Rockstar quietly announces zombie themed Red Dead Online update for July 2

In a somewhat surprising move, Rockstar Games has revitalized Red Dead Online. The developer has unexpectedly announced the release of new content, hinting at a possible revival of Red Dead Online, which many thought had been shelved for good.

Rockstar Games had previously effectively ended major updates Red Dead Online in 2022 to divert talent and resources toward the development of Grand Theft Auto 6, which is slated for release on May 26, 2026. 

The news first surfaced when @videotechuk_ shared on X that Rockstar announced a new content update for Red Dead Online in a community email:

“Author Theodore Levin needs your help investigating the bizarre and unexplained in Strange Tales of the West — a new set of four eerie Telegram Missions available tomorrow in Red Dead Online. Track down undead plagues, rogue automatons, swamp beasts, and more by collecting Mr. Levin’s letter from any Post Office or your Camp’s Lockbox, or by launching Telegram Missions from the Player Menu.”

Strange Tales of the West will feature four story missions where players will battle against automatons, undead plagues, swamp beasts, and more. The gaming community is comparing this content update to Red Dead Redemption 1’s Undead Nightmare expansion, where John Marston faced a zombie plague that swept across the frontier.

We might see the return of weapons like the Blunderbuss, Holy Water, and the Explosive Rifle. The new Red Dead Online update also marks the return of Theodore Levin from Red Dead Redemption 2.

Along with the new update, Rockstar has introduced a July Event Month for Red Dead Online, featuring triple Gold and XP rewards for Telegram Missions. Players who log in during July will also receive an Independence Day-themed Rebellion Poncho for free.

Strange Tales of the West was an unexpected Red Dead Online drop, which coincides with speculation and rumors regarding an upcoming port of Red Dead Redemption 2 for the PlayStation 5.