Fans Are Furious With Red Dead Online Bounty Hunter Update
While gamers were overjoyed that Red Dead Redemption Online has freed itself from the reins of the main game, it seems not everyone is happy with the game's latest update. Similar to how Grand Theft Auto Online has cut the apron strings, Red Dead Online has just launched as a standalone addition (with some major savings until next year). It means you no longer need to own 2018's Red Dead Redemption 2 to play the online multiplayer experience.
Although RD Online branching out on its own is great news that's sure to see it get a new and invigorated fanbase, the new Bounty Hunter update has players suitably "triggered". Ever since Online launched in 2019, there have been criticisms about the pace updates are rolled out, as well as concerns about the lack of impact they have on the overall experience.
Looking at something like Call of Duty: Warzone or Fortnite, updates literally overhaul the entire map. The addition of the Bounty Hunter class as a Red Dead Online update promised so much, but by the looks of it, it's put a bounty on the heads of the developers.
Red Dead Online update: what's the problem?
Focussing on what you get in the Bounty Hunter update, there's the introduction of the Prestigious Bounty Hunter License alongside the new Outlaw Pass. The big pull is Prestigious, which unlocks 10 new class levels and gives you a wardrobe of new cosmetics, a lick of paint for your bounty wagon, and higher-reward bounties. Even though it all sounds great, it comes with its own hefty bounty that will cost you 15 in-game gold bars.
The criticism comes from the fact the cost is over half what it would be for the Moonshiner or Naturalist roles - which came with A LOT more content. As for the Outlaw Pass, it's Red Dead Online's own version of a staple Battle Pass. Similar to everything from Fortnite to Apex Legends, you can level up through challenges and unlock unique rewards. Although there's still a standard free version of Online, the Outlaw Pass will cost a whopping 40 gold bars. That being said, players have almost unanimously said it's worth it because you can earn back your gold if you hit the required XP.
With the new update, fans have now called out the Outlaw Pass thanks to a new change that will only give you 30 gold bars back. The old 40-bar system is still in place, but only if you buy the Outlaw Pass in the first week. There are accusations that Rockstar is forcing Online players to get trigger-happy and buy as soon as possible thanks to scaremongering tactics.
Red Dead Online update: What are players saying?
To say the Bounty Hunter update has gone down like a lead balloon would be an understatement. One disgruntled player fumed, "In short, it’s a small addition to the Bounty Hunter role that is absolutely not worth 15 gold, with accompanying skills and clothes to unlock. Plus an Outlaw Pass of lazy, ugly cosmetics and quality-of-life improvements that should not sit behind a 40 gold purchase".
Another grumbled, "So the main thing I've taken away from the Red Dead Online update is that the devs apparently think we spend all of our time in the photographer shop, the cast of RDR2 have cute fursonas and my main horse now has a wee moustache". The main gripe is the fact the Outlaw Pass includes a bizarre array of rewards that focus on picture poses and horse manes. It's not the outlaw skins and new weapons many of us had hoped for in a time you'd expect Rockstar to roll out the welcome wagon with a huge update.
Admittedly, the addition of Arthur Morgan's winter coat from the Red Dead Redemption 2 prologue is a must-have outfit, however, everyone wanted more. Grand Theft Auto Online has made a name for itself with weird and wonderful cosmetics adding a sense of escapism, but unfortunately Red Dead Online isn't there yet. Is it too much to ask to see an astronaut skin added to the Wild West? As Red Dead Online heads into a new chapter, here's hoping Rockstar listens to critics and addresses the problems sooner rather than later.
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