14-Year Wait Finally Over: Red Dead Redemption PC Remaster Mod Brings RDR2 to Classic New Austin

“We’ve been holding out for 14 years for this game,” says modder Badass Baboon, referring to the long-anticipated arrival of the original Red Dead Redemption on PC last month. “The moment was thrilling beyond words. Even though leaked details from the Switch/PS4 version hinted at an existing PC variant, the excitement of finally playing and modding the game on a PC was unrivaled.”

With the game’s release, Badass Baboon sees an opportunity to bring ‘Reality Redemption’ to a new audience. A dedicated fan of the Red Dead series, they admire its compelling storytelling and character growth. Inspired by the adventures of John Marston and Arthur Morgan, they began crafting an overhaul mod for RDR back in 2023, targeting the Xbox 360 version. As new platforms like the Nintendo Switch and now PC emerged, so did fresh versions of the mod.

Their mission is to breathe new life into the game by upgrading it to contemporary standards. This involves enhancing visuals, including textures, models, and weather, correcting continuity issues, and refining gameplay for a fresh experience. Although still a work in progress, Reality Redemption on Nexus Mods has already gained considerable traction, boasting over 10,000 downloads, making it one of the most popular RDR PC mods available.

This project marks another chapter in the modder’s journey, having previously worked on Need for Speed and GTA games. “I was on the lookout for something new and stumbled upon the RDR1 modding community, which was niche and welcoming,” Badass Baboon explains. “My experience with the Rage engine from modding GTA 4 and 5 helped, but the San Diego branch of this engine was a whole new ballgame. The challenge of learning how differently it was adapted for their games was actually quite enjoyable.”

Porting the mod across different platforms presented its fair share of hurdles, with the Xbox 360 proving particularly problematic. “Deciphering and modding the file formats was complex,” they recount. “Many texture replacements didn’t work, but tweaking the configuration files was effective. The Switch version, on the other hand, had file formats similar to GTA IV, making modding more straightforward. The Switch and PC files being interchangeable was also a significant advantage.”

The interaction between Rockstar and modders has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with lawsuits and shutdowns being part of the history. While Nintendo’s actions against emulators add another layer of risk, Badass Baboon has managed to keep their project under wraps. “I was quite cautious, knowing Rockstar’s past actions. Avoiding original game files and not backporting assets from other titles helped in keeping Reality Redemption alive.”

Looking to the future, Badass Baboon aims to add depth to the game’s world, linking the original with its prequel, Red Dead Redemption 2. “I want to enrich the game world with references to RDR2 without altering its essence,” they say, considering everything from subtle nods like paintings to potential voice line additions using AI.

AI-generated content, though controversial, remains on the table. Badass Baboon is open to exploring this option if it captures the authentic tone they’re after. “While there are concerns about AI, many use it for fun without backlash. I’m also considering remixing existing lines or recordings.”

The journey for Reality Redemption and the PC modding scene in RDR is still underway, with possibilities as wide as the game’s vast landscapes. Players are delving into nostalgic adventures and contemplating new modifications, itching to explore every inch of Armadillo’s digital frontier.