The Red Dead Online beta continues its trek towards a full release with yet another update. Red Dead Redemption 2's online mode has added a new rifle, the Evans Repeater rifle, as well as a new Free Roam Event, Fool's Gold. To incentivize players to return to Red Dead Online and try out the new content, Rockstar is also offering a care package for those who log in and play the beta this week.

Red Dead Redemption 2 players may be familiar with Red Dead Online's latest new weapon. The Evans Repeater rifle was a rare weapon with both high damage and large magazine size. It's not as strong in Red Dead Online, just for balance reasons, but retains similar strengths. In trade for average damage, the Evans Repeater has above-average range, fire rate, accuracy, and reload. It's a great all-around mid-range weapon, and can be purchased directly from the Rawson, Wheeler & Co. catalogue or at a gunsmith.

Fool's Gold will be the sixth Free Roam Event added to Red Dead Online. If a player accepts a Fool's Gold Event, they will battle for control of the Golden Armor. Accruing kills while wearing the armor will earn the points necessary to win. However, getting the armor before other players isn't going to be easy.

If picking up the new Evans Repeater or participating in the Fool's Gold Free Roam Event wasn't enough to pull players back to Red Dead Online, Rockstar Games is sweetening the deal. As previously mentioned, all players who log on this week will earn a free special care package, found either in the camp lockbox or at any post office. The care package is filled with goodies:

  • 60x High Velocity Pistol Ammo
  • 60x High Velocity Repeater Ammo
  • 2x Fire Bottles
  • 8x Fire Arrows
  • 2x Jolly Jack’s
  • 2x Potent Horse Medicine
  • 1x Lake Lure

red dead online fool's gold free roam event

Additionally, a Special Spinner fishing lure will be offered as a bonus to Red Dead Online players who can complete five Daily Challenges between now and March 11. It will persist even should players cut their line.

While today's update may pale in comparison to last week's update, which introduced Daily Challenges, Target Races, Fishing Challenges, the Rare Shotgun, new clothing, emotes, and more, it's a sign of things to come in Red Dead Online. Rockstar's promised weekly updates for Red Dead Redemption 2's online mode, with three new Showdown Modes next in line, and today's update is evidence of the company following through.

Red Dead Online is available to play now in open beta through Red Dead Redemption 2 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.