Highlights
Red Dead Redemption 2's lack of a follow-up to the popular Undead Nightmare DLC is a disappointment for fans who enjoyed the zombie experience in the original game.
The allusions to Undead Nightmare in RDR2 sparked excitement among fans, arousing their desire for a sequel. However, as the years go by, the chances of it actually seeing the light of day diminish considerably. Rockstar's clear emphasis on Grand Theft Auto 6 and their neglect of Red Dead Online further reinforce the notion that Undead Nightmare 2 is not a high priority for the company, casting even more doubt on its eventual release.
The success of Red Dead Redemption 2's story, praised by the game's community for its core themes and characters, cannot be denied. Fans eagerly anticipated post-launch story expansions, expecting them to match or even surpass the narrative of its predecessor.
One particular focus of attention was Red Dead Redemption 2 developing its own version of the 2010 Undead Nightmare expansion from the original game. Undead Nightmare's chilling portrayal of a zombified world in the Red Dead universe was a source of immense pride, leading fans to believe a similar experience would be offered in RDR2 in 2018. However, despite RDR2 making a clear reference to Undead Nightmare, the lack of communication from Rockstar has left fans uncertain about the possibility of a successor to the DLC.
A Lack of Pay-off For Red Dead Redemption 2's Undead Nightmare
Rockstar has dedicated significant effort to creating an immersive and intricately detailed world in Red Dead Redemption 2. One of their core focuses has been to reward fans for their curiosity and exploration. As a result, the game is filled with a wide range of Easter eggs scattered across its vast map. These Easter eggs vary from subtle nods to significant secrets that fans interpret as hints towards Rockstar's future projects.
A notable and direct reference to Undead Nightmare, a popular expansion in the previous game, can be found in the form of a dilapidated well located in Tall Trees. When players descend into the well, they will observe that the character model of either Arthur Morgan or John Marston appears normal in the light, but transforms into a horrifying zombie in the darkness. This homage by Rockstar to the successful inclusion of zombies in their previous games is evident, leading many fans to speculate that an Undead Nightmare 2 might be in development.
Red Dead 2 offers various supernatural Easter eggs, allowing players to witness UFO sightings and even time travel. These elements present potential storylines for a quirky RDR2 spinoff. However, despite fans' dreams of a zombie DLC like Undead Nightmare, its chances of becoming a reality are diminishing with each passing year.
Considering that Red Dead Redemption 2 was released five years ago, the idea of a large-scale DLC like Undead Nightmare seems increasingly unlikely. In contrast, the original Undead Nightmare was released just a few months after the first Red Dead Redemption. It is evident that Rockstar has deviated from this quick formula with RDR2. While the production of Undead Nightmare 2 may have been feasible a few years ago, Rockstar's current focus is likely on Grand Theft Auto 6.
Rockstar's neglect of Red Dead Online suggests that the entire franchise is not a priority in the company's plans. With no confirmed development of Undead Nightmare 2, it is unlikely that the expansion will ever be released. This is disappointing, especially considering the success of the original Undead Nightmare and the in-game references to the DLC in RDR2. However, the focus on developing GTA 6 has overshadowed any post-launch efforts for Red Dead 2. Red Dead Redemption 2 is currently available for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.