PC gamers have been chomping at the bit for years, eager for the opportunity to step into the boots of John Marston and cause chaos (or order) to the western United States.  The wait is finally over almost a decade later, with Red Dead Redemption 2 coming to PC exclusive to Rockstar Games Launcher.  The game has already been explored in all of its wondrous glory and charm on both XBox One and PS4, and PC gamers have been left salivating, wondering if this newest iteration of western fun would get a nod towards PC.  After all of this waiting, we are finding ourselves rewarded.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is coming to PC in less than a week, and preloading of the much-awaited title has unlocked on the Rockstar Games Launcher today.  Consumers who have already pre-purchased the game can now begin preloading, readying their revolvers for next Tuesday.

The game can be purchased in one of two editions; Special Edition, which is an automatic upgrade from standard edition, for $60.  The Special Edition includes a black Thoroughbred, a bank robbery mission and gang hideout in story mode, and a smattering of clothing unlocks, accessories, and a pinch of cash with additional in-game discounts.  The Ultimate Edition, selling currently for $80, includes all of the Special Edition and includes bonus outfits and camp themes, additional weapons in Red Dead Online, and rank bonuses.

Much as Grand Theft Auto 5, the PC edition is arguably the definitive edition, as it includes all previous fixes and patches that the consoles have already dealt with, and also includes fantastic graphical fidelity up to 8k, and an uncapped FPS.  This may arguably be the newest game to stress-test high-grade rigs, as the fields of New Hanover and wildlife of the swampy Lemoyne are all rendered in the highest possible fidelity as far as the eye can see.

One can’t bring up Rockstar without mentioning the difficulties they recently experienced in trying to shut down mods for Grand Theft Auto 5 on PC.  After considerable review bombing on their Steam store page, along with flames lit across the social media ecosystem, Rockstar relented.  This absolutely bears mentioning in the open playground that Red Dead Redemption 2 features; it’s a land ripe for altering everything and anything, and I suspect modders are eager to begin poring over the files as well.

Welcoming those modders with open arms could spell a tremendous victory for consumers and developers alike.  I’ve reached out to Rockstar in regards to this, and as of publishing have not received a response.

Red Dead Redemption 2 will be available for PC owners to explore with reckless abandon on November 5th.