Rockstar Games recently announced that there will be three separate versions of Red Dead Redemption 2 that can be purchased when the open-world western game releases in October. One part of the reveal that left some fans upset was that there will be exclusive story content for those that purchase the sequel's Special Edition. That meant fans would have to purchase the $79.99 offering, rather than the regular version that retails at $59.99, in order to experience all that the game has to offer.

The Red Dead Redemption 2 locked story content in question comes in the form of two story missions that are exclusive to the Special Edition. One is a bank robbery that has the game's protagonist, Arthur, teaming up with his gang in order to complete the heist. The other mission has the crew attempting to take over a hideout held by the Del Lobos Gang. There are other single-player bonuses (such as weapons and horses) included with the premium package, but those are the two main things that have left players grumbling on the internet. Naturally, these extra missions irked some fans who've been waiting years to play Red Dead Redemption 2 - and now Rockstar is attempt to allay those fears.

Rockstar Games took to Twitter in an attempt to calm some of the fans that were upset by the news. "The Bank Robbery and Gang Hideout included in the [Red Dead Redemption 2] Special Edition are side activities created specifically for that edition," explained the developer. Then, they went on to state that they are not part of the main story, so fans aren't missing out on any important details if they buy the regular game instead. Take a look:


Rockstar Games, like any developer, is in a tricky situation when it comes to crafting additional versions of a game. Not only do they have to add in content that is desirable enough to make players justify spending the extra money in it, but they also have to make sure that it's not so important that it takes away from the base experience. Neither of the two story missions seem all that unique in concept, and it almost seems like Rockstar is undercutting their own product by going out of their way to say it's not part of the main story.

This is clearly an attempt at damage control, and it probably won't be all that effective even if the explanation is 100% true. Those that are upset about not getting the complete experience for $59.99, will still be upset if they find out the content was made specifically for Red Dead Redemption 2's Special Edition rather than being cut from the main game. It doesn't change that they want to see every story mission.