Red Dead Redemptionfans reasonably expected a follow-up to 2010’sUndead NightmareDLC, which is now sold alongside most versions of the first game and is considered an inextricable part of the experience. True, it may not be strictly canon, but it’s a unique and often unforgettable sliver ofRed DeadRedemptionhistory and has more than enough potential for a fleshed-out modern rendition.
Sadly, these dreams ofanotherRed Dead Redemptionzombie spin-offwere never realized, and it seems like they won’t be any time soon. Perhaps it’s due toRed Dead Redemption 2’s decidedly more grounded and mature tone, or maybe it can simply be chalked up to Rockstar’s disappointing reluctance toward single-player DLC in the wake ofGTA Online’s booming success. But whatever the reason for the lack of anUndead Nightmare 2, many players remain hopeful for a revival of this fantastical spin on theRed Deaduniverse, and there are several ways this could come to fruition.
The words “Undead Nightmare 2” often conjure images of a high-fidelity zombie-themed open-world horror experience, replete with activities, bizarre story beats, and references similar to the original expansion. In other words, it’s easy, and perhaps appealing, toimagine a newUndead Nightmarethat sticks steadfastly to the vision of the first one, with aRDR2coat of paint, but other opportunities in this arena could be seized.
Rather than simply following up the firstUndead Nightmarewith another zombie story, maybe it would be best forRed Dead Redemptionto borrow from other horror mythologies. Instead of zombies,Red Dead Redemption 2could set the stage for vampires, or creatures specific to North America, like wendigos.
A major part ofUndead Nightmare’s allure is its notable decoupling from both the laws of reality (whichRed Dead Redemption 2strictly adheres to otherwise) and the laws of theRed Deadworld: there’s no logical basis forUndead Nightmare, both within the confines of the firstRed Deadand without, so there’s no real need to be restrictive with its theoretical follow-up. It could be more of a spiritual successor than a direct one.
Having said all that, there arereferences to alien invasions in Rockstar’s games, includingRed Dead Redemption 2, that could be the basis for anUndead Nightmare-style DLC, though this runs the risk of stretching an Easter egg too far.
As previously stated, the lack of anUndead Nightmare 2is likely the result of a confluence of factors,Red Dead Redemption 2’s realismand Rockstar’s apparent shirking of single-player DLC being chief among them. But there may be another reason why no sequel to the zombie-focused expansion has ever seen the light of day and a far more predictable and straightforward one at that.
Whatever one thinks of Rockstar as a developer, it’s clear that it’s not a company that likes to retread old ground. This is evident not only in the absence oflong-requested sequels to games likeBullyandL.A. Noirebut also in the significant degree of variance between major releases.
Indeed,GTA 5is markedly distinct fromGTA 4,Red Dead 2makes several departures fromRed Dead, and so on. This drive to innovate and push creative boundaries plays an important role in the success of Rockstar’s games, and fans should thus expect the unexpected; Rockstar is more likely to do what feels new and has the most potential, more than what audiences are asking for. A new take on the supernatural or horror genres could be the path toward a bolder future and an eventual successor toUndead Nightmare.
