Rockstar Introduces the Wildlife of Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar is gearing up for one of the biggest game launches of the year. Namely that of Red Dead Redemption 2. In order to get gamers ready (read: excited) for its release, they’ve been divulging more and more information about the game’s world.

One of the biggest elements of Red Dead Redemption 2’s world is its wildlife. With diverse habitats and climates, RDR2 will feature around 200 species of animal, birds and fish – all of which behave realistically within their environments. Wolves will hunt in packs, bison will travel in herds, and salmon will swim upstream. So on and so forth…

This thriving ecosystem isn’t there to just mimic real life. No, players will be looking to hunt, fish, and sometimes avoid these animals. Knowing when to do which and how will be important; while it’s important to hunt for food and skin animals to craft items and/or sell their pelts at markets, the last thing you want to do is stumble across a grizzly bear with a pistol and no horse.

Speaking of horses, the game will feature 19 different breads. Each will handle differently. All will need to be kept groomed and well-fed if you want to improve its stats. This is especially true during tense moments. If you’re horse doesn’t trust you enough, it’ll buck you off and run away, leaving you to do with whatever spooked it.

I’m expecting the hunts and such to provide their own sort of entertainment. Not just in the actions themselves – I can see myself fishing all day long – but also in how accomplished the player feels. Being able to keep your camp fully fed despite the hardships of a wintery landscape is right up there with “harrowing shoot out” in terms of sharable water cooler moments.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is scheduled to be release for the PS4 and Xbox One on October 26th. Be sure to keep it locked here as we continue to cover this title!