At long last, Red Dead Redemption 2’s online multiplayer component is freely available to all players in beta form. Rockstar’s use of the term ‘beta’ is important since, as of this writing, Red Dead Online feels a little barebones. Not that the mode isn’t fun to play, it’s just not as robust as, say, GTA Online. However, there’s one feature that should be added sooner rather than later: a private match toggle.
I understand Rockstar wants to encourage dynamic interactions between online players, this is the Wild West after all. However, let’s be real here, most random online players are only interested in one particular type of dynamic interaction. Playing with random online strangers certainly adds a layer of thrill and danger, but there’s also plenty of frustration. I may be in the minority, but I’d rather have the option of completely avoiding online griefers when I want.
Why Red Dead Online needs private match options
Red Dead Online’s currently available anti-griefer options are laughably threadbare. You can technically activate a sort of ‘safe haven’ mode for your in-game camp by raising a white flag. However, that safe haven barrier only extends to the boundaries of the camp itself. If you want to go out and do anything in the free roam world, you’re still at other players’ mercy.
For a solo player, merely travelling from one location to another can be a hazardous (and annoying) experience. Malicious players know where you are on the in-game map, making it easy for them to ambush or snipe you. Players who gun you down within eyesight of NPC’s are reported as criminals, but that’s not a long-term solution. If some jerk wants to headshot you while you’re standing in the middle of Blackwater, there’s literally nothing stopping them.
It’s honestly surprising that Rockstar didn’t include private match options for Red Dead Online from the start. Such options are readily available in GTA Online as well as many other online open-world games. Again, I acknowledge the Wild West motif comes with certain expectations, but having to deal with griefers is never fun. I’m sure Rockstar will add in private match options at some point, to which I say the sooner the better.
In the meantime, Red Dead Online’s parlay system can help slightly in combating griefers (though not by much). You can also stick mainly to online story missions to limit the amount of time you spend in free roam.