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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →It depends on what you’ll play and the price gap at checkout. Ultimate Edition includes all Special Edition story content plus extra Red Dead Online bonuses. It is easier to justify if you plan to play online or especially want the added mission and items; if you mainly want Story Mode, compare the same-platform prices and decide whether those additions are worth the premium to you.
What does Ultimate Edition include?
Ultimate includes the base game’s Story Mode and Red Dead Online, all the Special Edition story content, and additional bonuses. Rockstar’s PC listing and PlayStation’s description differ in how they itemize some details, so check the storefront for your platform.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Red Dead Redemption 2 PS4 Brand New Factory Sealed | $23.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Red Dead Redemption 2: Special Edition - PlayStation 4 | $57.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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X1 RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2 | $26.24 | Buy on Amazon |
Story Mode additions
- A bank robbery mission and gang hideout.
- A Dappled Black Thoroughbred horse.
- Talisman and other gameplay bonuses, including boosts, cash bonuses and discounts.
- The Nuevo Paraiso Gunslinger Outfit.
These are additions to the game, not a separate story expansion. The available product descriptions do not establish that Ultimate changes the core game beyond its listed content.
Red Dead Online additions
- Bonus outfits and rank bonuses.
- A Black Chestnut Thoroughbred horse.
- Additional weapons.
- PlayStation’s listing also specifies free access to the Survivor Camp Theme.
Rockstar’s PC listing describes free access to additional weapons in both Story Mode and Red Dead Online. PlayStation’s listing describes the additional weapons among the online bonuses. Use the platform-specific listing to confirm what is included in your purchase.
#1 Best Overall
- From the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption
- The deepest and most complex world Rockstar Games has ever created
- Covers a huge range of 19th century American landscapes
- Play as Arthur Morgan, lead enforcer in the notorious Van der Linde gang
- Interact with every character in the world with more than just your gun;Engage in conversation with people you meet. Your actions influence Arthur's honour;Horses are a cowboy's best friend, both transport and personal companion;Bond with your horse as you ride together to unlock new abilities
When is the extra cost worth it?
If you mainly play Story Mode
Standard is likely the better value if you want the main story and do not particularly value the bank robbery mission, gang hideout, horse, outfit or gameplay bonuses. Ultimate’s story additions may still appeal if you want those specific extras, but the choice comes down to how much you value them relative to the price difference.
If you plan to play Red Dead Online
Ultimate has a stronger case if you expect to use its online outfits, rank bonuses, horse and other listed content. The bonus list alone does not show how much time or money you will save, so treat the online extras as additional content rather than a guaranteed shortcut.
Rank #2
- The Red Dead Redemption 2: Special Edition delivers exclusive content for Story Mode including: Bank Robbery Mission & Gang Hideout
- Dappled Black Thoroughbred
- Talisman & Medallion Gameplay Bonuses
- Gameplay Boosts, Cash Bonuses & Discounts
- The Nuevo Paraiso Gunslinger Outfit
Compare actual prices on the same platform
Store prices can differ substantially by platform, region and promotion. On the US PlayStation Store page accessed October 8, 2026, Ultimate displayed at $89.99, with a lowest price in the previous 30 days of $19.99; Standard displayed at $17.99, with a lowest price in the previous 30 days of $9.99. These are storefront observations, not a promise of the price you will see.
On Rockstar’s PC store, Ultimate displayed at $99.99 and Standard at $59.99. Because these observed prices differ so much, there is no useful universal premium to apply: compare both editions on your platform and use the checkout price available to you.
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- Get exclusive access to a bank robbery mission
- A collection of exclusive story mode boosts, bonuses and discounts
- Get three weapons Free at gunsmiths
Check platform access and compatibility before buying
PlayStation
The PlayStation listing identifies the game as a PS4 title playable on PS5, with a warning that some PS4 features may be absent. Online play is optional, but requires PlayStation Plus, according to the PlayStation Store listing.
If the installed PS4 game appears as Special Edition, Rockstar Support says: “While the installed game may appear to be the Special Edition, all Ultimate Edition in-game bonuses and content are associated with your player profile and will be available when Red Dead Online launches.” The support article was last updated April 16, 2024: Rockstar Support: Ultimate Edition content on PS4.
PC
Rockstar says PC installation, activation and online play require the Rockstar Games Launcher and a Social Club login. Internet access is also required for activation, online play and periodic entitlement verification. See Rockstar’s PC listing for the requirements tied to that purchase.
Quick Recap
Bottom line by player
- Mostly Story Mode: Start with Standard unless the mission, hideout or other story bonuses are personally worth the checkout premium.
- Story Mode and Red Dead Online: Consider Ultimate if you expect to use its online content and the same-platform price gap is acceptable.
- Unsure: Compare the current prices for both editions on your platform, then weigh the premium against the specific extras you will actually use.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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