing. This horse and saddle are available in Red Dead Redemption 2 Story Mode.
  • Talisman and Medallion Gameplay Bonuses: These special Story Mode items will give Arthur a helping hand whenever they are equipped. Attaching the Eagle Talon Talisman to his boot, Arthur’s environmental awareness skill will last longer. By carrying the Iguana Scale in his personal Satchel, Arthur will take less damage while riding on horseback.
  • Gameplay Boosts, Cash Bonuses & Discounts: This collection of exclusive Story Mode boosts, bonuses and discounts will help Arthur to survive out in the harsh wilderness and better provide for his gang members and their camp. The Core Stat boost benefits Arthur’s Stamina, Health and Dead Eye Cores. Earn more cash during robbery missions with the Van der Linde gang, and when hunting and selling animal carcasses. Receive discounts on all upgrades to the Van der Linde gang’s camp.
  • The Nuevo Paraiso Gunslinger Outfit: This exclusive Story Mode outfit for Arthur is inspired by the clothing worn by vaqueros and banditos south of the border. The outfit features a wide brimmed black cowboy hat, deep indigo coat, worn denim chaps, leather gloves and boots.
  • Free Access to Additional Weapons: A good range of weapons is essential for survival in the Old West. Get free access to three weapons at the in-game Gunsmiths in Story Mode: the robust Volcanic Pistol, devastating Pump Action Shotgun and versatile Lancaster Varmint Rifle.

Red Dead Redemption 2: Ultimate Edition

UE

The Red Dead Redemption 2: Ultimate Edition Gives you everything the previous edition does, along with a few more bonus. You get more outfits, a better horse, extra starting weapons and faster ranking in the online modes.

  • Bonus Outfits: Get two exclusive outfits for your online character. The Blackrose Bounty Hunter Outfit features a long oxblood-colored coat, a vest with gold pocket watch chain, and dark pants tucked into chocolate leather boots. The Copperhead Enforcer Outfit features a fur-lined saddle-brown leather waistcoat, two-tone gloves, and pinstripe black pants tucked into black leather boots.
  • Black Chestnut Thoroughbred: Outrun the competition with this thoroughbred racehorse in a striking black chestnut coat and also receive the exclusive High Plains Cutting Saddle beautifully crafted in jet-black leather with gold metal accents. This horse and saddle are available in online.
  • Free Access to the Survivor Camp Theme: Customise your own personal Camp in online with free access to the Survivor theme.
  • Free Access to Additional Weapons: Get access to the Volcanic Pistol, Pump Action Shotgun and Lancaster Varmint Rifle, free of charge from Gunsmiths in online.
  • Rank Bonuses: As a great start for all Ultimate Edition players, you can rank up faster in online, up to rank 25.

Red Dead Redemption 2: Collector’s Box

CB

The most interesting one is the Collector’s box – which includes none of the stuff in the previous tiers. In fact, it doesn’t even include the game. There’s been some grumbling about this, but I honestly think it’s great. The big fans who’d usually buy Collector’s Editions are more often than not now opting to buy their games digitally, through whatever digital storefront their platform of choice offers. This way, they get to buy and pre-download the game, ready to be played on release date – while still buying the collectable nonsense.

It means not waiting for the game, while still giving retail stores something to sell. It’s honestly something I expect to see more of. I know there are people who’ll grumble about these things not coming with the games, but it’s great for people who may not know that they want a CE, buy a game, and then want to pick up the ephemera without having to buy the game twice.

Anyway, Here’s what the Collector’s Box contains:

