In less than a week, the highly anticipated Red Dead Redemption 2 is set to release on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Now, Rockstar has revealed a few more details on the upcoming title, which will introduce a permadeath mechanic on the game’s horses.

In previous trailers, gameplay footages, and hands-on demo that were revealed in the past, it is clear that Rockstar Games wanted the horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 to play a more significant part in the game rather than just a cool way to travel. The studio confirmed that players will be given the opportunity to bond with their noble steeds, which will serve as a beloved companion. Of course, the more loyal the horse is to the player, the better it will perform and behave in combat.

Moreover, it seems that players must also ensure the safety and well-being of their horses as Phil Hooker, the director of technology at Rockstar Games, confirmed that once horses die in-game, they will remain dead forever. “It’s your closest, trusted companion and you are nearly always together. To cement the strength of the bond we had to make it vulnerable so you respect and cared for it as you play, so it feels personal and real,” Hooker revealed during the interview.

Given that Rockstar is focused on making horses a companion rather than just a means of transportation, it is understandable that the studio had to introduce a permadeath mechanic in Red Dead Redemption 2. Knowing that horses won’t respawn once they're killed is a strong motivation for players to pay extra attention to them. Even if the player doesn’t get attached to the horse, replacing it once its killed would mean that the player has to start from the beginning to make the new horse loyal to them and ensure they behave well and perform in combat.

In exactly six days from now, Red Dead Redemption 2 will release worldwide. However, players must know that due to high demand, the game won’t release on small independent stores until November 7. So players who can’t wait to get their hands on the game come release day are advised to plan ahead, as it is expected that stocks will quickly fly out of shelves on Friday.

Red Dead Redemption 2 releases on October 26 for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Source: Games Radar