It appears that Red Dead Redemption 2 Online could be going live very soon on PS4 and Xbox One.
The game is currently only a single-player experience but will soon be expanded by developers Rockstar Games.
A new multiplayer mode is scheduled for launch later this week, before the end of November.
And if these latest reports prove correct, the Red Dead Online beta could be starting within the coming days.
It appears that a small group of PS4 and Xbox One gamers have access to Red Dead Redemption 2 Online.
While not confirmed by Rockstar Games, fans believe they have found new evidence that suggests Red Dead Online is being played.
Like most games, Red Dead Redemption 2 has a list of achievements and Trophies that can be unlocked on PS4 and Xbox One.
And some of these are tied to the upcoming release of Red Dead Online.
One of these is connected to completing an intro, named “Breakout,” which suggests players will get a tutorial of some kind.
But the interesting thing is that it appears some people have now unlocked this achievement, in-game.
There is a percentage listing shared next to each achievement which indicates how many people have completed it.
This helps players discover just how rare pulling off one of these trophies is and comes with some other interesting information.
Since launch, Breakout – completing the Red Dead Online intro – has sat at 0.00% on Xbox One and PS4.
However, this number has now reportedly changed to0.01%, suggesting that someone is testing Red Dead 2 Online on live servers.
And this would suggest that the release date is set for later this week, perhaps earlier than first thought.
So far there has been radio silence from Rockstar Games on when the new multiplayer experience will be released.
A recent earnings call hosted by parent company Take-Two Interactive revealed that it was set sometime at the end of November.
But nothing else significant has been revealed since, meaning that fans have been worrying about delays.
There are clear benefits to getting Red Dead Online functioning as quickly as possible, as it will be supported by some kind of microtransaction system.
Much like Shark Cards in GTA Online, it’s expected that players will be able to bank money using their own cash.
So having the system live as soon as possible means a new potential revenue stream, while a delay would mean losing out.
Whatever does happen later this week, fans can expect some kind of announcement from Rockstar Games.
It’s also likely that a new trailer will be released that will explain how Red Dead Online functions.
Here’s what Rockstar Games have said so far about their new multiplayer project:
“Red Dead Online is a new online connected experience set against the backdrop of Red Dead Redemption 2’s enormous open world.
“As with most online experiences of this size and scale, there will inevitably be some turbulence at launch, and we look forward to working with our amazing and dedicated community to share ideas, help us fix teething problems and work with us to develop Red Dead Online into something really fun and innovative.
“Access to Red Dead Online is free to anyone with a copy of Red Dead Redemption 2 on either PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.
“Using the gameplay of Red Dead Redemption 2 as a foundation, Red Dead Online will be ready to be explored alone or with friends, and will also feature constant updates and adjustments to grow and evolve this experience for all players. Stay tuned for more details about Red Dead Online in the weeks ahead.”
Other reported leaks suggest that some kind of campsite system will be available to use in Red Dead Online.
There will also be survival missions that no doubt lead to ever-increasing threats, as well as racing available to take part in.
References to Posses have also been found, suggesting that Red Dead Online will allow players to band together like true outlaws.