  • Metal Tithing Box with Lock & Key: Inspired by the lockbox used by the Van der Linde gang to stash contributions to the camp’s upkeep, this thick gauged metal box includes a lock & key, and features black metal band detailing and an engraved Cornwall Freight & Commodities plaque.
  • Collectable Challenge Coin: Featuring the majestic American Buffalo on one side and a scenic landscape on the other side, this engraved, gold-colored collectable coin comes in a magnetic presentation holder with a black, engraved plaque describing the history of this endangered species.
  • Double Sided Puzzle: This double-sided, 100-piece wooden jigsaw puzzle features an illustrated view of the bustling port of Saint Denis on one side, and a classically inspired Rockstar Games logo on the reverse.
  • Six Shooter Bandana: A staple for any frontier outlaw, this bandana features a traditional paisley-inspired pattern with hidden weapon iconography throughout.
  • Treasure Map: Printed on durable, unrippable paper, this exclusive treasure map reveals the location of some buried treasure that may start Arthur on a search for more riches hidden throughout the world of Red Dead Redemption 2.
  • Playing Cards: Commemorate the outlaws of the Van der Linde gang with this fully illustrated deck of playing cards featuring key members of the gang including Arthur Morgan, John Marston, Javier Escuella, Bill Williamson and Dutch van der Linde.
  • Pin Set: This set of six individual pins includes representations of key weapons from Red Dead Redemption 2 including a shotgun, revolver and Dead Eye “X” marker. The set comes in a canvas carrying bag.
  • Wheeler, Rawson and Co. Catalogue: The one-stop shop for everything from weapons to clothing, the Wheeler, Rawson and Co. Catalogue is an essential shopping tool for turn of the century life. This complete 150-page book is a replica of the edition found in stores throughout Red Dead Redemption 2.
  • 12 Cigarette Cards: These beautifully-illustrated collectable cards can be found throughout the world of Red Dead Redemption 2. This physical collection includes one select card from each set like Famous Gunslingers and Outlaws, Stars of the Stage and Marvels of Travel and Locomotion.
  • War Horse: This handsome iron-grey-colored Ardennes War Horse can always be relied on in the heat of the battle. With greater courage and stamina than the average steed, this is a horse that knows how to keep its head under fire.
  • The Outlaw Survival Kit: The Outlaw Survival Kit contains a collection of key supplies for enduring the rigors of life on the frontier, including items to replenish Health, Dead Eye and more.

As a reminder, those who pre-order also get cash bonuses, a treasure map, and some GTA Online cash.

Last Updated: June 5, 2018

42 Comments

  1. Magoo

    June 5, 2018 at 10:14

    Are we all just going to sit here and pretend like we’re not being sold a nerfed version of a full game when not paying above and beyond?

    I’m actually triggered. Rockstar has more than enough money to give this game away for free and still walk away as one of the richest devs in the industry. Why do they need to spite the less wealthy fans?

    Reply

    • BakedBagel

      June 5, 2018 at 10:39

      “extra starting weapons and faster ranking in the online modes.”

      Yes RDR is not really famous for the online, but isint this the EXACT same thing EA did?

      Reply

      • Geoffrey Tim

        June 5, 2018 at 10:49

        It’s the exact thing Rockstar did with GTA V. That son of bitch has sold a bajillion copies. If it aint broke, etc etc

        Reply

        • Kromas

          June 5, 2018 at 10:50

          At least the CE of Mass Effect had a remote controlled Mako. 🙂

          Reply

        • BakedBagel

          June 5, 2018 at 10:51

          And the assholas decided to throw in GTA cash with your purchase of RDR.

          lmao…. the cheek

          Reply

          • Geoffrey Tim

            June 5, 2018 at 10:55

            Yeah, that is a bit cheeky. I didn’t dig GTA Online, and I won’t play RDR online for more than a few hours either. I wont buy a special edition, and I will end up having the same damned experience minus maybe half an hour of some tacked on mission. I legit hope it’s a good experience.

          • GooseZA

            June 5, 2018 at 13:45

            I think we both know it’s going to be incredible. RDR is one of if not my favourite game and is the only game I’ve ever bothered to get all the SP achievements for. Loved every second.

            That moment when you cross over into Mexico and Jose Gonzales song kicks in… man…

  2. Original Heretic

    June 5, 2018 at 10:15

    Damn, that’s a big red box filled with useless crap.
    Who collects all that stuff? Like, seriously?!

    And releasing extra game content for more expensive versions? Bit of a dick move, Rockstar….

    Reply

    • Magoo

      June 5, 2018 at 10:45

      Actually, it’s a flea market box. xD

      Reply

  3. Umar

    June 5, 2018 at 10:33

    Forget about the game not included, am I the only one rolling my eyes at the content of this loot crate? A puzzle and generic, though thematic bandanna? I’m more annoyed at what passes for ‘collectors’ items these days.

    Reply

    • Geoffrey Tim

      June 5, 2018 at 10:34

      Yeah look, it’s a bunch of godawful nonsense that I’d never buy. But hey, if an uberfan wants that stuff, they have the option of buying it. Choice ain’t a bad thing/

      Reply

      • Umar

        June 5, 2018 at 10:38

        Yeah, I like the idea of the separation of merch and the game itself, avoids the overheard of buying the game twice…I just wish they’d make the merch worthwhile.

        Reply

        • BakedBagel

          June 5, 2018 at 10:44

          Literally nothing stopping them from throwing in a piece of paper with a CDKey on it.

