Red Dead Redemption 2 features many clothing options and styles that players may choose from to further their immersive experiences. But while Red Dead Redemption 2 does feature its own duster coat, fans have resurfaced a beta duster coat that appeared in the game's early promotional material. These screenshots and trailers marketed Arthur's character as an outlaw gunslinger in Red Dead Redemption 2, like the duster coat's description suggests, and the coat does well to suit Arthur's look when robbing a stagecoach or bank.
However, fans are upset that it was ultimately cut from Red Dead Redemption 2's final release and replaced with a modified duster. The beta duster coat is distinguished from the final duster by being noticeably larger, with most of the coat's length draping in front of Arthur's body. The final release duster coat is swept back past Arthur's waist, which gives Arthur reasonable access to his gun holsters and belt. While alterations made to the coat are minimal, fans still wonder why the beta duster coat was changed.
Glass-Refrigerator12 asks Red Dead Redemption 2 fans why they believe the beta duster coat may have been cut and shares screenshots of both coats for comparison. Another fan, strange_and_eternal, suggests that the duster alteration may have been made "to make it easier for Arthur to holster his gun without awkwardly clipping through the coat." Perhaps the coat was not meant to be functional in Red Dead Redemption 2, without any intention of it being included as such in-game.
Red Dead Redemption 2 fans argue that the beta duster coat gives Arthur a more intimidating appearance, similar to Bill Williamson's character. The beta duster coat emulates a bulkier physique for Arthur, but the coat remains open, and thus belts and holsters would be hindered when holstering firearms.
Rather, KindaDim and Knackwarrior07 suggest that if players could modify the beta duster coat to be closed or buttoned up, Arthur's belts and holsters could be worn on the outside of the coat similar to Arthur's blue winter coat.
Fans believe this would negate clipping issues and ensure that the beta duster or any other outerwear could be worn, with belts and holsters instead adapting to the player's choice in clothing in Red Dead Redemption 2. Some articles of clothing do have the option to have it worn open or differently than its default look. Nonetheless, some fans prefer the newer duster coat, while others mourn the beta duster coat for its unique aesthetic.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available now on PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.