          Reply

          • Umar

            June 5, 2018 at 10:46

            There’s literally nothing stopping you from the buying the game separately either.

          • BakedBagel

            June 5, 2018 at 10:47

            Just the extra $80 or whatever dumb ass pricing they going to have.

          • Umar

            June 5, 2018 at 10:48

            That price will be added to the collector’s version. So there’s no difference really.

          • Gr8_Balls_o_Fire

            June 5, 2018 at 12:06

            No use being angry about it. Just don’t buy into it. I won’t be buying this thing until a full GOTY edition releases and then reduces its price to R350. We can wait 🙂

  4. Skittle

    June 5, 2018 at 10:38

    So they are putting story missions behind a pay wall.. did I read the article wrong or is that actually happening?

    Reply

    • Geoffrey Tim

      June 5, 2018 at 10:39

      It’s literally side missions with injected narrative that have zero bearing on the main game.

      Reply

      • Magoo

        June 5, 2018 at 10:47

        But why Geoff. WHYYYYYYY

        And faster horses and free weapons. It’s like a pre-loaded cheat code.

        Reply

        • Original Heretic

          June 5, 2018 at 12:49

          Greed. Greed never changes.

          Reply

          • Gr8_Balls_o_Fire

            June 5, 2018 at 14:06

            Greed. Greed is good. Greed clarifies. Greed cuts through.

          • Original Heretic

            June 5, 2018 at 15:02

            Okay, Orange Lantern.

          • Gr8_Balls_o_Fire

            June 5, 2018 at 15:11

            I guess you don’t recognize that line?

          • Original Heretic

            June 5, 2018 at 15:17

            Wall Street.
            Gordon Gekko is the epitome of avarice. Hence my “Orange Lantern” comment.

          • Gr8_Balls_o_Fire

            June 5, 2018 at 15:52

            Ok I don’t recognize the Orange Lantern reference lol

          • Original Heretic

            June 5, 2018 at 15:55

            Comic book thing, from the Green Lantern stuff.
            each of the colours has an emotion linked to it, that which fuels them.
            Orange is the colour of avarice (that being greed).
            I only became familiar with that bit of knowledge after reading the “Blackest Night” series. Damn fine. All the lantern colours come into play.

  5. Kromas

    June 5, 2018 at 10:46

    This feels like something EA would throw at us …. oh wait …. Images of Mass Effect Andromeda keep flashing in my mind.

    Reply

    • Original Heretic

      June 5, 2018 at 10:55

      • Kromas

        June 5, 2018 at 10:58

        Meth is easier.

        Reply

        • Original Heretic

          June 5, 2018 at 11:00

          ugh, no thanks, I actually like my teeth. And my skin.
          And my looks in general.

          Reply

          • Kromas

            June 5, 2018 at 11:20

            So you don’t meth around I see. 😛

      • BakedBagel

        June 5, 2018 at 11:00

        Why is there sticky white stuff coming from his ear

        Reply

        • Original Heretic

          June 5, 2018 at 11:01

          Wizards are mysterious.

          Reply

          • BakedBagel

            June 5, 2018 at 11:02

            Wizards are filthy.

    • Gr8_Balls_o_Fire

      June 5, 2018 at 12:04

      I just picked up Andromeda for 150 bucks. Not bad I say! Quite impressed with the game so far.

      Reply

      • Kromas

        June 5, 2018 at 12:09

        It wasn’t a bad game it just wasn’t a great Mass Effect game. Also they have since patched out a lot of the bugs we originally had. Still it does not compare to the originals at all.

        Reply

        • Gr8_Balls_o_Fire

          June 5, 2018 at 12:49

          I got that feeling as, but i’m really glad it’s at least a 75% Mass Effect experience on my console. I think they’ve made the space travel quite cool too. The others I can replay on PC.

          Reply

  6. Pieter Kruger

    June 5, 2018 at 11:22

    It’s Rockstar, no one cares! This will be littered with lootboxes and still no one will care! I already pre-ordered the definitive version for Xbox One X! It’s gonna melt eyeballs on the X! https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fdc91d1c8a002df1c2382068f3b92f291693de25a8c87e23291b8d7f8d5454e7.jpg

    Reply

  7. Kikmi

    June 5, 2018 at 11:25

    #stoppreorderculture

    Reply

  8. Gr8_Balls_o_Fire

    June 5, 2018 at 12:03

    Anybody who falls for this should be ashamed of themselves.

    Reply

  9. Gr8_Balls_o_Fire

    June 5, 2018 at 14:46

    Talismans?? What is this, an RPG?

    Reply

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